Consider This!

2012: The year of . . .?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:49:00 GMT

       Is 2012 the Year of the Dragon? Or is it the Year of the Magnificent Solar Flare syndrome. I have even been told it is the Year of Enlightenment, and for those who fear most, 2012 has been labeled the Year the World Ends. Maybe it is time most Americans develop selective hearing. As a man, my wife often reminds me that it seems to be inherent with man’s design, a flaw of nature. But, then again, maybe it is not such a bad thing. Are we not yet tired of the news media spewing negative information? There are good and positive things about life, but are the masses really interested. It makes sense to me now why so many people have cell phones growing to their ears, ear buds that cost up to $200 and tablets playing movies and videos. Sad as it may seem, these actions can only be categorized as a built in defense mechanism for the human population.
       Religion is built around faith and hope. We attend school and college in hopes of a bright and successful future. Marriage, children, jobs, wealth, happiness, and good health are driving forces in many of our lives. Poor press, nasty gossip, and negative reporting ebbs away at these forces and if you let it, adds doubt in your life. To be clear, it is possible to keep current with important events local and beyond. I want to add that sometimes the important events are right in our homes, or jobs. Unless you are a speculator for oil prices or the like and ooze happiness every time there is a rift or foreign war, then what propaganda is released via media outlets, should be taken lightly. Frustrations you have about high oil prices etc. should be handled at the polls when you vote. Maybe it’s easier said than done, but practice leads to a happier life.
       We the People are smart. We are resourceful, and can be team players. Solutions can be found, and corrections can be made. When I am out and about, I am amazed at the discontent and unhappiness I see. Even if I am home for the day, sometimes I can see it in my own mirror. 2012 may not be the Year of Enlightenment for me. I know I am never going to be a Dragon, and I know I get sunburn during the summer. But I refuse to believe this will be my last year on Earth. And if for some reason I am wrong about that, I intend to make it a happy and enjoyable year, and not allow myself to be consumed by over dramatized events spewed in the papers, magazine and television. Until the weather warms up, maybe I’ll invest in a tanning membership, just to start the year off shining and warm and to keep the doom and gloom at bay.

September 11th. 10 Years Later

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:29:00 GMT

       Where are we 10 years later? The memories of September 11, 2001 are with many Americans today. And yet those not yet born, or too young to remember still may not understand the magnitude of what happened that tragic day. I like many of my friends and family members still take time out to honor those hero’s and individuals who gave of themselves without asking, and to those who perished while trying to save others. I personally remind my children of the events that transpired up to and after the attacks on American soil.
       Over the years I have often wondered if our country has become stronger, more resilient, more understanding, and tolerant of our neighbors, friends, or other people around the world. One person asked why it mattered, after all our country was doing fine before September 11^th. My response was simple and honest. If we as human beings can not heal our hearts and minds and learn to forgive, and to trust, how can we as a unified country move forward? Is the saying true in that “what can hurt us most, only makes us stronger”? Or that events that left a mark in our childhood, help to create who we are today.
       Since the attacks our country has engaged in wars overseas, had a housing crisis, epic hurricane seasons, one of the world’s worst oil spills, an economic recession unmatched in many of our own lifetime’s. Yet, together we continue to look for answers and solutions to our own problems. There are not riots in the cities, destruction in the communities, or bombings in places of worship. Sure we may argue, spat and differ in our opinions but we are civil. Respect is still a fundamental word and integral to our way of life. Respect is not given out freely, it is not purchased nor traded. It can only be earned. Honesty is not a quality we have seen lately. It is something that can conflict with ego, and lead to ones demise.
       Forgiveness is sometimes easier said than done. It does matter in life. It may be something that is given early on or may take a lifetime. It most definitely is an obstacle to being able to have trust. Do you trust your family and friends? What about your neighbors or employer? Do you trust the leaders of America? Trust is a very powerful word indeed. The decisions we make throughout the day are based on trust. I have been able to speak to many people who say that they vote on how well they trust someone, or even apply for a job position based on how trustworthy the company is perceived.

