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Have Americans lost touch with reality, or just our politicians?

America has declared war; and war is big business.

The U.S. military budget is the world’s largest, and it continues to grow

1. Current Military*
   $965 billion:
2. Past Military*
   $484 billion:
3. Human Resources
   $789 billion:
4. General Government
   $304 billion:
5. Physical Resources
   $117 billion:
   * “Current military” includes Dept. of Defense ($653 billion), the military portion from other departments ($150 billion), and an additional $162 billion to supplement the Budget’s misleading and vast underestimate of only $38 billion for the “war on terror.” * “Past military” represents veterans’ benefits plus 80% of the interest on the debt.  

Then there is the “war on drugs”: $20 billion + a year. 

While the U.S. is a nation dedicated to freedom, we imprison more people than any other nation; at a cost of over $186 billion a year.

You might ask, as I did; “Where does all that money come from”? Well, the IRS expected to receive over 2 trillion dollars on April 15,2008. One trillion dollars is the expected military budget for fiscal year 2009.

While these numbers rage out of control; What is our Chief Executive Officer doing? 

“For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence“: Proverbs 4:17.

“Jeremy” is a song performed by the band ‘Pearl Jam’.MTV premiered the video on August 1, 1992. The song takes its main inspiration from a newspaper article about a 15-year-old boy named Jeremy Wade Delle, from Richardson, Texas who shot himself in front of his English class at Richardson High School on the morning of January 8, 1991.

“Sixty-three degrees and cloudy in a suburban neighborhood”: was the beginning of the small paragraph in a paper which means; you kill yourself, and all you end up with is a paragraph in a newspaper. Nothing changes. The world goes on and you’re gone.

In 1996, a shooting occurred at Frontier Junior High School; Moses Lake, Washington, that left three dead and a fourth injured. The legal defense team for the shooter, Barry Loukaitis, stated that he was influenced by the ’Jeremy’ music video. After the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, the video was banned for a time.

Violence is: the use of physical force (often times extreme, destructive, or uncontrollable) to injure somebody or damage something.We live within a violent world,…. ‘and the violent take it by force‘. Not only are ‘we’ the  inhabitants of this planet violent, but the elements produce catastrophic violence:

Earthquakes; Hurricanes;

Floods;

Volcano eruptions.

We would hope to shelter our children from the phenomena of violence; But, we send or young men and women to the violent fronts of ‘War’.

The intuitions of Education should never have to be concerned with violence; Yet, between 1996 and Feb. 2008 there have been reported 44 incidents, with 139 deaths (not counting the wounded) in schools ,throughout the U.S. alone.

Some say the root cause of violence today is an ‘Increase in oppressive social problems‘, such as:

Economic Distress;

Family Dysfunction;

Racial Tension;

Teenage Pregnancy;

Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

I would add another ‘root cause’. 

The empty void within us, that we try to fill with anything; But never satisfies.

All our lives we search for meaning, purpose and a place to fit in. Then at the dusk of our lives, we may realize, life has passed us by. We have searched in vain for meaning, purpose and fulfillment, never realizing that it is within us. That essence of who we are as corporeal bodies, yet spirit in nature; And our spirit must be aligned with the ‘Creator’ and the natural order he created.

All the work we have done, all the words we have said, will someday be forgotten. The world will continue to turn. The sun will rise again tomorrow, and the headlines will read:

“63 degrees and cloudy in a suburban neighborhood”.

When I say the word “Homeless”, most people conjure up the image of a down and out drug addict or a “pan handler”, begging for money in the inner cities. Immediately on the approach of such a person, we think, well he wants to buy more “crack” or wine. We may toss him some change and hurriedly move on wagging our heads and thinking, “what a shame”.

The reality of such a situation is that we have barley been exposed to the tragedy of homelessness. As this shabby looking un- kept man is holding one hand out for a donation, while we try and decide what he wants the money for; what is his other hand holding? Aha, I got you, what did you think, a knife.

What if in the darkness behind him/her, beyond our ability to see was a small child or two.

Homelessness is a matter of concern and shame when it occurs in the richest nations in the world.

 A few facts to consider are:

1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated in 1999 that “there are at least 600,000 homeless men, women, and children in the United States on any given night”;  
2. Homelessness is a significant problem in both the United States and Canada; 
3. There are an estimated 230,000 to 3million people without homes in the United States. 

With the current US economic situation and the sub prime mortgage crisis, these numbers may grow exponentially. So what am I trying to say here, “We should be more concerned with the pan handler?” Not so much that, but maybe we could change our attitude toward the less fortunate. If we would like to do more than change our attitude toward the homeless, there are several good agencies we could contact. Here is one of them http://www.agrm.org/

The pride of life is a very futile and vain attempt to satisfy our natural urgings. Howard Hughes died April 5 1976, seventy one years old; a hopeless recluse, tormented by his own demons.

