I'll bet you thought I was going to write about a mess in our addition - gotcha.
I'm commenting on some of the political mess we find ourselves in.
Here at home in Minnesota we can't declare a winner in the Senate race. The reason we can't has nothing to do with either candidate. The reason we can't is because many Minnesotans (and Americans for that matter) are illiterate. Illiterate you say, how does that affect the election? Illiterate because they couldn't read the instructions on their ballots and fill them out correctly. If you are offended by the word illiterate, try the word stupid.
How hard is it to read the directions and fill out the ballot? You (if you're a tax payer, you paid part of the bill) spent a lot of money trying to figure out "voter intent." The intent is always very clear - they either filled it out correctly or they didn't. There are NO gray areas here. If you can't follow directions, your vote shouldn't count.
And then there's the "lost" votes or was it the "found" votes. Either way some election worker tried to stack the results in favor of the candidate they supported. It wasn't on purpose you say? Really? You believe that? Not a chance. Neither side is above doing stuff like this. How is it that the supreme element of democracy - voting - is handled so loosely? Because those in power don't care how they get there or who they step on to get there.
Are you still questioning this reasoning? Look a little further south to Illinois. You know, the home of our recently elected 'savior of the world.' You only need to look at the governor there to find out that power has it's price. Fortunately for us, his price should be prison.
And finally the Prez-elect. He hasn't even taken office and he's up to his eyeballs in drama. He wants to nominate Panetta for the CIA and the guy doesn't have one stitch of experience being a spook. Now there's leadership. Offer a job to a guy that isn't qualified for it. Oh wait the banking industry and the car makers already beat the Prez-elect to that one.
Not messy enough yet? How about that other governor - Richardson - the potential commerce secretary that had to say "thanks but no thanks." Turns out he's being investigated too. I guess you shouldn't try and give favors if you're a governor - of any state.
So let's recap:
-One senate race undecided due to illiteracy (stupidity for those who are offended)
-One senate seat unseated because our democracy really isn't for sale
-One CIA leader appointee who isn't qualified
-One commerce secretary appointee who can't accept the job (possible corruption you know)
-And finally one Prez-elect who hasn't been sworn in and is ready to spend money we don't have. Translation "stimulus package."
Add that up and you get - let's see 1+1+1+1+Billions = 1 BIG STINKING MESS.
Excuse me I have to go throw up. Of course I'll have to clean up my own mess which is more than I can say for our political leaders.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Look 'em in the eye
In a mere matter of days, we are embarking on an historic change in our country. We are getting a new Presidient. For some this comes with tears of joy while for others many fears loom at this prospect.
Regardless of the spectrum you are on, consider this. Our President-elect doesn't look straight ahead. Watch his speeches. Watch his head. He looks to the right. He looks to the left. He rarely if ever looks straight ahead.
Big deal you say? Not so. It has been said that we communicate more by our body language than we do with our words. When you have a one-on-one conversation with someone how do you feel if they don't look you in the eye? You feel as if they're not listening to you or aren't confident in themselves.
It's the same thing here. When the Prez-elect doesn't look straight ahead, he's saying that he lacks the confidence in what he's saying. When he moves from left to right without stopping in the center, he's saying that he wants to include *everyone* regardless of their beliefs or position on what he's saying. When you fail to stop, look America in the eye and stand up for something, you get policies and actions that mean nothing. Sure everyone feels good because they're included, but if the policies and actions stand for nothing, what value are they?
Think I'm blowing smoke? Look at other world leaders and past presidents. Watch how they look at the crowd and compare it to what they stand for.
As for me, I'll be waiting for our new leader to look me in the eye the next time he talks to me.
Regardless of the spectrum you are on, consider this. Our President-elect doesn't look straight ahead. Watch his speeches. Watch his head. He looks to the right. He looks to the left. He rarely if ever looks straight ahead.
Big deal you say? Not so. It has been said that we communicate more by our body language than we do with our words. When you have a one-on-one conversation with someone how do you feel if they don't look you in the eye? You feel as if they're not listening to you or aren't confident in themselves.
