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!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, May 14, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, May 7, 2010
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.
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.
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