Have you ever noticed;

• The more we have the more we waste.
• The more we have the more we want.
• The more we have the more people want to borrow.

So that the only reality we had in having, is the fact that we had, and the pride we felt in having and admiring or inventorying what we have. Then the satisfaction we feel in obtaining (what we have ), is very short lived, and our urge to satisfy is never ending.

The reality of what we speak is not new; it was documented some three thousand years ago in a little book titled, Ecclesiastes. In the paragraph titled, “The vanity of life”, the author states, “He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loves abundance with increase: this is vanity”. “When goods increase, those that consume are also increased: then what good is there to the owners(of the increase) except the pride in their eyes of seeing such goods”; paraphrased, Ecl.5:10-11.

Howard Hughes left an estate worth an estimated two billion dollars, with no heirs to his empire, it is said that some four hundred perspective heirs came forth to claim their inheritance.

“Vanity of vanities”, says’ the Preacher.

To inspire;

To be inspired;

To have inspiration;

Inspire defined is, “to encourage somebody to greater effort, enthusiasm, or creativity“. We must be inspired by someone or something, whether it be the money we make, the shine on our automobile, or the pride in our family.

Inspiration is crucial to a healthy life and in my opinion that may very well be why a large percentage of the population take anti-depressants.

Our inspirations should not be taken for granted. The two people who inspired my life most have passed their existence upon this earth, and I find inspiration hard to come by. I suppose I take the inspiration of my wife and children for granted, but they do inspire me in moral, ethical and honest behavior.

The greatest achievement that one might have in life is to inspire others. Dr. Martin Luther King is still an inspiration to countless African Americans. My mother (with her many faults) was my biggest inspiration. Jesus inspired us (with our many faults) to live above a fallen state. To see the gleam in our grandchildren’s eyes as they gather their stuff, or do their little song and dances, is a certain inspiration that everyone should experience.

A question might arise in our minds, ”Do we or how can I inspire others?”

I was inspired to write this post by the most faithful reader of my blog. If you take the time to scroll through my comments you will find one name repeatedly. Elaine Cook is a fine little lady from Canada, and though I’ve never met her, I feel I know a lot about her. Elaine posts faithfully, expecting nothing in return, because you can’t comment on her blog, http://www.gethealthymakeingmoney.com    

So to Elaine, I salute you and dedicate this blog along with this video to you    Have a great day!   

I was trying to think of something to post in my blog and I started with “A” on the page , and that “A” stared back at me as long as I stared at it.

I finally decided Mr “A” wanted to complete a sentence, as well I wanted “A” to complete the sentence. “So”, said I, “Mr. A how about ten lines all of your own.”

Here it is  Mr. A’s’ Poem.

A melancholy memory of misty mountain morns;     

A rose of velvet texture, reminisce of ones’ born.

A mothers’ love,

A God above,                                                                                                                                  

A Knight in awe array; Search out in truth,

A simpler thing, and find no better way.

A darkened night,

A lonesome flight, seems comely in disguise.

A crystal drop of tenderness lay hidden within her eyes.

A gentle gale ,upon a plot of tulips turn the tide,

A whisper in our wondering minds of misty mountain morns.

P.S. Mr A wanted to toss in a picture too.

         There is a proverb, “Every majestic oak tree was once a nut who stood his ground.”  

A huge Oak Tree stands along side my driveway, in between my house and the neighbors; I call it the money tree because it takes a lot of time to rake the leaves and acorns. It’s really expensive to trim the limbs, and cut it down, (forget about it)!

One day as I was disgustingly raking up the trees’ fruits (leaves and acorns) I began to look at it in awe. Little acorns, barley covered in dirt, began to sprout as tiny trees.

Now that is a sight to behold; a tiny acorn sprout along side this towering Oak.

This Oak Tree, my Money Tree, must be over one hundred years old, the base is approximately twenty plus feet in circumference ,it has to be fifty to sixty feet tall.

According to an article about the Live Oak Society ; they mention that the largest certified Oak tree is one named “The Seven Sisters Oak” in Lewisburg, Mandeville, Louisiana. It measures 11.27 meters (37 feet and 2 inches) in circumference with a crown spread of 45.72 meters (150 feet). It is estimated that it is more than 1,000 years old!

My tree shades my house and both of my neighbors house on either side. The sidewalk and road, well that’s free shade. If acorns were worth anything, I could live off the harvest.

Another reason I call it my Money Tree is that it reminds me of a perfect business “model“. This tree is solid. The roots are so deep that it doesn’t crack the drive. My house is about fifty years old and except for an occasional dead limb falling, the house has never sustained damage from it. Beyond the shade it provides, and the nitrogen it releases into the atmosphere; the value it provides to birds and squirrels is priceless. I suppose since the acorn harvest is so bountiful, that keeps the squirrels from trying to get in the house.

