Hello! I'm Depression

Im not feeling like myself today, so I have asked a guest writer to step in for me and jot down a few notes and observations:

Hello! I first would like to thank Ronnie for succumbing to my will and allowing me to have a much larger voice than he normally allows me to have. It took some hard work on my part, and I had to keep him pressed under my thumb pretty tightly in order to wear him down, but the perseverance and twenty four-seven treatment that I doled out over the years has paid off. So now I "have the floor", so to speak. So to all of you who have come to hear my "motivational speech", I bid welcome.
Registration in the form of a list is located by the back door and there is no concern for the fees and usual surcharges that accompany these type of speeches and workshops. Frankly, you cannot afford me anyway. And I have ways of extracting payments that come due, plus interest.
So now that the formalities are out of the way, I guess an introduction is in order. Some of you already know me, many of you claim to know me but really do not, and fewer of you have had the experience of living with me...and even less of you admit to my presence in their lives.
My name is depression.
I have many clinical names and many people who fancy themselves as being briliant have given me sub-titles and classifications; but all of that is really immaterial. I am what I am to those who suffer, excuse me, I mean "experience", me and my means and ways. It can be said that their suffering is relative and that we are all only experiences and chemical processes. And that is the first thing I do when trying to introduce myself to someone, reduce their humanity. I much prefer people to think of themselves as processes and compounds. If they see themselves as merely science or evolved compounds, this will reduce the persons view of being an inividual, human being. This aid in lessening the human spirit and the minimizes the fight to survive, at least in most cases. I might also add that the reduction of human spirit then leads to the false pretense of "natural healing" or " new age" spirituality, and these means are, in effect, substituting some transcendental-type philosophy; a philosophy of big words and notions, with no actual value. When this occurs, a person has managed to psychologically convince themselves of their healing, which prolongs the actual healing process; and in all reality, renders the victim, I mean person, incapable of finding a real cure to any spiritual need. There is no real cure to be found in philosophy or complex theories or big words or notions of a supreme being without a name or moral code. It is merely a spiritual placebo that the user is self administering. Luckily, many people travel down this rode as they appease their intellect and their rely on their own strength. And folks, Im here to tell you that we will win this spiritual battle every single time, just as people prolong their cures and insert false beliefs; even though they have convinced themselves that they are sincere and correct. This is how I further diminish the person to feeling alone, not only in this world, but in the entire universe. This causes a feeling of deprevity of being, and leads to one feeling more insignificant.
Speaking further on spiritaulity, I must warn you not to try to take on the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit. Ultimately they are the real enemy to our cause. They cannot be defeated by us. We can however cause enough grief, doubt, pain, and confusion that a man can feel abandoned by the Trinity. Make no mistake, this is only an image we can place in a man's mind, we cannot truly defeat anyone in this realm. Luckily for us many have replaced God with science, money, power, pride,and ego so we generally have little resistance from most people in the spiritual realm. And we can conquer all of the substitutes. On a side note, I have yet to understand why God allows this suffering and let's His people suffer so much in the realm of mentality. I am only thankful that He does. But none the less,He is the real enemy, and will be yours also, if you decide to aid me in my quest to infect millions. There is no substitute for Him in anyone's life, and His power is endless and beyond our comprehension. And I wish to discuss Him no further, for He opposes all that we do and even the mention of His name can have adverse effects on many of those who I have already afflicted. My desire is to keep my "patients" in the dark in this area, and their lives will remain dark; and darkness is where I am nurtured best.
So we have focused on the spiritual aspect of my purpose. But it is not the only aspect of one's personality that must be encountered. And in all reality, many people who experience me do not even realize that they have a spiritual facet to their personality. They feel that the cure is scientific and secular. So rarely does one have to enter the realm of the spiritual; but heed my words if there are those who come across the odd spiritual man every now and again. And one does find himself embroiled in a spiritual conflict of amounting to much more than a pillow fight, then they are at my disposal, an earthly prince who can enter the realm of battle and do a much more effective job of hurting and disarming than I can. We are indeed cohorts, and you may receive his services as part of the workshop today, but I must speak of a small disclaimer, that I am, in deed, under his jurisdiction, for lack of a better word. It's true that we work hand in hand, but he is the real master of pain; Im merely a protege. Any further word or battle of the spiritual aspect should be directed to him and his minions in the room directly below us. Those interested may visit after we break for lunch, and then check out the brochures and payment plan.
So the necessary formalities and jurisdictions are out of the way. I have told you what can and can't be done on my part. So now for the what can be done before the break:
I am a personality disorder. I am very complex. I begin as a chemical reaction, or lack thereof, and can manifest myself into the physical realm. In some cases, I can cause real physical pain,fatigue, anguish, and irrationality. I can cloud thoughts and confuse emotions as an individual tries to sort out the images and ideas that I project onto their minds. I can start out very small and snowball into something very large; even to the point of suicide, my ultimate goal. To ignore me is unwise and unsafe to any individual, but a welcome opening for me to grow. As I grow, I can manifest myself as paranoia, schitzophrenia , phobia, and hatred. Emotions are my playground. I can lead to false emotions or heightened sense of reality that causes one to enter the realm of the unreal. I can devour parts and pieces of one's personality, while nurturing and developing other facets of one's being. I can be black and white, up and down, left or right; all at the same time. I can kill parts of a man, while giving birth to another part. I can substitute, insert, inject, withdraw, retreat, or lay dormant.
I buy my time with thoughts and notions. I am a process.
And not only can I affect the life of an individual, I can affect the lives of all of those around someone who has "experienced" me and my lifestyle. I can break up marriages, cause distrust among friends, and cause children and parents to alienate each other. I can deteriorate and destroy the strongest of relationships. By causing one to struggle, if I select the appropriate being, I can reach many, by working in the life of only one. How is that for efficiency? I can destroy a family, a church congregation, or a workplace. I can poison society and culture. I can even spread like a germ or bacteria. And oh, the added benefits of the guilt that piles on an individual that i dwell in...
There are many more aspects of my mass destruction, but this seminar focuses on only mental and spiritual warfare of the individual. You may see some residual affects as a result of this course, but for the real deal on massive hurt and pain, that course will be offered in a more advanced seminar to be given at a later date. So back to the scenarios involving an individual:
I am so powerful that some people are even hesitant to let me go from their lives; regardless of my cost or hurt. I become a crutch for many. As they lay themselves on the train tracks of their life, I am the speeding train coming to run completely over them; as they watch helplessly! I tell people that I am part of their individuality and the creative part of themselves, and they understand it to be true; because there is some truth to it. As I develop pieces of one's personality, I make myself indispensable to one's psyche. I grow like rust. And though I begin subtlety and sheepish, I can become as that of a roaring lion. I shred my "patients" to pieces, either slowly or all of a sudden.
I can cause a man to feel completely alone in a crowded room.
I can aid in the solitary feeling being misunderstood.
I am addictive, and like the deadliest drug, I will kill.
My power can block love; even manipulate those emotions. I can muddle anger, hope, pessimism, and love into a muddy wad of an emotional nothingness.
As a catalyst for emotions. I can make something into nothing and turn nothing into an ordeal.
I can cause emotions to run so high that they are unable to be felt, rendering the "patient" numb. I can cause heat that freezes and cold that burns.
Silence is my language as voice is mute.
I hurt a man so badly that I feel comfortable to those deeply afflicted. I'm common ground. I'm all some people know. Im the secret part of man that he's hesitant to share because he needs me as i have became part of his personality. For a man to rid himself of me, is like removing a limb; I'm the arm of his conscience.
I cause those who experience me to be smug towards those who do not know me. I let people feel that they, and they alone, have cornered the market on pain and hurt. No one understands the other. Every person's case of myself is different than another's experience, causing me to be afforded great power.
I am so powerful and have such a broad realm that many people openly invite me into their lives. Many people use my "benefits" as a means not to cope with life. Many individuals need my "benefits' to afford them a lazy lifestyle. There are those who are proud to say that they have experienced me, even have gladly given me a back room in their personality to set up a homestead. There are those who flaunt my presence in their lives so that they may acquire pity and attention. I am an excuse for failure to many. And people like this, I have to do very little work, and have even less use for. They are merely statistics. They are not truly experiencing me. They do not appeal to me, for they are no real conquest. Those who are too frightened to commit suicide, again, my ultimate goal, are useless to me. I have no need to win the lazy, nor the spiritual bankrupt. There is little profit in their useless souls.
But pity on the man who tries to defeat me. Heaven alone can help the man who sincerely wants to rid me from their life. This is a darkness that those who only have a lip service of me, can understand. Those who mimic my symptoms and copy the grief of others are fools. Don't get me wrong, I will take them all; but my pride in them as a trophy is minimal at best.
So if you are seeking to conquer those who take a handful of pills instead of fighting, live off of the state, or are over anxious to experience me, this may not be the seminar for you. This seminar is for those who want to hunt, dwell in, and destroy man for enjoyment. This is for the hard-core who want death, not for the casual entity that merely wants to scratch and bite...
We will take a short recess as you take inventory of yourself and those around you. If killing isn't your business, then there is a seminar on the self-pity of man, just around the corner. If those around you only long for attention and excuse, then may I suggest a course that studies man's decision making and how he blames me, depression, for HIS decisions. It will be offered next semester at a discount rate, due to the popularity of the material.
If there are those who wish to further this lesson, and really desire winning the tough battles for the sake of total destruction of a person, we will reconvene in twenty minutes.
T-shirts, bumper stickers, and audio books available conveniently in the lobby ...
Excuse me for a few moments as I enter a remission-like state and allow Ronnie to think he is in control of his life once again....



