NEHEMIAH MESQUITE MISSION END OF YEAR BLESSINGS

So many things to say, but I am literally somewhat out of energy after a busy holiday season! God provided toys for almost every child at both Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments--and I praise God's name over and over and over!!!!

Special thanks to the many carolers from Meadowview Church of Christ who joined my congregation recently for some beautiful Christmas Caroling around Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments--as well as the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. So many families were peering out of their apartment or house doors so full of excitement and curiosity. The love of Jesus was definitely spread around those parts of Mesquite that evening!

We are really gearing up these next several days to prepare for what I pray will be a successful Community Job Fair that Sharing Life and the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission will be sponsoring. If you are an employer who will be hiring in January--please let me know and come participate. The job fair is Saturday January 8 from 10am to 1pm at 3544 E. Emporium Cr. Or if you can bring a computer and help people prep resumes, we can use your help. Or if you need a job--come be with us that day!

There is much, much work yet to do in Mesquite. But we will talk about that soon. For now, let us praise God for all HE is doing in our community! Lives are being changed--one soul at a time! And neighborhoods are slowly moving forward.

Let us all unite and come together in 2011 to rebuild and better our Mesquite and make the lives of every family better and may we honor God as we endeavor such a great cause!

NEHEMIAH MESQUITE MISSION PROGRESS AROUND MESQUITE

God is so amazing--and HE's doing great things in the City of Mesquite!!! Since we began the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood--progress is being made!

CRIME

On at least two streets in Valley View Heights--neighbors are telling me break ins have slowed almost to nothing. We had our first crime watch meeting last month on Rose Street and had over 25 neighbors who up--many more than I expected. Everyone seemed encouraged and hopeful--I appreciated Councilman Brian Hutcheson being there to support this work. We had a crimewatch walk today through the neighborhood--with James Wood and his wife (James is our crimewatch captain from Rose Street), myself, and one of our Mesquite Police Officers--who knows that neighborhood very well and knew lots of details of each street. I very much appreciate Councilman Stan Pickett showing up also for that walk. On our walk, we encountered a few neighbors who were glad to see us out there and a couple of neighbors who are trouble makers who were not so happy to see us. But nonetheless--I know word will spread that we were out there with a police officer and that is good! And honestly, there is so much more you can see when you are on foot as opposed to seeing from an automobile. If it slows anyone from pursuing criminal activity--its a good thing! It appears also, that more and more neighbors are talking to each other and looking out for one another! That is a huge blessing!

CODE ISSUES

When the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission first started working in that neighborhood, there were numerous vacant houses throughout the neighborhood that were neglected and that just looked terrible! A few were in what I call "Perpetual Repair"--but basically nothing was being done. However, today you see several vacant houses cleaned up--a few have been rented or sold--and several are having real repairs and improvements made on them. Every Saturday when we go through and pick up trash and pray for each street's families--we see workers rebuilding those houses! Clearly our code enforcement workers are making a difference!

UNEMPLOYMENT

As we go through the neighborhoods--whether it be Valley View Heights or even my own neighborhood--we encounter a number of unemployed neighbors. We need to keep praying for our unemployed neighbors. I am very excited to announce that on January 8th--the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission is partnering with Sharing Life to have a Community Job Fair. It will be a mix of a job fair with as many employers as we can get, as well as an opportunity to get help putting together a resume and we will have some professionals there to help with coaching for job interviewing skills. We will also have other ministers there besides myself to pray with folks who have been struggling or to listen to their stories. We want to encourage people! Please pray for God to bless this job fair. Here are the details:

Nehemiah Mesquite Mission/Sharing Life Community Job Fair
WHERE--Sharing Life's Facility-- 3544 Emporium Circle in Mesquite
WHEN--Saturday January 8 from 10am to 1pm

Today when we were doing the crimewatch walk through Valley View Heights, we encountered a neighbor who said he has been unemployed for several months and I mentioned our job fair. We plan on hitting several neighborhoods around Mesquite with fliers about the job fair before next month. If you know of an employer who will be hiring in January--please get them in touch with me.

May God continue to bless the City of Mesquite and may HE help us rebuild our city and spread the good news of Jesus--House By House, Street By Street, Neighborhood By Neighborhood, Apartment Complex By Apartment Complex!

Bruce

CALLING FOR UNITY IN MESQUITE!!!

Dear Mesquite Friends,

My posting today is not about the Valley View Heights Neighborhood work. Its not about any political issues. Its about unity!

One of the goals/purposes of the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission is to bring about unity in the City of Mesquite! For how can we solve our crime problems, or how to fund our schools, or fund important things like fixing streets and other infrastructure needs, helping put people back to work and most importantly--help the Gospel of Jesus Christ be spread throughout our city--if we are all at each other's throats and are in disunity?

Surely, surely, surely--there are important matters to every single one of our families in Mesquite--in which we can all come together and find common ground???

Helping the poor, helping make neighborhoods and apartment complexes safer for children in which to grow up, creating more jobs in Mesquite so everyone doesn't have to spend hours a day just commuting, helping the unemployed get back to work, helping families who rent one day be able to live the American Dream and own their home, and so many more critical issues--WE CANNOT ACHIEVE THOSE THINGS AND MORE--IF WE CANNOT WORK TOGETHER!!!

As I go around asking all kinds of Mesquite residents to join our effort--I have literally had a handful say "Well, if so and so is involved--I won't work with them!" Well, I love those folks and value all they've done for Mesquite. But honestly--anyone who says such things--I have to honestly question--is the cause of making our city better and doing what is right whats important? Or is pride and self-focus the main priority? I don't mean to offend anyone--but I vow to speak the truth and be honest!!!

IT REALLY DOES NOT MATTER WHO WORKED AGAINST WHO IN A PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL, SCHOOL BOARD, OR STATE REPRESENTATIVE RACE!!!!

When I spend time at Allenhurst or Peachtree Apartments and try to encourage people, when I talk to the many unemployed friends I have around town, when I see people in neighborhoods concerned about their homes being broken in or people driving too fast on their streets, when I look into the eyes of the many children we minister to whose parents don't come to church with them--NONE OF THEM SEEM TO CARE ABOUT POLITICS OR WHOSE UP AND WHOSE DOWN AND WHOSE FRIENDS WITH SO AND SO!!! THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT WHOSE ALIGNED POLITICALLY WITH WHO!!! THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT WHO SAID WHAT ABOUT WHO IN THE LAST LOCAL POLITICAL CAMPAIGN!!! They don't care, God doesn't care--so why should we?

Mesquite has many wonderful things taking place and we are blessed in many ways! But like the rest of the nation, we also have our share of problems and struggles!

To face and deal with our many challenges, we need to find times where we are not Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, Conservatives, or a host of other labels--but instead--there must be times where we can come together and just be God's children and fellow neighbors who love each other and our great city who work together to help build a better future!

When Nehemiah realized how bad things were in Jerusalem, chapter one of Nehemiah's book says that Nehemiah wept. He then called on the Lord to help him go rebuild the destroyed walls and burned gates of Jerusalem! With God's help--we can do the same here in Mesquite--with our struggles and problems--IF WE CAN WORK TOGETHER!

During the 1860 Presidential campaign, Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas had a hard fought campaign against one another. But both loved this country deeply and saw a greater cause then themselves--this is one thing in which they found common ground--as all of us can. On Inauguration day--March 4, 1861--as President Lincoln walked up to the podium to give his inaugural speech, he realized he needed a place to sit his hat. Not seeing where he could put it, Lincoln then heard a voice behind him--Senator Douglas--who gently said to his once opponent and now his President--"I'll hold it for you."

Richard Nixon campaigned on a very important theme in 1968, with the country torn apart by war and civil unrest--his theme was simply "Bring Us Together." It was a good theme then and its a good one today!

John Kennedy said it best when he said: "For in the final analysis, our most basic common link, is that we all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children's futures, and we are all mortal."

Remember September 11, 2001 when members of Congress--Democrats and Republicans--stood arm in arm on the Capital Steps and sang God Bless America? I get chills thinking about it. We need to have such an attitude of unity in Mesquite, Texas!

Let us be praying for unity. Let us reach out to one another. Let us love and serve one another. Let us disagree when we need to, but let us do it in an agreeable, Christ-like way. And let us come together and roll up our sleeves and rebuild and make our Mesquite better! Our children and grandchildren will be blessed by our common purpose and unity!

There is nothing wrong with Mesquite, that cannot be fixed with what is right with Mesquite!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

FIRST CRIMEWATCH MEETING A SUCCESS IN VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS!!

As of tonight--The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission moves forward! We had our first crimewatch meeting in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood--and it was A HUGE SUCCESS! With the weather, I honestly expected maybe 5-6 people to show up--but I think we had around 25 or so residents attend! I was so encouraged--and I think many of them were also! And just like in my neighborhood recently--kids were playing in yards all around us--and you could really feel community and the whole "Love Your Neighbor" concept Jesus talked about in Matthew 22:34! It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

Special thanks to my boys for helping set up chairs and all the fliers they handed out Saturday reminding everyone about the meeting. Special thanks to the family who hosted the meeting under their carport. Special thanks to Officer Don Williams for all his hard work all over Mesquite in setting up crimewatches. Special thanks to Rose Street resident James Wood for his leadership as crimewatch captain. Special thanks to Nadine Ward for helping us design some really effective fliers for the neighborhood. And special thanks to Councilman Brian Hutcheson for attending and showing his support.

I could see hope and encouragement in people's eyes tonight. I could see neighbors chitchatting who did not know each other prior to tonight. People are tired of just accepting things not being as they should!

I am also still seeing progress with code issues getting better around the neighborhood. Streets and yards seem cleaner.

The next couple of weeks, we will focus more on more progress with vacant houses that have been neglected and other code issues. We will also be looking to see if we can help any families who are unemployed--find any kind of work--especially with Christmas coming up.

We still need many more volunteers. And we need workers who can speak fluent spanish also--for many families who want to participate in bettering their neighborhood--but sometimes feel awkward because of their language barrier. God loves all HIS children equally!

