on the threshold

  The debate is on about vaccine mandates. Is that legal? Can the government require citizens to comply with medical mandates? The argument centers on "the public good" and for the benefit of others. That is the reasoning for many of the laws we are subject to. Think speed limits, screaming fire in a crowded theater, things like that. I think we would all agree that is a good thing. Thing is, none of those type of laws require anything be injected or introduced into our bodies. They are just simple restrictions on what actions we may take. 

  Now first you have to consider whether your body is sovereign domain. Isn't that the premise behind the chanting masses proclaiming, my body, my choice? Many women will say just that and are ready and willing to debate that case. In fact, these same women are willing to kill their own children to prove that point! So, I guess you would have to say, they believe that wholeheartedly. If the government cannot deny a woman a legal right and guarantee to an abortion, how can that same government then demand an intrusion into my body, where is my choice? 

  Okay so say our bodies are our sovereign domain. No government could then mandate I receive any injections or take any medications. The government has already granted certain groups exemptions from such mandates, although we seldom hear of that. I can only assume the government has decided that just a few sovereign beings are alright, as long as not too many demand that. It would be like being just a little pregnant I suppose. 

 But in all fairness the government is not mandating the injection or medication. What they are mandating is compliance. You could say it is no different than all the other laws that restrict our actions/choices. Truth is that has been going on medically for many years. The requirement for vaccines for school attendance being one example. I was required to receive all sorts of injections when I was in the service. I agreed to all that when I signed the contract. Does being a citizen obligate you to be compliant? Is there a contract between you and government? It could be argued that yes, there does exist a contract, a social contract. Still, I am guaranteed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as a portion of that contract. Where is the line? At what point? 

 The real issue here is one of control and compliance. There is also the issue of privacy. Who can demand to see my medical record? Is it the doorman at the corner store? If I am forced to produce a vaccination card for service, isn't my medical privacy dependent upon that? The concern becomes real when basic freedoms are denied without disclosure. Should I now have to provide medical evaluation to the department of motor vehicles? I'm a diabetic and could have low blood sugar or high blood sugar at any moment. Should I have to provide proof that I am treating that condition? What if I am prescribed a narcotic of some type, should that preclude me from driving until I no longer have that drug? What I'm saying here are background checks now to include your complete medical history to be provided upon demand? Would that be for the common good? 

 Yes you can say it would and you wouldn't be wrong about that. That being said are you willing to comply with that premise? That is to say, I can deny you service, entry to any business, public space or venue until you provide a comprehensive medical background check. That check, btw, shall include a mental evaluation as well, you know, in the interest of safety. I think a "booster" every six months should suffice. That is the threshold we are standing on. Should we go through that door there is no turning back. 

 You know, forcing someone to receive an injection, a medical procedure or mandate is not that much different from saying, you will become a Christian or you will be isolated from society. You are invading sovereign ground! You will do what I say is best for you, and I, whether you believe it to be best or not. As far as trust the science goes, I have learned one thing from science, question everything. Another observation I have made is, most of the time when something has to be forced, it isn't a good thing. Works that way with carpentry, religion and medicine. 

 Well, today is the last day of 2021and this is what I'm thinking about. It'll be settled in the next year is my thinking. It will be solved by indecision. A new crisis will emerge, the focus shifts. Happens every year and the coming year will be no exception. I'm hopeful for a convention of the states. I'm hopeful that the moral majority will speak up and put the nation back on track. It's my thinking you can only push for so long before you get shoved! Science tells us, for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. A return to sanity is in order. Let's start with something simple, something basic, a concrete scientific fact, there are two genders! That's the reality. 

      

just ramblin' on

  I was thinking about the way the grocery stores have changed since I was a kid. Now I admit to not paying much attention to that prior to having a job at one when I was sixteen. I remember when you could buy Colliers Encyclopedia a volume at a time on your weekly trip to the store. They also had dishes, pots and pans under similar promotional programs. That was in the days when many people were smoking as they shopped. I swept up a good number of butts back then, cigarette butts that is. Would find then on the shelves too. Those were the customers considerate enough to not just throw them on the floor. Each can or bottle on the shelf had a price stamped on it too. I carried my price gun in a holster on my side. That alone would probably cause a bit of a panic these days, a holster! OMG he's got a gun. 

 I did work at the IGA. My brother was a butcher there and my Mom wrapped the meat. Yes, at one time all three of us worked there together. It was the butcher shop that came to mind when I started writing this piece. In those days beef came to the store, half a cow at a time, hanging on a hook. The butcher had to know how to break that down. In short, you needed to be a butcher. That isn't the case today. In most cases the beef comes in boxes these days, broken down into different portions. The butcher only needs to know how to make the finish product, a skill that can be taught rather quickly. Many grocery stores today do not even have a "window" for the meat department. I'm certain they are around but I know of no butcher shop in my area. If I could find one I'm certain I couldn't afford the prices! It's probably called "artisanal" these days, code for, expensive. I wonder where you get a soup bone or a bone for your dog? 

 When I was younger the IGA store also sold small appliances. They sold things like toasters, blenders and hand mixers. They would be displayed on the top of the freezer cases or wherever a spot presented itself. On occasion there would be other merchandise like coolers and beach chairs. You still see that every now and again, but I don't think it is as prevalent. Walmart super stores don't count in my opinion. When I worked there you were expected to come to the front and be a bagger at any time. I would hear, Ben to the front. I dropped whatever I was doing and went to the front as fast as I could. Customer service was the top priority! I bagged those groceries, placing them in a cart, and would take them out to the car. A quarter tip seemed to be the standard. One lady in particular always gave me a dime, pressed into the palm of my hand like it was a gold piece! I thanked her, smiled and continued on my way. Everything was in a paper bag, no plastic. There was no choosing. 

 It seemed like most people shopped once a week, usually on the same day. The Friday after work crowd was a busy time and Saturday mornings. The store wasn't open on Sunday. Yes I know, that was back in the day. It may have been illegal to be open on Sunday then, I can't say for certain, but I know you couldn't buy beer before one o'clock. The grocery store didn't sell any alcohol. If people needed a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk, you got that at the corner deli. Mom and Pop "country" stores were everywhere. That was before they were called convenience  stores, more code for, expensive. 

 Thinking back on it women did do the grocery shopping as a general rule. Of course, they were "dressed" for the occasion. The ladies came to the store in their dresses, hair done up and make up on. A far cry from what you would see in the grocery store these days. It was an outing. There were some that you could count on every week, on a certain day, and at the same time. The "dime" lady was one of those. Friday after five, and parked at least a half block from the store. Almost everyone was a regular. People tended to have their store. You shopped at the IGA or the A&P. You didn't just shop at any store. People had their loyalties in those days. To some extent I think they still do.

 Not that many years back I worked at the local Save-A-Lot. My son is the manager of that store, in fact he is district manager of four stores. After I retired I took the job for a few hours a week. I did enjoy interacting with the customers and it had much the same feeling as when I worked at the IGA all those years ago. Occasionally I would volunteer to help an elderly customer with her groceries, taking them to her car. I was surprised how many were so thankful and would comment on that small act. They would say things like, you don't get service like this anymore. Many would offer a tip, which I always refused with a smile and a thank you it has been my pleasure. Customer service you know. No butcher shop window, no deli counter, just the basics. That's the premise of Save-A-Lot, save on groceries. No frills. 

 And that is what has changed the most in my opinion. It's all business these days! And now I'm seeing people just placing their orders online, having someone else shop for you. No personal interaction required except if you want to pick them up yourself. Do you tip that person? What's the protocol there? 

 Well I guess I have rambled on enough for one morning. I tend to do that when I can't get my thoughts together. Started out wondering where I could get a soup bone. Thing is, I don't even want a soup bone, it was just a thought. Can you get suet anymore? Used to see that in the butcher case this time of year. I do remember picking a pickle for a nickel out of the barrel. Yeah, it was a plastic barrel, and they had thongs for you to use and waxed paper. But still, it was a pickle in a barrel, very nostalgic back in 1960's.  

moral authority

  Here's an interesting quote from John Adams, yeah, that John Adams. " Power always thinks it is doing Gods' service when it is violating all his laws." I'd say that has never been more evident than in todays' world. Pick a nation, any nation and those words could be shown to be true. Adams also pointed out, "because power corrupts, society's demand for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases." 

  In America we have a government of the people. Our elected leaders are supposed to be a reflection of our citizens, not representatives of a ruling class. That was the original thinking and the original plan. Those founding fathers were all quite aware of how power corrupts. They were all students of history and students of reality. They had lived that! Indeed, that was the impetus of revolution, the corruption of power in government. The demand for moral authority and character surpassed all fear of reprisal. The character of those men, and indeed society in general,  demanded action. 

  Now we hear talk of term limits. Just why should that be so? Refer to Adams, "because power corrupts" is the short answer. The presidential term limit wasn't ratified until 1951 with the passage of the 22nd amendment. Was it passed because of corruption? Well, I wouldn't say it so much corruption as one party's concern that the other party's candidate would remain in power for too long. FDR had been reelected for a fourth term, only leaving office because he died! But term limits for the president wasn't a new idea, a new thought. It had been debated in 1787 at length, the fear being too much power for too long would corrupt.