This is a very difficult thing for me to write about, but I feel it is necessary. Depression is a very real disease that affects many people both directly or indirectly. If any one who reads this TRULY understands this, please seek help! Put aside pride, fear, arrogance, shame, guilt, finacial concern,and the anxiety of what others will think of you and get help. Pass this along to anyone who may need help, even to those who don't suffer from depression but live with or deal with someone with depression. And if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.

Thoughts For Republicans

I have no intention of analyzing any election day results and have less interest in declaring it historic although it was one of the more interesting election days, on many levels. Instead of any analysis, I offer some of my "two-cents" to the Republican party.

Congratulations on your victories, but remember that you have the majority in only one piece of the governmental pie; the Presidency and the Senate are still going to offer roadblocks to many plans. There is much work to do ahead! And frankly, the GOP has not been very stellar in it's track record of "righting wrongs" for lack of a better phrase, over the past six or eight years. I believe the last couple of years may have served as a wake up call and hope for better things in the future.

And speaking of wake up call, please realize that the victories this election cycle are not victories for the Grand Old Party, but a warning against those in power. Now the onus is on you.; at least in the House. You must prove capable of fully utilizing this surge, if you will. No more pledges to America or other nonsensical bombast. Just do your jobs; represent the country. And if you really mean "smaller government" don't just pick and choose where the smaller serves your purpose. Stay true to the ideologies that best represent those of us who are conservative and long for real leadership and direction.

We need new ideas and new direction. We need to know that "we the people" have a role in changing things also. We need less interference in our lives so that we can freely do such. The people have responsibility in the direction of our nation and we need to be held accountable. Washington can't fix everything and should not be expected to do such. So hold us accountable just as we will hold you accountable. Let's really and truly form a partnership between the people and the government, and not just in words or phony pledges.

And speaking of partnership, try to find a way to reach across the aisle and work with those who have a more liberal philosophy. Extend hands to the Democrats and offer sit-down meetings to try to understand the other's philosophy. I don't think that we will find many pragmatic ways to bridge the two ideologies together, but we can at least try to see the other side as human; and not as that of an enemy. This is an opportunity to help bring about an end to all of the polarization in our country. This an opportunity to see that most people are in the middle of the political spectrum and that we want a government to reflect such. This will be hard, especially for us who are on the far right or left, but we can still make an honest attempt. No person is our enemy and we are all Americans.

I have many more thoughts, but not much time. I know that this is probably not the most concise or gathered letter, but I hope what I am trying to convey comes out plainly. I hope that today is the day that we all begin to work together and find our roles and make this country even greater than it is!

Fearless Election Predictions

Tomorrow is a big election day and I'm sure most experts, pundits, bloggers, and other three-cent titular folks have many a prediction. And there is nothing different for yours truly; I have some predictions as to some of the outcomes for November 2nd.

The first prediction is a "fer sure" bet: Some folks will be delighted by the outcomes and others will be angered. I will stake my, umm, reputation on this. The thing to remember that is pertinent to this "fact" is that we must remain civil and respectful. At least in public and to the public. I realize that many of you are thinking of the pot calling the kettle black right now, but I am a changed man. Name calling and venom spitting will not accomplish anything except further polarization in our culture and community. So fuss, cuss, or call Gus so he can cuss for all of us, all you want in your own home, you have that right. But try to use a little discretion when communicating with others. You will catch more flies with honey than bile, every time!

Before my next predictions I have to throw some disclaimers out there. First, I am lousy at predictions. I can analyze data and do a respectable job with concepts and basic algorithms, but I'm just not much of a prognosticator; and not sure I can even spell that without "spell-check". I also have to admit that I predicted that Ryan Leaf would be a better quarterback than Peyton Manning, so prophecy is not much of a gift in these areas. I also have to admit that I have not followed politics or news with much fervor recently. So with all of that said, I do predict that The Republicans will win majority of the House, Democrats will maintain a oh so slight majority in the Senate, and that the Tea Party victories will be less than many supporters and Democrats think. Of course with my track record, I wouldn't take anything to the bank.

I do predict that the Republican victories will lead to everyone kissing each other on the mouth and much proclamation of victory and so on and so forth. I forecast much of the same on the Democratic wins as well. I believe there will be much Kool-Aid drank tomorrow and everyone will claim to be a winner, winner chicken dinner; even the three or four Tea party folks.

I also predict many votes will be cast while the holding of the nose occurs, like our 8th congressional race in Missouri. P-U! I also predict that the "Puppy Mill" measure will pass because people can't say "No" to puppies or small children. Not even Republicans. I am very much against the amendment and think that it is a bad proposition, but most people won't take time enough to check into what it is all about, just give me the spoon-fed version and "Puppies! I love puppies" and it's a done deal.

I will leave you with one final thought and it is not a prediction, but a fact: God is in control. We can predict Doomsday and tell everyone that the sky is falling all we want to but it wont change that fact. We can cringe at outcomes and find ourselves in unbelief at peoples' ignorance or apathy, but God is still on the throne. As much as we fear the future due to "Hope and Change", campaign promises, and political outcomes tomorrow, still God is unchanged.

That is one thing that ALL parties can agree on; God is in control and He will not be surprised by any outcome tomorrow. And the wonderful thing is that even if some don't believe it, it will not change a thing for those of us that do; He is in control!

So get out and vote, early and often if you are in Illinois. Try to be civil to one another. And rest easier knowing that God is on top of things; regardless of amendment, proposition, or election.

Morning Ritual

I don't know about you, but I'm not a morning person. I awake easily, but really functioning is another story. I stumble around for a few minutes, brush my teeth, read my morning devotional, check my Email, and drink a couple glasses of tea before I really wake up. Not exactly efficient, but it is a routine that works for me.

Thinking about my morning routine led me to think about other's morning rituals. And as I think about other's rituals my focus moves from the physical activities to the mental and spiritual realm. Which leads to the question, What do we do to get our spiritual and mental selves ready for the day?

Breakfast fuels our body physically, even if its a Pop-Tart and a glass of tea. The nourishment we put into our body is important as to the pace we set for the day. Too much sugar and we may start out of the gate quicker, but will fade down the stretch. Too heavy of a breakfast may give us fuel in the long run, but makes getting started more difficult. While I know this isn't groundbreaking news, it sets up the question that was asked in the previous paragraph. What do we do to prepare for the day spiritually and mentally? Or do we just expect those aspects to evolve, if you will, as they may?

If you are a Christian, how do you prepare yourself for the day? After biscuits and gravy, do you give any thought to the spiritual battle ahead? Do you pray that God will accomplish His will through you this day? Do you pray to be a Christlike example to those you meet this day? Do you desire to lead someone to Christ or to tell someone about Jesus? Or do you just save that for Sunday? Is your job more important and more worthy of the majority of your shared focus? Maybe you will be a useful vessel and maybe not; it's not really your call anyway...

And for those who want to make the world a better place and all of those appropriate adages, how do you prepare to do such? Have you considered your responsibility in this area or are you merely a mouthpiece? Do you have an actual role in making your community better or is it just lip service for your mental resume? It is easier to pass along the concept of a better place and hope someone else picks up the slack, isn't it? No need in looking like an out of place freak or a cock-eyed optimist...

If you feel that you are a teacher or one who breeds ideas into others, what is your morning prep like? Will you talk AT people today or TO people today? Will you focus on listening to others so that you may learn also or do you already know most everything? After all you are the teacher.

Whatever your role in your community, I suggest that you take a couple of minutes to think about how well prepared you are. Think about your morning routines and if it is effective at accomplishing your goals or if it's just lip service. Ideas are like silver in the mine, but hard to spend unless there is some work in actually mining it.

If we really want to impact those around us, we need to take our responsibilities more serious. We can blame atheists, thieves, politicians, democrats, slackers, malcontents, so on and so forth for the problems of the world but the truth is that they are acting exactly as they are supposed to act if they are indeed any of the aforementioned peoples. The responsibility to change others lies in the hands of those who want change and desire to do what is right, not in those who aren't equipped to do such.

So consider your role in your community. Then decide if you will just eat your breakfast and leave the rest to chance. Decide if you REALLY want to make a difference or if it just sounds good to you. Only you can determine if you will standout, stand up, and be a catalyst for the positive; or if you will simply blend in with the crowd, like cattle in a boxcar.

Deja Vu All Over Again

It's been a while since I have done any blogging and I feel that now is as good of a time as any to start in again. But I am not planning on starting in where I left off. I do, however, want to start all over, so to speak.

I have contemplated canning the entire blog and it's entries in an effort to begin anew; but that seemed drastic. There were some good entries that I am proud of. Some of the "blogs" had some positives to offer to society. Some blog entries caused people to think about things differently than they had before. Some of the blogs represented who I am and how I think, and most of you know that that is different in it's own sense.

But as I thought about other entries, I realized that many entries were polarizing to some people. I realized that just because I feel right in my own opinion, that I don't always need to verbally brow-beat others into buying into my school of thought. I can tell you that my intentions were pure and that I want to make the world a better place, to borrow an overused adage, but that doesn't always excuse my efforts. The end is not justified by the means. Regardless of how passionately I feel about issues, people, and things in general.