Please continue to pray for the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission!

There is nothing wrong with Mesquite, that cannot be fixed with what is right with Mesquite!

GETTING CLOSER TO THE GOAL--BUT MUCH WORK YET TO BE DONE!

Greetings Mesquite Friends,

The Nehemiah Mesquite Missioin had its most productive day yet I believe in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood today! I had Spencer Gunnels, one of our ministers from At The Cross and my two boys Jayden and Bryson and their buddy DeAndre.

Bryson picked up trash on each street--while the rest of us knocked doors handing out fliers and reminding everyone of our first crimewatch meeting coming up Monday November 15th on Rose Street. We had several good responses from neighbors who seemed excited about the possibility of things getting better. Several neighbors continue to tell me of a break in here and there, but overall they seem hopeful things can get better. And with the Lord helping us--IT WILL GET BETTER!!!

As always, we took time on each street to pray for those families who are unemployed or who are hurting financially--and for God to just bless every family in the neighborhood.

Overall, you can tell that the streets are cleaner and that code enforcement has been working with landlords to get those homes that had been under long term reconstruction--are now really getting worked on and rebuilt. I am hopeful that the more God's people can engage and encourage renters living in the neighborhood--the more landlords will have better long term renters who take better care of the homes--and perhaps some renters one day could actually buy the homes from the landlords. Surely one of the beauties of the American Dream is home ownership!

I met a young couple today who recently bought their house and they've already had a break in--but they seem resolved to carve out a good life in this neighborhood and they want to get involved. Such moments are priceless for me!

Besides break ins, I've had some different residents complain of some gang activity--which we will hopefully talk about at our crime watch Monday evening. Councilman Brian Hutcheson will be with us at our first meeting, which I really appreciate. Community Police Officer Don Williams will also be with us. Officer Williams is a HUGE asset to The City of Mesquite!

I was really proud of my boys and Spencer Gunnels. Everyone did a wonderful job. Lord willing, by February or March--we can have at least 2-3 crimewatch chairpersons set up throughout the neighborhood, more clean up can take place, more neighbors get involved and knowing each other--and we can move on to the next older neighborhood in Mesquite.

I strongly believe that GOD IS PREPARED TO DO GREAT AND AMAZING THINGS IN MESQUITE! With HIS help, we will rebuild every broken part of Mesquite--and thus rebuild people's lives just as Nehemiah did in Jerusalem! May God receive all the glory!

UPDATE ON WORK IN THE VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD

I was so excited this last Saturday morning when we were picking up trash and prayer walking through the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. The family who are going to let us use their front drive way for our first crimewatch meeting--was telling me about a neighbor down the street that they had had problems with in the past over kids not getting along--and how that neighbor came by the other day and apologized and wanted to rebuild their relationship. And now the kids are playing together and I was soooooo encouraged! And the dad at that house--he is somewhat disabled, but can work some--and they were telling me how he's been doing some mowing for a couple of churches and getting some income. I so felt that some prayers for families on Rose Street have been answered! So exciting! God is so good!

I am also seeing more almost manicured yards, less trash on the streets, and more workers at vacant homes that have been in disrepair for some time.

Our first crimewatch meeting is set for Monday November 15th! Be praying that we have a good turnout of neighbors.

The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission is also working to help our city's unemployed find jobs. Be praying about this.

Lets take Christ all through our neighborhoods in Mesquite!

Bruce

LETS KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!!!

Tonight, I was reading some Facebook posts where some current and former Mesquite residents were complaining and calling Mesquite "Ghetto" and that our city was no longer a good place to live. I appreciate their views, but strongly disagree with their assessments!

There are many challenges for sure in our city! But there are also many good things happening all over!

I have personally seen a lot of positive changes at Town East Mall--and more and more of our residents are shopping there again! Plus, I think we are going to see a strong shopping spree in the Town East Retail Area or (TERA) come this Christmas! We had another great "Addressing Mesquite Day" a few weeks back and many homes that needed repairs and Ministerial Alliance is working and praying hard to keep God's love and goodness spread around our City! My church (At The Cross) continues to work and serve at places like Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments where povery runs rampant and many children grow up in very challenging and difficult situations! Organizations like Sharing Life and Mesquite Social Services are working hard with very little to help our many famlies that are struggling during this very hard economic times! The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, The City of Mesquite and many of our local businesses are working aggressively to expand economic growth and create job growth in our city! The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission that I lead, is working hard to improve and rebuild our older neighborhoods as well as help the unemployed of our city find jobs. Crimewatches are growing in neighborhoods all over Mesquite. I could keep on going and going.

However, none of that means we are not without serious challenges--we certainly do face many struggles! But with a lot of prayer and God's people rolling up our sleeves--things can continue to change and get better! Nehemiah, with God's annointed blessing, gathered up enough of God's people to volunteer and help rebuild the walls and gates around Jerusalem. My hope, prayer, and desire is that more and more of our good citizens who love the Lord and love their fellow Mesquite citizens--will stand up and get involed in serving and changing our older neighborhoods and all the many other struggles we face here in Mesquite!

LETS GET TO WORK!

Bruce

PROGRESS ALL OVER MESQUITE!!!

Its been a very exciting week for me to say the least and a great week for the City of Mesquite!

PEACHTREE APARTMENTS

Last Sunday my congregation held our Sunday worship service on the grounds of Peachtree Apartments! It was so beautiful--we had a lot of residents who worshipped with us and a bunch of kids! I have often seen people who sit in worship because they feel as if they have to--but I could see hope in some of their eyes! And the children were so precious! Peachtree is a difficult place for children to grow up, so we need more and more Christians to come help us show love there--just like at Allenhurst!

MY NEIGHBORHOOD

After our initial crimewatch meeting for the City Lake Park Neighborhood (thats my name for it--I don't know what the actual plat shows :) ---we had our first neighborhood crimewatch/block party. Wildwood Baptist Church hosted our event--it was an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other so they can look out for each other! In fact, before I introduced Mayor Monaco, I told the crowd of neighbors--"Jesus said to love your neighbor." What better way to love our neighbors--than to first know each other and and look out for each other. We had hamburgers and hotdogs and Pastor Jason Tingle and some of his staff and members were sooooo very gracious and hospitable! There were so many adults just sitting and talking and getting to know each other. There were kids playing in the parking lot--riding bikes and skateboarding--and there was just a real sense of love in the air--and real community! My heart was very full and warm! I appreciated some of our Mesquite fireman and Officer Don Williams, who helps all the crimewatches get started. Mayor Monaco did a great job of encouraging everyone to be vigilant and involved in bettering our neighborhood and offered the support of city hall! The weather was so nice and it was just a wonderful night! Special thanks to Gary and Nadine Ward and Robert Drennan for all their help!

VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS

Today, we picked up trash on Rose, Carnation, and Lilack Streets in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. We took some time to pray for on each street--for families who are unemployed or are struggling financially. There was not near as much trash to pick up as there was a few weeks ago when we first started working to rebuild that neighborhood. And you could see progress on some of the houses that had been sitting vacant for a while--there were workers fixing and cleaning them up. When I spoke to some of the residents of Rose and Lilac Streets that we've gottent o know already--they said things have been a little quieter and they have had no more break ins lately. I believe the prayers that have been going up for that neighborhood are being answered! I went to see James, who will be our crime watch chairman on Rose Street, he was in the hospital earlier this week and has a staff infection. His wife invited us in and we tried to encourage him and pray for him. Pray for James to heal up quickly--he is a blessing to the neighborhood families in Valley View Heights! I am hopeful that we can do this again next Saturday--so we can finish up the other streets. We had one volunteer today. We need more for next time.

OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS

I was encouraged Thursday night at my neighborhood event that the mother of one of the ladies who were there from Wildwood Street--wants us to help start a crimewatch where she lives on Jardin.

Lord willing, when we finish the Valley View Heights Neighborhood--we can start on the next neighborhood--I am praying for guidance on just where that will be?

God is good! Let us rebuild the walls and thus lives of the people of Mesquite--just as Nehemiah and God's people rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem! There is much to be done!

FUTURE CHRISTIAN JOB FAIR/HOPE EVENT

I am praying about possibly putting together an event where the unemployed of Mesquite can come together and we will pray for them as well as maybe have some folks there with their computers to put together some resumes and have some business professionals there to talk about various job skills such as interviewing strategies etc. Be praying about that please.

Making Progress In The Streets of Mesquite

We were not able to spend much time in the Valley View Heights neighborhood this last week, as we had to prepare for my church's worship service at Peachtree Apartments today and I had to spend some time in my neighborhood preparing for a crimewatch/block party we are having for our City Lake Crimewatch. In fact, if you live nearby City Lake or Paschall Park, come join us this coming Thursday evening for a good fellowship of neighbors and Mayor John Monaco at Wildwood Baptist Church parking lot. 6:30-8:30. Hamburgers and hot dogs! Its an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other and help look out for one another. We hit a lot of doors on streets like Bois D Arc, Wildwood, Pecan, and Cedar yesterda, inviting folks. One thing that struck me as I was walking from house to house--I became so fully aware--that you really can't truly appreciate Mesquite--until you really get out in the neighborhoods--not in a car--but just being up close with the people and where they live. Its really all about THE PEOPLE! Thats who God really cares about!

VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS

I spoke to our future crime watch chairman a bit ago from the Valley View Heights Neighborhood and he said more neighbors seem to be getting interested in participating in a crime watch. So I will be contacting Officer Don Williams this week to see about scheduling our first crime watch meeting for Rose, Daffodil, and Lilac Streets in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood.

UPCOMING EVENT

Saturday morning, October 23 at 10:30--we will be asking any volunteers we can get--to join us to go prayer walk through Valley View Heights--and to have a trash bash at the same time. We will be specifically praying on each street--for every family who may be unemployed or who is hurting financially. If you can help us that day--please contact me at bsarcher1@yahoo.com or (972) 834-7099. We will meet at the corner of Carnation and Rodeo Center.