  It should be understood that Adams was correct when he pointed out that our constitution was made only for a "moral and religious" people. Remember it is the people that are the government! The majority of the people elect representatives. That's why it is called a representative government. The issue becomes whether those representatives are moral and religious people. Refer back to Adams, "power always thinks it is doing Gods' service when it is violating all his laws." Why is that? Because power corrupts. No man is immune to that, hence the need to limit exposure. If one remains moral and religious, and vigorously defends that, one quickly becomes labeled a zealot or a fanatic! Usually by the ones wishing to hold onto their power or those attempting to gain power for themselves. 

  It was understood that not all the people are moral and religious. That was the reasoning behind the separation of church and state. Laws are instituted to form governments. That right is derived from the people! That is exactly why Adams said our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people and is totally inadequate to the governance of any other. Wars, uprisings, insurrections, protests and other civil disobedience are usually based in moral and religious belief, not in laws. When the moral and religious people of a group, club, or nation become so offended by the corruption of power that there is no other alternative, civil unrest will be the result. 

  Have we allowed government to become so detached from the moral and religious core of the people that corruption is running rampant? Corruption in the name of religious belief? Charity is at the fore front of this thinking today. The government as a charitable organization. Government is not, nor should it ever be, a charitable organization. Charity is the providence of morality and religion. Any government taking the just rewards of its' citizens and redistributing those rewards to those that have done nothing is immoral! Any government allowing the slaughter of innocent children is immoral. Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people! If we are going to allow that same government to act in an immoral fashion, instituting laws contrary to the law of man and of nature, it follows we should abandon that constitution altogether! 

  I am not prepared to do that. Are you? What would you replace that with? What needs to be replaced are those in positions of power. Term limits for all! We need to reestablish the integrity of our elections. Certainly with all our advanced technology, all the computers, we can secure that. Only citizens of this nation should vote in our elections! We the People. The question is, are, We the People, a moral and religious people? All I can say is that isn't what I'm seeing reflected in my government today. People, all people, require a moral authority. That is imperative to a productive life. That is the path to happiness. Moral authority is not law written by man! In fact, it is a very poor substitute.   

think about it

 There are times we ask ourselves, why. It may be because of circumstances beyond our control, or the result of the choices we made. Sometimes we call that soul searching. It isn't always a solemn thing, a serious endeavor, just a questioning. It's a good thing and should be done on a regular basis. It shouldn't be an exercise done in an attempt to justify the past, but rather to understand the present. 

 "An examination of your motivations, is an examination of your soul." That is the conclusion I have reached. Intent has little to do with it, it is what motivates your intentions that matter. There is only one person we cannot lie to, or fool, and that is ourselves, although I suspect that many are fooling themselves in some fashion I can't comprehend. Does motivation matter, or just the results? If you get what you want, does the motivation matter? If others do something for you in anticipation of reward, does that make a difference? If you do a good deed with the expectation of reward, does that make a difference? What is your motivation? Is it selfish? 

 I think that all motivation is based in selfishness. We do things to satisfy ourselves in some fashion. When we make a sacrifice, we do so for a personal gain. That's the long and short of that. True, another, or others may benefit from that sacrifice, but we made that sacrifice with a goal in mind. It is what we wanted to do. Motivation is the why of you, motivation defines your soul. 

 Altruism is what I'm thinking about. For surely it is the altruistic soul that enters the gate of heaven. Isn't that the message of the Bible? And that is the struggle we all face in life. It is the very reason we should examine our motivations carefully. Honesty with self is perhaps the most difficult habit to form. We do tend to excuse ourselves, don't we?

 Perhaps I have these thoughts as a result of a punishment I would receive as a child. It's true that at times I would receive some corporal punishment, Mom not wanting to spare the rod and all, but not every time. Sometimes, and most often by my father, I would be instructed to just sit in that chair! No television, no books or magazines, no paper or pencils, nothing, just sit there. Then I would be told to "think about it", think about what you have done! I was informed I knew better, but choose to do whatever it was anyway, and I should think about that. Today that is called, time out! That wasn't the intent of my parents, to give me a time out. No, it was game on!  

 I may have had to sit there for hours! I wasn't allowed to get out of that chair until Dad said so. He might go outside and forget about me altogether. Eventually he would return and ask the dreaded question: well? It was at this point I was expected to explain my choice, just why I had done what I had done. And you know, just because someone else jumped off the bridge was no reason I should! I was expected to explain my motivation. Truth is, it was almost always because of some selfish reason, it's what I wanted to do. No matter that I had been told not to do that, no matter that I knew I shouldn't do that, no matter that; I thought. No, I had to provide some reasonable explanation. I was seldom able to do that, for the obvious reason. And yes, that bothered me, a lot. 

 I hated that punishment. I would much rather have a quick punishment, get it over with, and move on. But no, I had to sit and think about it. It was like being in jail. My freedom was denied. It was just me and my thoughts. And no, I couldn't just go to sleep. If I did, I would be awakened to face further, thinking about it! The clock was reset. There were times when the chair was turned to face the wall, to further isolate me as my siblings watched television or played board games. I admit, it did force me to think about the choice I had made. I almost always determined that it was a poor choice. Sometimes I thought it was worth it, but I never said so. A hidden motivation.

 Hidden motivations are those that we know others will not understand or accept. Does it automatically make them wrong? I don't believe it does, although I think that would be the perception most will have. It does depend upon the result. If a positive result is achieved, the hidden motive becomes unimportant. All hidden motives are not bad any more than all secrets are bad. You may want to know them but that doesn't mean you should. It is my belief some things are best left between you and your God. It should also be understood that your God and my God are not the same person. Close relatives certainly, but not exactly the same. And the explanation of motive is between you and your God. Your God is your conscious. The Christian Bible speaks of walking in righteousness. Righteousness is another word for justice. When you walk with that your conscious is clear.  Do not confuse that with walking in step! As my Dad would say, "think about it."   

           

just a matter of time

  Christmas was two days ago. Once again I find myself thinking, where did the time go? I heard on television that the largest telescope ever is on its' way to wherever. Its' mission is to look back in time. I'm told man will be able to look back further than we ever have. It's all a rather mind boggling thing to consider. Just what do scientists expect to see? More stars, more galaxies, maybe an alien face staring back at them? I don't know. The New York Times had an article saying they were going to look at the morning of time! I pointed out that space was infinite so we can't really know how far we are looking back. I have my doubts about seeing the "morning" of time. I had to chuckle as many of the liberal readers immediately attacked my opinion. They are the ones "trusting the science" to provide all the answers. That's something else I often chuckle about. Man is incapable of understanding the concept of infinite space, science will never explain that. No matter what man discovers about creation, man will never understand what created, creation! Yes, there was a big bang, what caused that? What created the initial piece of matter? Science is nothing more than a hypothesis of creation. It's what we think.

 I usually wait until after the first to pack up Christmas but not this year. That will be done before the end of the week. A new year will begin, as scheduled, and life goes on. The year of our lord two thousand and twenty two is upon us. Our earliest written records date about three thousand five hundred years before that. It's safe to say we have records covering about five thousand five hundred and twenty years of man's activities on the planet. The age of the earth is estimated to be four and a half billion years. That means we have records for about .0013% of the time the planet has existed, we think. Personally, I'll stick to celebrating each year as it arrives. I'm not too concerned where it is coming from. Traveling at the speed of light it could be we are already looking at the end, we just don't know it. The Hubble telescope has a pretty good field of vision. What if this new one looks past that and sees nothing but darkness? What then? 

 Now the Mayan people had a perpetual calendar. Some scientists disputed that and were predicting the end of time. The Mayan apocalypse, remember? That was back in 2012. Other scientists and scholars explained that the calendar was perpetual, it had no end, like the universe itself. It's interesting to note that the Mayan calendar says the earth began in 3314BC. That's close to the earliest written records known to exist. Could that be when man first arrived on this planet? Well man that could read and write that is. Just how did that happen? Science can't really offer an explanation for any of that. The best science can do is offer a hypothesis. And what is a hypothesis? An idea that explains something in terms we can understand. It should be understood that no assumption of truth or fact is made with a hypothesis, it's just a maybe. Belief in science, and belief in God, share equal validity. Science attempts to explain things in terms we can understand, and faith is belief in an understanding God. The truth is simple enough, we really can't understand either one. That being said it is a good thing to ask questions, to take a good look around, all knowledge is good. 

 Isn't it amazing? Science, with the launching of this newest telescope, hopes to gain knowledge of humanity by looking at the past. Well, except it isn't the past yet, it hasn't gotten here. So, you could say they are attempting to look into the future. Can you see the future by looking at the past? You can if it is all a big circle, that's my hypothesis. But then the future becomes the past because you already saw it. See what I mean about not really understanding it? Will we welcome a new year? Maybe it is just an old one making its' return. 