Also I discovered that even in the ugly blog entries, that they do represent who I am: an intense, passionate, hard-headed, flawed, hopeful, frustrated, angry, rebellious, caring, loyal, thoughtful, over-powering, over-bearing, opinionated man who wants to leave a mark everywhere that I have been. All of these traits are mine and to rationalize and make excuses for the bad traits only weaken and discredit my better traits, so there are no apologies offered.

But what I do want to submit are views from that same flawed person, but in a different light. I want to unite more than divide. I want to learn as much as I teach. I desire not only to understand opposing views better, but to acknowledge that they are as genuine as those view of my own. I want to show my own growth as an individual. That is why I didn't throw the baby out with the bathwater, so that not only myself, but everyone interested, can see the change.

I'm not promising drastic change in many of my opinions. God is always first and the Bible is my standard. I'm still very conservative and will still vote Republican in most elections. I'm still frustrated with the church and I still think most people are ignorant due to apathy and laziness. I detest most pop-culture and I'm still a little crotchety. But in my approach to how I express these emotions is where I hope that the difference will be seen.

So I hopr that you look forward to a few new posts very soon. Let me know what you think and hold me accountable to my pledge, as difficult as that may be. Work with me to unite different opinions and cultures so that we truly will be better people in a better place.

Where To Begin?

I have some things on my mind and I don't feel that there is really a very good place to begin; at least not in a concise and compelling manner. So as I often do, I will "jump right in":

I am wanting to start a series, for lack of a better word, on morals, principles, philosophies, ethics, and the like. My mind has been on these issues lately; or much more than usual, as I often consider this subject. It is something that we all posess, even if we do not realize that we have such moral code.

Many of us feel as if we have the adopted the moral code of our city, state, and government. The civic code, which is law, is understood and for the most part obeyed. But what about this, "for the most part" thing? How many of us consider obeying the laws as being part of our own personal moral code? And if we do consider our code to be as such, then do we break our own personal code or the civic persoanl code when we drive 60 miles an hour in a 55 miles per hour zone? And can the two be seperated at this point? Only if your persoanl code of morals is that you "basically" follow the general rules of society. But then it must be decided which rules are acceptable to be broken. And I'm not considering speding down the highway with a dying child or expecting mother, even thought that is still breaking the civic code, and possibly persoanl code, regardless of situation or consequence. Is there even an accurate answer?

And is anyone following me? I must admit that I know just enough to be dangerous in this area; and I don't know enough to accurately teach or even explain myself. So I really am asking questions here. I am just "throwing this out there" for anyone interested to think about. I also understand that we haven't defined any terminology here, and that you, the reader, are really at my mercy; and that I can slightly bend the words in my favor. I can choose when to be absolute or literal, and when each word fits my purpose. And that makes me wonder, "How does this play into my persoanl code of morals and ethics?"

And consider religion as well. Not only does civic morals, or laws, shap our individual moral code, but our religion does as well. And as we treat our civic laws and determine when, where, and to what extent we can break such laws; we behave in a manner as such in our religious code. We may call ourselves Christians, but very few of us adhere to what we believe to be true. And I am not considering sin, just as I was not consiodering crime; I am wanting to focus more on what we truly believe, and how much we understand what we say that we believe.

I know this is a messy can of worms, but I do think that it is an important study, for lack of a better word. To often in our society we say one thing then do another, never really considering the consequences. Too often we make ourselves our own little mayors and congressmen, and gods; justifying what rule we can break and when we can break it. I don't think that we can deal in absolutes here, but I do propose that we can try to get a little closer to that point. Morals and ethics do not make us, we make them in order to understand and explain ourselves; and to better understand and live with our fellow man.

And this is far as I have gotten in terms of an introduction. As you can tell, it is not exactly planned out, but i hope you get the gist of what I am considering and if it will be a worthwhile endeavor. I would appreciate any feedback!

Go Colts!

Just some random thoughts for today which is mostly football:

How can anyone be surprised by Brett Favre throwing a game-costing interception? This is not even close to being the first time this has happened, but I sure hope it is the last. And it is amazing to me that people still give Favre a break and say that it was his competitiveness that casued him to make that season ending pass. Really? It sure looked like a stupid play to me. And I think everyone on the field, minus the kickers, were in competitive mode yesterday. Did competetiveness casue Peterson to fumble all day? Will he get a free pass like Favre has his entire career?

I personally think that it is a team sport, minus the kickers, and that you win and lose as a team. But Favre gets all of the glory and all of the credit when they win, so maybe he should get more balme when they lose; afterall he is the only player on the field according to the announcers or ESPN.

And he is the all time interception leader, but that is not mentioned too much. And the excuse is that if you play for 20 years, you will have more picks than other QBs; but the logic is not constant when applied to total yardage. He has the total yardage because he is so great but the interceptions becasue of the years played. I don't think even calculus can answer this one.

And the Saints? I find it hard to root for a team that encourages their fans to use broken english or pseudo-french jibberish as any type of rally cry. Way past annoying, if you ask me.

But the worse thing about the Saints is that we will have to live the Hurrican Katrina debacle over and over, at least twenty more times. And did you know that Katrina was the only major Hurrican to ever hit the U.S. Actually, the Hurricane didn't hit New Orleans, the "swell" from the storm devestating the coast of Mississippi flooded New Orleans. I guess that's what happens when you live on the sea and under sea level. And when you don't spen your money ona flood prevention necasue the "gubment" will bail you out so you can spend your money on beads and boobies and muddy coffee. Who dat gonna fix dem levees?

Yeah, the NFC championship was a game of gut wrenching proprtions for me. I didn't want eiother team to score. And there are too many reasons to mention here, but you get the gist from the first few paragraphs.

So I am, "Go Colts!" from here on out. I do wonder when that, "resting the players and forfeting the perfect season" thing will kick in. Im sure most thought it was this week agaionst the Jets, who by the way, have a great future! I wonder if the week off will hurt the Colts? I wonder if pulling the players from the Pro Bowl will cost the Colts the SuperBowl? I'm sure that I don't know; I can't even figure out why a man who wins one SuperBowl and loses another is so much better than other good QBs. Makes being a legend as credible as the Nobel Peace Prize if you ask me.

And I will end by saying that I will vote for the Colts coaching staff for public office if they ever decide to run. They seem to know that soemtimes it is best to do nothing instead of pretending to look busy; and that if it aint broken, don't fix it. If only our politicians would use such philosophies. Less can be more. As long as it isn't on the final scoreboard!

Have a great week and Go Colts!

The Hitcher

As I was driving home from work yesterday, I saw a man thumbing a ride into town and I stopped to give him a lift. I have to admit that I was hoping that he would have to get in the back of my truck so I didn't have to really mess with him, but he hopped right into the cab with me.

And he didn't smell too good. He didn't look good. I was tired from work and didn't feel much like talking, so I explained that I wasn't going far but that I could save him a few miles of walking and maybe help home beat the rain.

I am not writing this so anyone can say how nice of me or to get any kind of medal for being a super humanitarian. Believe me, I didn't really want to be bothered by a smelly stranger who most likely had issues or else he would have a job and a ride and a bath, so on and so forth. And while this is not the first hitch-hiker that I have picked up, I do not usually make as frequent occurrence of such as when I was younger.

But every now and again I think of the verse in the Bible that says that you never know when you are entertaining angels. And if he was an angel, about 30 cars ahead of me passed this angel right by; not exactly great hosts sometimes, are we?

And this not being my first experience with hitch-hikers, like usual they open their mouth and say something not very angelic and I realize that I am not entertaining a spirit, but just giving another bum of a human a ride.

But that is ok by me also, because I figure that an even greater reason to help someone who is temporarily less fortunate than myself is a good lesson in grace. And by the thinnest strand, I hang on to my own life at times; by nothing except the overwhelming grace of God was that not me thumbing a ride. By the very grace of God I was in a more fortunate place than my passenger yesterday. Of course I could pat myself on the back and tell myself that I work hard and that I have made better decisions than my unfortunate tag-a-long, and maybe even be accurate in doing such; but ultimately that is not only arrogant and unkind, but it is the thought of an absolute fool.

And more than the rationalization and realization of God's grace in my life, I felt the Holy Spirit compelling me to stop and offer a ride to my fellow traveler in this world. That is why, although it was a little less than enthusiastic, I stopped and offered a ride.

Now I'm not saying that we should all pick up every hitch-hiker that we come across. And I would go as far to say that I would kill my wife dead if she ever picked up a stranger! I do not believe that the Holy Spirit asks us all to do the same things, or that He asks the same people to do the same things all times. I'm merely submitting that we should be sensitive to the Spirit of God. I felt Him say to give this guy a ride and I did. I'm not good at it and I usually do it kicking and screaming, but I was very compelled to be obedient yesterday and on this occasion.

Getting back to the story, My hitch-hiker was not as interesting as most passengers that I have picked up before. There was no scheme of getting to Illinois to form his own country, due to a loophole in Illinois law. And yes, one hitcher actually told me that; he was my personal favorite. My brief passenger yesterday had no luster or charisma as some of the others I have offered rides to. He didn't smell like carnival hotdogs or talk about the glory days or spin yarns about how much money he was about to make when he got to his final destination or patent his idea for a revolutionary new light bulb. He was a a regular smelly guy with a slight speech problem and a mild personality disorder. And I have to sadly admit, that I was mildly disappointed. I at least hoped for some excitement and entertainment for my act of obedience.