It's the same thing here. When the Prez-elect doesn't look straight ahead, he's saying that he lacks the confidence in what he's saying. When he moves from left to right without stopping in the center, he's saying that he wants to include *everyone* regardless of their beliefs or position on what he's saying. When you fail to stop, look America in the eye and stand up for something, you get policies and actions that mean nothing. Sure everyone feels good because they're included, but if the policies and actions stand for nothing, what value are they?
Think I'm blowing smoke? Look at other world leaders and past presidents. Watch how they look at the crowd and compare it to what they stand for.
As for me, I'll be waiting for our new leader to look me in the eye the next time he talks to me.
Friends and family
We all know how important friends and family are. Loneliness is felt by those that have no friends or family. Happiness is felt by those that have many friends and family.
I'm very thankful for our friends and family - especially during this holiday season. We've had an incredible Christmas break. Part of it is due to the fact that our children have been sleeping in - a rare treat. Most of it has been the times we've had to get together with friends (and family too) - from birthday celebrations to Christmas to New Year's Eve, we've had some great get-togethers.
Last night we hosted our first New Year's Eve party in many years. We had our new growth group from Constance come over. We had 30 people here! It was a great time for all ages.
In some ways it's a small thing - we had a party and people came over. But this year it meant a great deal more to me. Maybe it's my age, or maybe it's the fact we were able to share our addition. Maybe it's the simple fact that we were able to participate on a larger scale this year - I don't really know for sure.
In my ramblings here I'm trying to say that it's an extremely good feeling when the circumstances come together in a way where our entire family is able to join a group of friends in a celebration. There can be challenges in trying to join the celebrations when your children have vastly different needs/abilities than most of their peers. There can be excuses such as "I'm too tired." "It's too much work." "My kids won't have fun." etc. When we put away the excuses and work at solving the barriers, we got an opportunity like we had last night.
A very large HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. I hope that you are able to make connections this year that bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.
I'm very thankful for our friends and family - especially during this holiday season. We've had an incredible Christmas break. Part of it is due to the fact that our children have been sleeping in - a rare treat. Most of it has been the times we've had to get together with friends (and family too) - from birthday celebrations to Christmas to New Year's Eve, we've had some great get-togethers.
Last night we hosted our first New Year's Eve party in many years. We had our new growth group from Constance come over. We had 30 people here! It was a great time for all ages.
In some ways it's a small thing - we had a party and people came over. But this year it meant a great deal more to me. Maybe it's my age, or maybe it's the fact we were able to share our addition. Maybe it's the simple fact that we were able to participate on a larger scale this year - I don't really know for sure.
In my ramblings here I'm trying to say that it's an extremely good feeling when the circumstances come together in a way where our entire family is able to join a group of friends in a celebration. There can be challenges in trying to join the celebrations when your children have vastly different needs/abilities than most of their peers. There can be excuses such as "I'm too tired." "It's too much work." "My kids won't have fun." etc. When we put away the excuses and work at solving the barriers, we got an opportunity like we had last night.
A very large HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. I hope that you are able to make connections this year that bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.
Monday, December 22, 2008
My ticket
I've realized this year that my kids are 'my ticket.' 'My ticket' you say, what on earth are you talking about?
Over the years, I've met numerous MN Vikings, been to more sporting and theater events, been invited into the studio of a radio station, been to parties and celebrations all because of my kids!
Consider this year.
All of this happened in one year!
Here I am simply doing what God asked me to do and He's giving me all these wonderful opportunities. By no means do I worship any one of the famous people I've met. However, I do consider it a great honor to have had a chance to be next to them for a moment. They lead such different lives as famous people, but each of them has taken time to give back and put a smile on the faces of my kids and myself as well.
It's interesting to me that if I had not taken these children into my home, I never would have had these experiences. When we set out to adopt kids, we weren't really counting on any benefits. It doesn't really enter your mind - 'Hey if we adopt so and so, then in 10 years we can meet Tony Hawk. OK, I'll take that one.'