The last stop

  Ever wonder where Santa's last stop is? And how does he feel when he reaches into that sack and pulls out the last toy? It is a sigh of relief, or an exclamation of joy? It is something I have considered. I expect he feels happy, gratified, that he has once again completed his mission. His mission is to bring joy to the world, isn't it? Certainly, that is the truth to the believers, the innocents. And what a joy it is. A deep seated satisfaction surely follows that. I have given it some thought and can't recall when Santa made that last delivery to me. Just what Christmas was that? How old was I? Seems as though I always knew it was just a fable but perhaps that is part of the magic as well. Could be your innocence is lost with that last delivery. Santa is a magical being after all. From then on, you have doubts. 

 I think perhaps that is our first test of faith. Do you believe? You can't see him and many will tell you he doesn't exist. When you are very small and your parents took you to him, you cried. Most likely you were afraid. You weren't sure why you should be afraid, but you were. In my experience, my religious instruction, I was taught to fear God. The reason was spelled out quite clearly. No gift for you! You had to be good, you had to believe, really believe, not just pretend believe. I can remember pretending to believe in Santa. In retrospect I wasn't fooling anyone, least of all myself. That is true with faith as well. And that is a truth I struggle with most every day. Proclamations are easy, faith is hard. You can't just pretend to believe.  

 What will be the last test of faith? I think it would certainly be different for each of us, it would have to be. Will it be when we face death? Maybe, but many die without knowing they are about to die, at the moment. Not that any of us can know, with certainty, what that hour will be. I really don't think you get to choose, no matter what. Now God may grant your wish, he may comply, but if he doesn't, you won't. Yup, simple as that. For that reason alone we have to be ready, at any time. We must keep faith. We must believe, truly believe.

  The thing with God is you can find faith at any time. You don't have to worry about the past, worry about whether you were good or bad. Forgiveness is at hand when you believe, truly believe. You will not be judged according to good or bad, the judgement lies in belief. Belief is not simply a proclamation before others, it is a certainty when others are uncertain. I also believe it is something you have to find every day! Therein lies the struggle. The maintenance of belief, rooted in faith. It must be carefully nurtured each day. Only then, will it bear fruit.  

As it should be

  Merry Christmas. I got up as I usually do, grabbed my coffee, turned on the computer. Posted my morning salutation and checked my memories page. Yes, it is a bit of a routine. Scrolling down I can see Christmas past. The year I gave my grandson the Red Ryder BB gun and my granddaughter a Spyder style bicycle stand out. The BB gun was a hit, the bicycle not so much. With the bicycle I was giving her my memory more than a thoughtful gift for her. Not that she didn't appreciate it, I do have a video of her riding it, but it was something I had wanted all those years ago. I think the following year I tried an electric scooter for her birthday but that didn't go over very well either, well, even Santa Claus flops now and again. This year should be safe as their wants are needs and I was aware of that. That's what happens to Christmas, after all. Our wants do become needs. If you think about it we all got exactly what we needed for Christmas, everything else is just extra! 

 As I scrolled down I saw a picture of my Christmas tree from ten years back. What stood out was the paper chain. It was wrapped top to bottom with a paper chain made from different colored construction paper. I remembered cutting and gluing that with the grandkids. I recall the "discussion" about the size of the loops and the width of the links. In the end a uniform size was decided upon and each of us began to form our own chain. Ah, those were good times when the kids were little like that. Another year we tried to string popcorn, not as easy as one might think. Still, I believe we did get a string completed. 

 This year the wife and I are just sitting here, waiting on the kids. Truth be told it has been that way for a number of years now. The grandson will be coming over with his Moms' vehicle, a suv, to transport all the gifts to their house. My son just recently had some surgery to his hip and climbing the stairs to my place is a bit of a challenge for him right now. So, we wait. Thing is, they are in no hurry at their age. That youthful exuberance now replaced with the calm demeanor of having "grown up." Really it is more about confidence and assurance that "Santa" has indeed delivered the goods. Yeah, that's how we all feel, admit it. 

 I figure Christmas will officially begin for us about 10:30 or so. It'll be over by noon or one o'clock. It has been a strange Christmas season having never really gotten started. I mean I tried to get in the spirit. I tried to decorate and all that. But I kept finding excuses for not doing this or that. It's just us, being the most frequently used. Having Morris the cat was another reason to not decorate indoors in the style we have in past years. Incidentally. I celebrate having Morris for two years today, yes, he was a gift to me in 2019. I have to say he made himself at home, has adjusted well. Well, we adjusted to him anyway. That's how it goes with cats. 

 Until the kids come, I'll sip my coffee and enjoy my memories. I'll think about those that are no longer with me on this blue planet. I expect there is a celebration in heaven. As far as my core family goes, it is just myself and one brother left. I'll give him a call later in the day. It's not a sad thing, not at all, my memories give me comfort. All is as it should be, that is what I believe. That doesn't mean I always understand it, or agree, but it is as it should be. So, Merry Christmas to all.      

Believing

  Remembering Santa Claus. I was talking with the wife the other day about that. I can't say for certain when I first realized that Santa Claus wasn't a real thing. To be honest about it I don't remember when I thought it was. I do recall knowing and not letting on that I knew. I wrote my list, spoke of Santa, and all that I wished for. It was done with a wink and a smile. 

 Now I wrote some letters to Santa, I'm certain of that. The major source of communicating with him was by dog earing the pages in the Sears Christmas wish book. What the kids today would call bookmarking. The items requested would be circled. Santa, and whether he was real or not wasn't discussed that much. Being the youngest of four children the older ones always wanted to feel superior in some fashion. One day it would be trying to convince me that Santa was real, and the next that it was just a fairy tale, for little babies. The only Santa I ever saw in person was the one in the Christmas parade. He did resemble Mr. Brill, the owner of the 5&10 cent store. He was a Jewish man and that made sense; Christians wouldn't be working on Christmas! I saw a picture where he rode in an airplane in one parade, but that was before my memory.

 I wonder what the little kids are told today, by their parents. I mean my house had a fireplace and a chimney so that seemed legit. When I was small we seldom locked the doors when we were home, we only locked the doors when we weren't home. Funny story about the back door getting locked once, but today isn't the day for that tale. I'll just leave it at, Dad wasn't a happy camper and made somewhat of a forced entry. But anyway, Santa could just as easily come through the front door. Today with the Ring doorbell and all the security I wonder what you tell the kids. 

 I don't have any little ones anymore. All mine are way past all of that. I did see a picture of a little girl that would be a grandniece of mine, by marriage, visiting Santa for the first time. She was crying! Typical reaction to being forced to sit on the lap of a scary old man in a red suit. Still, it does make for a cute picture. She is too young to have any awareness of what is going on. I wonder if she will ever really believe in a Santa Claus. The kids today are exposed to so much, so soon, that I have serious doubts. Heck, they can just Google that question today. Kindergarten was my earliest experience being with a number of other kids. No pre-school, no play dates, none of that for me. As a result, I remained a bit naive about certain things. I did cling to the things I was taught at home by my parents and siblings. They were people you could trust. After my first day of Kindergarten, I was asked how I liked it. I told my Mom I didn't like it at all, the other kids were mean, and I was tired! At least that's the story my mom always told me, and my siblings teased me about.

 Well I do have a lot of nice memories. It's Christmas Eve and I will make final preparations. Just a few last minute things. As is my tradition before going to bed tonight I will turn out the lights, except for the tree, turn off the television, and just sit in silence. I will listen to the Christmas tree. It is a tradition I learned from my mother. This is my first Christmas without her and I'm anxious to hear what she has to say. The Christmas tree speaks to us, if we but listen closely. Every year I can hear those voices of Christmas past. Then I can snuggle in my bed. Will Santa come? Yes, but only if you are asleep and believe, really believe. Or at least don't openly deny him.  

I have questions

  The older I get the more often I find myself thinking about my mortality. I expect that is a common enough thing. I do remind myself that as Grandmother Bennett was fond of saying, "don't concern yourself with things you can't change." It's good advice no doubt about that. Am I afraid of death? No, I would have to answer that I am not. It is only the manner of dying that I have reservations about. Will I be sad when it happens? That seems to be my biggest concern. I don't want to spend eternity being sad, missing out on things, you know, like living. It is somewhat of a paradox isn't it? Can I be happy being dead? That just doesn't sound right.

 In the last few years I have taken to being more health conscious. I suppose having a heart attack and prostate cancer will do that. I'm all fixed up now, a couple stents and the cancer eliminated. I have taken up rowing as exercise. It's something I rather enjoy doing. It's better than jogging, treadmills, and stationary bicycles. At least for me it is. I have cut back on some foods and trying to make "healthy choices" instead of flavorful ones! It's true that I haven't really made any major changes in my diet, just tweaked the choices a bit. I have decided that when I die, I want to be healthy! It's never too late to get in shape, until it is.

 Now thinking about my mortality isn't a sad thing, a melancholy thing for me. That isn't how I think about all of that. It is going to happen, no doubt about that, it is inevitable. It's comforting to believe that I will be missed, I won't deny that, but what I want to know is, will I miss it. It, being alive. I'm thinking that with death comes all the answers. That is the function of the soul. The soul is the vessel that holds whatever it is that makes you, you. The question is, what files are stored on your hard drive? Temporary files will certainly be deleted (forgiveness)? It is the hard data that will be judged. 

