A War for Power

Recently, I hiked the Shiloh National Military Park as part of a Boy Scout outing.  I had been there before and had learned about Bloody Pond and the Hornet’s Nest, that there were over 23,000 casualties and that the battle was a turning point of the War between the States in the West.  One statistic mentioned by the park ranger surprised me.  He stated that 90% of combatants at Shiloh did not own slaves. One of my Scouts wanted to know why they were fighting if they didn’t own slaves?  I wondered that same thing.

I did some research and found that the park ranger’s data, while true, skewed the picture just a little bit.  War is a young man’s game so most of the combatants had not yet amassed enough wealth to buy slaves.  However, only about 25% to 30% of combatants came from slave-owning households, but some of these soldiers served in the Union Army.  So what was the point of the war?

Northerners, especially those of the Republican Party, wanted to prevent the spread of slavery into the western territories, not abolish it.  Southerner slaveholders did not want any restrictions on the spread of slavery.  Slavery was the source of their wealth and power; 60% of the wealthy Americans were slaveholders in the South.  Any restrictions would limit their power and wealth.  But, while the rich and powerful benefited from slavery, many in the South were harmed by a slave economy.  The small farmer couldn’t compete with the large plantations due to higher labor and production costs.  Some economists believe that the slavery actually stifled economic growth in the South. So why did people hurt by a slave economy fight to continue it?

Today we have a group of rich and powerful who want to continue a way of life that benefits them but not the public at large.  When there is an increase in government social programs, politicians benefit because they can provide “free” services and programs that “benefit” large numbers of voters.  Because of their largesse, they help ensure their re-election because the recipients are likely to vote for them again.  The more they are re-elected, the greater their seniority and the greater their power.  They will continue to approve increased government spending and pork-barrel legislation that that will help their re-election, regardless of the benefit or harm to the American people.

However, the benefits are not free and the pork-barrel legislation costs real money; all are paid with the taxes and fees collected from wage earners and business owners.  When higher taxes, increased regulations, or greater entitlement program spending stifle the economic growth, they blame the greedy rich or the big business for not paying enough taxes. They pass legislation in the name of helping the poor, but as many economists will tell you, these social programs, such as Obamacare and higher minimum wage laws, actually stifle the economy and limit the job opportunities for poor.  So why do those hurt by these policies and actions continue to vote for these politicians?

Could it be that, much like 150 years ago, we have been lead to believe by those in power that the way of life we’ve known for so long is the “best” for them?  Are we misled by the media, like we were 150 years ago, that the status quo is good and any change would be catastrophic instead of an improvement?  Or, are we simply too uninformed about the actions of our elected officials and consequences of those actions to make responsible decisions in the voting booth?

Increased government spending and increased reliance on government largesse has grave consequences.  The greater our dependence on the government, the easier it is for the government to take away our rights and freedoms.  History is replete with examples of this, but we must stop history from repeating itself.

To stop this, we must limit the power of the politicians.  We put these politicians in office with our votes and we can remove them from office in the same manner.  We must be well-informed voters and vote for candidates that will back legislation that benefits the whole country, increases economic opportunities for everyone, and decreases reliance on government subsidies and benefits.  Government policies shouldn’t benefit only select groups.

The war ravaged the South and it took nearly 100 years to recover economically.  Let’s avoid the consequences by fixing the problems now.  Be an active, well-informed voter and vote for what is best for the country.

Dream Big

Another post by John Gault

Do we dream big?  Do we settle?  At what point along our journey do we give up?  I never thought I’d be where I am in life.  My beginnings were humble, growing up on a farm.  Now, I work on teams with high-energy, scientist and engineers.  It wasn’t a quick or painless journey to arrive at this point in my professional career.  I worked really hard at it.  I’ve built my expertise by growing from the lessons learned from one project to apply them to the next project.  Honestly, I never dreamed big enough.  I never considered this career.

I wonder where we would be as a country if each of us dreamed big, then applied ourselves to making that dream a reality.  Fulfilling dreams often requires a lot of hard work and tenacity.  We, as a society, spend a lot of time talking ourselves out of our dreams before we start.  We can build an extensive list of why our plans will fail just to justify accepting where we are and why it is our destiny.  Either we don’t have enough money, live in the wrong time or place, don’t know the right people or haven’t been blessed with the skills.  We then settle, wrap ourselves up in the comfort of mediocrity and pass through life as an inconsequential member of society.  