Today's visit was a big treat for me. I had been with Vicki in the hospital since Thursday night when she broke her left femur. It had to be surgically put back together. She had been a trooper, but we were both very tired. We were working on going home. She was up in her chair and we were about to go for a walk. We heard a buzz and someone said there are hockey players in the building. My ears perked up - I love hockey. We were about to leave the room when someone asked if we'd like to see the players from the Wild. 'Sure' I said. Before I knew it Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Stephane Villeux were in the room introducing themselves to Vicki and me. They shook my hand and I asked if they would mind signing the dog (Hajik). They said sure. I introduced Vicki (I wasn't a complete fool) and they gave her a T-shirt, signed their cards, said Hi to her and were on their way.
It had to have been less than a minute. After they left, I was speaking to someone with them who I believe works for the Wild. I told him how important this is for the kids AND the parents. His response was excellent. He said that this was a terrible time of year to be in the hospital and visits like this bring us back down to earth and remind us what's really important. I heard a nurse say that they had a little boy down the hall who's been waiting ALL DAY to meet these two.
I had been exhausted from caring for my daughter. I spent less than 60 seconds with two of the best hockey players in Minnesota and my spirits were boosted. That little boy was recovering from whatever put him in the hospital. He met the players and his spirits were boosted too. To them, it's a simply autograph and a Hello. (I'm not saying the players take it lightly merely that they don't view it as being an imposition to autograph a card and say Hi to some kids in the hospital) To us, it gives energy to continue doing what we need to do.
What a treat for me at the end of a long ordeal. Thanks guys for taking the time.
I'm thankful for 'My tickets' to these cool opportunities. Thanks God.
Over the years, I've met numerous MN Vikings, been to more sporting and theater events, been invited into the studio of a radio station, been to parties and celebrations all because of my kids!
Consider this year.
- I've met and spent time with Tony Hawk. My oldest son was shown by Tony Hawk how to turn around on a half-pipe. Our entire family traveled to Chicago to do this thanks to Make-A-Wish
- I've met and spent time with 'Go Fish'. My second oldest son sang on stage with them. Our family traveled to Sioux Falls thanks again to Make-A-Wish.
- I've been to a MN Wild game, several Twins games, to a few theater productions.
- And today I shook hands with Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard from the MN Wild because Vicki happened to be in the hospital.
All of this happened in one year!
Here I am simply doing what God asked me to do and He's giving me all these wonderful opportunities. By no means do I worship any one of the famous people I've met. However, I do consider it a great honor to have had a chance to be next to them for a moment. They lead such different lives as famous people, but each of them has taken time to give back and put a smile on the faces of my kids and myself as well.
It's interesting to me that if I had not taken these children into my home, I never would have had these experiences. When we set out to adopt kids, we weren't really counting on any benefits. It doesn't really enter your mind - 'Hey if we adopt so and so, then in 10 years we can meet Tony Hawk. OK, I'll take that one.'
Today's visit was a big treat for me. I had been with Vicki in the hospital since Thursday night when she broke her left femur. It had to be surgically put back together. She had been a trooper, but we were both very tired. We were working on going home. She was up in her chair and we were about to go for a walk. We heard a buzz and someone said there are hockey players in the building. My ears perked up - I love hockey. We were about to leave the room when someone asked if we'd like to see the players from the Wild. 'Sure' I said. Before I knew it Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Stephane Villeux were in the room introducing themselves to Vicki and me. They shook my hand and I asked if they would mind signing the dog (Hajik). They said sure. I introduced Vicki (I wasn't a complete fool) and they gave her a T-shirt, signed their cards, said Hi to her and were on their way.
It had to have been less than a minute. After they left, I was speaking to someone with them who I believe works for the Wild. I told him how important this is for the kids AND the parents. His response was excellent. He said that this was a terrible time of year to be in the hospital and visits like this bring us back down to earth and remind us what's really important. I heard a nurse say that they had a little boy down the hall who's been waiting ALL DAY to meet these two.
I had been exhausted from caring for my daughter. I spent less than 60 seconds with two of the best hockey players in Minnesota and my spirits were boosted. That little boy was recovering from whatever put him in the hospital. He met the players and his spirits were boosted too. To them, it's a simply autograph and a Hello. (I'm not saying the players take it lightly merely that they don't view it as being an imposition to autograph a card and say Hi to some kids in the hospital) To us, it gives energy to continue doing what we need to do.