But like most hitchers, he hadn't eaten in two days and only had $2 left to get four states away. And like most hitchers, he didn't want my granola bar or my box of raisins left over from my lunch. They didn't agree with him, even though he hadn't eaten in days. But I'm sure he would have taken a $10 to buy something to eat if I would have offered, but I knew better.

But unlike any other hitcher that I have met, he did say something that really stayed with me. His words were even more profound than the former rock stars, C.E.O.s, or the guy who was forming the new nation of Illinois. In his broken speech and nervousness, he opened my eyes to how the world sees God; albeit by no fault of His own.

You see, I knew that we would pass a few churches on our route, and I am embarrassed to admit it, but I was ready for him to get out of my truck. I was hoping to pawn him off on someone paid to do this kind of work and get busy patting myself on the back for how nice of a guy that I was. But my passenger gave me a shock when I asked him if I could drop him off at a church for some help. He told me, in a very nice manner, "No thank you." He said that the churches are good about helping the people that they know, but that they didn't seem care to much too much about helping out strangers. He then offered me his "last two dollars" if I would just get him as far as WalMart; and that his hope was to find some rest and help there.

That blew my mind! And I could get into a rant about churches and politics and so on, but that is not necessary here. But I what I do want to reiterate is what this man, who was very down and out, said to me. What his words said, even unknown to himself, was that he has no hope in the church, but his hope is in the people of WalMart. He told me that he saw more of God in the aisles of Wal Mart than behind all of the stained glass windows in town. His words unknowingly said that people are good and helpful, just as long as they are not at church.

I was really taken back. I showed no surprise, I just headed toward Wal Mart. But I have thought about that hitch-hiker's words most of the day. And I have wondered about how many people in my community feel the same way about church as he does.

And even now as I reflect back on yesterday while I write, I remember the shame and the sorrow I felt as I hurried home to spray Febreze in my truck. I still think of how humbled I was as I hoped to get any remnants of my passenger out of my truck. I think about how God can use many means and many people, even without them knowing it, to teach important lessons. Lessons on arrogance and ignorance. Lessons about patting myself on my back for being such a great guy. Lessons about being Christ-like and simply meeting needs regardless of situation or person. Lessons about humility. But mostly, lessons about grace; grace that comes from Him. Even if He delivers it in a plain, smelly, speech impeded hitch-hiker whom He died for, just the same as He died for a disgruntled and inconvenienced man driving home from work, patting himself on the back for being a great human being.

I want to end by saying that I am not saying that we should be more more aware of hitch-hikers or angels. But I do feel we should all be more sensitive to God's Spirit. We never know when he is going to teach a very important lesson. And we never know who He will decide to deliver such message. I was taught and reminded of so many things, on so many levels, by two minutes of conversation during a ten minute ride to Wal Mart... by a man I arrogantly pre-determined myself to be so much better than. And all the soap in the world can't change that. I bet my hitch-hiker has long forgot about me and my great act of humanity, but I doubt that I will forget, for a long time, the lesson God sent to me through a smelly, anxious, tongue-tied, and simple traveler.

One Way To Improve The NFL

I should probably begin todays rant by saying that I have lost what little football knowledge that I have. I do not know how, why, or exactly when this knowledge left me, but it is gone.

Want proof? Look at my fantasy football teams. Or my college picks this year. I sadly admit to teling my friends that Ryan Leaf is the real deal and that Peyton Manning will not be all that good becasue of his "happy feet". More recently, I told a guy that Minnesota would never make the playoffs this year. I drafted L.T. 8th overall in not one, but two leagues. I picked the Rams to win 4 games and most recently picked the Bolts to beat the Redbirds in the Superbowl.

So remember as you read this, that I have lost any sense of reason when it comes to football. Don't fall out when you read the next line...

...kickers suck!

Not personally mind you, but as an athlete (yes, I giggled as I typed kicker and athlete so closely together) I formerly held the opinion that a kicker was like a policeman or a teacher, or a politician; and that is that a good one will never be paid what he is worth and that most of them are paid entirely too much; and in the sitaution of a kicker, that is too much money against a salary cap that could be used for signing a real player. Not to mention a wasted roster spot.

So I am taking it upon myself to begin an official lobby to rid football, not futbol whatever that is, but the NFL of the entire postion of the kicker. My desire is that I have seen, for the last time, some guy come into a hard fought game wearing two different shoes and as many pairs of socks, and choke; ending the game in a loss for his teammates. Not too mention ridding myself of the nuisance of drafting a kicker with my last fantasy draft pick.

Now I know what all of you pro-kicker, tee-hugging, bleeding hearts are thinking. But I no longer care to be politically correct on this issue. I have seen too many people play too hard only to let some twinkle-toes prima donna come in and blow the game.

I realize that many of you have drank the Kool-Aid and believe that the kicker is a high stress job, but I think that is swill. The kicker is only involved in 3 or 4 plays in an entire 3 hour game. And for the 25 seconds that he plays, no one can even touch him! There is a roughing penalty to protect him, even a "running into" penalty, for the love of Pete! You can't even get grazed, man! One guy snaps the ball, another catches it and holds it, and unless you are Charlie brown, all you then have to do is kick the ball through some upright poles. They are bright yellow, you can't miss them. And no one can touch you! Not hit you or hurt you, but not even graze you! I said that already, didn't I?

...and to help along with the charade of the kicker being an athlete and position, or even a real teammate, you have to mark off steps and do a little curtsy, turn and face east, and do some superstitious act before kicking the stinking ball; like we can be fooled into thinking all of that is necessary. By all of the fancy footwork and such, you try to fool us into thinking that all of that is required for your mechanics.

Mechanics? You the kicker can't even wear the same shoes! You wear one for traction and one for "touch" on the ball, which sounds illegal in most states to me. You don't even need to wear a cup, nor a real helmet, as they may interfere with all of your "mechanics".

Then getting past all of this, you don't even punt! Heck! Some of the kickers don't even do "kick-offs" which by description and title, is part of your over paid job. So kicking isn't even kicking to a you.

I realize that I am getting personal in my attack, and have begun to use nouns such as "you" and "them". Next I will revert to the ever ignorant, arrogant,and racist, "those people" when referencing kickers. I apologize, but I am passionate on my stance of ridding the NFL of kickers; and that kickers are a great evil.

I guess these feelings come from watching two teams fight out a physical, gut-wrentching game; only to have some twinkle-toed creampuff come in with part of a helmut and fancy little shoes, and screw up the only play he is involved in. I mean, you never even see a kicker on the sidelines cheering or pumping fists, or anything. The kicker is too busy play kicking a ball into a little net; trying to stay warm becasue he hasn't done anything in like a week! And while the lineman with a broken arm, the QB with cracked ribs and the rest of the guys with their concussions, contusions, gashes, stitches, and taped up bodies have to hang their heads in disbelief, you flitter-fart off the field and say,"my bad" as you go back to your spot on the end of the bench; where you left your jacket and leggings...

...maybe this is a sensitve subject to other football fans as well. Maybe this whole "kicking thing" has some underlying psychological undertones for many of us. Maybe the displaced aggression is justified. Maybe it really is easier to be a critic than a performer. Maybe there is little place for a Monday morning, arm-chair kicker. Maybe in this econmy we are concerned about those who are overpaid and under efficient. maybe the kicker subconsciously represents someone we all know in our own office or factory or wherever we work. That is something that only you and your shrink may know.

But know this! Football would be better served having someone, a real player who has been in the battle of the game, throw the ball through the uprtights than have a kicker come in and louse everything up. The game would be much better served if kickers would be done away with. And when it happens, remember you heard that here first...and that I bet my football credentials on it happening...

Friday

Usually Mondays are the melancholy days and Thursdays are for bittersweet memories, and Fridays are for celebrating and letting your hair down. But as I find myself today at forty and no hair to let down, I find that my thoughts to be hangovers from the week; or more accurately, thoughts and leftovers of what are aspects of my life now, to speak in terms of analogy. And I know that Saturday brings the Devil to pay, but Sunday brings redemption; but I'm not certain if I'm ready to settle my tab or not. As I reflect on things and consider my own words as I write, I realize that I learned everything that I need to know from all of my Friday experiences as a wild-eyed, teenage boy.

I learned how to budget $12 and turn it into a pretty full evening... and I realized how many hours a fry-cook has to turn in to produce $12, after taxes, a new concept to a sixteen year old...I learned how to cut corners during the week by eating lunch at home and pocketing the savings. I understood that by sacrificing my desire for a McDonald's cheeseburger during the week was the difference between having Bud Lite or Milwaukee's Best come Friday night. That lesson seems lost to many of us today, in our "I want it all and I want it now" society...

I learned to appreciate the little things in life, like sharing a pack of cigarettes and conversations, with a couple of close friends...while sitting on the hood of the car at the drive-in, or out on a country road...and that no amount of money can buy that time back. And that memories are truly priceless, both good and bad.

My taste in music developed from blaring car speakers and cassette tapes with spiffy fold-outs. And growing up in the 80's was a great time for music, I type as my computer is blasting some feel-good Friday music. And like my car back then, I have more watts on my computer than I need now...play it loud!

I did learn some basic mechanic skills, as we mostly drove lemons back then. But they were our lemons and we could care less if they were pretty or not; if we could patch them together, we would pool our funds to buy enough gas to last us until midnight.

