RESPECT

It is the case that funerals can be moments of reflection that speak to the future. The voice from the grave is often clear and honest. The voices around the service are about wisdom.  John McCain’s funeral offers all Americans an opportunity to look inward. In many ways, he embodied the view of patriotism, honor and nobility that can lift a nation’s flag from its half-staff to a shining wave of compassion and core principles based on liberty and justice for all Americans. Today, I think about the man, not of my party, but of my respect for showing the true patriot’s backbone. Like my father, his war tenure was about preserving peace. We should listen to his voice as he is laid to rest with his fellow soldiers.  And, while I may disagree with some of his political stands, I don’t question his character.  His America is one of honor, truth and service. In that we agree. 

McCain was right when he said, “No one of us, if they have character, leaves behind a wasted life. We sacrifice for something greater than ourselves.” At his funeral, Henry Kissinger said,  “That is a moral duty. Even in his parting he has restored a sense of unity and a renewed space for a new America.” Hopefully his departure will give pause for all of us to imagine a better and more perfect union because we are better than this today.

In the same week, we say goodbye to two spirited individuals with forceful messages. From the Queen of Soul given back to Mother Earth, we now hear the most important and wisest hymn of eternal peace in song.

RESPECT.

TURN A BLIND EYE TO 45

Ignore to Restore America’s Integrity

I have read one last POTUS story in 2017; it was both enlightening and my last.

David Roth writing in THEBAFFLER.COM and reposted on Facebook by NOLA.com commentator Bob Mann came to a profound and simple conclusion. 45 is fueled by constant attention and he has perfected the art of getting it to the demise of our “great” nation.

I find that I and everyone I know have given this president exactly what he wants. We have watched relentlessly and fed on the cable news “BREAKING NEWS” diet until becoming obese. The endless BS by so-called expert panels on Fox and CNN has left us breathless and caused anxiety, fear and anger to blossom across the land. And, on social media we have become carnivores of the red meat that fuels fake news, combatants in a war of words about the great divide in America, and reposters of cruel and soiled accusations.

What a mess. So, let’s keep this short. I am cutting 45 off and starting to pay more attention to things that matter. I won’t be drawn in to the clutter or gutter of the moment.

I will turn a blind eye to 45 and deny any personal or proxy of attention.

Each time 45 news enters my environment, I will simply post the little image at the top of this blog. You are invited to do the same.

I grew up and pledged allegiance to an honorable, benevolent and compassionate nation, which rested on a rule of law and a true reading of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I have listened and watched carefully for any hint of alignment with the principles of truth, honesty and integrity. Hearing and seeing none, I will now turn a blind eye to 45 as my 2018 New Year’s Resolution.