What a treat for me at the end of a long ordeal. Thanks guys for taking the time.
I'm thankful for 'My tickets' to these cool opportunities. Thanks God.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What They Really Said
You may have seen/heard that the Prez elect and his former opponent sat down in Chicago recently. The story I heard reported that they sat in identical chairs and talked about how to work together to solve the major issues of our country. You saw/heard what they wanted you to see/hear. I'm hear to report what you didn't hear.
-Prez elect: John, thanks for coming down - sorry about all those lies I told about you.
-Former opponent - Hey B it's OK, I counted them up and you only told one more lie about me than I told about you. I do wish you would have been nicer to Sarah though. She really didn't deserve it.
-Prez elect: Well, you saw what I had to say about H to get my party's nomination. After that there was no way I was going to lose to a gun-totin, governor from a state that's colder than the south side.
-Former opponent - Oh I understand, I just think that listening to you sayin all that wasn't really why I sat in that cell all those years.
-Prez elect: Hey John, that's all over now - after all you're pretty near the end of the road aren't you.
-Former opponent: C'mon B, I thought you were done with the negative stuff. I figure I've got two more elections in me.
-Prez elect: YES WE CAN! I mean, I'm sorry John old habit - no pun intended old boy - uh whew, ahem, forget it.
Let's get to why I really called you here. I gotta get some advice. I woke up this morning and said to myself "Oh crap, I'm gonna be leader of the free world and I don't know diddly (well actually I do know Bo, but he can't help me) about running a country, leading the military, or even what a real budget is." Even though I thought I wanted to run the world, I realize now that there's no way I can. I'm just not qualified. I told all those lies for so long that I actually believe them. What do you say about helping me out? I figured you could tell me all I needed to know about the military and leadership. I'm not real concerned about the economy though cause if we really do that Robin Hood thing it'll all be good.
-Former opponent: B, You're kidding right? We went through all the hassles and the travel and wasted millions and millions of dollars for you to call me here, get all cutesy with me and tell me this? I'm gonna have to say "Good luck" and be on my way (Long pause). Just kidding B. We POWs are loyal to the end, the bitter end if necessary, but you wouldn't really understand that now would you? If you'll get off your BlackBerry for a second, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.
-Prez elect: (Pause) Look John, I'm glad you'll take care of it. I really can't be bothered with all the details right now, I've got 672 emails to reply to. I figure I can start running the country about May of next year. But thanks for coming. I feel much better and after all that's the kind of change I needed.
-Prez elect: John, thanks for coming down - sorry about all those lies I told about you.
-Former opponent - Hey B it's OK, I counted them up and you only told one more lie about me than I told about you. I do wish you would have been nicer to Sarah though. She really didn't deserve it.
-Prez elect: Well, you saw what I had to say about H to get my party's nomination. After that there was no way I was going to lose to a gun-totin, governor from a state that's colder than the south side.
-Former opponent - Oh I understand, I just think that listening to you sayin all that wasn't really why I sat in that cell all those years.
-Prez elect: Hey John, that's all over now - after all you're pretty near the end of the road aren't you.
-Former opponent: C'mon B, I thought you were done with the negative stuff. I figure I've got two more elections in me.
-Prez elect: YES WE CAN! I mean, I'm sorry John old habit - no pun intended old boy - uh whew, ahem, forget it.
Let's get to why I really called you here. I gotta get some advice. I woke up this morning and said to myself "Oh crap, I'm gonna be leader of the free world and I don't know diddly (well actually I do know Bo, but he can't help me) about running a country, leading the military, or even what a real budget is." Even though I thought I wanted to run the world, I realize now that there's no way I can. I'm just not qualified. I told all those lies for so long that I actually believe them. What do you say about helping me out? I figured you could tell me all I needed to know about the military and leadership. I'm not real concerned about the economy though cause if we really do that Robin Hood thing it'll all be good.