We learned to be very resourceful in many ways, not just financially. At times it took some very clever means for a sixteen year old to get his hands on enough beer for five or six guys...maybe even more creative at times than resourceful. But we rarely did without whatever we set our minds out to achieve or gain.

And we learned not to tattle-tell on whoever bought us booze. I learned that there is a code in life and that even if you were up to "no-good" that you could still have some honor, a lesson from Fridays past that I still try to remember today...and we could all learn a little something about honor today.

And you knew who your friends were. And you knew that you would charge hell with a water pistol to protect them. And you always knew that they were behind you with the same vigor as well. If a fight broke out, you knew who had your back and whose back you watched...no more, no less. I am afraid that as adults we learn to back stab and rationalize. Your friend was your friend back then. Now there is no honor among thieves; our relationships are more complex politics now. Thank God we didn't have the intellect to understand that then. We just knew who we liked and knew that to have a friend you had to be a friend. We never were friends for what we could get, but by what we mutually gave.

We learned a lot of first aid on Friday nights, as the consumption of the hard-earned beer lead to more than a few scuffs and scrapes. And we learned how to hide such accidents. We never considered lawsuits or litigation's. You drank, you fell, you bled, you healed. Case closed.

I still find that Friday, quitting time is the best time of the week. Whether it's school or work, I still look forward to Friday afternoon...

...so many lessons learned. So many Fridays celebrated. And while I am not one to think that the good ole days are always better;and I realize that I am looking back on my teenage Fridays with carefully selected memories, I do find myself missing my old "hoop tie", $12 cash in my pocket, and plans for a grand and glorious evening full of so much promise, as were our lives back then.

I don't condone or promote anything we did and I don't feel the need to defend anything either. I am simply considering Friday as I sit and read the news and compare then to now. I miss my long, curly hair and my checkered Vans. I miss the adventure and the risks. I miss playing Def Leppard and Whitesnake so loud that it rattles the neighbors windows. I miss the mischief and the giddy feeling of seeing whatever girl of the week drive by in a convertible. But the biggest thing that I miss are my friends.

I learned that by going through all of these, and many more, experiences together, we formed relationships; and we nurtured these relationships with more experiences, and we fromed the ties that bind with our hearts.

But the greatest lesson that I have learned is that camaraderie, friendship, resourcefulness, creativity, courage, and honor cannot be bought. Not even for $12 .

Insert Acrimonious Title Here

This is why it is so unbelievably difficult for me to remain quiet about politics:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/01/13/democrats_contempt_for_the_governed_99863.html

I hope the link works.And if it doesn't, it's worth your time and effort to manually type the address in...Its an unbelievable article sent to me by a friend, who by the way, knows how angry this kind of thing makes me. Thanks Mark!

We really have to wonder about things. And I will say again that our presidents have a large amount of influence setting ethical and moral tones, whether they wish to or not; and whether the people desire to allow them to set such tone or not.

We have to vote with conviction this year, in all we vote for. We really have to get our heads out of the sand!

Not much time for a good rant today. But read this article and tell me you can actually believe what you read. And if you do believe it, there is something wrong; on many, many levels!

Harry Reid, Al Sharpton, and Me

Good Monday to everyone! I only have a few minutes, but I want to get some thoughts down; and at least get back to more consistent blogging. After all, you deserve it, right? You are reading this so that means something, doesn't it?

Anyway, I will begin by mentioning that I do not watch much news these days. I read a lot of news from a handful of sites on the web, thank you Al Gore, but I do not watch much, on television. And I say that to apologize if I am not very current or if I am repeating anything that you have already heard.

But how about this Harry Reid stuff? And how about the severe double standard by the Democrats and the Republicans. Wow! And before you join in and give a big, "yeah that's right" in your mind, and point fingers at how out of touch our leaders are, I ask you to pause and reflect for a minute. Granted, I do feel that our government does not represent us or our best interests, but I am afraid that the double standard in racial issues are only being mirrored; and that our society refracts that upon the congress...or maybe Harry Reid is a real person after all... I guess what I am tip-toeing around is that, as sad as it may be, racism is not only still alive but worsening. And that, too often, a pigmentation in our skin causes us to generalize about something in someone's heart. Of course we don't help break stereotypes when we act in stereotypical fashion, but that is for another day.

But the double standard is glaring. And I understand why the Republicans are screaming about the double standard, because it does seem to be ok for a Democrat to say certain things about black people, while it is not ok for Republicans to say the same thing. And we can call it semantics, or any other two-cent word, but it is a double standard. Of course the double standard for the Republicans is probably more like unjustified anger. Or maybe pretend animosity. Make-believe indignity? However you want to slice it, it probably smells more like insincerity and politics rather than having the odor of concern for civil rights. And the hypocrisy of both parties overshadows the double standard...

And speaking of double standard, I did see that Al Sharpton got an apology for the comments that Harry Reid made about Barak Obama...let me read that again...Harry Reid...spoke out of line...made an ass of himself...in concern to...President Obama...Nope! I didn't see Al Sharpton mentioned anywhere. Why did he get an apology? Who brought him into this? I do realize that he should understand "double standard" better than most, as he has made a career of it, but I still don't recall anyone speaking to him. But I very well could have missed that aspect of the fracas; I admittedly haven't followed the story very closely, I just happened to see him on one of the news channels as I flipped between football games this weekend. So I apologize if I only have part of the Harry Reid story and Al Sharpton was spoken to or about. But the way I see it now is that Al Sharpton gets an automatic apology every time someone, or at least any Republican, says the word "black". And I stand by my sentiment that Sharpton exploits those he pretends to care about, but again, another lesson for another day...I do know that I feel like he tries to make me feel bad for not liking black licorice and that I should apologize to him for the fact. I do like black coffee, but I am afraid that doesn't cancel out any negative aspects concerning the licorice...and I do want to know how one becomes the voice of a demographic, minus the Castro route; because when I do figure it out, I will get on t.v. and gain free publicity for someone else's work as well as apologies, every time someone says, "bald", "sarcastic", "stocky", "know-it all", and "jerk".

And on that note, I am out of time. I spent so much time on the Harry Reid thing, that I didn't get to the shocker of Mark McGwire's steroid use. Or that his steroid use is Sarah Palin's fault. Maybe I can cover more news of the obvious in the near future.

In the meantime, try to remember that some words can hurt very badly, but that every word doesn't not kill us; especially the words of two-cent bloggers and politicians.

The Year of the Tax

As I predicted in my 2010 Preview version of this blog, I predict that this will be the year of the taxes; even for "poor folks". I sincerely believe that we will be taxed upon our taxes, and the tax money will be misappropriated, and that the high taxes will hurt the economy; not keep us eco-friendly nor healthy. I am betting that we will be taxed on our "junk food" this year. I am guessing that our utilities will drastically rise due to stiffer taxes on utility companies. I have a gut feeling that even the poor will pay much more taxes this year, and that I could go on and on about what and who will be taxed and really not get to the gist of what I am leading into.

And what I am leading into is a list of things that I would like to see taxed this year. And first on my list, I would like to see lying taxed. Yes you read it right, I think we should tax lies. And I use the same logic that will be used to tax and pay for health care, ala cigarettes. I use the same logic that will lead to "junk food" and cheeseburgers being taxed. And that logic is that since overweight people are a big chunk of health care cost, we should tax their habits; like we do now with smokers.

So why not tax lies and liars? And I'm not talking about high school boys or fishermen; but people who lie on tax forms and welfare checks. Look at the majority of the costs these lies cost the taxpayer. I would be interested to know how many frivolous insurance claims, as well as unemployment claims, exist, and to what tune it amounts to in monetary terms. How much do we spend on social programs that people lie about in order to recieve?

And look at the price of security that is spent on preventing lies. Look at all of the costs of extra security codes, identity protection, security guards, extra office workers, legal documentation, so on and so forth, that is spent to prevent or protect against dishonesty.

But I guess some of that enters the realm of theft, so lets tax theft also. Consider how much extra we spend trying to protect ourselves from hackers,criminals, and petty thieves. Surveillance cameras, extra codes on our debit cards, and the like, all have costs that are passed on to the consumer. So let's tax lies and theft.

Actually, let's tax crime. Look at the cost of not just our penal systems and judicial systems, but the costs of crime; on all levels, especially personal and business.

And there is no need to stop there, we should tax immorality. Look at the costs for divorces and infidelity and slander and malice and such. Not just legal fees, counseling costs, and psychologist fees; but all of the dollars and cents that it costs us to protect ourselves and our families. This could be broken down to various level of minutiae, but you get the point.

So we should tax morality. And the precedent is being set for such to occur. We are forced to pay higher costs and taxes so that we can be a "green" nation. We are taxed to pay for overused and outdated programs that should help the needy but instead benefit the greedy and the lazy...our morality is being taxed right now in many ways, if we would just examine the semantics...

I will digess on the taxation of stupidity or just plain, old meanness. I will not even venture into the realm of laziness. And like all of the other "moral" taxes that occur now or that I am proposing, only those who abide by the law or try to be decent, will be harmed; so there is no real pragmatic manner by which to tax the guilty or immoral.

So I guess we cannot really tax many of the things that I am proposing, but we can pay attention to the governmental rhetoric. And we can all try to do better by each other, wherever we may be at any particular moment. And if we are afraid of being too moral or accidentally resembling anything Christ-like, we can just rationalize it away and fool ourselves into thinking that our checkbooks and government spending will pick up our slack; duty before faith, so to speak.