Not that we don’t each influence outcomes, affect others or hold a job, and raise a family.  But shouldn’t we aspire for more than Andy Warhol’s 15 minutes of fame as a measure of a successful life?  Accepting the “hand you’re dealt” is a copout.  We each have gifts, skills and abilities that can change the world.  I wonder, if you picture yourself on your deathbed, would you be satisfied that you accomplished all that you wanted and you were ready to go?  If not, list those things that come to mind and build a plan to accomplish them. Build your bucket list, no matter how unlikely you are to accomplish them.   

Another important measure of a life is realized when you ask yourself who will be with you at the end of your life?  Will you be surrounded by a roomful of people that love you?  If not, grow or fix those relationships.  Holding a grudge is such a waste of time and energy.  I know some people that are experts at holding grudges for the tiniest slight.  I’ve watched this behavior fester and grow, depriving those people involved of happiness and opportunities.    

So, do we settle or do we aspire for greatness?  Could you dream even bigger?  Do you have plans to accomplish everything on your bucket list?  I’m building my bucket list.  I want to travel the world.  I haven't bought tickets, but I have a list of places I want to see and I am saving money towards that goal.  I’ve researched travel, languages, customs and maps.  Also, I’ve got a list of projects to do when I have more free time.  I’ve done my research, found some college classes to take to hone my skills.  Now, my priority is finding ways to positively influence others and to build relationships.  I hope to help others grow towards their potential.  I hope to remove barriers and find solutions.

I’ve started dreaming big again.  Once I retire, I don’t want to live on my past accomplishments.  That makes me a has-been, which is only slightly better than a never-was.  I think I will go back to college.  I plan to volunteer in areas that revitalize the dreams of our senior citizens and grow the dreams of our youth.  There will be more, I just haven't dreamed it all yet.  

So, what are your dreams?  More importantly, what are you doing about them?

 

Thanksgiving Greed

I am so sick of hearing people complain about the greed of the retailers that planned to open on Thanksgiving Day that I am ready to upchuck turkey, dressing, and both helpings of pumpkin pie. It should be intuitively obvious to even the most casual observer that retailers are not in business to reverse global warming, or cure world hunger, or any of those feel-good things.  To think otherwise is silly.  Retailers are in business for one reason; to make a profit by providing goods and services that consumers demand at as low a cost as possible.  So why would a retailer open on Thanksgiving Day?  Two words: consumer demand.

Retailers, competing for dwindling shopping dollars, are willing to open on Thanksgiving in order to maximize profits or minimize losses. But in order to make money, these retailers must know that shoppers will be there to spend money.  An empty store costs them money.  Obviously, they know the shoppers will show, but how do they know?  It’s all about supply and demand.  Consumers demand and businesses supply.  No demand and the stores would remain closed on Thanksgiving.

Think about the number of people that have camped out for days waiting for the stores to open on Black Friday.  How many people showed up at midnight on Thanksgiving night when stores opened to get that “killer” bargain, waiting all day in line to be the first in the store?  In each case, the shoppers decided that the “bargain” was more important than time with family and friends, or giving thanks for the many blessings, big and small, that have been bestowed upon them.

Some will argue that the bargain is too good to pass up.  Chances are that the product will be priced the same as it was back in August.  But on Black Friday, the special price on that XboxOne or 50” TV for the five or ten items the store was able to procure, will attract consumers to the store.  However, the bulk of them will be disappointed that “supplies are limited.”

The retailers who intend to open on Thanksgiving aren’t greedy; it’s the consumers who are willing to shop on the day of thanks that are greedy.  When family, friends, or giving thanks take a backseat to the latest “must-have”, society, as a whole, suffers. Chasing after that bargain may provide instant gratification, but what’s left when the newness has worn off or the next “greatest thing” comes along?  Instead of shopping on Thanksgiving, invest your time in strengthening relationships with family and friends.  Or invest in something bigger than you, volunteer to help serve Thanksgiving dinner at a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.  The experience will help you remember the meaning of thanks-giving.

Happy Veteran's Day

I had the privilege of attending the Veteran’s Day parade in my town.  I was pleased with the number of people who attended the parade and the number of participants (the parade lasted nearly two hours).  There were veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  There were wounded warriors riding in Corvettes, Patriot Guard riders, and Rolling Thunder riders (POW/MIA advocates), high school and college marching bands, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps contingents from every high school in the county. It’s nice to see the people show their appreciation for the veterans and their service.