Sometimes it may seem like information overload on September 11^th each year when the news media revisits stories and events of that day in 2001. But, even after 10 years, I still hear something new that transpired on that day that makes me realize that people in the U.S. are learning to live together better. I think there is no book or guideline that will always have the exact answer for America’s problems, and that we may stumble every now and then. But I do know that we are united and determined to overcome any obstacle before us.

Bringing Back American Independence!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:14:00 GMT

Happy 4^th of July America! Today is truly a great and wonderful day. It is a day that all of us can look back and appreciate why living in the

U. S.

is such a privilege. While you participate in cook-outs, neighborhood gatherings, and fireworks shows please take time to reflect back on how American independence came about. Think of the sacrifices that many people have made, the hard work, and relentless desire to show the world that our country is self-sufficient. I do want to challenge you with one question. Do you think that America is still independent, or have we become less reliable on our own abilities, and more reliable on outside countries?
        When we become dependent on other people and other countries to provide the things we need and the things we want, and assume that our ways of life, and living standards will remain unchanged, then I think that we have set ourselves up for failure. Would you think for one moment that any country would be willing to sacrifice their natural resources, and food supplies to make sure that your family could continue to live well, if it meant that their family did not? Greed of the masses can lead to blind thinking and a false sense of security. Regardless of your religion, I think that most religions warn of putting your faith in mankind to protect and provide for your needs.
        I am not saying as human beings that we can’t get along and help one another, but I am saying that their are a handful of people who want to be the richest and most powerful people in the entire world, and will use whatever means at their disposal to get what they want. How can we feel good about selling ourselves out and outsourcing 80% of our manufacturing oversees, buying things as fast as they’re made, and entrusting slick banks to take care of us when we lose jobs? Now that we are in a bind, who is around to help you out? What country do you think feels sorry for America? We still owe, and the hands waiting for their money are seen from the West coast to the East coast. Color, race and religion are not immune. Only the U.S. Government, and fortune 500 CEO’s are immune. If our country were a chess board, we would have no position but to be the pawns. It was due to many of our choices that we are where we are.
        One of the great things that I love about living in America is the ability to make a change. We have the ability to correct wrong decisions, and a choice to make the right decisions. I feel empowered by those Americans before me to have the will and no-how to build toward a better future. The ability to be self sufficient, and prove the U.S. is capable of remaining the best country in the world. Sure we can do business outside the borders, but doing business that way should be a choice, not a normal way of doing business. Is it wrong to want to protect the future of my children? Is it wrong to want for them to have a choice in the future decisions of our country? I don’t think selfishness applies when it comes to being self-sustaining. But I do think a better word would be RESPONSIBLE. As long as we are being responsible and sensible, then we should have a great chance to bring back INDEPENDENCE to America.

Memorial Day 2011

Mon, 30 May 2011 17:54:00 GMT

Today is officially the start of summer. After all it’s Monday and no buses are running, and the children can be seen running around outside or splashing in the neighborhood pools. As a matter of fact I think I smelled someone grilling bar-b-cue earlier. Today my secular family gets together for an afternoon lunch marathon and later a long afternoon nap. For me it’s more than a day to mark our first summer gathering, it’s also a day of remembrance and gratitude to those U.S. service members who pledged their life’s and honor to America so that we may continue to have days like today.
I try to wake up quietly on Memorial Day and clear my mind. Then I will walk outside, smell the rich air, feel the ground beneath my bare feet, and listen to wind. I know it sounds a little crazy, but I want to be able to appreciate even the smallest things that many of us take for granted. Many of us forget in our day to day lives that we have choices and can make decisions. We forget that in America we have Freedoms, and opportunities that do not exist in other countries around the globe. We have family and friends and choices were we want to live. We have choices to travel freely across the U.S. from state to state and city to city. We have a voice when it comes time for electing our President and Congressional representatives.
America’s Service Men and Women have dedicated their lives to ensuring that the choices and freedoms we have are not taken away. They have also stood firmly against unimaginable obstacles to uphold the American belief in life, liberty and happiness. Thank You somehow does not seem enough for

America

’s heroes, but even a thank you goes a long way. A long moment of silence is a time for us to say Thank You, and say a prayer for those fallen in battle.
I was once told by a close friend that our life can be compared to a single breath when compared to eternity. To believe that is true, I have watched events in my life that have occurred in just one breath. We have all witnessed in our life an incident or occurrence that seemed to happen in a moment. It seems only fitting that one thing I can do on this Memorial Day is take at least a single moment to give thanks and my respects.