And while this may not be the most cognitively cohesive piece written on taxes and morality, maybe you can glean a little something from my rant. And if not, don't sue me, just tax me...

Here Comes 2010

Man-Oh-Man! It's a lot harder to get back into the swing of blogging, than I thought it would be. It's not that I don't have any ideas, it's more like I have too many ideas and dunno where to begin.

I guess i could do a "Year in Review" kind of thing, but I guess that everyone already knows what happens or they are so disinterested that there is no need in informing anyone on any issues now. And by the way, Michael jackson did die and is still dead as near as I can tell...

So I guess that leads to a "Year in Preview" edition of The Self-Inflicted Blog. And like usual, I will just jump right in:

For the year 2010, I have a few predictions, that may or may not happen. I have no claimto any inside information and do not "back up" any predictions, as I am generally not very accurate on these things. But the beauty of this "Preview" is that I am only a critic and have nothing invested and nothing to lose; not to mention that no one will remember the predictions that I get wrong, and I will only remiond everyone of the guesses, I mean predictions that I am accurate in my prognostications. So without further adieu,

In the sports world, I predict that the Arizona cardinals will lose to the San Diego Chargers in the Superbowl. I take the Washington Capitals over the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup, and the Yankees to buy a championship, I mean beat somebody, for the championship of baseball in the World Series. Yeah, I know there is some bad grammar in that last sentence, but it's the only way I could maneuver the "buy a championship/win a championship" thing.

Other sports forecasts, Brett Favre will retire/unretire/leave a team hanging/so on and so forth. None the less, he will cost another coach and GM a job. I look for more of the same from Urban Meyer, minus the coach aspect for obvious reasons. I predict that the Rams will win 4 games next year, the Blues will fire Andy Murray before February 1st, Iowa will play Iowa State seven times this year in college football, or so it will seem, and that I will continue to root against Notre Dame, Alabama, Oklahoma, Detroit Red Wings, and the Niners...

In the world of economics, I predict that the dollar will drop drastically in value. I predict inflation to occur ala Carter years. Unemployment will rise to close to 20% by Autumn and there will be a 30% plus default on credit card debts. And i predict that this will all be Bush's fault. Either one of them, maybe even Jeb.

I hate to be pessimistic, but I just don't like the signs of the economy. And I do have a semster of Econ 101 under my belt; or I would have if I would have finished that semester. But that is another lesson for another day. Bottom line, I look for the massive government spending to affect global economies and for our national economies to be negatively affected. The DOW will prob hang around the 6500 range for those interestd in the markets, not that the DOW really means anything.

So I do not think anything good will happen in the economic realm. I'm not thinking Great Depression stuf, but it will be darn close. But good things can still come of it. Wew may find out where Americas strength really is; and it won't be in our banks or checkbooks....

In the political realm, I think that this will be the year of the taxes. Everything will be taxed, and I mean everything. It will be the price we must pay for health care, crime, "green" lifestyles, organic food, and flu vaccines. But do not fret, it will be spun to reflect how caring we are and how much we love to sacrifice for those around us. As we are taxed to death, we will have the luxury of knowing that we are not moral or ethical in our hearts, but in our checkbooks and our bank accounts.

This taxing death to death will contribute to the economic failure. Instead of focusing on consumption, tax breaks for business, and tort reforms we will increase taxation as we increase the role of our government. As we learned under the Clinton administration, we do not really care about the moral climate, just long as the check doesn't bounce. And only about a third of you reading will understand what I am saying, but now it is time to reconcile the statements; the piper is knocking on the door wanting his salary. We can not stay a step ahead of the wolves by our checkbooks any longer; the birds have come home to roost. And feel free to insert any overused cliche here, I have.

In other economic/political predictions I think we will be exposed to the word, "Keynesian" entirely too much. I feel that we will still hear about Hurrican Katrina as if it was the only disaster we have ever experienced in our nation. I think people will still read Krugman's junk as gospel, and that this will be still be Bush's fault. Any of them.

And I predict that I am running my predictions togethere and that everyone will wonder why I don't invest in some ADD medications. My excuse, I'm rusty...

Other random predictions, This will be the year that populism begins to come back in vogue, the phrase, "in vogue" will become dated, Harry Reid will publish his memoirs under the title, "Milquetoast", and another celbrity will have an affair or die or do both. I think Obama will break promises that he hasn't even made and that the Democrats will continue to screw things up. I predict that the Republicans will point fingers and "tattle-tell" on the Democrats like a bunch of third graders under the guise of "caring for our best interests". I predict that people are tired of the two parties and of their politics. We may hit a low point this year, but we will probably have to have things get worse before they can get better.

And now putting all of the predictions aside, I will share something that you can absolutely take to the bank: God will still be in control and He will love us even when we are unlovable.

I hope you enjoy my guess for the happenings of 2010, but mostly I pray that you remember the prvious paragraph; and know that regardless of what happens this year, we can still have peace and hope!

New You 4418

Wow! It's been a long time, since I have blogged...

I could make up a fascinating story about being kidnapped or lost in the jungle somewhere, but the truth is that I just took an unplanned break in blogging. I was not/am not burned out. I always have something on my mind and just enough ego to think that others find that what is on MY mind is interesting enough to read and mull over in their own minds.

I have changed my daily routine and have a new job, both of which were an adjustment to my blogging, but if the truth were to be told, the changes were pretty minuscule and only a meager excuse not to blog...and though factory work is unbelieveably mind-numbing, it does give one time to think about things.

There have been some emotionally taxing issues that have been dealt with, but in reality it is just life and these things never stopped me nor altered my daily routines before; at least not but for a day or two.

The Holiday Season has been very busy, but very good to my family and myself, so not much excuse in the lack of blogging to be found there. I hope the same can be said for all of you...

And all of this is "announcement/confession" is to clear the air, so to speak, and to let everyone know that I plan on continuing this blog and will be posting some new stuff soon. I also would like to thank everyone for their support and for all of those who continued to read and check in from time to time and see if their was anything new going on.

I also must confess that I hope the unintentional hiatus will breath a little fresh life into the blog; I do realize that my rants were getting stale. I hope that this continues to grow, has purpose, causes people to think, and encourages everyone to voice their thoughts!

Thanks again for your support and take this opportunity to go back and read some archived stuff, for my ego's sake!

A Quickie On Food

Wow! It's been a couple of weeks since I've blogged. Are you missing it or have you decided that you have found better ways to spend five minutes every few days? Either way, I'm back...

...not that I went anywhere. Well, I have been out of town a few times since I've blogged, but you know what I mean; no major changes. And no excuses for not blogging other than lack of discipline and desire. And to be honest, I felt like I was in a rut. It seems like a little negativity goes a long way with me these days. Even though I'm cranky because I am an optimist, I am hoping to dull the edge a little, so to speak. So maybe the time off will help my outlook.

So for my blog today I will not focus on politics or religion. I will not use this as a forum to blast wishy-washy, cowardly people who pretend to be friends in an attempt to hide my hurt. I will not try to solve the health care problem or write a treatise on Tea Parties or issues of reform. No splitting the atom or re-inventing the wheel.

But I will ask a question of my reader's; one that I can't figure out for the life of me: and that is why is food and eating becoming so confusing?

Yes,food is becoming confusing to me. I love to eat and always thought that I understood the concept; all to well. But even the basic principles of food have me a loss these days. Like food flavored food. You know, food flavored to taste like other food. And I can understand why you would want to cover up and disguise the taste of brussel sprouts or peas. But why cover up good stuff? Like apple pie shake. Why would I drink a shake if I have a craving for pie? Why wouldn't I just get pie? Or a shake? Or how about mango flavored pineapple? I still can figure out who goes to all of the trouble to "unflavor" a piece of dried pineapple, only to "reflavor" it with mango. And to add to the confusion, I read that the product contains pear and apple juice.

Then that brings me to the question of why does the juice I buy from the store contain artificial flavors, but the soap that I use to wash dishes contains real fruit juice. Would I be better off drinking my dish washing liquid? It leads me to believe that would be the case, except I tried that with the "Body on Tap" shampoo, years ago. I drank 6 bottles of that stuff and was still as sober as the Pope! But my insides were clean; and come to think of it, it could have been marketed as toilet cleaner. But back to my point...

...which is that even eating is getting confusing. Maybe I am getting old. Maybe this is some of the change that people talk about that occurs whren you hit forty. And certainly there is some psychological aspect that I am overlooking. But to me it still seems simple; "I want chocolate pie. I go to store or I sweet talk my wife or mother for chocolate pie. One gives in, I get pie. I eat pie." None of this "Company X has now developed a chocolate pie flavored ice cream that you can make into a frozen dessert or a shake" stuff. That makes my head hurt. And it kind of makes me feel stupid that I just want a simple piece of chocolate pie. I didn't think I was a simpleton, but maybe I just don't understand the psychology of it all.

I do know that it bothers me that I can' trust my government, most people I meet on the street, or anyone else some days, with the exception of God; and that now Gosh Dang It! I can't even trust my grocer or fry-cooks! What have we devolved into?

Oh well, it is lunch time and all of this is making me hungry. I crave a cheeseburger and I see that one sandwich joint has a chicken burger with turkey bacon, covered with american flavored swiss cheese. And organic pickles, whatever that means. Maybe I will hop in the truck and go try one and see if the psychology tastes as good as a regular bacon cheeseburger. Or maybe I will put some soap on a cracker and call it an even wash, so to speak...

