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
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
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?
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?
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, June 14, 2010
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?
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?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
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
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
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