Someone brought up the subject that the new Presidential administration is much different then that of the former President. I know, I know, I said that I would try to stay out of politics, but a few good issues were brought up during the conversation. American government has a strong reputation for being a leader in foreign affairs and for many years has played a persuasive role in how foreign situations have been handled. President Obama has already taken the initiative to visit foreign soil and even shake hands with Hugo Chavez. He has also opened up the possibility of relaxing sanctions against Cuba. Even as America and Iran differ on many issues, and try to get back to the discussion table, nasty and inappropriate comments are made toward our governmental leaders and every day citizens.
      Is the new approach to restoring dialogue a sign of weakness for us? I have even heard some people comment that the U.S. is desperate to re-establish our position as a prominent voice. It must be truly difficult to satisfy the political demands that citizens have. Maybe you are conservative, or maybe liberal. Your position might even be neutral, because you like some points of view from each side. Does America need a Presidential administration which cycles every 4 years between one extreme or the other. Should there still be a Republican and Democrat party, or should we have a hybrid party and maybe call it the Republicrat party?? I had to really think about the new approaches that the new administration has taken within the last few months and ask myself, “why the change of heart”?
     One reoccurring thought I had reminded me of a problem I had to deal with when I was in landscaping. A client had a problem with snakes. I could see one every now and then, but had trouble deciphering were they were coming from. Having exhausted all ideas, I decided to let the clients grass grow for 3 weeks. Before cutting the grass, and while wearing knee high boots, I slowly walked about the property until I found 2 nests. The snake problem was soon resolved, and my client was relieved. Could it be, that maybe our new government is letting the grass grow, to find out which countries are sincere in their willingness to work with America. We as a world leader need to look at our own promises and make sure we keep them too.