Also, I am praying and brainstorming about the possibility of having an event in November, where we invite everyone who is unemployed or who needs a better job to survive from around Mesquite and have some special prayer time. Also, we would hopefully have some business leaders and possibly some business teachers who could offer tips on hiring strategies, interviewing--and hopefully we could have a few computers there and some folks who could help people who need a put a resume together. Please pray about the possibility of this.

Let us continue to have the attitude that Nehemiah had when he saw there was a great need God's people had back in Jerusalem--when he said "Send me!"

Blessings,

Bruce

Update On Nehemiah Mesquite Mission

The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission will not be working as much in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood this week due to some other important works going on in Mesquite. However, I do hope to get with James, our future crimewatch chairman for Rose, Lilac and Carnation Streets. I am hopeful we can get some details together and try to schedule our first crimewatch meeting some time in November Lord willing.

After our first crime watch meeting, I am hopeful to schedule a neighborhood block party after that to just bring neighbors together and bring about fellowship. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors!

I am also hopeful we will be able to schedule a special time in November for prayer for that neighborhood—for everyone who lives there who may be unemployed or struggling financially.
We need volunteers to help with helping those families who legitimately need help with their lawns or with cutting down bushes and overhanging limbs that are code violations. Or maybe we can help people find some second hand mowers if they need them. I know of one widow on Rose Street that I have not gotten to talk to yet, who I am sure needs some help here and there. I am also hopeful we can schedule a “Trash Bash” soon and get as many volunteers as we can and just walk up and down every street and pick up trash and litter—and of course, try to involve some of the residents to help us—as it is their street and their neighborhood! We just want to be helpful neighbors! And Lord willing, after some of the Valley View Heights residents get their rougher spots up to par and feel better about where they live and run crime out—perhaps they can then help us go into other older and neglected neighborhoods and carry on the work of rebuilding and bringing about hope!

Over the years, I have seen people who live at Allenhurst Apartments who became Christians while living there or who were already Christians—but they received needed help at times, later go help us with mission work at Peachtree Apartments. I think some call it “Paying It Forward.” I call it, having a grateful heart for what Jesus has done for all of us!

Lets keep that momentum going! Please pray for God to bless the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission!

Thursday Night Journey In Valley View Heights

Last night (Thursday October 7th), I met Mesquite City Councilman Stan Pickett (Place 3) at the convenience store at Carnation and Rodeo Center to go walk some streets in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. Our purpose was primarily to go around and knock doors of those homes, whose owners or renters are doing a great job of keeping their property looking nice and clean. We wanted to encourage them to keep moving forward and let them know they are valued!

We got to spend some time with James, who is going to be our first crimewatch chairman in Valley View Heights--and James took us around to a few doors of folks he met. We had some wonderful visits. There is definitely a little more progress already taking place in that neighborhood than I realized--in bits and pieces! But of course, we saw other homes and heard about numerous families having their homes broken into 2 or 3 times over the past few months--so there is definitely much work yet to be done!

I was very proud of Councilman Pickett and proud to have him with me. He really made everyone we met feel at ease and showed all of them kindness and genuine empathy. It always warms my heart deeply--when a person of influence takes the time to show love and kindness to those who have no influence--who would otherwise be easily forgotten! Thats one of the reasons I so value Mayor Monaco--because he has come out so many times to places like Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments and showed real kindness to everyone!

It was a very productive evening and I was very excited when we left! Word is getting around--at least on Rose Street that help is on the way. I can also see where the City of Mesquite has been pushing some issues with a few homes--that were just out of control in terms of code issues.

And I wanna be very clear--OUR PURPOSE IS NOT TO HARRASS PEOPLE INTO HAVING PERFECTLY MANICURED HOMES! My home was built in 1940 and needs a number of things done to it. We do what we can here and there when we can afford it. I am simply talking about big eye sore issues like very high weeds and grass, lots of trash, and things that are just way out of control. My concerns--are situations where there is maybe a vacant house that looks awful sitting there for a long time--the neighbors around that home should not have to be demoralized by that day in and day out! There were several homes we walked by last night--that could use a paint job or a little touch up here and there--but they were homes who had nicely mowed lawns, no trash, and you could tell they were making efforts to do what is right. I think thats all we should really ask of folks in neighborhoods that need so much work done!

Pray for the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission--that more families--especially children--who live in rougher parts of our city--will get to experience more of the abundant life Jesus promised! Pray that evil and ugliness and crime will be rooted out of places like the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. Pray for God to raise up and give courage to good people like James--to become leaders among their neighbors! Pray for every family in that neighborhood to be enpowered to step out with courage and make a difference!

These things and more can be done--with God's help--and support from good citizens in Mesquite! Thank you Councilman Pickett for making a difference last night.

God bless our city!

Bruce

NEWS FROM THE VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD

Today (Saturday) my boys and I went into the Valley View Heights Neighborhood to cut some lawns, cut down some overhanging bushes and trees for some families who need the help. I was hoping we might have a few volunteers show up today, but we will keep trying! But a great day nonetheless. First, anytime my kids do some physical labor--its a good thing! :)


We worked on a single mom's house first on Rodeo Center--a lady I met last Saturday. We cut down a bunch of way over hung tree branches in her back yard. We couldn't finish it all because I needed more advanced equipment for some of it--but we made a dent in it. She seemed encouraged, so that was encouraging to me. Then we mowed a lawn on to one of the flower streets, and while the boys were mowing, I was able to make friends with a family whose been living there for a few years. The man is disabled, but he and his wife keep a pretty nice yard and have some benches on their front drive way--making it an appealing place to sit and congregate. Their two kids were very sweet! After making friends with this couple and listening to their thoughts about the needs of the neighborhood and their street--they introduced me to a man down the street who appears to be somewhat of a leader on that street. He agreed to be our crime watch chair person for the street--and the family whose lawn we mowed--agreed to host the first crime watch meeting in their drive way! I AM VERY EXCITED AT THIS POINT! I got to have some prayer time with these families and it was a beautiful moment!


I met a few more neighbors--and found out from everyone, that there have been a lot of break ins lately in that neighborhood. They did all say that the Mesquite Police makes regular runs down their street. Which to me proves, that no matter how active our police are--we need citizens involved and proactive in watching what is going on and keeping regular communication with each other and the police departments.


Each of the families I met with, are all doing the best they can and all want their children to grow up in a safe and joyful place. We all certainly want that!


So I will be getting back with these families over the next week to try and set up our first crime watch meeting and try to work some with the gentleman who is going to be the crime watch leader for that street. This Thursday evening, I am taking a walk through the neighborhood with Stan Pickett, the city councilman who has Valley View Heights in his district--and we are going to go around and visit with neighbors and encourage and thank those neighbors who are doing a good job taking care of their properties. We won't be able to thank everyone who deserves a thanks in one night--but we will make a start! I so appreciate Councilman Pickett for his willingness to encourage his constituents in this neighborhood--a neighborhood that is one of the many important and special places around our great city! Every citizen and every resident--be they in a home or an apartment or a trailer or even if they live in one of the week to week motels over off of Hwy 80--ARE IMPORTANT TO OUR CITY AND THEY ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD!

Please be praying for all the families in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood! Please pray for the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission!

Bruce

GOALS FOR VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD

These are the following goals for the Valley View Neighborhood that the "Nehemiah Mesquite Mission" is working towards:


Our goals for the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission’s efforts in the Valley View Heights Addition through February are the following:

CRIME
* Find and develop at least 3-4 crime watch chairpersons to work certain streets. Work closely with police department so they have good information and intelligence as to potential problems.
* Encourage neighbors knowing each other and communicating well with one another.
* Make sure all sex offenders are properly registered

MINISTRY/EVANGELISM
* Involve area churches to come minister in that neighborhood.
* Help spread love and kindness up and down each street. (Jesus said "Love your neighbor.")

QUALITY OF LIFE/ENCOURAGING GOOD CITIZENSHIP
* Engage landlords who are not taking care of their properties—persuade and encourage them to take better care of their properties and invest more in the neighborhood
* Show appreciation for those renters and landlords who do take care of their properties.
* Assist renters and homeowners who legitimately need some help with their lawn/landscapes or home repair work. (Similar type work that “Addressing Mesquite Day” does.
* Incorporate monthly “trash bashes” or litter cleanups.
* Encourage recycling.
* Register folks in that neighborhood to vote and get involved in their community
* Encourage participation in PTAS for neighborhood feeder schools
* Encourage the convenience store next to the neighborhood at Carnation and Rodeo Center to stop selling drug paraphanalia and become more family oriented.

NEXT NEIGHBORHOOD
We’d covet prayers from everyone as to which neighborhood the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission should go into after Valley View Heights. Our goal is to have accomplished our goals for Valley View Heights by February.

I don't know how much help we will have, or how many volunteers will step up. But I know that all things are possible with God! Lets be praying for God to bless every family living in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood!

There is nothing wrong with Mesquite that cannot be fixed with what is right with Mesquite!

Bruce

Getting Boots On The Ground

We began our “Boots On The Ground” execution of the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission yesterday. We were going to start at 10am, but due to the rain—we wound up starting at 2:30. I think we would have had some volunteers at 10 had it not been raining. So I went to a few random houses on both Rodeo Center (formerly Hickory Tree) and Rose Street.

The first lady I spoke to is a single mother who just moved into the neighborhood a few weeks ago. Seeing the poor shape of both the inside and outside of the home she is renting, makes me wonder if the landlord is paying the water bill, to avoid having city staff come in and do the rental inspection program that is supposed to happen before a new renter can rent the home. But having said that, I intend to be open minded and look at every situation individually. This single mother is raising two daughters and is attending college and receiving no child support from the father and she needs a part time job. She complained of one of her neighbors who throws trash in her yard often. If you walk through the “Flower Neighborhood” as I call it (many streets with the name of various flowers), you will see a number of yards and back alleys full of trash and litter. You could tell this woman is trying to build a better future, but is beat down and needs some hope. Pray for her please.