 The biggest question I have, and have been asking for some time is, will I know? Will I know that I died? If I do, it shouldn't come as a surprise, it is bound to happen. I suppose the manner of my passing will be a surprise. Well unless I get to have one of those dramatic deaths like you see in the movies, gasping, uttering a few profound words before slipping away. That's what I am hoping for anyway. It has to be spontaneous though, not overly dramatic or staged, so I guess I will be surprised. Will I be happy? Or will it be, crap I'm dead, and I had plans for tomorrow. 

 Well just something I was thinking about. I have found that by talking about things they gain a bit of familiarity. When we become familiar with a topic, we become comfortable with that topic as well. Now I believe there isn't anything we shouldn't talk about. That being said I would add, in the proper time and place. Familiarity can also breed contempt. I don't think it would be a good thing to be contemptuous of death! No, that needs to be respected. It's going to be your reality someday, mine too. It is the acceptance of reality that brings us peace. Is that why we say, Rest in Peace? Well, might as well rest, you are dead after all. I'll try to remain stoic when that happens. In the meantime, I have questions.       

Progress?

  Is progress simply making things easier, faster, more convenient, less expensive or less restrictive? Seems to me a lot of people believe that is exactly what progress is all about. I was raised with the axiom, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right. It is in that, that progress may get confusing. It's a common issue and one we talk about all the time. Things aren't as good as they used to be. Usually, we are talking about some product when we mention that. I'd suggest it was true in human interaction as well, we aren't as good as we used to be. Society in general has become more aggressive, more assertive. As a result, government has followed suite. It's an imposition of will. You must remember that our government is the people, even when it doesn't seem to be that way. We are still a representative government! The government is a reflection of society. More aggressive? Yes, it certainly is. 

 Take an honest look at what are being presented as progressive policies. Defunding the Police is an example. What is the objective there? To reduce the number of arrests? It certainly isn't going to reduce crime. But the thinking is that if fewer arrests are made that will indicate less crime. Yes, have no law at all and no one breaks the law. A fairly basic concept. The redistribution of wealth is another progressive policy. To take from the successful to give to those that aren't. I agree it is far easier to decide when you have enough, than to limit myself. Even easier than having to earn that money myself! You make the money and give it to me, Very progressive. State sponsored charity. 

 Another progressive policy concerns population control. That is going under the guise of health care. Planned Parenthood leads the charge in that regard. In the past it was a program called Eugenics, championed by Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood. It was a progressive policy even then! All that is required is an abandonment of a basic moral principle! The right to life does have to be set aside, justified, explained and excused as, well, it's not really a person we are killing. It only becomes a person if we don't kill it! Yes, that's the logic.

 There is hope for the future. It is something I have written about in the past. A Convention of the States. We the people can make changes. The law should be a reflection of the moral fabric of our country! It has been said good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the law. (Plato) Franklin pointed out a simple truth, "justice will not be served until those unaffected are as outraged as those who are." 

 A convention of the States can alter our course. Term limits on those in power is a great place to begin. In that way moral values and principles will be refreshed. Serving in the Congress and other government positions should not be like winning the lottery! It is a civic responsibility that one should take on for the good of the nation, not for personal gain or profit. That should be the mindset of each and every one of us. That is what is called citizenship! Citizenship isn't solely entitlement; it is an obligation. That is a lesson that needs to be taught in our schools once again. In my opinion far too many deserve a failing grade in that subject! And what is saddest of all, they are the ones in office!     

Charity and Wealth

   "Wealth consists in not having great possessions, but in having few wants." (Epictetus) That bit of wisdom from one of my favorite stoic philosophers came to mind this morning. I suppose it has to do with the Christmas season and the giving and getting in all of that. I agree with his sentiment, but would point out, it often takes wealth to eliminate wants. That is true when the want is for another, not for yourself. I think that is what Epictetus had in mind though, personal wants, not needs. There is a big difference. I'm thinking he learned that when he was a slave. Yes, he was a slave during a period in his life, then he escaped. He went on to become Epictetus, philosopher. He usually lived alone, frugally it is written, and remained unmarried. He was walking the walk. 

 There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting things. It is only when we let those wants consume us that it becomes problematic. When we allow desire to rule our actions. That is what Epictetus is talking about, in my opinion. But, what if those wants are for others, for their benefit? Does that count? It can certainly cause a great deal of anxiety in us. When we want others to happy, to be fed, to be clothed, have adequate shelter, all that sort of thing. When our wants are their needs? Wouldn't that require wealth? I guess that depends upon how you are going to define wealth. 

 Is wealth having more than you need? That would be the most basic definition, wouldn't it? If that is the measure the vast majority of us are wealthy people. Indeed, a number of us are really wealthy! We don't think so however, that isn't what we mean when we say someone is wealthy. Are they wealthy when they can afford what they don't need? No, that can't be it either, we all buy stuff we don't need just because we want it. Wealth is the ability to acquire whatever we want. I'm thinking that is closer to the reality. When we can't afford to get whatever it is that we want, we want more wealth. In short, more money. Is that different when what we want is a need? No, I don't think it is. 

 The question is, should we have an expectation of charity? Isn't that what we want when we don't have enough resources of our own? Isn't that the entire premise behind a Santa Claus? Just ask, and you receive, if you are deserving. Children don't ask for what they need, they ask for what they want. Sometimes they are the same thing. The secret to happiness is not allowing your wants to override your needs. That's true even if the need is for someone else. My friend Epictetus said, "authentic happiness is always independent of external conditions." What we might call contentment. 

 "Wealth consists in not having great possessions, but in having few wants." So, ask yourself, what do I want for Christmas. It's a question I struggle with all the time, what do I want? I'll know when the answer remains unchanged. Until then, I'll just keep on asking. Things is, just who is checking that list? Am I deserving? I have to rely on charity. Epictetus didn't say you shouldn't have any wants, just that you should have a few. Choose wisely is my advice. 

Signs of the season

 Each year there are new Christmas decorations. In recent years the Grinch has enjoyed the spotlight and I'm seeing him everywhere. I recall when icicle lights first appeared. There are the blow up decorations in all sizes. The snow globes ones don't seem to have lasted as they were problematic. Now I'm seeing that red pickup truck, 53 Ford(?) with the Christmas tree in the back everywhere as well. It's the new thing I guess. 

 A few years back my brother-in-law gave me a box full of outdoor Christmas lights. There are the old school C-9 size bulbs. The first year I had them I strung several strings together and subsequently kept blowing the inline fuses. Yes, those older lights draw some serious current. Well, they are incandescent bulbs after all, Edison would be proud. These new-fangled LED things are far more durable, use far less energy, and have far less Christmas spirit! That's my feeling anyway. I helped my daughter in law put up two strings of those lights along her white plastic fence. It makes for a wonderful contrast. Those lights are in all colors, just like when I was a kid. Oh, she has other lights up, other decorations, but those strings look the most festive. It's like looking at a Christmas past. The same as the Ghost of Christmas past in that famous story.

 It is something I have noticed over the years, this changing of tradition. I guess not so much tradition, as the way that tradition is remembered or celebrated. Take that Grinch thing. I'm not a big fan of that. Sure, I've seen the story on television, but it doesn't compare to a Charlie Brown Christmas. Doesn't come close to Frosty and Rudolph. But there are those that really love all of that because that is what they remember from their childhood. Funny thing is, they aren't yet aware of that. That realization comes with age. It's still new to them! It's the old adage, you don't know what you have until it is gone. When the Grinch gets replaced, they will notice. Take the idea of an artificial tree. No surprise to anyone today, maybe even a tradition by now. 

 Even I have an artificial tree, for the sake of convenience. I have several other excuses as well. I do notice that the tree is fake. I have grown accustomed to that, accepting almost. But I will have a real tree some year, with bubble lights, I have those in storage, with C-7 lights in every color and an Angel topper. That was the tree of my childhood, with tinsel. The large C-9 lights were the only outdoor decoration we had. A string of them run across the front of the house just under the eaves and around the picture window. Very festive! Santa Claus arrived with the Thanksgiving Day parade and on those "floating heads" in the television commercials. 

 A new tradition has been quietly building, Wreaths across America. I became aware of it a few years back, although it has been around much longer than that. I have participated ever since I became aware. It's a new tradition that I sincerely pray will catch on and continue for many years. It has a fund-raising component and I understand that completely. It is a way to get more people involved. It's true that fewer join in for simply altruistic reasons. But, I don't want to sound negative about anything with this new tradition. I'm not concerned with the motivations behind all that, I am concerned with every Veteran getting a wreath for Christmas. 

 I do have some concern about this tradition being continued, as it has come under attack. Yes, there are those that object, declaring the wreaths are symbols of Christianity! Some groups declare it is offensive to them. They say not all veterans are Christians and it is a discriminatory practice, no matter which way you look at it. Wrong if you do, wrong if you don't, place a wreath. I won't be surprised if some litigation doesn't result from this at some point. Someone claiming they were harmed by seeing a Christian symbol on their loved one's grave! Then demanding compensation for trauma. That's the world we live in. I sincerely hope it never comes to that.