An especially poignant moment for me occurred when a Vietnam veteran, riding on one of the floats, stood, saluted the elderly World War II veteran standing nearby, and thanked him for his service.  Many other veterans stopped by to shake the gentleman’s hand and thank him.  I was impressed at the humility of these veterans, gladly thanking others for the same type of service they themselves had rendered for their country.

After the parade, I overheard a conversation between two gentlemen wearing cavalry Stetsons. One had been in the 7^th Cavalry Regiment during Vietnam and the other had been in the 6^th Cavalry Regiment during Operation Desert Storm.  Although they were two strangers from different generations, these men were soon laughing and trading stories as if they were long lost friends.

As I thought about it afterwards, I came to the realization that the men and women who served our country were part of something much bigger than themselves and they have a kinship with others who have also served.  To them, race and religion don’t matter, only integrity and trustworthiness.

This month is the 50^th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination.  Many forgot his inaugural address, where he challenged Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”  These veterans did for their country, just as Kennedy challenged.  But we live in a time where far too many are asking what the country can do for them.  It’s time we do as these veterans have done and do for our country.

I’m not suggesting that we all volunteer for military service.  But, we can all volunteer for community service.  Help out at a soup kitchen, deliver meals to shut-ins, or work with youth at a Boys or Girls Club or a scouting program.  Volunteer to help with after-school tutoring or be a story-time reader at the local library.  There are so many things we can and should do to give back to our country.  At the same time, you’ll become part of something much bigger than yourself.

I wish I could shake the hand of each and every veteran, those who have served and those still serving.  If we truly want to honor their service and sacrifice, follow their lead and do for our country.

Bullying

by John Galt

What have we become?  A young girl cannot escape bullying and kills herself and the bullies dance on her grave.  No remorse.  No conscience.  Although the bullies are barely teenagers, they should know better.  Right and wrong are something we were taught as children.  At least it used to be.  And, the sanctity of human life is the basis of our moral code.  It is what sets us apart from the animals.  At least it used to set us apart. 

When I hear of a heinous crime, I ask myself if this is a new fracture in our moral psyche or because of all of the available media venues, it is only more reported.  Is it new or is it as it has always been, but now reported 24/7?

Cruelty has forever been part of the human experience.  There has always been a human element in the spoils of war.  Historically, human life has been a traded commodity.  We call ourselves civilized now, yet cruelty remains.  Often it is the cruelly-applied power one person holds over another.  Today, social media is a venue used by uncivilized humans to reign terror over others.  It allows kids to stalk and attach others relentlessly.  They can attack in a most cowardly way, hiding behind a keyboard, never facing the victim.  Worse, it can become a virtual gang of hate and misinformation.  It is mob mentality at its worst.

So, maybe the level of cruelty remains constant over history and into our present day, but there are more and newer ways to propagate terror and hate.  The days of peaceful oblivion are over.  You cannot unplug yourself from the pipeline of information.  Asking for your email address is as common as asking for your phone number twenty years ago.  It is how we communicate.

My heart breaks for the kids that are victims of bullies.  We need to equip our kids with strategies to handle bullies, to speak up about bullying and safe, effective ways to report bullying.  At an age that appearance is everything, it is often hard for kids to seek help.  So often they hide behind a pained smile and “I’m fine” response.  They prefer not to make waves.  They suffer in silence until it is too late.

So, given that schools rely on the internet to relay information to kids, track their grades and make assignments, how do we make it safe for everyone?  I suggest that we instill a parental control.  I’m not talking about the software you can buy to manage your kids’ access to the internet; I’m talking about a parent in the room with eyes on their kid’s activities.  And, not just the parents of the terrorists.  Watch out for signs that your kids are being terrorized.  Be your child’s strongest advocate.

Remember when your dad said, “My house, my rules!”?  Be a parent.  Be accountable for the actions of your children.  Set rules and enforce them.  Make your kids aware of your expectations.  Correct inappropriate behavior.  Seek counseling if you or your child needs guidance or to correct behaviors.  Ask a parent that you trust to be your mentor.  Join a support group at your church.  No one is a failure as long as they keep trying!

How kids conduct themselves today have long-term impacts.  These are the kids that will be in charge of your life decisions when you get old.  Do you want someone that would bully a child to suicide to make decisions on your care when you cannot make the decisions for yourself?  You reap what you sow.  Parents, can you live with that?