The next home I visited was a home of several Mexican men who labor here and pray that some day their children in Mexico can come to live with them here. These men were afraid at first that I was a person of authority there to cause them a problem. But very quickly, they begin to open up about what they think their street needs and they shared that their home has been broken into a couple of times. Then the man who spoke the best English agreed to help me interpret as we go through the neighborhood and meet a number of Spanish-speaking families.
The next family I met was so shocked that anyone actually cared what they thought or that anyone cared about their neighborhood. Both work and are doing the best they can to build a future for their son. The wife actually was in her front yard recently watching things and saw a couple of guys trying to break into her neighbor’s house and she called the police and they caught the burglars! I gave her a high give! She might be our first crime watch chair person?
Every family I spoke to gave me their views of what they thought was needed and shared their concerns and hopes. I told them that Lord willing, God would send us more volunteers.
Every family I spoke to were renters. Every family or individual I spoke to were willing to start trying to sit out in their front yards for a little while each day if they are home and watch for crime. And everyone said they wanted to be a part of making their street and neighborhood better. I was so excited and proud!

I was also encouraged that every family I met with let me pray for them and seem to like the idea of spreading Godliness through their neighborhood!

While there are some rough patches in this neighborhood, there are also a number of homes that do take good care of their properties and we want to encourage them and spur them on!

Let us keep dreaming of a better city and a better place for our children to be raised!

"Where there is no vision, the people will perish" (Proverbs 29:18, NIV).

There is nothing wrong with Mesquite that cannot be fixed with what is right with Mesquite!

Bruce

NEW DIRECTION FOR THIS BLOG

When I first began this "political blog," it was to be separated from my "preacher blog" simply because I enjoy commentating on the heated and big political matters of the day. Its always been a side hobby, just as is reading in American History. Us preachers have to have some hobbies! :)

However, for the next few months--this blog will take a different direction. I have come to the conclusion--that neither Barack Obama, Sara Palin, Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and the list goes on--NONE OF THEM CAN REALLY FIX OUR PROBLEMS! Neither can the mayors and city councils and school boards of each of our communities. Not that government can't and shouldn't play a role in helping to make things better--but ultimately--God and a citizenry that cares about their communities CAN INDEED MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE! Just go read the Book of Nehemiah!

Thus, I am starting a movement in the City of Mesquite--called "The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission." This movement is not a political organization, a non-profit, a church, or anything else other than a movement of God's people going out into parts of Mesquite to "rebuild the walls and lives" our fellow citizens. Having said that, if anyone who is not a Christian would like to take part in helping uplift neighborhoods and serve others--they will be welcome to help and treated as valued workers and neighbors!

There are great needs in our city! Just drive around in various neighborhoods and see rampant poverty. Drive around and see homes falling apart, yards full of trash and unkept properties. Drive around and go into convenience stores in these struggling neighborhoods and see the drug paraphanalia and smut they sell--and the kids living in those neighborhoods go into those stores everyday! Often these are the same kids who are struggling in school, have no strong guidance at home and need mentors desperately! Drive around and see growing crime all around us. We can't hire enough police officers to stop every possible situation. We actually have better options avaialble to us--through good neighbors looking out for each other.

Some of these property owners, apartment complexes, and other places--may need to be dealt with somewhat severely and the use of our local authorities may have to enforce local ordinances and laws. However, I believe there are many good citizens out there--renters and homeowners who want to have better neighborhoods and better places for their kids to grow up. Maybe some of these folks need some love, support, friendship, and help. Maybe some of the property owners need some help getting their lawn and landscape fixed up and a coat of paint on their house instead of having code enforcement called out on them. This is where the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission comes in and begins to make a difference Lord willing. Groups and organizations like the Mesquite Ministerial Alliance are doing great work with things like "Addressing Mesquite Day." But my dream and vision is to expand such efforts to be taking place all through out city on a daily basis!

How many businesses are struggling and failing in Mesquite? How many unemployed do we have in our city? How many need hope?

I will be posting soon, a greater definition of the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission. However, in the mean time. I will be enlisting every possible volunteer and worker we can get! It matters not if you are a Republican or a Democrat or what your political beliefs are. It doesn't matter if you dislike certain people in the city who are also involved in the community. What matters is that we all come together and make a difference and honor God! I am calling upon every church in Mesquite to soon adopt a section of the city--maybe a street, a school, an apartment complex etc and send their members out to minister and serve in those areas! Just imagine. Just dream of the possibilities!

I have a Facebook page devoted to the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission. Stop by.

There is nothing wrong with Mesquite that cannot be fixed by what is right with Mesquite!

Bruce Archer

LABOR DAY

I could so easily talk about the fact that I often struggle to try to discern the best policies in which the nation needs to go when it comes to economic policy. I look back and see some of the tough decisions President Obama made (that Bush was already making before Obama took office) regarding keeping some of the major industries such as the auto and banking systems from collapsing--and thus I believe that contrary to what many of my more Republican or Libertarian thinking friends think--some governmental involvement and control is not all bad. I think there were drastic decisions the president has had to make to simply maintain stability in the nation. And yet, there are some good arguments from conservatives I respect like Newt Gingrich and my friend Tom Pauken here in Texas--who contend that its time that more free market policies were allowed to shape more economic policy and less governmental handling.

Which brings me to the thought, that Americans might just get better overall government if the GOP takes over the U.S. House and makes the Senate tighter. Then both Congress and the President will actually perhaps be forced to work together so something good actually gets done--just as they did in the mid 1990s when a GOP led Congress worked out a deal with President Clinton for meaningful welfare reform to take place!

And yet, my purpose for this blog entry was not so much about politics as it is about where our nation is at when it comes to plain old work! Labor! Regardless of who runs the White House and Congress--we have a far greater problem! We have an entire generation of young people who simply have little to no respect for hard work!

Whether at school, at home, or when they turn 18 and are finally forced to go get a job--a generation of young people simply DO NOT WANT TO WORK! There is such an entitlement attitude! I see it even in my own kids!

I was blessed to have had a father who always taught us the importance and good value of hard work! My father was a lawyer who could have easily avoided most forms of manual labor in his later career. But instead, he was always working with his hands and getting dirty. When I was a boy, my parents used to buy HUD houses, fix em up and turn around and sell them. My dad would work his job as City Attorney in Mesquite and then come home and change clothes and go work on the HUD houses til midnight. I remember one time seeing my dad take his hand to unclog a sewer pipe. My father always said "All work is honorable!"

So from the time I was a 15 year old grocery clerk all the way til now as a pastor, I believe hard work is a cornerstone of our lives! When I was working for Safeway all thought high school, I wanted to be the absolute best at everything! Whether I was bagging or checking groceries, stocking the dairy or the shelves or sweeping and mopping the floors--every task I did was going to be absolutely 100 percent! And usually my supervisors saw me literally running to accomplish every task they gave me! And I remember ambition. I soon wanted to move into management. Not so much because of the money, but because I longed to really make a difference and build something good. Years later in restaurant management, I also strived to often be the best! And I wanted my employees to be not only the best workers they could be, but also the best people they could also be!

Today, we see a generation that has grown up on electronic gadgets and games. They don't want to work. Most of them live in fantasy worlds and have no grasp of the real world! So many are absolutely so full of apathy--that only self-gratification matters to them! And this attitude knows no economic or social boundaries!

So what is the answer? How can we change the attitudes of our young people! How can we truly celebrate Labor Day when so many of our young people are ready to work against us? If we are not able to get the next generation prepared for the important work that will be needed to keep this great country going--something has to give somewhere!

Tell me what you think?

Changing The Tone

I spend a lot of time in book stores--I love books! Usually I spend most of that time in the American History/Political Science/Biography sections. Too often I see book after book by either a conservative or liberal writer--slamming the other side! Titles like "Why Liberals Are Stupid" or "Conservatives Are Nazis" or "How Liberals Are Destroying Our Nation" or "How Conservatives Are Selling Us Out" and the list goes on and on and on! Most of these books rarely offer well thought out solutions as well as ideas and ideals on how to solve our nation's problems. They just attack the other side, make fun of them, call them un-American and basically they raise the level of hate in this country!

Sadly, I never see titles like "How We Can All Come Together And Rebuild Our Nation" or "Out With Partisanship And In With Unity" or "Bridging The Partisan Divide." Such titles of such books, simply would not be as juicy and would not play to the base of the two major political parties. Such titles don't get people as stirred up and whipped into a frenzy. The purpose these days in politics and political leadership--is rarely to inspire and motivate people to go make a difference and invest in their nation, state, and community. Instead, more bridges keep being burned and ideas and ideals matter less and less and high toned rhetoric carries the day--while often NOTHING USEFUL gets done for the people! Sam Rayburn once said "Any jackass can kick down a barn."

But we can change that!

I'm not against the two party system. However, I am against extremism and I am against putting party politics before national and community needs! The average American does not care about the ins and outs of party politics. They don't care about making a precinct meeting or a senatorial district convention. However, many of these same folks do vote, they pay taxes, they go to jury duty, and they work and contribute to society! I think President Nixon called such folks "The Silent Majority." These hard working families don't want to hear about President Obama being called the "Anti-Christ" or a "Communist" anymore than they want to hear about some of Sarah Palin's personal life issues or how her daughter's ex-boyfriend is running for mayor in her hometown.

They want to hear about what we are gonna do about strengthening the economy. They want to hear how we will remain safe abroad and at home. They want to see unhealthy immigration tempered and changed instead of a war of hate and words between the Governor of Arizona and Obama Justice Department. They want to see an end to entitlements and unhealthy/enabling of welfare--without hurting families who really do need help.

And in the community, we want to hear about how we will finance and then execute repairing streets and old water utilities infrastructure, storm drains, better public safety, and how to avoid cutting needed local programs during tight budgets.

We can do all those things and more and do them well! If we move beyond the heated and hateful rhetoric of the current partisan divide! Republicans and Democrats don't have to give up all their core values to be willing to work together and get things done. Campaigning for reelection should start the next day after the election. WHEN DO WE GET DOWN TO GOVERNING?