 Well, I rode by my sons' house and saw those lights on that fence. It warmed my heart to see them. A flood of memories arrived and inspired this morning's ramblings. The spirit of Christmas past. It is alive and well in those lights. Finding the bulb that has blown out, that memory isn't as fond. We had those lights when I was real small, but Dad upgraded at some point. Grandma told of having candles on her tree. They were only lit and burned for a few minutes on Christmas morning. Traditions change, becoming safer, less expensive and more convenient. Some will disappear altogether while others remain. The signs of the season.   

  

reserved?

  I was scrolling down my page when I saw an advertisement, that's what I would call it, for attending church. Now, this church is the one I was baptized in, made my first communion in, and attended until I left for the Navy. I have many wonderful memories of that house of worship and the people I went there with. Reverend Davis was the rector in those days, with an occasional helper, not sure of their titles. My sister was married in that church. Yes, lots of memories there. 

 In that advertisement there was a list of services, along with the times, covering the Christmas season. The thing that caught my eye however was this statement; if you want to attend in person you have to make a reservation. I caught my breath, wait, what, I have to make a reservation? Perhaps I shouldn't have but my immediate reaction was to leave a comment stating that and pointing out I was taught Jesus had already done that for me. This morning I received a rather snarky reply, from the church, or at least from whomever monitors their Facebook page. Yes, I replied to that as well.

 Okay, so I'm taking a step back here. Now I freely admit I haven't attended any church services on a regular basis in a good many years. I am also aware that this whole Covid thing did force some churches to close their doors. In person worship services have been restricted and downright banned by government authorities. And that is something I have bristled at since I first heard about that. But this is the first time I've heard of having to make a reservation and so was taken somewhat aback. Is that because of Covid restrictions, is it because of seating capacity, is it because of the fire marshal. Would I be turned away at the door? That is the thought that entered my mind. If I would be, what a sad state of affairs that would be. In having to have a reservation isn't that the implication. No reservation, no seat for you, no entry! That's what happens at restaurants and the theater. Never did I think I would need a reservation to attend a church service.

 I suppose I'm overreacting a bit, as I am prone to do when confronted. The reason I wouldn't make a very good Police officer or public relations man. I guess, by now, this whole reservation thing is common place in the church. I've seen the live streaming of worship services and I can see where some may enjoy that, a more relaxed way of worship, very convenient, I'm sure. And you have to keep up with the times and all of that. Certainly, a way to stay in touch with the community and a necessity. I tried watching a service once and just couldn't do it. It had absolutely no personal contact, no feeling for me, like watching a television show. It came across as entertainment. Lacking interpersonal emotional contact. Yes, it left me flat.

 I wrote about finding a church several years ago. What I was looking for, was home. I have discovered that it doesn't exist anymore, at least not for me. I went to a couple and didn't make a connection. Some seemed too theatrical for my taste and others too closed. By that I mean I felt like I was intruding. As a result, I have not found a home. And by most accounts I have read about changes in Church policy and doctrine, I wouldn't be very pleased at all. I get it, the business of salvation, like any other, has to stay current, in order to attract new business. But, making a reservation? Just seems a bit too much for me, regardless of government. For me it would have to be an all or nothing scenario. Either everyone is welcome to attend the service, no reservation required, or we are not having in-person services due to government restriction. Is it, first come, first served? Is that how it works these days? Salvation reserved? 

Trusting

  Less than one week until Christmas day 2021. Hard to believe at times. It seems since the onset of this Covid thing the days, months and now years have all run together. Difficult to remember when you didn't have to question whether a mask was required. It's an everyday thing now, nothing out of the ordinary. It's also a sad commentary on life in America if you ask my opinion. So many willing to just comply with whatever the "science" indicates and not question it. Indeed, even some of our religious leaders are extolling, believe in the power of God but wear your mask, stay socially distant, and don't take any chances. For me it is akin to the whole making "belief" and the practicing of "faith" just a bit more convenient, a bit more acceptable to government. You can believe all you want, just don't trust it! Trust the science.

 This is one of those years that it doesn't seem like Christmas to me. I can't explain what that really means, it's just a feeling. It isn't a lack of decorations, a lack of family, or a lack of spirit. It is just a lack of feeling. I'll be just as happy when the season passes and the new year begins. New Years and the attendant celebrations have had little meaning to me in the last fifteen or twenty years. At least I still look forward to a new year with optimism. I know some that dread the passing of time. I'm thinking 2022 just might be my year. Our lives are what our minds create. The power of positive thinking! Or so I've read. A winning lottery ticket would be a bit more positive. I have to remind myself to buy one of those, can't win if you don't play. Of course I realize I am six times more likely to be struck by lightning, but I would have to be outside, so if I stay indoors my odds are better, right? Yeah, I'm going with that. 

 Today is Wreaths Across America and I will be participating. I have done so for a number of years now. It's how tradition starts. When I first read about it I thought it a wonderful idea. Unfortunately, the cemetery where my Dad is buried isn't sponsored. I rely on others to place a wreath on his marker. I have chosen Lt. Col Comegys, Union Soldier, to honor with a wreath, along with Thomas Albino, father to my daughter in law. These are the two I ensure get those wreaths each year. The Col passed in 1897, after getting a haircut, according to the local newspaper. I honor his service to the country. Tom, a man I knew but a short time, passed in 2013. Doesn't seem like eight years. I know a few other veterans in the Greensboro cemetery and one in particular that was added this year. That's the thing with getting older and staying in a certain area. The cemetery becomes a place to visit old friends. I'm beginning to understand why you see those "old" people there. 

 So honors will be rendered today at noon. A few words at the flagpole, some years a bag piper will play Amazing Grace. Then the group goes to the cemetery to lay the wreaths. I'm told this year two Boy Scout troops will be joining us and that is good thing. For the new year I'm hoping we can put the past, in the past. You cannot rewrite the past, you can't undo what has been done. What you can do is learn from that past, celebrate the progress made, and strive to be better. Quit picking at old wounds! Have faith, believe, do not be afraid of tomorrow. Tomorrow will arrive, on schedule, as it always has.      

time marches on

  I was remembering when most businesses handed out calendars this time of year. I haven't gone looking for any and being retired I'm no longer in business. I was telling my wife about the calendars that was given out in the industrial world. That was when I was working in the machine/maintenance shop of a company that manufactured road flares. The salesman from various suppliers would bring calendars with scantily clad models on them. The models would be working on machinery or otherwise using the product. I don't remember the year but that all stopped. After that the calendars just showed the product or some "pretty" scenery, something totally innocuous. 

  In talking about that my wife says, they were like pin-up girls. Well, yes I suppose they were, just a bit racier than that though. The pin up girls I remember from my youth wore more clothing, although they were certainly thought of as, risqué. The ladies feigned indignation and disgust, while the men, at least among themselves, made crude comments. It really was quite juvenile judged against these more modern times. I recall a particular gas station in my hometown that had the men's room wallpapered with the centerfold from Playboy magazines! Now, I know that for a fact because I had to use that restroom at least on one occasion, maybe even twice! Imagine the lawsuit today. 

 The last free calendar I remember getting was from the local pharmacy. Could be she still hands them out, as I said, I haven't checked. I didn't see any on the counter the last time I was in there though. I have a calendar hanging on the wall. I will say I rarely look at it and most times the month isn't correct. Today the computer and our phones have replaced them I suppose. I did buy a desk calendar to keep track of doctors appts. Yes, between my wife and I we have enough of those to require a calendar! Strange, isn't it? The healthier you are, the more appts you have. Annuals, follow ups, and exploratory. The latter being when the doctor needs to find some other reason to have you see him. Like a mechanic that fixes your car, there is always something else that needs attention.

  I would imagine there are those that collect calendars. It would be cool to have a few from the old days, the old businesses. I certainly never gave that a thought growing up. Of course I remember when they advertised art school on matchbook covers. Remember that? Can you draw that pirate? I never tried it, but always suspected that I would be accepted to that school, that they would assure me I had talent! Yeah, and the matches were free. All that was a long time ago. Times change and business has to keep up. Not much free these days. I'll have to keep an eye out for a calendar. I was at the bank just the other day and wasn't offered one, not sure that they have them. Maybe I'll go check the local appliance store, Grey's Gas, been on main street for fifty years. Surely they have calendars, or I'm betting they did have them in years past. 

 Well, 2022 is close upon us now, better get your calendars soon. And no, printing your own doesn't count. I admit I did that a few times when I first got a computer, didn't save those calendars either. I should have, they would be twenty years old now. Antique, collectibles, LOL. Time marches on.

saying goodbye

  I was glad to hear from a friend that proper honors were bestowed upon a man that most certainly deserved them. His name was Ralph George and I knew him well. A navy veteran that had served with honor and distinction. Although I never heard the tale from Ralph personally, I did see his commendation framed upon the wall. He served in the submarine force and at one time saved the lives of at least one fellow crewmember. A true hero in the sense that he never spoke of it to me or anyone else that I was aware of. He was a man doing his job, his duty, and expected nothing in return. His was a life of service to others. 