Where are all the Leaders?

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:17:00 GMT

        I was just sitting here looking at the devastation in Japan. Wide-eyed and for a loss of words I stared over and over at the computer screen. One would think that all the different events that many Americans and other people in the world have been exposed to, that we might even be a little calloused. Maybe, Or, maybe not. As a nation I think that we have come together in difficult times, faced our adversities and moved forward. I also think that many of us have actually developed a deeper seat of compassion for people in other countries.
       One might say we should not care, but the fact remains that as human beings we do. Do the events unfolding in Japan, Australia, Libya, Egypt, Bahrain and elsewhere change your daily habits? Probably not, but eventually you might modify your schedule. Gas cost and food prices may increase. You might take more time out of your schedule to follow the latest news. Or even maybe take a few extra minutes to help in some form or another.
       I suppose you are asking, “Why would I do that?” That’s a fair enough question. Because somewhere under that fabric that makes up the human being in us, connects us world wide. If you don’t believe me then answer one question. Why do you watch the news or listen to the news events of any other country than the

U.S.A.

?
Ironically, my confusion and loss of words grows a little more complex. The strangest thought came to my mind while I was watching the news. I watched a movie entitled “The Core” last weekend. The synopsis was that the center or “core” of the Earth had stopped rotating and the earth as we know it was going to experience devastating things like earth quakes and Tsunami’s and extreme solar exposure before total annihilation. A special formed team was put together and sent to the center of the Earth in efforts to save mankind from extinction. There were no special ceremonies, press conferences, or interviews. Quietly they left out on there mission. At one point of the movie the Captain of this group said to the Co-Captain that she could never be a leader until she had failed and lost something important.
As an American I can say that many of us have failed at least once and lost something very important to us. But to be a leader we should have learned from these things. I honestly believe that most of us have. My curiosity goes toward the leadership of our great country and wonder why the true leaders of our Nation have either waited to come forth or not yet have emerged. After all do the true leaders of America have to first have their special ceremony, or news press, or interview before jumping in to help? If I am off track here let me know. But, if you agree with me feel free to comment as well.

RE: Letter to the President (original post 2/23/2010)

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:27:00 GMT

I thought today would be a good day to write my explanation why I wrote an email to the President. Actually, I have been contacted on several occasions as recent as last week requesting I explain my reasons. Fair enough, I owe it to you. I stated in my letter that the President had the most potential to prove that “change” can happen and that it can be for the betterment of the American people. That was an honest statement, and it was also a loaded challenge to see if the President and Congress could make the right choices and implement them into action. So far more “changes” seem to have done more harm than good. First of all unemployment far exceeded expectations and has continued to remain at very high levels with no present correction in sight. Some big automakers were given bailout funds only to have to file bankruptcy and in some cases sale assets. Many big banks where given tax payer money in hopes of increasing lending, preventing job losses and foreclosures, but ironically were not forced to follow any specific rules or guidelines, and have taken Malfeasance of borrowers, increased foreclosures, reduced lending, and hoarded cash like a savage would food and water.
Secondly, the President has increased spending for projects that have yet to take little effect such as building the U.S. infrastructure, the Making Home Affordable Programs, adding special positions in Government with lack of Transparency, and not being able to account for Billions of taxpayer money allotted for special programs. Lastly, I was talking to my grandmother who grew up in the great depression, yes she is 95. Clearly she remembered many heartbreaking events through those difficult years. She also remembers the way FDR demonstrated good character, revised faith and belief in the American people, and helped Lead our country back. Over-promising and under- delivering is a recipe for failure, and surrounding yourself with ineffective advisors only accelerates the public’s lack of trust in your abilities. This November will be a definitive indicator of your scorecard as well as the rest of your current administration. On a positive note, I would never tell a failing student that they can not bring their F back up to an A and redeem them self. There’s help if you ask Mr. President, and of course there is always things that can earn you extra credit. But if I may offer a suggestion, I would not wait too long to get to work!