Chicken Manure

Some our World War II veterans flew to Washington, DC, to view their memorial, When they arrived, they discovered that because of the furlough their memorial was barricaded.  These veterans stormed the beaches at Normandy and island hopped around the Pacific, participating in some horrific and bloody battles.  So, although these men are now in their 80’s and 90’s, a few metal barricades and the threat of arrest are no match for these men.  Thanks to the help of Representative Steve King (IA) and Steven Palazzo (MS), the veterans were able to view the World War II memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

What bothers me is that these memorials are open-air memorials, yet there were barricades around them.  Why?  Sure, the government is shut down, but it’s not like the Smithsonian or the National Gallery where someone has to be there to open the doors or provide directions to the restrooms or make sure the lights are on.  These are memorials on public property that anyone and everyone should be able to walk up and view them.

 

As it turns out, the Obama Administration knew these veterans were coming in advance of their arrival and refused to make accommodations even though Congressman Palazzo had made a request prior to the shutdown.  Seems to me that it cost money for the Park Police to place the barricades in the first place and it appears to be a petty attempt to exaggerate the consequences of the shutdown.

In the meantime, Senator Harry Reid is being a bit disingenuous.  Senator Harry Reid's contact website (http://www.reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm) states "We are unable to receive messages at this time due to the government shutdown."  Calls placed to his Washington office (202-224-3542) results in a voice message that states the Senator's staff is unable to take phone calls due to the government shutdown and does not allow the caller to leave a message.

In contrast, Senator Jeff Sessions', Senator Boxer's and Senator Tom Coburn's contact websites have no such message and constituents are able to email these Senators.  When calling these Senators' Washington offices, although there is a partisan message on the part of Senator Boxer, all three allow the caller to leave a message.

Senator Reid's website and voice message is misleading.  Congress is still funded to conduct official business and there is no reason that Senator Reid's website or voice message should state that he is unable to take calls or emails.  Perhaps he wishes to avoid his constituents.

The World War II veterans are probably familiar with a term that I would use to describe the actions of President Obama and Harry Reid.  I’ll use the euphemistic term, chicken “manure”, to describe their actions, although the veterans may recognize the more profane version.  Esteemed military historian Paul Fussel wrote in his book "Wartime," that the term “refers to behavior that makes military life worse than it need be: petty harassment of the weak by the strong; open scrimmage for power and authority and prestige; sadism thinly disguised as necessary discipline; a constant 'paying off of old scores'; and insistence on the letter rather than the spirit of ordinances.”

Obama and Reid’s action are ignoble and contemptible.  Their actions are emblematic of their contempt of the American public and the American voter. We cannot continue to allow them to do as they wish, then turn a deaf ear to the American people.   It is time to stop with the manure and do what is best for the United States.

Will of the People

There is a lot of finger pointing over who is to blame for the government shutdown.  President Obama has accused the House Republicans of using extortion and Senator Harry Reid has called the Tea Party “anarchists” and “obstructionists.”  In a recent speech, President Obama said the Speaker of the House, John Boehner is to blame for the shutdown.  “There will be no negotiations over this. The American people are not pawns in some political game. You don’t get to demand some ransom in exchange for keeping the government running,” Obama said. 

Doesn’t the President understand the situation the government is in?  According to Wikipedia, President Obama taught Constitutional Law for 12 years.  How could someone teach Constitutional Law and not understand the Constitution?

Article 1, Section 7 of the US Constitution reads, “All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.”  It further states, “If he (the President) approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it.”  So, not only is the House part of the process, but also the Senate and the President.

The House of Representatives, according to James Madison, is the immediate representatives of the people (until 1913 and the passage of the 17^th Amendment, members of the House were the only directly elected officials).  Accordingly, all revenue bills must originate in the House.    The House has continuously submitted appropriations bills, but the Senate Majority Leader has refused to allow a Senate vote on such bills.  In 2011, Senator Reid declared it would be "foolish for us to do a budget" (Wall Street Journal, October 30, 2012).  That implies that the Senate, not the House is the source of the problem.

The House has sent four different appropriations bills to the Senate, which has voted against every one of them.  Just because these spending bills do not match what the President or the Senate want them to be does not mean that the House should be characterized as obstinate or obstructionist.  There is nothing in the Constitution that requires the House to pass legislation that makes either the Senate or the President happy.  It’s not about what they like; it is all about what is good for the people of this country. 