  I could write paragraphs about the man but I'm certain he was properly eulogized as he was loved by many. A real "character" is the way I would describe him and that is meant in the most respectful manner. A man that defined a generation in my opinion. One of the greatest generation for sure. I knew him first when I was just a teenager. He was one of the first "grownups" that insisted I just call him Ralph. That was in a time when teenagers addressed adults as Mr. or sir. But not Ralph. Although I haven't seen him in many years the world feels a little smaller without him. He did live a long life. always there, know what I mean? 

  Saturday I will be participating in the wreaths across America campaign. A short ceremony at the town flag pole, a few words, and a few prayers. The names will be spoken as the wreaths are laid to honor and remember all those that have served. It is the least we can do. This year I am told over 450 wreaths will be laid in the Greensboro cemetery. That will be the largest ever. I hope it becomes a tradition practiced for many years to come. I am big on tradition, big on honoring those deserving. But, I do harbor reservations regarding all of that as well. It is my feeling that honors given too readily, too quickly, too freely, soon lose their meaning. I think it's the whole "familiarity breeds contempt" adage that I'm thinking about. It is a loss of respect. When our honors become everyday, the norm, they are no longer special. Honors should be reserved. Heros are far and few between! Being exceptional is what makes a hero, a hero! 

  What I'm struggling to say is, when we begin offering honors, not to honor the individual, but to show others we honor, that becomes an issue. Now Ralph George was certainly worth every honor bestowed upon him, without question. Was he a perfect man? No, he wasn't, he was a man. He was different from others in many ways, one of them being his unselfish willingness to help others without expectation of reward, or recognition. He just did his thing, as we say in modern parlance. To Ralph I say fair winds and a following sea my friend. The world just isn't quite as friendly as it used to be. That's my feeling anyway.   

just wondering

  I hear it a lot. Don't judge. I also laugh a lot at those saying that because they are judging me, for judging. It is their judgement that you shouldn't judge. There's a name for that but it escapes me at the moment. But that came to mind this morning as I scrolled down my page. It also occurred to me, just now, how most will understand exactly what I mean when I say, my page. Wasn't all that long ago that statement would have left everyone puzzled. Page? What the heck is he talking about? I'm rambling, sorry. But I was scrolling down my page, as I do most mornings, and looking at pictures and reading some comments. Some of these are people that I knew in high school and haven't seen since. Others are just people that appear on that page from time to time, and I have never known them. I am making judgements about them! Yes, I am. I am equally certain they are making judgements about me. Hey, it's what people do. It's just the ones that don't want to hear it say, don't judge. 

  Anyway, I am aware that I am making these judgements based on the impression they are leaving on the page. I have begun to wonder if people are more honest on social media than they are in person. I believe they are quicker to confront other people, quicker to express an opinion. Temperament is what I would call it. In person we tend to temper our comments based on the situation. We exercise judgement in responding, judging whether that comment could trigger a physical response. That was a real possibility when I was growing up and it remains so to this day, maybe even more so today. Call it situational awareness. Some call it political correctness.

  What I am thinking about is whether I would be "friends" with these people if it were real life. LOL, I mean, in person. I firmly believe social media isn't the real world. I wouldn't call it a fantasy land, if that were true fantasy isn't anything like I imagined. I interact with far more people on social media than I do in person. That's just a simple fact. Social media is the modern-day equivalent of what my mother called, polite company. It's actually the opposite of that in a way because the person isn't in your physical space. As such, the rules of engagement are different. For that reason I do wonder, which is real? 

  Now I believe we all think we are just the same on social media as we would be in person. That is the thinking, isn't it? I can't imagine anyone wanting to play a part on social media in some attempt to fool anyone? I mean, what would be the point in that? Yes, I know there are scammers, con men, and all that that may try to bilk you out of your money. There are frauds. I'm thinking mostly about the ones I have known in the past however, are they really the way they portray themselves to be? As for those I have never known, I guess that is who they are. Thing is, with all of them, I'm not giving out my bank account information, I'm not going to be tricked into giving anything. Call me a skeptic, call me stoic, call me just plain suspicious, but I don't believe many sob stories. I also don't believe it is my fate, my duty, or obligation to save the world. I firmly believe, God helps those who help themselves. 

  That bit of wisdom should be attributed to Ben Franklin although many mistakenly think it is a biblical verse. It is not! In fact, it is rather contrary to what the Bible teaches. But, just because I believe it that doesn't mean I don't believe in the Bible. I'm not perfect like that! I know, surprising, isn't it? I just believe it is practical advice. Acting independently is often the best method in achieving your goals. Self reliance. When you start relying on others, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. 

  As for me, I try to exercise sound judgement in all my dealings. I don't always succeed, especially when it is with someone I love or deeply care for. When your children or grandchildren look to you for help, for advice, or just for consolation the judgement may not be as harsh as it would be for others. It's a temptation difficult to resist. Far too many yield to that today in my opinion. But, that's another topic. I think that may also be the reason there are so many "social warriors" and "advocates of mercy" on social media these days. It is easy to just tell others what they should be doing, doing it is a lot harder. I know, I'm as guilty as anyone else. Still I like to believe I have a situational awareness. Sometimes I don't, that's when Facebook puts me in jail. Shot myself in the foot is what we used to say. Assault comments! I guess that is what Judgement has come to mean, an assault! So don't judge! 

 As for social media I wonder if my judgement would be different if I met you all in person. Would your judgement of me be different? What expectations do you have? I would think it would be yes on both counts. Impressions aren't always accurate. Perceptions are based on personal experience, that is the standard we measure by. The way we respond to every experience creates an impression. How we present that impression creates a perception. Painting the picture is one way to describe that. Is it real or an illusion? That's where judgement comes in.           

gifting

  You receive gifts prior to Christmas, either through the mail or some other way. Do you open them? Be honest now, how many of you folks' peek, shake, rattle or just downright open them up before Christmas morning? Well, that's for you that traditionally open on Christmas morning I have heard of some doing that on Christmas eve. Do you wait? If you do not wait, will you lie about it if asked? I'll be completely honest here, I always wait until Christmas morning to open any gift. Now understand I do have to pick it up and carefully place it beneath the tree. That process may require some inspection, you know, for safety. Generally testing the weight, shaking it for anything loose, and looking for any possible rips or tears in the wrapping paper will suffice. You do wrap those gifts before mailing them, don't you? 

  Is that something you think about after having mailed your gifts? Does it matter to you? I would like the person to wait. In that way I am assured they will think about me on Christmas morning. At least my name will be mentioned if they read the gift tag. You do read the gift tag don't you? I should hope so. Now with kids, I don't expect them to look at the tag beyond their own name. With juveniles and young adults I expect them to look, although they may not retain the information. Which leads to me another question, how do you unwrap your gifts? Do you just rip the paper off or carefully remove it? I tend to unwrap my gifts in a controlled fashion, opening them at the folds. Not sure why that is because once the paper is removed, I just ball it up and toss it. 

 Speaking of wrapping gifts how important is the wrapping to you? What I mean is, are you particular about the paper, the stuff from the dollar store or the Hallmark holiday wrap par excellence? Do you use ribbon and bows? For me it all depends upon what is being wrapped and to whom that gift is being given. I don't waste a lot of money of paper, I buy the cheap stuff and use that on 90% of the presents. The other 10% may be treated to a higher grade of paper, along with ribbon. The bows are always the ones you just buy in a bag! A bag of bows, this year they were three dollars! In years past I used to get them for a dollar, inflation, I guess. I seldom use ribbon. I do like to wrap a few gifts extra special, the ones I think deserve special treatment. That's not because they are the most expensive, it's because I think the gift itself is special is some way. I usually will wrap a gift or two in a foolish way or make it difficult to unwrap. That's usually with the grandkids, although I used to do that to my own. You know, boxes inside other boxes, ribbon tied in knots, tape on every seam, whatever gag I think of at the time. Yeah, it's hilarious every time. In the last few years I have gotten a bit lazy and taken to using bags. Hey you can buy a bag at the dollar store, drop the gift inside and bang, all done! To me it is the equivalent of giving a gift card, quick, easy, and requires very little effort or thought. HERE, Merry Christmas.

  When I was little I would get presents from Santa. That is what was written on the card. I got gifts from Santa until I was 17 years old and left home for the first time. After joining the Navy Santa never gave me a thing! But I guess it would be difficult for him to know where everybody was, you would think he has a list for that, but apparently not. But we're still friends and I speak to him whenever our paths cross. I wasn't required to write a thank you note for any Christmas gift. Birthday presents were different, I was expected to thank the person, in person or by a note. You know, thinking back I don't believe I ever thanked Santa for a thing! Maybe that's why he stopped giving me stuff. Hadn't thought about that till now. Hmm, live and learn. 