A Day to Remember

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:41:00 GMT

       I remember this day, where I was and what I was doing. The television was like a black hole that sucked me in and would not let go, and like I nightmare that I could not wake up from. My memory will forever be etched with the attack on our beloved country. Hate and revenge filled my mind, and I was ready to go serve our country if that what things were to come. I think that feelings of disgust and loathing can be natural when you see any atrocity, especially one that you can not stop.
      Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the pursuit of happiness are part of living in America. As a matter of fact think about the people you live next to, or work with. Think about you friends. Or maybe even your loved ones. September 11^th was such a horrific and hurtful day, like a stab to the heart, but it showed that America could come together and unite. UNITED WE STAND. Do we still stand together? Are we still united in our efforts to make the USA one of the best places in the world to live?
       The news media has glorified a single man wanting to burn the Koran. They have decided that one mans ignorance and obsession is worthy of mass exposure. Other countries around the world only see unintelligent and bottem-feeding reporting instead of what should be reported. The things that should be remembered have gone ignored. Do you get discouraged when you watch the news or read the paper when it comes to September 11^th? Or do you remember days of reporting where America came together to start rebuilding?
       I want to say I am sorry for the loss of every life that day. Thank you for all fireman and police who rushed to help. Thank you for the everyday citizens who donated their time, money and faith to help all those in need. I will remember and I will not forget. I do think it is distasteful and trashy for anyone and any company to try to capitalize on such a tragedy. But, we should all not let ourselves be absorbed for the others gain. If anything, go outside and enjoy life. Hug your family, call a friend. Read a good book, or say a prayer.. But if you do anything, don’t forget the true importance of September 11^th and how our country showed the world how with all our indifferences America came together.

We all Deserve an Amazing Weekend.

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:56:00 GMT

         I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. It was an exceptionally nice weather for this time of year. For the first time in a long time I actually spent each day doing something with my family. We did not spend very much money nor drove very far. I almost could not believe that we had so much fun without having to spend a fortune. To be totally honest it kind of reminded me of times when I was growing up and when I did things as a kid. We were not by any means well to do, but some how we managed to have our share of fun filled days.
       We decided to go walking up a mountain at a local park. We went to Kennesaw Mountain for those of you who live in Georgia. First we stopped and picked up a few sub sandwiches. We also had loaded up with some bottled waters. With the children in tow, we put on our back packs and started our ascent. I was surprised at the number of families there, as we as, the number of couples. Almost every one seemed to be smiling, relaxing at different points of the climb, or just chatting as they went up and down the mountain.
       It felt good when we reached the top. We all sat down, shared our sandwiches and just talked to the kids about nature and getting out to see the elements. Amazing would be a definitive word to describe how I felt, or, maybe unburdened, even if for those few hours. I can not even recall the last time I had such a great feeling. The descent was much faster than I thought it would, but it was made memorable when we came across a small deer feeding on some vegetation. It did not run when we stopped and I have included a few pictures in my photos section.
       Sometimes I think we all could use an Amazing weekend. Wether or not we live in a bustling city, a wide open plain, or tree top covered mountain, or even a desert floor, we all deserve to experience a short time of peace and reflection. Do you remember the last time you had such a wonderful time? What do you remember most? I think that if the South gets its’ share of winter, that I might plan to walk the mountain again, just to see if nature can once again make me and my family smile...

A young adult perspective!

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:09:00 GMT

I sometimes wonder what goes through the minds of young adults. What do they think about, or what worries they have as they are growing up. My oldest daughter was assigned a writing assignment for homework, which was to hopefully make the reader think about the importance of water. The following story is all her own. After reading it, I know I started thinking a little differently. Feel free to comment on the story. It would be great to let her know that other people think and care too.