...Thanks again for your support! And pass this along to any that may be "food impaired" like I am...

Thoughts on Death

Why is it, that when people die, they become martyrs and paragons of virtue and shining humanity? Why is that people extend such courtesies to those who are dead and gone, while neglecting forgiveness and optimism on the lives of those still living? Wouldn't we be doing better if we would try to find the good in people while they are still alive, instead of waiting for disease or accident to take a life before we find any morsel of decency in another's life? We rarely trust, respect, or honor anyone while they are among the living, but the second they die, we want to forgive them of all of their sins and vices as we project them to be pillars of society as they were among the living. Do we do this because of guilt? Do we fell that we should have "done better by them" while they were living. Do we feel guilty that we often overlooked or ignored their needs as we lumped them into a general category of humanity as we do most other people that we encounter daily? Or is it arrogance? Do we feel that we can resolve their sins now that they are gone from this life? Do we have the power to do more than to forgive? Can we cover their sins by erecting a statue or muttering some kind words at a funeral service? Or maybe it's all due to the strong emotions inspired by all things dealing with death.

Please understand that I am not trying to be insensitive to death, and certainly not insensitive to the pains felt; sincere, heartfelt pains of those who may have lost someone dear to them. Nor am I trying to over-generalize or overlook the individuality of people and the manner by which they express grief. But I have to admit that I find the difference that life and death makes on a person's image to be difficult to understand at times.

Death does change things. And when we lose someone close to us, we hurt. And there is nothing insincere about that. But when we change in our minds, as to how or who that person was as they lived, we alter a great many things. And I'm not so certain that this alteration is altogether healthy. But that is just my opinion, and probably a muddled opinion at that. But I feel that when we alter, not chose to focus on the positive, but alter our opinions of who a person was after they die, we alter our perceptions of life and death. And as we alter our outlooks by guilt or arrogance, or confusion, we alter our perceptions of life after death; and that is a crucial element to our "psyche" for lack of a better word at the moment. It just seems to me that we should look at things realistically before, during, and after life.

And I'm sure that I am being as clear as mud. This happens when I try not to step on toes and when I mince my words. And do not think that this is a good trait or that I am making excuses for myself; as I am not. I am, however, trying to be honest and realistic; as I perceive honest and realistic to be. Which brings me to a point that may help clarify things somewhat:

When I die, the greatest honor you could do for me, other than have a bar-b-que instead of a funeral, is that everyone would remember me as I truly was. Don't overlook my bad points. My being dead will not change the fact that I am opinionated or that I can be difficult to deal with. My dying will not change the fact that I struggle with my temperament or that I tended to usually say too much. Now don't get me wrong, I don't want everyone to drag my name through the mud, for I have some very good qualities as well. And I hope that those qualities stand out much more than my bad qualities, but please do not erect a statue of me in an effort to make me a martyr; figuratively speaking of course. If you really know me, you will know my faults and if you really love me you will deal with those faults and still love me, whether I am dead or alive. And for the sake of my friends and family, there is no need to dwell on my negatives, as they know what they are more so than the casual bystander in my life...

...and I feel that this may have just muddied the water more than it was. And this blog is not about my life and times, but about how we deal with life and death. So many funerals in town recently, the Michael Jackson death( and yes, he is still dead according to the news), and today's news of Teddy Kennedy dying are some of the issues that has brought the death and stuff to the surface and on occupies my thoughts. And I'm trying real hard not to write about Kennedy and how his death will be an emotional boost for the health care reform. Kennedy will be a martyr for all things liberal, and many things that have and will hurt this country. But all will be forgotten because he has died. Not that we should dwell on his dead secretary or any of his flaws. It won't help anything or anyone now. We should learn from his life, and those lives of those who have died who may be close to us. We should look at things more realistically and less politically, and that goes for our friends and families, not just for politicians.

Because realistically death is the beginning of eternity. And we need to focus on things eternal, not the temporary life that we have right now. And if we realistically look at the lives of those around us, we should better understand about things eternal. The decisions we make now affect the hereafter, and the way in which we live our lives now, affect others; not the manner by which we die or by which a statue is erected in our honor.

I will try to end this very random blog on a note saying that memorials and good memories are not only acceptable, but cherished as well as healthy. Especially during the grieving process. But if we really know someone and really admire their lives, we should remember them honestly; and learn from their lives as we apply it to our lives. We should think eternally by admiring and learning from the finite, and doing our best to let our heads and hearts work together for the sake of souls.

I'm certain that this not the best blog ever written and that it is certainly not the most cohesive piece ever written either. But I do hope that it contains a few tid-bits of something useful, and that is causes us to think. And somehow, I hope this can make a positive change in the lives of the living, as it is too late for the deceased.

Ads I Would Like To See

Often, I see advertisements and t.v. shows that I feel should come with some type of disclaimer; something honest and direct. And in this spirit, I submit some commercials, advertisements, disclaimers, and previews that I would really like to see:

Commercial Number One:
A sole lawyer gives his spiel about mesothelioma and how he would like to represent so many victims of this malady. He is standing in front of some diplomas hanging on the wall, and the standard bookcase that generally accompanies these ads. However his dialogue is much different than what we have come to expect; " Hi, I represent the Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe Law firm and I would like to represent you in a case against your former employer. Regardless of the fact that you may have made $50 an hour with incredible benefits, as well as knew the health risks before you took the job, we at the D.C.and H. firm feel that a good fleecing is always in order. I am trying to pretend that I sincerely care about you and your family, as well as have some concern as to helping stop unhealthy work environments; but in all reality, I really only want to make a few bucks. Most of the good lawyers, with ethics, probably wouldn't take this case, but I am below those standards and am tired of chasing ambulances 5 days a week. Not to mention that I feel that I am entitled to make as much money as I can; even at your expense.
And speaking of expense, I will give you a free consultation as you and many others sign up for a class action suit that will make many of you hundreds if not thousands of dollars, while making me millions. Isn't your life worth $1000? Think of all of the things that your children could do with the $250 you leave in their college fund.
We at Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe really want to represent you in order to make some money off of your misery, and we promise to pretend to care most of the entire proceedings. If you make us money, that is. And oh yeah, we are not allowed to practice in 36 of the 48 continental States, but call anyway as we make $1.25 per call...

Here's one for a drug company:
The commercial begins with soft music and children playing on a school yard. Then the camera pans to a young woman and young man walking hand in hand down along a beach, in front of a beautiful sunset. As the music plays softly, a voice begins to inform you of a new medicine that is alleged to cure many disorders: We at PillCom realize that the scenery and music used in this commercial have nothing to do with cancer or depression, but we are trying our best to manipulate you into an emotion. And as we manipulate your emotion we want you to think of things better than the things in your lousy life, not in hopes of comforting you, but in hopes that you realize how crummy your life really is and that you need yet another pill to help you function.
Never mind that the side affects are worse than your illness or that our pill may even kill you. This only matters if we are all truly concerned for each other. And here at PillCom, we are really only concerned with profit.
We also want to take this chance to inform you of disease and disorder, not for education, but so that you can run to your doctor and tell them how sick you are. Not to mention that you will be as smart as your doctor if you tell you know of a new medicine and that our commercial manipulated you into feeling as though you now need this medicine to help deal with reality.
We usually throw in the "this may not be right for you" bit about now, but, again, who really cares? You get your pill and we get some $200 a bottle.
Then the camera focuses in on a dove flying serenely into the sunset.

How about a disclaimer for a reality show:
Tune in to channel 7 at 7 on Thursday nights for "The Rack of Love", "Rack" hinting at the implants of the female contestants and "Love" manipulating you into thinking that you could find such on a t.v. show. We would like to issue a disclaimer that we are, in reality, producing a cheap program with minimal cost, while exploiting those who are indeed heartbroken or just too simple to know that they are being manipulated. You really should be embarrassed and ashamed to watch this program, but if you do watch, be certain to take your penicillin beforehand...and remember that boobs and birdbrains really sell to the majority of the people who feel the need to pretend that their lives are more superior to others. And as long as there is insecurity, there will be a balding, wig-wearing, over 50 has-been, pseudo rock star who needs you for his ego...

How about a disclaimer on a bottle of diet pills saying that you burned more calories reading this bottle than you will taking this entire bottle and that the only real way to lose weight is diet and exercise. That is why this herbal/grass placebo only works if you take it while dieting and exercising.

A disclaimer on a political ad:
I'm a Republican and I know the problems, but have few answers. But I will continue to point fingers as long as you vote me in office. I will even pretend to be outraged. I'm part of the old elite, and really couldn't find a real job anywhere else anyway, so continue to vote for me as I show you the problems...

or

I'm a Democrat and it's my turn to shine. I like to talk about bi-partisan things but I just don't really like Republicans; and the common man is too dumb to know how to help himself, so I must do it for him. I only have two years left in my political career, so I must act fast and have little time for concern for anyone other than myself, so watch as I cram legislation down your throat...

How about an ad for cold medicine:
A man in a cheap doctors costume, complete with stethoscope, is seen shilling a night-time liquid medicine. " Hello, I'm a doctor. See my stethoscope? And I'm here to sell, I mean tell, you about ColdAway liquid. If you take this elixir for 4 or 5 days, I guarantee that your cold will be gone. Never mind the fact that it would have been gone in 4 or 5 days regardless of medication. ColdAway is 190 proof, so you will be so bombed that you can deal with your cold for a little less than a week. So for those weak in constitution but great in symptoms, take ColdAway.