-Former opponent: B, You're kidding right? We went through all the hassles and the travel and wasted millions and millions of dollars for you to call me here, get all cutesy with me and tell me this? I'm gonna have to say "Good luck" and be on my way (Long pause). Just kidding B. We POWs are loyal to the end, the bitter end if necessary, but you wouldn't really understand that now would you? If you'll get off your BlackBerry for a second, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do.
-Prez elect: (Pause) Look John, I'm glad you'll take care of it. I really can't be bothered with all the details right now, I've got 672 emails to reply to. I figure I can start running the country about May of next year. But thanks for coming. I feel much better and after all that's the kind of change I needed.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Market response
So where's the media now?
They forgot to tell you how the markets have responded to our election. They dropped. Significantly. The Dow Jones was down about 800 points in the first two days after the election.
What happened to all of that optimism about change?
What happened to all of the excitement about the new prez?
What happened to the belief that the savior of the world had just been elected?
It went in the tank, that's what happened.
After all, aren't the markets supposed be a barometer of everything good and bad in life? If the markets are up, life is good. If the markets are down, life is bad.
If the markets are a barometer of what happened in the election, then they're giving it the raspberries.
Too bad the media didn't tell you this.
That's OK, I did.
May God have mercy on us.
They forgot to tell you how the markets have responded to our election. They dropped. Significantly. The Dow Jones was down about 800 points in the first two days after the election.
What happened to all of that optimism about change?
What happened to all of the excitement about the new prez?
What happened to the belief that the savior of the world had just been elected?
It went in the tank, that's what happened.
After all, aren't the markets supposed be a barometer of everything good and bad in life? If the markets are up, life is good. If the markets are down, life is bad.
If the markets are a barometer of what happened in the election, then they're giving it the raspberries.
Too bad the media didn't tell you this.
That's OK, I did.
May God have mercy on us.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
No Party
One of the beauties of the modern day is that while I am watching the election results, I can submit my thoughts to the world. 99.98% of the world doesn't care about my thoughts. But for that .02% here you go.
Our country is headed in the wrong direction. We have made an enormous error in judgement. No it's not the man that we elected president. It's the fact that we (in general) have thrown God out of our country. We have consistently said that we must embrace the ideas of all people as long as they are not the ideas of Christians. We are foolish if we think that the ideas of men alone void of the Almighty God are of any value. If we attempt to silence that God, he has told us himself that rocks will cry out.
Well just consider me one of the rocks. When we choose to leave God out of the policies of our country, He will give us the leadership we deserve. We have now elected a new leadership and I'm here to say that we are getting what we deserve.
May God be merciful to us.
And now a comment on our media.
Even on election night the media is so completely biased that they can't even help themselves. Charles Gibson said in the same breath that they would NOT project the winner until at least 270 electoral votes were cast and then turned right around as the polls closed in the western states and stated that they WOULD project the winner. THE VOTES HADN'T EVEN BEEN COUNTED. HOW on earth could they do that with the votes not even counted? I'll tell you how - they knew who they wanted to win and they just put it out there.
My friends, it's time to get back on our knees, put God back into public policy and get the media to stop calling elections months and years before they occur.
Our country is headed in the wrong direction. We have made an enormous error in judgement. No it's not the man that we elected president. It's the fact that we (in general) have thrown God out of our country. We have consistently said that we must embrace the ideas of all people as long as they are not the ideas of Christians. We are foolish if we think that the ideas of men alone void of the Almighty God are of any value. If we attempt to silence that God, he has told us himself that rocks will cry out.
Well just consider me one of the rocks. When we choose to leave God out of the policies of our country, He will give us the leadership we deserve. We have now elected a new leadership and I'm here to say that we are getting what we deserve.
May God be merciful to us.
And now a comment on our media.
Even on election night the media is so completely biased that they can't even help themselves. Charles Gibson said in the same breath that they would NOT project the winner until at least 270 electoral votes were cast and then turned right around as the polls closed in the western states and stated that they WOULD project the winner. THE VOTES HADN'T EVEN BEEN COUNTED. HOW on earth could they do that with the votes not even counted? I'll tell you how - they knew who they wanted to win and they just put it out there.
My friends, it's time to get back on our knees, put God back into public policy and get the media to stop calling elections months and years before they occur.
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