I've never been a big fan of Newt Gingrich--but at least he writes books that offers well thought out solutions and ways of making things better from his vantage point--that are not just political attack books! Lets start debating methods and strategies of how we should fix problems and not hate each other because we just don't agree!

If conservatives and liberals started talking more and getting to know each other, they might find a lot of areas they agree on. And many of us who don't consider ourselves in either category, get tired of being lumped into one or the other because of certain positions we may have on the issues. I am pro-life and anti-gay marraige--but that does not make me a hater of people who don't agree with me on those issues. I believe there are some areas that government needs to play a part in, when a major financial collapse is about to take place--but that does not make me a socialist. And no matter where my views are, I don't have to have my way on everything--and many of our members of Congress need to learn that they can't have their way on everything--that they may one day have to actually compromise and work together to get something needed done for the people!

We need to lower the degree of harshness and intenseness. We need to stop questioning each other's motives and suggesting that those who may disagree with us are just bad people!

Both George W. Bush and Barack Obama both promised to "change the tone" in Washington. But reality is, under both presidents--we are more divided than we've ever been! Let us learn to sit down at the table of brotherhood and actually learn from each other and consider each other's views. What do we have to lose? ITS TIME TO CHANGE THE TONE!

SEEKING COMMON GROUND

In my quest and desire to encourage Democrats and Republicans to sit down and listen to each other more, to emphathize more, and get better at questioning differing policies and views while not questioning each other's motives--I will say I have A LONG WAYS TO GO! But thats ok--I persevere because our nation, state, and community is worth the effort!

Recently I challenged the presidents of the Mesquite Republican and Democratic Clubs to sit down with each other and look to find common ground--and for their respective clubs to sit down once a year and break bread together and to participate in a community project together. This has not happened yet, but I will keep urging such communication and efforts.

There are great needs and challenges our nation and communities face! There is nothing wrong with citizens having differing views and opposing ideas. But there is something wrong when problems remain unsolved because those in political power in both major political parties refuse to work together. There was a time when partisanship ended at the water's edge in this country. Today, most Democrats and Republicans in politics--whether elected or not elected--DON'T EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER!!! Thats sad!

Let us remember, that in many of our nation's previous wars--many Democrats and Republicans fought side by side and gave their lives on the battlefield because they both loved their nation, they both loved freedom, and they both believed in the Constitution--though they may have had some differing politcal views.

We would do good to follow in their footsteps! Learning to find common ground and work together to do the people's business--doesn't mean we have to give up our core beliefs and values or compromise on principle. But it does mean we have to listen to each other, try to empathize with one another, and care about the common good of the nation and our communities before partisan politics.

We are a good and great nation. We can do better! I believe our greatest days are ahead! But we have to stop shouting at each other and hating each other and start listening and caring for one another.

God bless the United States of America and all the communities within our nation.

WHY SO LITTLE GETS DONE

Happy Independence Day everyone! We often see on the news shows, how there is so much fighting and ugliness in Congress and how so often when important issues are on the table that our nation desperately needs results on--OFTEN NOTHING GETS DONE!

I believe deeply, that it is because all we do is shout and hate and close our minds and really don't much care about our fellow citizens and our nation--we just want what we want and to hell with everyone else! No, I don't think this is reflective of everyone in politics--but it is indeed a problem our nation faces.

Whether it is financial reform, healthcare, foreign policy, campaign finance reform, immigration reform to name a few--often nothing gets done because each side has too much of an "ALL OR NOTHING ATTITITUDE!"

All throughout our nation's history, there has always been partisan wrangling and tough fights--dating back really to just a short time into Washington's first term--as he bitterly fought having political parties--but by 1800--it was a reality. The famous and controversial election of 1800 put party politics squarely before the nation with Jefferson and Madison's Democratic Republicans versus Adams and Hamilton's Federalists (although Adams and Hamiliton hated each other.)

But whether it was Whigs working with Democratic President Polk in the war with Mexico or War Democrats working with Republican President Lincoln during the Civil War or Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson and House Speaker Sam Rayburn working with a Republican President Dwight Eisenhower to build a national highway system--often both sides have worked together to get things done for our nation and its people! Not so much so today.

I believe the first thing that needs to change--is that partsian politics needs to take a step back! I am not suggesting that we end the two party system per say. But for sure--THE TWO PARTIES NEED TO START TALKING MORE ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN AGREE ON AND WHAT THEY CAN ACCOMPLISH TOGETHER INSTEAD OF CONSTANTLY FOCUSING ON THE NEXT ELECTION!!!!!

For this to happen, cooler heads of wisdom and calm leadership need to push out the extremists in both parties. Former Senator Barry Goldwater though a great American--was simply wrong when he said at the 1964 GOP National Convention "Extremism in the defense of Liberty is no vice." Anytime we have to yell and hate each other--that is too extreme! The nation gets hurt when that happens! The "Tea Partyers" who are cozied up to the Republican Party and the "Greens" and "Ultra Left Wingers" who cozy up to the Democratic Party both ultimately hurt the debate on important issues. This whole "NO COMPROMISE" thing both sides have going--IS NOT AMERICAN! Such is not the precedent of the rich and great history of our nation! And let me add--that the old days of often times not being able to tell the difference between a Republican or Democratic politician when it comes to both selling out to special interests is not what we are looking for either!

And whether its George W. Bush or Barack Obama, if those presidents are not doing anything that is impeachable or illegal--then making statements like "they should be removed from office" or other hateful statements really just hurt the nation! We should always still respect the office, even if we don't like the man. I often did not agree with President Bush's domestic policies and a few of his foreign policy decisions--but he was always "my" president. The first 9 months of his presidency, I was pretty irritated with him--but on the days following 9/11--I loved him and prayed for him daily! I don't always agree with President Obama, but he is our president and has incredibly difficult decisions to make daily and he walked into office with a very complex and difficult set of national problems--and he needs our prayers and support. Support does not mean agreeing with him all the time, but it does mean toning down the hate and rhetoric. Same to those who are beyond the "Moderate Democrat" label--but who are far left to the core--bashing and making fun of Americans who are conservative in their religious and moral values and have deep beliefs on issues like abortion and same sex marraige--lets tone down the harshness and disrespect. There are many good citizens who vote more Republican and conservative who are not out in the streets shouting racial epitaphs or throwing bricks into windows like we recently saw at some of the Tea Party rallies.

Whether a politician is a Republican or a Democrat, both should be men or women of the highest integrity, be Americans first, and look out for the interests of their constituents before the wishes of their political party. Which means at some point, we are going to have to really get serious about doing something about campaign finance reform. At some point, we need to level the playing field of political campaigns. From the way we gerry mander to the way campaigns are financed, too often congressional and state legislative races are usually a foregone conclusion of who will win simply because of how the districts are written and where the money comes from.

What if we had a system in place, where campaign money was publicly financed (it could be paid for in a way that does not hurt taxpayers)--where the top two candidates are given a budget of equal amounts and those candidates actually have to really work neighborhoods, go to local debates and forums and share their beliefs and ideas with voters--instead of everything being done with slick mail and tv ads?

And with regards to everyone shouting at each other--what if both major polical parties--made a committment to start talking to each other more? What if starting at the top--the National Republican and Democratic Party leadership met at least once a year to talk about issues they could agree on and work together on? What if then the leaders of each of the state party leaderships on both sides met at least once a year to do the same? What if then all the local county and municipal party leaderships or clubs started meeting at least once a year to discuss needs of the community where they could work together?

What if in Mesquite, Texas--the local Republican Club sat down and broke bread with the local Democratic Club at least once a year--and committed to working together on a local project where there was a real need that needed to be met? Maybe helping Mesquite Social Services or helping some of our poorest kids have back to school supplies or helping widows whose homes are in disrepair? And what if in that time, friendships were made and people from very differing political and other views began to at least understand each other a little better and could find some areas of common ground that would ultimately better our community, state, and nation?

Is that such a crazy thought?

Lets have a conversation.

CHANGING AMERICA BY CHANGING OUR COMMUNITIES

We as individuals may not be able to have a lot of direct influence on what goes on in Washington. We may not be able to stop or start health care legislation. We may not be able to determine whether or not we will have financial reform on Wall Street. We may not able to determine how foreign policy will be ran. Now I am not saying we as American citizens and voters do not have a say--but typically it has to be a pretty big collective say.

What we can do however to make our nation better--is go to work to change and better the municipalities and towns in which we live. In Mesquite, Texas where I have lived since I was a small boy, we have a wonderful city. Many of my friends I grew up with who have since left Mesquite after high school--would surely have to admit that in many ways--Mesquite was good to them. Mesquite has certainly been good to me. Scripture teaches us that to those who have been given much, much is expected. And while Mesquite is still the wonderful city it was when I was a boy growing up--its not without its challenges and struggles!

We just had a very heated city council race. And while I did not like the outcome of that race, I am glad that people felt the need to actually get out and vote. Sadly though, we can barely get 2000 votes in a city of a 140,000 plus people with over 75, 000 registered voters I believe. (My figures could be a bit off). And that kind of apathy, shows us just why we have the problems we do in Mesquite--APATHY!!!! And even those who vote--often times have apathy--but just expecting the elected officials and the city staff to take care of everything--and taking no responsibility themselves for addressing problems and needs our city has.

I am so proud of the partnership between The Mesquite Ministerial Alliance and the City of Mesquite in their "Addressing Mesquite" day each year! Where Christians go out with the help of the City, to help fix up homes that are in need of repair and clean up. What is stopping churches all over town from doing this more without having to wait for a special day to do it?

What is stopping citizens from starting crime watches in their neighborhoods--and not just rely on the police department? When we ban together in numbers, we have power! The Mesquite Police Department has a great set of community officers that help start crime watch programs!

What is stopping each Mesquite resident from taking advantage of the City's Recycling Program and helping the environment and helping the City make a little money which in turn helps off set costs when the city's budget is tigher than ever due to the slowly healing but still struggling economy?

What is stopping each Mesquite resident from volunteering in a number of worthy endeavors such as PTA or local charities like Mesquite Social Services or Sharing Life? Or my church, At The Cross is always looking for volunteers to help and serve the poor and the forgotten of Mesquite!