The House, whose representation is apportioned based on population, is the instrument of the people.  To prevent one branch from becoming supreme, to protect the "opulent minority" from the majority, and to induce the branches to cooperate, government systems that employ a separation of powers need a way to balance each of the branches.  That’s the beauty of the US Constitution, its insistence on a separation of powers.  And our Founding Fathers gave the power of the purse to the House because it is the only body that is directly answerable to the people.

James Madison wrote in Federalist Papers, 58, “This power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining redress of every grievance, and for carrying into effect every just and salutary measure.”  If the House decides it wants to defund or delay Obamacare, that’s its prerogative.  The Senate may reject or approve the House measures. But, it cannot deride the House as being obstructionists if they are effectively representing the will of the people, regardless of the will of the Senate or the President.  The President can veto any legislation coming from Congress, but there is nothing in the Constitution that requires the Congress to be complacent or compliant with the desires of the President.

Obama seems to forget that the will of people, not the desires of the President, is what governs the country.  In the media, you will hear a lot of debates about who is responsible for the shutdown.  Since 2004, the Senate has repeatedly failed to pass any appropriation measures.  The roadblock is not the House, but the Senate and the President, whose will they deem more important than the will of the people.

Remember, it is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, not a government of the parties.  It’s time that Obama and the Senate realize they work for us, and not the other way around.

Are You All That?

by John Galt

Are you really all that?  When did we stop being humble?  When did we stop looking at ourselves through the eyes of another?  Just imagine how different you would act if you could see yourself as others see you. 

Do you really drive as well as you think you do?  I bet you don’t.  Put the cell phone down and stop texting when you drive and look around at the drivers near you.  I used to love driving, but now, it is down-right scary.  Someone is either following too close, running red lights or stop signs, swerving into my lane, pulling out in front of me, or making erratic movements.  When I get a look at the driver, they are usually preoccupied with something other than driving and act as if no one can see them inside their car.  If I called them out on their driving errors, would they be humble?  Unlikely.  I bet there would be an ugly altercation and they would be defensive of their actions and unlikely to take my observations to heart and drive more courteously.   

And don’t get me started on my snap-judgment of you when you flick your cigarette butt out the window or dump your ashtray in the street at a stop light.  It’s trash.  It’s littering.  It is a sign of self-centered disregard for people and the environment.  Would you want that trash on your yard?

One simple act of courtesy is sadly lacking in today’s drivers and that is the wave.  You know, when you let someone into traffic they are supposed to give you the wave that acknowledges that you courteously gave them an opening in traffic when you didn’t have to?  More often than not, people fail to give a wave of appreciation and don’t acknowledge a courteous act.  Gives me hope that there are still good people out there when I get the wave.

Are we humble when we enter a room or do we take a seat at the head of the table?  When I was a kid, only the head of the household would sit at the head of the table.  It was a place of honor and respect.  When I was invited by a friend to meet his family for dinner at a restaurant, I made a conscious decision on where to sit.  I knew that his dad should sit at the head of the table and it would be presumptuous to sit there.  So, I sat last, in the open seat.  I knew better.  I knew my place and how I would be perceived.  It was a courteous act.  I was humble.  I had a fantastic time at dinner.  By the way, humble is often a good first impression.

When you talk on a cell phone in a public place, how do you appear to those around you?  Confident and tech savvy?  Not likely.  People probably think you are loud, rude and have no class.  We don’t want to hear the juicy bits of your love life or what you think of everyone.  It doesn’t make you popular, it makes you annoying and self-centered.

When you don’t practice good hygiene, wear clothes that don’t fit or your undergarments are exposed, people make unfavorable judgments.  The same is true when you speak in slang or profanity, demonstrate poor manners, or act pushy or self-centered.  You cannot blame others for how they perceive you, right or wrong, it is something that you must own.  Is your appearance the real you or do you hide behind a facade to get attention?  Think about the message you are sending.

Be the person you want others to see in you; the one that can stand the test of time.  Don’t try to be the center of the universe all the time.  Fame and notoriety are fleeting, and seldom have positive outcomes.  Good, honest, and humble gets noticed for all the right reasons and that attention lasts more than the theoretical “15 minutes of fame.”  Look at yourself through the eyes of someone you care about and see yourself as they see you.  Make changes to be the person you really want to be.

 

Care about other people.  Thank someone when they do something nice for you.  Keep your private life private.  Be courteous of the people around you.  Be a supporting character in the life of someone you care about, not the center of attention.  Life isn’t a sprint, it is a journey.  Sometimes, maybe, just maybe, nice guys and gals finish first.  See you in traffic; I’ll be the one giving you the five-fingered wave.