And I guess you all get the point that I am trying to make here.And i must admit that I have always found commercials to be very interesting as well as very powerful. I do wish that I could see some commercials like the ones that I just created; and wonder if it would help sales...

Have a great Monday as I hope your week gets started on a high note!

Look Around You

So much has happened to so many people in our community this week; as I suspect has been the case for many communities these days. So many people with so many needs, and such heavy hearts. With this in mind, I ask that you take the few minutes that you usually spend reading my two-cent opinions, and spend the time in prayer for those around you. And remember that God is in control and that we are just passing through on this plane; our citizenship is in heaven if we know Jesus. If you don't know Jesus, I will gladly help introduce you to Him! Just ask...

Look around at those in need, and ask God how you can meet these needs. Let's all pull together in these trying times and bring something positive from our experiences.

God Bless!

Just As Empty As Nirvana

Maybe I am just a bit rusty, but I cannot find a good way to begin today's blog, so I will give it the "cold swimming pool" treatment and just jump right in:

Has anyone heard much about a case in Florida where a teacher and someone from a church are facing criminal charges for a lunch time prayer? And no, this is not one of those, " two Jews, a Baptist, and a priest walk into a bar" kind of thing. There is a real case that will go to trial sometime in September. I have to admit that I have not read much about the case, and have seen very little coverage on the news. So I am not an expert on what has happened and why it is a criminal offense. I have also read that the ACLU is involved, so nothing would surprise me , and frankly I cannot stomach it right now. There are too many people with real struggles around all of us these days. My heart breaks when I hear that prayer, Christian prayer, is on trial; but know that this is pretty typical of the ACLU and going back to school. The pushing of a wacko agenda, and the timidness of those who call themselves Christians, always flare up and clash about now. And there will be another flare up and clash around Christmas. It is much more political than it is personal.

But it does have me thinking about the whole prayer in school thing. And I must admit, that it is an issue that has caused me to struggle, at least struggle for the best solution without compromising my duties as a Christian. Maybe it causes alot of people to struggle, and what I see as timidness or fear is really confusion. Either way, it is a subject that is difficult to express, so like I usually do, I have decided to be aggressive instead of passive, and tackle the subject in my blog.

While I have little desire to have this become and in-depth article on prayer and school, church and state, I do think that we need to touch base on a few areas that relate to prayer in our schools. There are some things that may cause us to think about and better relate our feelings, so that maybe we will be inspired to help bring about a change or betterment.

The first thing we must address is the separation of church and state. And the first thing we must get straight is that separation does not mean absence of. While it is in no one's best interest to have a National religion or a State run church, it is in eberyone's best interest to allow individual religion to exist hand in hand with things of the State. Separation does not imply lack of existence. And how some judges that supposedly have so many degrees cannot understand this is way beyond me. If something is separate, there is an implication and understood knowledge that there must be at least two entities, in this case church and state, and that they shall remain as two entities. That is separation. To rid the nation of religion in schools is a philosophical genocide, something that the ACLU is trying to attempt. Their desire is to rid our society of all things Christian. They hide behind phrases like "separation of church and state" or "freedom of choice" when they really intend to push an agenda that would only benefit those who wish to rid the nation of Christians and all things Christ-like. There are no defense of freedoms here, just the diminishing rights of those who believe what they do not. This is the means and manners of most liberal organizations such as the ACLU. And it is time they are called out on it. And consider this, When is the last time that a Buddhist or a Muslim were on trial for their religious belief? Or how groups such as the ACLU want to remove the ten commandments from public buildings and quiet Christian prayer, but then complain about the lack of religious freedom for prisoners in Guantanamo Bay? Complain about the treatment of prisoners so much that they are now given a copy of the Koran and that the direction to Mecca is mapped out all over the prison floors. You try to give a Bible away and see what happens. You can't put crosses on the prison floors. So it's better to side with a criminal who is Muslim and has planned the death of thousands of people, than an innocent American who wishes to pray or read a Bible. Seems like strange bed fellows to me; and that maybe they should drop the A from the ACLU...

...and I have gotten off subject somewhat. But I do want us to consider the logic and the inconsistency in the argument of separation of church and state. Our constitution gives us freedom to worship and that freedom is not limited to where and when. Regardless of the amendments and laws and opinions, it was written to guarantee freedom; judges and eggheads have placed the limits on our religious freedom, not our forefathers.

So with that being said, why isn't there a time that would be allowed for prayer in our school? Why allot the first five or ten minutes of a school day for individual prayer? Why not take a prayer break in the afternoon? And why would the ACLU or atheists object? If they don't believe in God, then what is the harm? And if there is no God then their ears should not bleed from hearing the word God, or witnessing some people praying or meditating. Why act like there is a threat, when there is clearly none if they believe that we all came from nothing and return to nothing. Maybe the conviction is more than they can bear. I do not know. But I do not understand why anyone or any group can be threatened by something they do not believe exists. Not even logical. So maybe they should just let people of religion practice their faith while they walk smugly away thinking that we are all fools. If I weren't afraid of something, I would care less if I were exposed to it. And I think that if they are so thin-skinned, soft, and weak of heart,that they are offended by such practice of faith and religion, then they have more problems than someone giving a "rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub" over a ham sandwich.

And now for the tricky part of allowing religion in school but not being a state religion. Maybe I didn't say that correctly, but my point is that there is a side to this that can be a slippery slope if it were allowed, or let run amok. I want to first say that I do wish prayer were allowed in school but I do not think it would be best to be mandatory or part of a curriculum, so to speak. And this is the part that I struggle with as a Christian. But we cannot force Christianity on the schools or our society. We must allow Muslim prayers and Buddhists chants in our schools if we want to have a separate and free religious society. We cannot want freedoms for Christianity, then impose restrictions on other belief systems. If we desire to do so, then maybe we should join the ACLU. And this is difficult to say, as a Christian. I wish we were all Christians, not just people who went to church, and that we didn't even need to discuss this subject. But we are not.

I think of God having the Jews kill all of the pagans in Canaan and I realize that God does not play. I understand why he ordered their death and I understand that God is the only Truth. I believe the Bible to be infallible and inspired and that anything other than a relationship with Jesus Christ is just a belief system with no merit and no substance. I can and will gladly debate these issues with anyone at anytime. I am not a close-minded person, and do not intend to sound arrogant, but I want you to be certain of where I stand personally.

Because it is at this point that I have struggled in the past, in allowing all faiths to be practiced in school. Because God does not accept all faiths, and as a Christian I should not either. But the law has been fulfilled and we are now under grace; and God no longer orders us to kill pagans. Jesus changes all of that. Just as the crusades were not of God, I feel that intolerance in the instance of beliefs are not of God. But how can I say that if I just stated that I believe God is intolerant of other religions? Because I see a difference between tolerance and acceptance; not to mention it is apples to oranges in the discussion of what God tolerates and what we tolerate. The word means close to the same thing, but our natures change this...

...and now to get back on track. We must allow all religions to practice their faith in our society and in our school rooms. And remember that we are talking about a separation that is tied together by a spiritual means. But none the less, freedom is freedom; and a free society is the best society for worshipping God, praying to God, and performing ministries in God's name. Social freedom can nurture spiritual freedom, God is the only Truth, and I think like all roads leading to Rome, if a person is truly searching for the Truth, it will lead to God.

May faith hasn't always been strong enough to say all of this. My arrogance lead me to believe that I must defend God. But my growing relationship has showed me that God can handle His own and that the Truth really will set you free.

And I also believe that the "Christians" who have been intolerant and shallow in their faith, have hurt the progression of prayer in school. By being stiff-necked, arrogant, pious, and hiding behind God's word instead of living it, they have caused many a set back. As Christians we should know why we believe and what we believe, and not just because the preacher or the priest has told us so. Just because Grandma or mom were afraid of Muslim or Buddhist philosophy rubbing off on good Christian kids, we should not share the same fear. as the illogical reaction of the atheist in this manner, how illogical is is for us as Christians, to be afraid of something that is only words and a mere belief system. If we do not believe in Allah, than why be so threatened by him? If the Holy Spirit is real, and convicts, and counsels; then why are concerned about a god who isn't? Can Allah or Brahma convict, guide, counsel, or save our soul? And think of the story of Elijah and the 300 prophets of Baal. He welcomed the challenge of proving God is real and all others are false. Elijah encouraged the prophets to pray more and pray louder. Maybe Baal is using the bathroom, so to speak and that we should be more like Elijah and have more faith in God and less in gods.

And the separation of church and state, it also comes down to the matter of legislating morality and ethics; and neither can be done. Nor should it be done. Our faith cannot come from a school system, but from our homes. If we are concerned about little Johnny becoming a Muslim, then we should teach him why it is not the truth. And not just because someone says it's the truth. We have to know why it is the truth to be able to teach it, and we must live in accordance to the truth if others are to see it in us. The responsibility is that of our own, not societies. All we need from society is the framework that will allow us the freedom to teach and live. we must do the work that is needed inside that framework.

And I have gone on much longer than I had planned. I didn't even get to the teaching of religion in school; but will save that for another day. I do hope that my words give us all something to think about and inspire us to read our Bibles, pray, as well as write letters to our congress people. We must act on our convictions, or they are just as empty as Nirvana.