What is stopping more Mesquite residents from applying for positions on some of our local city boards and commissions? It is a great way to help our city goverment and to better learn how the various city departments work.

What is stopping more business owners from joining the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, a wonderful organization that helps keep our local economy strong?

What is stopping us from getting more proactive in stopping crime and ugliness at places like Town East Mall, where many of our citizens will no longer shop? For us to enjoy our nice parks, our police and fire protection, potholes being fixed and more--we need every nickel, dime, and quarter from our sales tax revenue--and TERA (Town East Retail Area) is a very critical part of our tax base.

These are but a few things we can do to better our city and ultimately, the quality of life of our families.

Yes, lets get more involved in our local elections. Yes lets communicate more with our local elected officials. BUT LETS EACH OF US--ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND GO TO WORK AND DO WHAT WE CAN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Whose ready to join me and go to work to better our city?

Why The Mesquite City Council Runoff Is So Important

I have worked in many campaigns over the years and was a candidate for public office twice--but I didn't win! :) Never has an election been more important for the future of Mesquite. I am going to try to really explain here why I believe it is so important that we elect Gary Ward to be our next city councilman.

We face unparalleled times economically and socially. Our city's life blood, retail, is not what it once was when people were spending and times were good. We work and labor continuously to bring in manufacturing and companies who will bring in revenue and jobs--but like the rest of America--companies are not investing a lot these days. Although nationally, I think we are slowly turning a corner. Pockets of our city's youth lack guidance and the mentoring they need to not just be successful, but to not become a drain on our community. Section 8 housing has put a real burden on neighborhoods. (Not all section 8 residents, but enough are not working to be contributing citizens to make things tough). We have a wonderful police department that requires the highest standards of its officers--and they are doing great work--but crime is such that they surely have their work cut out for them. Our neighborhoods need strong and efficient crime watch programs back in place to partner with the police. We have out of state slum landlords who don't take care of their properties or don't hold their tenants accountable. And these slumlords give a bad name to many of our local business owners who own rental properties who do play by the rules.

These are but a few of the many opportunities and challenges our city faces. Never has their been a time when strong leadership, experience and a track record of accomplishments for the community been more paramount than now!

I have heard a handful of very well meaning friends say they want to see more youth on the city council. I value that statement. When I was 19, my best friend ran for city council and I mangaged his campaign. When I was 29, I ran for a seat in the Texas Legislature. No one better appreciates such statements as me. However, while youthful vigor and energy are important--even youthful city council candidates need to have at least some civic involvement and leadership experience. When I ran for State Representative, I had served on the City Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Mesquite Inc., was active in the Chamber of Commerce, served on a PTA board and managed a multi-million dollar business. I was young, but I had a track record of doing what I said I would do. Youth and new blood is wonderful! But we don't just turn the keys to city hall over to someone who happens to be young and one day just decides they want to be a councilman!

Leaders need to have been tested. Leaders need to have done something productive and useful for the community besides just having made money. Leaders need to have a track record of being consistent and steadfast. We need to know something about their record, what they stand for, how they might conduct themselves as an elected official.

I don't doubt that Brian Hutcheson is a well meaning young man. But the challenges Mesquite faces requires MUCH more than some good intentions and a fresh face. The only civic involvement or track record Mr. Hutcheson has--was a fairly recent appointment to the Mesquite Board of Adjustment--a very important decision making board that affects things like carport extensions and such. Mr. Hutcheson attended one meeting--and then resigned?

There are other legitimate concerns about Mr. Hutcheson that have been raised such as a Texas Driver's License that reflects a City of Dallas address? But honestly, my greatest concern is simply--what has he done and what record do we have to look at?

Gary Ward, whether you like him or not personally--has given and served his nation and our city faithfully for over 40 years! When his nation called him to go serve in a very unpopular and painful war in Vietnam, Gary did not hesitate to go serve. And serve he did as a Combat Engineer with the 101st Airborne Division. Gary saw friends lose their lives and struggled because he did not have the skills to help them stay alive. He vowed then that one day he would do work that allowed him to help save people's lives. So when he came home, after doing some construction work for a short period, he went to work for the Mesquite Fire Department. And for almost 37 years Gary rode ambulances and fire engines and dealt with every kind of difficult and unimaginable situation we can imagine--all to protect Mesquite families and save lives. He certainly did not do it for the money. For many years, both our firefighters and police officers had to work second jobs just to take care of their families. Gary's hard work to bring about better working standards and pay for our public safety employees has changed all that today.

In the 1990s, Gary served a term on the MISD Board of Trustees. Some of his fellow trustees and some staff who were opposed to Gary then politically. The first few years I was involved in local politics, I was opposed to Gary politically and there were some hard fought battles. But what I learned back then and what some of those school leaders learned--was that whether you agree with Gary or not--you really can't question that he is passionate about doing what is right for the people of Mesquite. Today, myself and some of those retired school trustees and staff are working hard to elect Gary--because we know he cares deeply about Mesquite and that even if we sometimes disagree with him--we can dialogue with him and have a discussion about what is best--and often compromise and unite to do what needs to be done! Gary is supported by five former Mesquite Mayors--most of whom at one time or another was in a heated battle politically with Gary in the old days. But all of them like me, know there is no better man to have in your corner and who you can work with to get needed things done for Mesquite. Mesquite has no better man to be in our corner than Gary Ward!

Gary is accessible and open to the people. I hosted three different events for Gary recently--where average voters could just ask him any questions they have--including some tough questions--and Gary not only answered their questions--but he really listened to them and took their ideas and suggestions about how to better our community! WE NEED LEADERS WHO WILL ACTUALLY LISTEN TO US!

You don't have time to read all the many accomplishments I could list of what Gary has done to benefit Mesquite over the last 30 plus years. But I encourage you to ask questions. Look at his record. Look into your heart and see who really has shown their love for our great city and who decided recently they'd like to be elected to public office. Gary could have easily jumped into the fun and relaxed life of retirement--he certainly had earned it. But instead, he loves our city and is willing to go back to work again--FOR FREE! He has had his name dragged through the mud over and over--had awful lies and cruel things said about him. He has endured things most of us would never want to have to go through--for a job that doesn't pay a salary. But he is still standing, fighting for a better tomorrow for our city. Lets honor his service and his love for Mesquite--and elect Gary Ward our next city councilman!

Bruce Archer

FOR OUR VETERANS

In 1953, my dad was drafted into the United States Army. He was very much afraid he would either freeze to death or be shot in Korea. But by the grace of God, while dad was in basic training at Ft. Bliss, President Eisenhower signed the armistice that for the most part ended that very painful and difficult war. My dad went on to serve at Ft. Monroe, Virginia as an air defense radar operator. His primary job was to make sure no aircraft got within a certain range of Washington. Dad actually received an accomodation for saving a commercial airliner from being shot down at the last second one day. When dad passed away, President Clinton sent us a very nice letter thanking my dad for his service, which I cherish greatly.

There are so many others who have paid the cost of freedom on our behalf--some gave limb and flesh, some gave a few years of their life, and many paid the ultimate price. This blog is dedicated to all those who have served our nation in uniform since the Revolutionary War.

For the patriots who served at places like Saratoga and Bunker Hill during the American Revolution--thank you.

For the U.S. Marines and Navy men who fought galliantly against middle eastern pirates on the Barbary Coast to protect our shipping--thank you.

For the soldiers who fought at places like Baltimore, Lake Detroit, and New Orleans during the War of 1812--thank you.

For the U.S. Marines and Army troops who smashed through the walls of Montezuma in Mexico City and fought at places like Vera Cruz during the War with Mexico--thank you.

For the soldiers who fought at places like Bull Run and Chatanooga when our nation was almost torn apart forever--and the commander in chief who ultimately gave his life saving our nation in that desperate war called the Civil War--thank you.

For the sailors who gave their lives aboard the U.S.S. Maine and the soldiers TR led up San Juan Hill during the War with Spain--thank you!

For the Army soldiers who fought at places like Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood in World War One--thank you.

For the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines who fought at places like Pearl Harbor, Sicily, Midway, New Guinea, North Africa, Iwo Jima, and Paris during World War II--thank you.

For those Americans who fought at places like Seoul and Inchon during the Korean War--thank you.

For those Americans who fought at places like Saigon, Hue, and Dak To during the Vietnam War--thank you.

For those Americans who fought and died at places like the Iranian Desert during the Iran-Hostage Crises, the marine barracks in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, The Mediterranean Sea, Kuwait, Somalia, and Bosnia--thank you.

For those Americans who have and are still fighting and dying in places like Baghdad, Fallujah, and Kabul--thank you so much!

For all those men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Military, who have stood a post, cleaned latrines and the head, who have dug trenches, who have worked in military hospitals, who have served in peace time, and who served period--thank you so much!

May the Lord bless all those who have and who continue to serve. May HE bless our great nation--and may we be a nation worthy of HIS blessing!

Happy Memorial Day veterans!

DIFFERENT SEASONS FOR DIFFERENT KINDS OF LEADERSHIP

I just finished the book "Presidential Courage" by Michael Beschloss. It was very interesting to look at how various presidents offered different kinds of leadership at just the right times. Some who might be opposed ideologically to those presidents might not view leadership the way Bschloss does. However, I think his book makes a real case for the fact that our nation needs different leaders of different political viewpoints at certain times and seasons of our nation's life.

For example, as much as my heart is more aligned with the Jeffersonians of the early Republic--Washington showed great courage and leadership in sticking with the authors of the Jay Treaty which helped us keep out of war with Britain--at a time when we really could not afford such a war so soon after achieving our Independence.

However, a few years later when Jefferson became president--it was time for new leadership and new thinking that moved away from too much focus on business interests and pro-Britain thinking--and a greater support for the common man--which would surface again when Andrew Jackson became president.