Our Water

By Indeyana Benton

My stomach goes through another painful spasm reminding me of the water I had drunk. I quickly step onto the busy Atlanta sidewalks. A man in a tailored suit almost runs into me. He looks at me with disgust, like I was old trash. “Get out of my way, stupid cat!” he shouts angrily. He kicks me angrily. I flee back to the alleyway, under a dumpster. That night, I roam the streets in search of water. I come upon a puddle. As I start to lap it up, it burns my tongue and throat viciously. I wince as the water hits my stomach. Then I get up and pad away, my tail swishing behind me. The next night I again search for water. There is another puddle. This one tastes like cars smell and glistens unnaturally in the light. But I have to drink. Afterwards, I decide to clean my fur. But, I can barely see because of the ill effects of the water. I finally manage to scrape my tongue over the few patches of fur I have left. I again go back to the dumpster. But, before I get there I see a strange sight. A man walks by with a strange container. It slops all over the ground. Then he brings it to his nose. After that he simply dumps the rest all over the place. I go to sleep wondering what he could have been doing. The night after, as I search for water, an unexpected raindrop plops on my nose. Then it just pours. But, instead of going to the dumpster, I race to the nearest drain. There I gulped down the pure rainwater. Compared to the polluted city water I normally drink, this was sugary sweet. I sat there for a long time, just drinking the wonderful rain water. After a while of drinking the rainwater that puddled on the sidewalks, I began to grow my fur back. I even got some sight back! But, like every good thing, the rainwater came to an end. I again lost my fur and my sight. I was getting worse every day. One day, I couldn’t get out from under the dumpster. I couldn’t do anything. So, I think. I think about how the man littered. I thought about why the water was getting more polluted. More importantly, I thought about what all the people would do if they had to drink filthy water that made them sick. If they didn’t want that they would have to be careful. My mind pondered the subject until I could feel all the light drain from my eyes.

Tolerance in America

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:25:00 GMT

       How tolerant are most American’s? When you stub your toe, do you say a nasty little four letter word under your breath? How about when you get in a fender bender while you’re on your way to work, and already running late? How many people are able to politely listen to a telemarketer and tell them no thank you but I’m not interested? Does tolerance come in different forms or have different levels that are all dependent on what the situation may be? What makes some people more tolerant than others and why do we act differently to the same situation?
       I can remember ever since I was growing up what my parents have been tolerant of. Boundaries had been established early and the responses to situations never changed. I bet a guideline could have been put in print and it would have never been amended. The ironic thing is that some of my friends parents where more or less tolerant of the same things. Take for example that if I stayed out well past curfew during the summer my parents may have reacted one way, say grounding me the next day or something like that. However, one of my friend’s parents would ground him for the next week, and another friend’s parents would just give him a good tongue- lashing.
       As time has gone by over the years and the world has changed around me, I have become more exposed to what is happening in the world. Like many other people in the world, the

U.S.

has had its problems with recessions, unemployment, growth periods, natural disasters, and wars. Are these exposures responsible for how tolerant we are? When the attacks in September 11, 2001 occurred not only was our country mortified, but many other countries of the world were too. Like a bad childhood memory that day will be forever etched in our minds and hearts. I hate to even bring it up, but that day was the beginning of the wars in the Iraq and Afghanistan, that still remain today. The support for the wars is declining and many people have decided that it is time for the troops to come home. Have those people become tolerant now of what happened almost 9 years ago, or have circumstances changed?
Ground Zero is not just a name, nor is it just a site of lost loved ones. Ground Zero is also a scar that will always be in America. New buildings will be built. New trees planted, and new roads completed. Like a tattoo the changes will take place and the best hope is to cover the visible scar. But who should get to decide what the tattoo should look like and what the theme of the art work should be? How are you going to choose the artist? Like a real tattoo, I would think since what is decided on will be permanent, it should be thought of carefully. How tolerant is America on religion? The idea of a gigantic mosque is all ready incinerating many, and the tolerance level of people will most likely show indifferences.
Why build just an Islamic theme? Would America be more tolerant if the theme was religious based? Could a cultural center with the most prominent religions be designed? After all, did not people of many different faiths perish that day? Are most people in New York and the U.S. open to having any religious building what-so-ever built? No one citizen grows up with the same memories and personality. We have different views and different tastes in how we feel about things. Yet we also are often able to agree and disagree on choices. Tolerance is an ability that we all have, that enables our society to function united and civilized. In a decade from now will it matter to most Americans what is sitting where the Twin Towers once were?