  The whole gift giving thing is so stressful though. I do feel an obligation. As I mentioned the gift card thing seems like a cop out to me. It requires no thought, no effort on your part, just money. Gifts are supposed to be thoughtful things tailored to the individual. That's the reason Santa asks for a list, he doesn't know you! The only thing he knows is whether you deserve a gift or not. Yeah, that's the way it was when I was a kid. You were either good or bad! No excuses, no reprieves, no my feelings are hurt. You either deserved gifts based on your behavior, or you didn't! Santa was judgmental! He didn't know what you wanted but he knew how you acted, FOR A WHOLE YEAR! I started to be reminded of that right after Thanksgiving Day. Never occurred to me that Santa was basically stalking me. A little creepy when you think about it.

  Well, with the exception of a few more gifts to wrap, and last minute gifts to buy, I'm all done this year. I'm saying it is the earliest I have ever been done. I'm chalking that up to maturity and personal growth. I have become a responsible adult. Not so responsible I will save wrapping paper to use over next year, or even recycle that paper, but pretty darn responsible, nonetheless. Ten days till Christmas morning.       

be moderate

  All things in moderation. It's a lesson I was taught as a child. Contrary to popular belief the Bible doesn't say that in so many words. The Bible does tell us to "let your reasonableness be known to everyone" so you have to figure that means be a moderate. In our politically divided world of today that advice should be taken to heart. There are extremes on both sides of the aisle. Today the moderate voices are the ones being called radicals! 

 I'm a moderate person. Nothing too extreme about me, just your everyday person. That's the reason I can see these extremes so readily. I see them in the comments, the cartoons and the memes on Facebook every day. I often leave a comment on a number of those, offering an alternative view or explanation. I do that when I feel something has been taken to the extreme. One I often comment on concerns judgement. When I am extolled by some meme to not judge. Well, I have to point out that one can only reach a decision, a determination, after having judged an action. Yes, judgement is a necessity! I also point out that being judged doesn't mean being condemned, you can be judged to be correct in your actions just as readily. Perhaps that philosophy is best summed up by some song lyrics, "you have to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything" I think Aaron Tippin sang that song. Before you can stand for something you have to judge its' value.

 Another is the whole charity thing. Charity begins at home is the way I was taught. It's a biblical lesson that means a man should take care of his family first. It doesn't mean you should just give your children everything and anything they want. In fact the bible talks about that in a manner of speaking by saying, "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." It becomes a habit. The job of a parent is to teach their children to survive in the world as independent people. It's not cruel or mean to expect them to "leave the nest" and fly on their own. That is the objective of parenting. If your children are still living in your basement, sponging off you, with a college degree in their thirties, you have failed! That is where the blame goes, nowhere else. You have failed in your job. Sounds radical to some but it is a moderate view in reality. 

 Now I've certainly gone to extremes over the years. That's what youth is all about, exploring your limits. I've been up and down. I've made mistakes, exercised poor judgement on occasion, and fell on my face. I've had moments when I expected the unreasonable to be reasonable, and vice-versa. But I like to believe that I have mellowed over time, learned the lessons of moderation. Learning the moral of the story. The tortoise and the hare personified. I have learned the tortoise gets little attention until the race is over. The flamboyant ones, the hares with their bragging ways and extreme self-confidence, attract the attention. Today we may say they have gone viral, like a disease! They spread quickly, do a great deal of harm, and then disappear. 

 My sons have gone forth in the world and raised families of their own. One son has become the Mayor of Greensboro, fulfilling his ambition in that regard. My other son left the nest and relocated to upstate New York where he raised his daughter, now attending college. All my grandchildren are attending college! They have all grown to be strong, independent people, exercising, for the most part, sound judgement. I have much to be proud of. I try to express that pride in moderation, however, lest the wrong message is sent.   

learning a lesson

  The day before yesterday I received a warning from the Facebook powers that be that a comment I had posted was against community standards. I was informed that only I could see that comment. Strangely though I couldn't see the comment as posted because the post had been removed. The comment moderator did tell me what that comment was, guess it was acceptable for the moderator to post that, just not me. At first, I thought I was going to jail, again, but that isn't the case. It was just an admonishment. I did protest that decision, disagreeing with them. I felt like, and still do, that I can say "that's hilarious" whenever I find something funny. But the thing is I was told, that's not funny! Reminded me of my Mother when I laughed at the misfortune of my siblings or others. That's not funny! Yeah, it usually was pretty funny, sometimes I could see Mom cracking a smile and hear her trying to stifle laughter. But, it wasn't funny!

 I do enjoy Facebook, interacting with friends and complete strangers. I like the pictures, meme's, jokes and general discussion that takes place. It's an amusement. Facebook, I'm told, has become a haven for old folks. I hear about Tik-Tok and Instagram a great deal but haven't been on either of those platforms. There is a meme describing my feelings about that, there is a meme for just about everything, that says I'm glad I did most of my stupid stuff before there was an internet. Yes, I am grateful for that. I can always call my friends a bunch of liars! There is no evidence! In today's world it is always about the evidence. Prove it! If you can't I will sue you. You're just a hater. 

  But back to the comment thing. As far as I can tell the entire post was removed. I don't remember who posted it originally but I suspect they have been locked up. I was just being warned to not hang out with that person, a bad influence. I'm happy that the folks at Meta have taken to guiding me on my path to enlightenment. I was being led astray by some cruel remarks, or teasing. It may even have been bullying! No telling where that path may have taken me if Meta hadn't intervened. I was corrected and set straight. That wasn't funny! The thing that bothers me about all of that however is, I can't remember what it was that I found hilarious. Now I'm concerned I may laugh once again! The lesson hasn't been learned. Now I know that Facebook/Meta whatever the name is these days does publish a list of community standards, which I was urged to review before posting any more comments, but it doesn't list what I can't find funny. But, like I said, I haven't learned that lesson. 

 I'll finish up by repeating myself. Facebook is a free service to use. I pay nothing for it. I find it an amusement and one that I enjoy. That being said I also understand that I have to play, on their playground, by their rules. I do not feel like my freedom of speech is being denied, or that I have any particular rights on that playground. They can choose to block me, refuse me entry, if that is what they want to do. It's their game. I am amused that they have decided to provide moral guidance. I appreciate the effort. I think that is hilarious too. Will I ever learn that lesson? Probably not. 

take a look

  I've seen some advertisement for a book. I believe the title is Things our fathers saw. or something similar. Apparently, a book written as a series. The edition I'm seeing advertised concerning WW2 and the GI's seeing those concentration camps in Nazi held territory. Surely a horrifying and traumatic sight for anyone to witness. The small segment I did read describing battle hardened people literally getting sick at the smells and sights. I can't imagine that at all. It is beyond that! 

 I do like the title; it sparks an interest. A good title should do that. As I said I have only read a very small sample of what the book is about and so I am making certain assumptions. I'm thinking the book does concern what has been called the greatest generation, the generation of my patents. Perhaps this book would provide insight into their lives and their way of thinking. A change of perspective. It's my feeling that generation was an emotionally strong generation. It was that mental toughness that earned them the moniker, the greatest generation. A generation that certainly persevered through hardship. 

 Each generation has its' own unique perspective on life. Being raised in an era of prosperity in America did influence all of that. The Korean war ended the year I was born. I was raised hearing the stories of WW2 and Korea. America had triumphed! Well not so much in Korea, there was an undercurrent of discontent, but WW2 was a great victory. The way I heard it the United States practically won that one single handled! The allies? Yeah they were our friends and helped out some. That was the perception anyway. The fifties was like "cool cats" and tough guys. The sixties brought us the hippies. Peace and Love, all of that stuff. We were urged to turn on, tune in, and drop out. Some of my contemporaries did just that. I stayed pretty much, square. Took some degree of mental toughness to do that, in my opinion. I see it as a form of self -denial. You are denying yourself certain things. The hardest thing to do at times is to maintain the moral and cultural traditions of the previous generation. That's simply because we have a tendency to believe we know better. We call it progress, enlightenment, or wisdom. Feeling like we are expected to learn from the previous generation. Thing is we are just as often mistaken about that thinking, we believe learning means changing something. That isn't always the truth. Two and two will always be four, even with the new math. True, a different avenue was used to get to the answer, but the important part is, the answer is the same.

 I think that title is a sort of rewrite of an old adage, walk a mile in my shoes. I say spend a day in my head! There are memes about that on social media and we laugh. Other people are crazy, aren't they? We often think so and just as often we are correct. You have to be strong to live in your own head, in your own world. Perhaps that is why so many want to escape to another one and just follow the crowd. It is certainly easier to do that. Today the message is often, you can't do it alone. You need help. And what's more it is a sign of strength if you need that help! That is quite contrary to the way I was raised. I was raised with the, you made your bed now sleep in it attitude. An old fashioned concept called, accountability. Yes, I am responsible for the choices I make, regardless of how good the salesman is.