When Franklin Roosevelt became president in 1933--he did not really come in with policies that just remedied and fixed all our economic problems. NO PRESIDENT CAN REALLY DO THAT! What FDR offered was an invigorating and enthusiastic flavor of rallying the people--letting them know that we could indeed get through the difficult times. The people needed some more liberal monetary policies--even if those policies would be costly later--sometimes we do what needs to be done to survive the moment. My dad once taught me that politically in our nation--that anytime the pendulum swings too far one way--it has to swing back some the other day. Thats why I am so adamant that extremism be it either liberal or conservative--is very harmful for our nation. Thats why I get concerned when I see more and more moderate politicians being pushed out for either ultra liberal or ultra conservative.

And yet--when Ronald Reagan became president--after many years of the follow up of FDR's legacy with Truman, JFK, LBJ, and Jimmy Carter--it was time for new more conservative leadership. It was time for hard hitting foreign policy--against a most formidable Soviet Union. It was a time for more conservative economic policy to create some real activity in the markets. Whats interesting though--is that FDR and Reagan both had a leadership style in common--they both knew how to communicate with the people to reassure them that better times were ahead. If a leader can simply do that--that can often make the difference!

We need leaders who can look beyond what the polls say--who can really see what the nation needs long term. Be they Republican or Democrat--we need leaders who are willing to make tough decisions. Sometimes making a decision--even if it does not turn out to work that well--is better than doing nothing!

I am convinced that in every crises and situation our nation has faced--one style of leadership and political views and ideology--has never been a "one size fits all."

I hope that in our classrooms all over the nation today--we are building up future Republicans, Democrats and Independents who can one day lead this nation--or just plain good men and women who will be good citizens and make a difference for their communities and their nation.

What do you think? Lets have a conversation.

SAD DAY IN AMERICAN POLITICS

Well, in about seven months we will be saying goodbye to Senator Arlen Spector--at least politically speaking--unless of course the President gives him a job. Ole Arlen has come along way from his days of being a Junior Counsel for the Warren Commission!

I am sad about Spector's defeat. Not that I don't think Sestak doesn't have something to offer--he is a former 3 star admiral. I honestly don't know a lot about Pat Toomey. And honestly, my concern is not that Sestak or Toomey would either make a bad senator. My sadness and concern--is that the old lions of both parties--who were moderate and flexible--are slowly being pushed out more and more.

I did not always like Spector's votes, but he could be counted on to often at least be reasonable. He was a Republican for many years--but not an ultra die hard zealous one. And as a Democrat, he was not an ultra liberal. He typically voted for what was good for Pennsylvania and he could at times be a bridge builder between opposing sides.

Some might think that being a moderate politician who can sometimes go either way means they are unprincipled. I disagree, I think it is more unprincipled to be one who always refuses to compromise and that they are right and everyone else is just wrong. Don't get me wrong, there are times to stand up for beliefs and not waver. But there are many times where we need politicians to pursue compromise and get part of something good done--instead of nothing good done!

Some may say we need all fresh and new faces--and maybe that has some merit. But we also need veteran lawmakers who can work with other members of both parties and actually accomplish things for the people. Its hard to do that when everyone is so polarlized and they are either very liberal Democrats or very conservative Republicans.

So maybe all of us non-elected citizens should get more involved and make a difference! You don't have to be an elected official to get something done!

Lets have a conversation!

Presidential Leadership

I have been listening to the Michael Beschloss (presidential historian) audio book about Presidential Leadership. I was listening today about the very difficult and almost unnavigatable waters FDR had to go through in the 3 to 4 years leading up to the eventual U.S. entrance into WWII.

With Isolationist Republicans in Congress and around the nation hitting him on one side and Democrats like Joe Kennedy, FDR's ambassador to Great Britain prior to our entrance on the other side--Roosevelt really had a difficult time trying to comfort and assure the American people that he was not trying to shove their boys into a war in Europe--while also having the burden to know that our nation HAD to be preparing for that day that would come! Whether it was Lend Lease or back door channels and little deals between himself and Winston Churchill, Roosevelt knew that America would not be able to avoid the war indefinitely.

Year after year in the late 30s and into 1941, all the major polls showed that the people's greatest concern was staying out of the war. Roosevelt could have done what was politically easy by going by the polls. But presidential leadership is not being led by polls--but instead--leading the people regardless of the polls!

Lets have a conversation.

Why So Many Labels And Requirements Just To Make A Better Country?

I am not a Tea Party, Green Party, Republican Party, Reform Party, Democratic Party, or any other kind of party kind of person when it comes to my citizenship as an American. I find that for the most part, the two party system works--but there have been times where a third party needed to shake things up some.

I began my adventure in politics in the Republican Party because I thought being a Republican was about the kind of politics practiced by men like Dwight Eisenhower, Bob Dole, Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush (who I cast my first vote for when I had just turned 18). I thought Republican politics were about being strong on defense, conservative with the people's money--but not uncompassionate or greedy, and practical and some basic Christian moral values--without forcing religious views on people.

Later I found myself more active in the Democratic Party--and ran two races for public office--as a "Conservative Democrat" in the mold of men like Scoop Jackson, Sam Nunn, Sam Rayburn, Lloyd Bentsen and others. I thought then that being a Democrat primarily meant that you were more liberal on economic issues--but not reckless, looking for ways to make sure the poor and working class Americans got a shot at the American dream, strong foreign policy but not starting fights, not allowing the corporate gurus and fat cats to control everything and get out of hand with excesses, and using the government to solve some of our basic problems--while recognizing that government can't fix everything. I probably had a utopian idea that one could be supportive somewhat of some of the New Deal/Great Society kinds of programs--but still be supportive of some of the moral fabric that keeps our country stable.

In my experiences in both parties I discovered a few things. I discovered that there are some wonderful people in both parties who truly want to do something good and make a difference. I discovered that there are people in both parties who are only about benefitting themselves and who have no agenda other than their own selfish motives. I discovered that so often--good and well meaning candidates of both parties who I will call "MODERATE" often get passed over in primaries for the more "EXTREMIST" candidates who often go on to create havoc, chaos, gridlock, and a greater sense of hate and a very uncivil tone in Washington and all the state capitals around the nation.

And so I find myself often not fitting into either party. I often find myself without a home when it comes to politics. Which is fine, because ultimately my home is not in this world--Heaven is my home! But while I am in this world, I like being a good citizen. In fact, I think the Bible encourages us to "Render Unto Caesar" if you will and submit to authority.

I get so frustrated that we have to all fit into these "boxes" and labels if you will? Its like you can't support things like universal health care or regulating excessive and out of control corporate structures without being looked at as a wild eyed crazy communist liberal! Its like you can't stand by your religious moral principles when it comes to certain social issues--without being called a "Jesus Freak." And then again, there are so many who may share my convictions when it comes to "Christian Values" but who express them and attack those who don't agree with such "UnChristlikeness!" I absolutely love and appreciate people like Governor Mike Huckabee. He and I don't agree on a number of economic and other types of domestic issues--but he is a Christian who can really disagree with political opponents in a loving and respectful--Christlike way. I once watched him interview Bill Maher--who is one of those ultras on the left side--and even when Maher was hateful and disrespectful--Huckabee kept on being kind. That really impressed me!!

And its like you can't just be an "Independent." There are so many labels and requirements. And because of this--so many important issues that could be worked out, compromised on, and something good and useful for the people be done--GET LEFT UNRESOLVED!

We have to find a way to start having more conversations in this country--where we really listen to each other. We have to find a way to start recognizing that nothing will ever be our way 100 percent! We have to find a way to start finding what we can agree on as opposed to looking for what we disagree on! THE VOLUME IS TOO HIGH!!! We need to all settle down just a little and turn down the hate and anger a little. We need to empathize some and look at things from the other guy's point of view. And then talk a little more and listen a little more. Who knows, we might actually accomplish some great things for our communities and nation!

We need more leaders like Teddy Roosevelt who can look beyond partisanship and really get something done to last for generations!

Just some thoughts. Lets have a conversation!

WHERE TO VOTE IN MESQUITE TOMORROW

Whoever you choose to vote for--I encourage all Mesquite voters to go vote tomorrow--the polls will be open from 7-7. Here are all the Mesquite polling places:


DALLAS COUNTY PRECINCTS LOCATED WITHIN MESQUITE’S CITY LIMITS
• Precinct Nos. 2323, 2324, 2325 and 2326 – MESQUITE HIGH SCHOOL, 300 East Davis, Mesquite,
Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2327 and 2328 – PIRRUNG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 1500 Creek Valley, Mesquite,
Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2329, 2330 and 3902 – HORN HIGH SCHOOL, 3300 East Cartwright Road,
Mesquite, Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2319, 2320, 2321 and 2322 – GALLOWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2329
Candleberry, Mesquite, Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2315, 2316, 2317 and 2318 – WILKINSON MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2100 Crest Park,
Mesquite, Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2303, 2307, 2309, 2310 and 2312 – TOSCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2424
Larchmont, Mesquite, Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2300, 2301, 2302, 2308, 2332 and 2333 – FLORENCE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER,
2501 Whitson Way, Mesquite, Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2304, 2305, 2306, 2313 and 2314 – SCOTT DUNFORD COMMUNITY CENTER, 1015
Green Canyon, Mesquite, Texas.
• Precinct No. 2141* – O’BANION MIDDLE SCHOOL, 700 Birchwood Drive, Garland, Texas.
• Precinct Nos. 2142* and 2147* – TOLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 3520 Guthrie Road, Garland,
Texas.

Mesquite Politics and Politicians Willing To Be Real

Since I came back from Washington D.C., I am so aching even more to talk about so many hot national issues as well as more reflective thoughts I have on Lincoln and others of our national history and heritage. However, I find myself a tad more focused on home again. Tip Oneil's famous statement that "All Politics Are Local" always comes to my mind. As a minister, I felt for the last few years that I should keep fairly quiet with regards to politics--I felt as if in some way there would be a conflict of interest I suppose. And I still sometimes have that inner struggle. However, after watching one of my heroes Governor Mike Huckabee, a fellow pastor and my good friend Pastor Dan Aleman (who is also President of the Mesquite Ministerial Alliance) both run for office and talk about important issues--I suppose that gave me a different perspective. Dan Aleman brought some very important issues to the table when he ran for city council a couple of years back here in Mesquite. Having said all that--I do still keep my preacher blog and my political blog separate. While Jesus is always my top priority, I think I can in good conscience still be a good citizen also--I think scripture encourages that.