The oak is a common symbol of strength and endurance and has been chosen as the national tree of England.

Needless to say there was some maintenance required to keep this symbol of strength and endurance healthy; but those days are long since over.

This giant of a “model” is firm in it’s purpose and withstands the storms of time.

As with any great business model this tree looms tall in the horizon of the neighborhood, a symbol of value, integrity and resources for countless generations. Ah, yes there are such men in their business’s that mirror the image of such a splendid “model” as my Money Tree. We often look upon them in awe and wonder as do passers by at the sight of my Oak Tree.

As for me; I merely sack up the harvest and set it on the curb for those that gather the refuse.

It’s not hard to lead a crew of construction workers, or a small office staff or to lead a group in singing. For the most part you lead by example, and that should be the primary concern of a true leader: an example.

If you lead as a proper example others will follow.

On the other hand leadership under fire, strains at the very threads of a persons leadership abilities. When a person is exposed to danger and loss of life at every turn, and maintains composure, true leadership compels us.

Two examples of true leaders that portray courage under fire:

Col. Harold G. Moore

Rick Rescola

In the movie, “We were soldiers once, and young”, Col. Moore, told his 1^st Battalion of soldiers, “He would be the first to step foot on the battle field and the last to step off”.

That was the first major land battle between American and North Vietnamese forces. Four hundred fifty men, were surrounded by over 2000 Vietnamese in a horrific battle that lasted 3 days. Col Moore was right in the middle of it and would not withdraw to safety.

A soldier will always follow if someone will lead, even into death.

A true leader has been and will again go into the “trenches”, and lead by example. In the Star Trek saga’s it always started with “To boldly go where no man has gone before”. A leader does what no one else wants to, and expects nothing else from his actions.

Rick Rescola was vice-president for corporate security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, at 9/11he ordered his employees in the South Tower to evacuate despite official requests to remain in the building. He was responsible for “22 acres of desks and thousands of people. Rescola led his people, and as a result all but six made it out alive.” (Rescola didn’t.)

Leaders are always leaders; Rick, a decorated Vietnam War Veteran was the very man on the cover of the Ia. Drang campaign book, “We were soldiers once.. and young“.

Often times we associate “leadership” with “greatness” or our leaders want us to view them as some great person. When the truth of the matter is, if they will lead we will follow.

Jesus said, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant“:Matt23:11.

Where “one” will serve, “others” will follow.

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh. Eccl.12:12“ Of making many books there is no end”; So you might ask, “why make more?”, as I might ask myself.Then I might, in a truthful manner, answer, “Money”, or, “My name blazon in the Halls of Immortality”. Or I might simply have something to say.

With words relationships are destroyed, enemies falter, kingdoms crumble. Words are the mirror of our heart; from within our heart we do speak. Words are the most desirable tool in our tool box. With words we can build up a persons confidence or destroy it. At the architects’ commission to design a building, they begin the project with words.

The polls are in, and “Blogger’s win”! Hey, I shouldve been a poet.

Blogging is the buzz, and Internet Marketers have taken the concept and are running with it. It’s the new (well maybe not that new) back door approach to marketing. We used to come to the front door with that- in your face- “here’s my product buy it now” strategy. Now we stand along the “super highway” like Fruit Vendors (or fruit flies), touting our wares like carnival con men.

We’ve got all the latest and greatest tips and secrets on everything from “How to buy a pair of shoes” (on eBay) to ”How to contact God”;  And we’ll let you sample our wares for free.

 Yes that,s right I said FREE!  Then, if you like me or my wares, you must invite me into your domain, where I can “hard sell” you,(& your mother,kids, friends and pets) every product I have and most of my affiliates.

Yes you will absolutely,positively, unequivocally love it or (if you can figure out how) your money back.

Wait a minute, we are supposed to be talking about how to be a better blogger, not the purpose of it. 

That’s right we can talk about “ways to promote your Blog” later, but you might want to consider buying up that spot on the “Super Highway” before someone else does(psst, catch me later for an insider tip on a great agent to purchase that little domain from).

You asked and we heard; my five essential tips on better blogging: 

1. Ergonomic Desk chair (if you don’t know what it is, don’t worry about, just get a comfortable chair, you’re gonna need it)
2. Get a new prescription on you’re reading glasses (if you don’t want to go blind squinting to read that computer screen)
3. Get up and move around some (keeps the blood circulating and relieves muscle cramp)
4. Stop drinking so much coffee or Red Bull ( this should be self explanatory)
5. Involve your spouse or significant other( they will start to get lonely because of all the time you spend in your ergonomic chair) 

There you have my five greatest tips on Better Blogging.

P.S. Don’t worry about good writing skills, most blogger’s dont have any, they just have good copy and paste skills or know someone who has.