 The irony in all of this is that we often fail to see these things. The "things our fathers saw" went unseen by them. It was just the reality of the times. That is true for me, and for everyone else. True heroes do not see their heroic actions. They are too busy doing it, and later marvel that they did whatever it was they did. To do right, for the sake of it being the right thing to do. What are the things we are failing to see today? What changes in the moral, ethical and cultural traditions are we accepting today? Are those changes making an improvement? Or are they just making things easier? Is it, as I suggested in another blog posting, a path to a more "convenient" faith? All those rules concerning morality and behavior are limiting, aren't they? Same with the rules of society. All depends on how we "see" it. 

 I see each generation becoming less emotionally strong. What I would call intestinal fortitude. Oh it's easy enough to stage a protest, to wave flags and shout into the sky. It's much harder to adhere to the principles that promote the general welfare however. Those principles are delineated in the Constitution of the United States of America. It says so, in the preamble to that Constitution. Article One, section one, says, "all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of representatives." That simply means, the people are the Government! We the people determine all legislative actions! It takes inner strength and emotional maturity to make the decisions necessary to great governance. It cannot be accomplished by acquiescence. That's true no matter how loud you shout. 

 Consider this: The greatest life, the best life, would be to emulate the teachings in the Bible. The Bible is the guidebook! It's also true of every other religious text to the one that believes in that text. And what is the issue with religious belief? Adherence to the book! That's why forgiveness is offered as an alternative, if you deserve that forgiveness. The United States has a constitution. A manuscript detailing how we should govern. It took 116 days of writing and debate to come up with the final document. Even then, ten additional amendments were added at a later date. The issue today is sticking to that document. The fact is it has been debated since the first day, to make it easier for some to comply. Same as religious texts, we look for exceptions. We start with, that's what is says but that isn't what it means. 

 Well, I guess I have gone on long enough. I could continue but will leave it here. I can say I understand one thing I heard my parents, and their contemporaries say, open your eyes and take a good look around. What are you seeing? More importantly perhaps is, what have you seen?  

a fiscal triumph

  Big day here in Maryland, sports gambling is now being allowed! Yes, you can now place your bets on your favorite teams. The projected revenue is 15 million dollars. It's going to help with childhood education. In other news unless Congress acts quickly you may loss that 300 a month child support payment from Uncle Sam. But, don't get nervous, you can bet on football or whatever instead. Claims for unemployment are a low not seen since 1969, while there is a 11 million shortage of workers to fill the jobs. Yeah, I'd say this was a great time to allow more gambling alright, people surely must have a lot of disposable income. Well at least income they haven't earned and so don't mind just gambling away. What the heck, Uncle Sam will give me some more. If you have too, you could get a job, collect a thousand or so for a sign on bonus. Maybe even work at home! But remember, you can't place your sports bet using your phone, you have to do that in person. 

 The Maryland state legislature refused to consider any new crime bills designed to curb the number of homicides and violent crimes happening in the city of Balitmore. They had time to submit a gerrymandered map to the Governor, which he immediately vetoed, so they, vetoed his veto. Had plenty of time for all of that, plus passing gambling. Over three hundred people shot dead in the streets but no time to consider a new crime strategy. The two bills introduced would demand that people using guns in the commission of a crime actually be jailed! Well, can't have that. The City state's attorney issued a policy one year ago that she would no longer prosecute low level crimes like, drug possession, drug use, or attempting to sell drugs. Violent crime and homicides increased but it wasn't because of that, it's a drug problem. Not the people, the drug. In the same way guns are the problem, not the people using them.

 But it's a big day in Maryland, sports gambling has begun. That'll teach those book makers hanging out in the barbershops. That should shut them down. It will also allow those decent, hardworking, law abiding citizens, to gamble without stigma! No more hiding in dark corners passing notes, keeping books. No, and the state will still maintain that gambling addiction hotline! If you have a gambling problem you can give them a call, they will offer counsel. You won't get your money back, but you will be consoled. It's not your fault, it's the money. You will be told to only bet within your means. You might even get educated on gambling and why that action is a risk. I can save you some trouble here. The state figures to increase its' revenue by at least 15 million dollars. That is based on the fact that most people will lose money betting on sports! I'll repeat the lesson in case you missed it; that is based on the fact that most people will lose money! That's how gambling works, the house wins in the end. 

 It rather amazing isn't it? Think about it. The government is handing out money because people need help. Many millions of jobs go unfilled, people refusing to go to work. The demand for higher wages, free medical coverage, more time off, and feeling "safe" at work all reasons for this. Don't gather in groups, get your free vaccine shots, get those free booster shots, wear a mask indoors, keep the children out of school. But, in Maryland, you can now bet on sports! Well, you do have more time to watch them on your big screen tv's and be informed on the stats. Don't concern yourself with jobs, shortages, or a sinking economy. Place those bets! Hey the Governor himself the first one. Now that, that is fiscal responsibility. Yes sir, a great lesson to learn. It took years to get that passed! But, a pandemic helped out with all of that. Well because a global pandemic is always the best time to encourage fiscal responsibility! Nothing says that better than gambling. 

 I know, it's nothing new. They have had lotteries and all of that in Maryland since 1973. The extent allowed has grown over the years. Casinos were allowed in 2008. Sports betting is just the latest. I have been opposed to such since the beginning. I don't feel it is a sound fiscal policy to rely on gambling revenues. That in spite of the knowledge that the revenue will be generated! I have no doubt that it will be. People always have money for vice. Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and other forms of vice will always exist, and always be profitable. It's just that I believe government should present a good example. 

 Individually we all have our vices, our shortcomings. But society creates boundaries, standards of behavior, traditions and indeed morals. Government is a reflection of that. Do we really want to be the land of gambling and vice? The land of anything goes as long as we generate revenue from that. Is that what we are going to say Freedom is?     

precarious

  So Biden has given Putin a proper dressing down and I'm certain the Russian troops will be in full retreat by the end of this week. At least that is what the media is reporting, no mention of the response given by Putin however. But that wasn't the only discussion they had. Biden straightened him out on human rights as well. Everyone should be singing Kum Ba Ya shortly. Yes, Joe Biden assured Putin he would take actions that President Trump did not! Of course, Putin was already well aware of that, that's the reason he began moving those troops after Trump was in office. But let's not muddy the waters with facts.

  The last time we had the whole country on the same page was after 9/11. A patriotic frenzy swept the nation. There was a shortage of American flags! That was the response to America being attacked. Now I'm not suggesting that Russia will attack us, I don't believe anyone would benefit from that, and wars are usually fought for a gain of some type. Still, getting us involved in a war, especially against those nasty, election interfering Russians and their army of hackers, would certainly benefit our economy. There is historical precedent for that. We call that WW1. We had to get involved to secure our investments in our allies. If they lost, we lost our money.

  What do you suppose the interest in Ukraine Russia would have? Wouldn't be those gas companies the Bidens are so heavily invested with , would it? Remember when Biden was bragging about getting the Ukrainian prosecutor fired? He was investigating Hunter at the time and Daddy was VP. Remember that? Remember when Biden used that office for personal gain? How could you say it was anything else when his son was profiting? But I'm sure Putin has forgotten all about that happening in the Ukraine. Along with that it should be noted that Russia, as a nation, has very strong, cultural, traditional and familial ties to the Ukraine. Really it is a matter of pride! It's basically the same feeling Germany had after WW1 regarding territory. Russia feels it is a necessity, having Ukraine as part of the nation, not some independent nation. Ukraine belongs to mother Russia! 

 Putin most certainly wants to cement his legacy. Do not all leaders want to do that? It's a natural and normal human response. You don't get to be the leader of a nation without drive, without really wanting that. Wanting to secure your place in history is something each of us know. I'll be happy if I am remembered by friends and family, Putin wants to be remembered by the world! A unification of Ukraine to Russia would go a long way in doing that.

 Now Bidens' big threat, his only credible threat, is in having the United Nations back him. Blame it on Trump if that makes you feel better, but the fact is the United Nations doesn't have a warm fuzzy feeling toward the United States these days. Not since they have been forced to at least begin to carry their fair share of their financial burden. World diplomacy isn't something I pretend to know much about, but I know this, you can't count on the UN for much. And those nations living next door to Russia would certainly be hesitant to act. The same thinking, attitude as talking smack about someone. Easy to do from a distance, in the same room, not so much. And I don't know how many of you have ever traveled to Europe, but you can move country to country like we drive state to state. It's pretty close quarters!

 The thing is this. If a major war were to happen it would be a battle of tactical weapons, not troops on the ground. No nation wants that. I don't care how large your population is, how fanatical they may be, everyone is aware of the very long-term destruction that would certainly be the result. And the major population centers would be the targets. What response could Nato muster should Russia decide to invade the Ukraine? 

 Will Nato send a unified force to oppose that invasion? Will Nato agree to use tactical nuclear weapons? No, the answer is no. Economic sanctions are basically the only tool available to Nato. But there is that threat isn't there? Russia may indeed expend a few of their nuclear missiles, sort of a few warning shots across the bow as the saying goes. If they do, what is the response? These are certainly precarious times we live in. Our leadership is the weakest it has ever been, no doubt about that. Our citizens are divided, the moral of the nation is low, perhaps the lowest in several generations. Divided loyalties' at every turn.