So yesterday, I was so encouraged when I left the coffee/meet and greet for Gary Ward, who is running for Mesquite City Council. This was the second of two such events in the past couple of weeks. The first coffee was a group of younger families and individuals with a wide variety of concerns, interests, visions, questions, and even some complaints.

The second coffee yesterday--was a group of older more mature citizens with more overall conservative viewpoints. What encouraged me so much was that Mr. Ward, after sharing his story and his vision for Mesquite--then settled in and sat on the hot seat and took all kinds of questions--some that were not easy to answer. But he did answer every question--some he even just said "I really don't know--at least not yet." I like that kind of honesty. I'd rather a candidate just say I don't know and have to get back to someone as opposed to just giving a slick answer. But I can assure you that given Gary's many years of involvement in the community--there were many questions he did indeed know the answer to and was very passionate about solutions he had in mind to make things better. He also solicited input from the audience as to what ideas they might have that would make Mesquite safer, cleaner, and more financially sound.

What also encouraged me about Mr. Ward, was that there were two co-hosts of that coffee supporting him--that were once very opposed to Gary politically. Myself, and Greg Everett, former MISD Board Trustee who once served with Gary on the school board. I won't speak for Mr. Everett's past disagreements with Gary--he spoke most eloquent himself of those past disagreements and what eventually led to him and Gary seeing eye to eye on many issues and why he is now supporting Gary's candidacy. For me, when I was just getting into politics, there were a few local issues and campaigns that we were on different sides and some of those battles got a bit heated. However, even when I was opposed to Gary politically--I always knew even then--that Gary Ward is a man who is very passionate about what he believes in and will always stand and fight for those beliefs! I think it says a lot positively for a candidate--whose former political opponents come out and support their candidacy.

We need more of that in politics today! I think for me, I am certain there will be future issues or even campaigns in which me and Gary might differ. However, I am much more interested in candidates for local office who have shown a strong level of committment to the community over the years and who have worked in the trenches to better the lives of Mesquite families than I am with someone who just recently showed up and said "I want to play too." Don't get me wrong--we need lots of new and fresh players. Really "players" is the wrong term. We need concerned and caring citizens willing to get involved in bettering their community--who can learn to work with others who are involved--work past differences--to get something basically right and good done for the people! It is my fervent hope that more citizens who decide to run for local office in the future, will be willing to put themselves on the "hot seat" and go meet average voters and have a real give and take of ideas shared. Regardless of our many problems--and yes we face many problems both nationally and locally--we are still a great nation and a great community. Working together and with God's help--we can accomplish some good things for future generations.

Lets have a conversation.

The "Awe" of Washington

My beautiful wife and I are in Washington D.C. for a few days and it is so beautiful here! Since I was a boy here with my dad when he argued before the Supreme Court--I always get just as inspired and excited about being an American everytime I come here.

Today as we were walking around the Capital Building--I could not help but think of all the discraced politicians who have served in that incredible building where so many important and historical decisions were made. And you would think that just being given the honor to serve in that magnificent place--and be given the trust of thousands of people back home--would be enough to keep anyone from sacrificing their integrity.

Those elected to public office--need to remember where they came from and where they have been sent.

The Real Problem With Government/Politics

I recently wrote a post about what a great man and American former U.S. House Speaker Sam Rayburn was and how things just worked better in government/politics when he was in office. I submit to my fellow citizens--that our real problem in government and politics today--is not whether or not the liberals or conservatives are doing this or that--THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT WE HAVE LOST CIVILITY IN PUBLIC LIFE!!!

Thirty or forty years ago, Republican and Democratic Leaders on the House or Senate floor--would tear each other apart and battle most fiercely! And while there was fire and passion and conviction in the give and take of debate--at the end of the day--many of those officials would go have a drink or play a game of cards and would often work through their differences and something got done! For years, many congregessional leaders of both parties would fight like cats and dogs--but many were still personal friends and very devoted to one another. Tip O'neil loved Gerry Ford deeply. Sam Rayburn and Joe Martin were good friends. Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy were close friends. I love how the late Jack Valenti would describe the evening conversations between former Senate Republican Leader Everett Dirksen and President Johnson at the White House. Here are Valenti's words:

The Best of Enemies
By JACK VALENTI
Washington
IN Washington, the cords of collegiality that used to bind the members of Congress to one another - and to the president - haven't just frayed, they've snapped. This descent into enmity is not just one party's fault. There is blame to distribute among all.
As Congress struggles through a particularly rancorous session, it is worth recalling a time when compromise had not been exiled from our government. I had the good fortune to see this firsthand when I worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Though historians have painted President Johnson as someone who would do just about anything to get his way, nothing could be further from the truth. His years in the Senate taught him that good government is built on listening to the other side.
In 1964, the president deputized me to handle relations with the Republican leadership. It was my job to keep the Oval Office open for Gerald Ford and Charles Halleck, then the House Republican leaders, and Everett Dirksen, leader of the Senate Republicans. Even though L.B.J. had large majorities in both houses of Congress after the 1964 election, he never turned his back on those across the aisle.
A typical encounter with Dirksen would go something like this: The senator would call me, his majestic barrel-baritone voice rising from some vasty deep. "Jack, I'd like to see the boss today," he would say.
"Of course, Senator. How about coming by around six? O.K. with you?"
After our conversation, Dirksen would rise in the Senate to flog the president and his policies, treating Nero and Caligula favorably in comparison to Johnson.
Later, when Dirksen arrived at the White House, I'd escort him to the family quarters on the second floor. We would gather in the West Hall, cheek by jowl with the family dining room. On the wall, a Mary Cassatt and a Childe Hassam surrendered their charms to visitors.
Johnson would be waiting. He'd greet Dirksen warmly and lead him to a green chintz sofa in front of a large window with an ample view of the Rose Garden. The president would drop himself into a large wingback chair next to the couch - he'd be so close that their knees would almost touch. I would sit next to Dirksen, whose rumpled suit and vagrant strands of wispy hair masked a razor-edged wit.
L.B.J., in one of his periodic fits of dieting, would order a Fresca from the kitchen. Dirksen, who had clearly hoped for something stronger, would hide a frown and, to be courteous, order one too.
The president, with the skill of an actor, would begin: "Ev, I wouldn't treat a cut dog the way you treated me on the floor today."
Dirksen, with a mock somber expression, would answer, "Mr. President, I have a vow to be faithful to the truth, so I had no choice in what I said."
L.B.J. would laugh. Touché. Dirksen, pleased with his retort, would rumble up a laugh as well. They would trade stories and gossip.
Then the president would say something like: "Ev, I need three Republican votes on my civil rights bill, and you can get them."
Dirksen would frown. Without answering, he would reach into his jacket and pull out a list of nominees to just about every operational regulatory commission in Washington. He would also suggest that the president relax his opposition to a bill the Republicans found congenial to their aims.
They would ramble on, reminiscing and teasing each other. When the Frescas were finished, Dirksen would depart. There would be no summary of what they had said. Their relationship was built on something that is sorely missing today: trust. Both men knew that plenty of quarrels would be played out on the Senate floor and on the campaign trail. But they also knew that once a commitment had been made, it would be kept. If they disagreed, they would keep talking. Every once in a while, L.B.J. would even test out a possible appointee on Dirksen.
They were like two old medieval warriors who had fought a hundred battles against each other. But when night fell, they would sit around a campfire, on neutral ground, and talk.
L.B.J. understood that the role of the opposition was to oppose. Dirksen (and Ford and Halleck) knew that opposing didn't mean you couldn't give a little here and there. Neither surrendered core beliefs. But they both knew that in politics, nothing lasts for long. Mandates fade. Power passes. And majority, as sure as the seasons change, eventually becomes minority. (From The Wisconsin Museum of Broadcasting http://www.620wtmj.com/shows/genemueller/45329672.html

Today, so many of the congressional leaders barely even know each other. There is too much anger, hate, and rancor among not just Democrats and Republicans--but often within the individual party ranks! Very few elected officials take the time to really get to know each other. And how could they--they are all too busy working on getting reelected--(which is a conversation for another time.)

I watched the President recently go to a House Republican gathering to answer questions and give his input on the health care legislation. Most of the GOP congressman were very respectful--but a handful were just downright rude and hateful. That just makes me sad. And I certainly am not just putting such attitudes on the Republicans--for surely it happens on both sides.

We have got to find a way to stand up for our convictions and beliefs--and still not hate one another and learn to better understand where each other is coming from and really listen to one another. Whatever happened to the old adage--that "Partisanship ends at the water's edge." What happend to the unity we saw right after 9/11 when we saw members of Congress on the front steps of the Capital singing God Bless American, or Tom Daschle hugging President Bush right after the president had just addressed Congress a few days after that tragedy? We are still under very difficult stress as a nation--and there is simply no greater opportunity for all of us to work together and get something useful done for the people!

HOPE

Two bits of hope come to my mind from recent events. Recently I watched a very good man, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee interviewing Bill Maher (Mr. Liberal Himself) on Fox News. I watched Governor Huckabee--who I know believes almost nothing Maher believes--be extremely kind and respectful to Maher--who was espousing so much of what I know Huckabee to be totally against!

Then just last week--Senator Tom Coburn (R-Ok) was at a conservative event in his state talking about various issues before Congress. At one point someone was vilifying Speaker Pelosi. Coburn--who is very conservative--immediately defended the speaker--saying that while he and the Speaker are far apart on the issues--that she is a "nice lady." And he went on to criticize the harsh way many politicians are villified simply because they don't vote the way some might want them to vote.

Good for Huckabee and Coburn!

We need to stop shouting, and start really talking and listening to each other. We need to find where we can agree and do something good for the American people! Lets show some kindness and love to one another!

Lets have a conversation.