Tag: education

“Where Were You When…”

 

There are certain movies that, as soon as the first image comes to life on the screen, you know with out a doubt, what year you are looking at. Maybe it’s the type of car that passes in the opening credits. Sometimes it’s the clothing the actors are wearing. It strikes the mood in an intended way, as directed by the script. Usually the time of occurrence is integral to the plot.

But certain movies are unavoidably tied to a specific time period due to iconic events. As soon as that is flashed on the screen, no matter when the movie is trying to portray, we automatically know this movie is history.

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As soon as you see this, you know a specific time period, specific circumstances. If you lived it, songs on the radio that summer, smells from events that took place, people you haven’t seen since then. Feelings that you felt from seeing such an amazing sight.

I hope that historians will look back at our current situation and see this image of Lady Liberty under repair, as how they describe the nation. It is a fitting metaphor for our society right now.

After hundreds of years of storms, hurricanes, earthquakes… dirt and damage due to neglect has left a noticeable mark on Liberty! The torch does not shine quite as bright as it did not so long ago. She STILL stands, but no one seems to notice the beauty as much as they used to. “Yeah, yeah… we know. What else ya’ got?”

I suppose that’s the problem with such a beautiful thing. You take for granted the idea that this powerful force stands with you everyday and you don’t stop and recognize just how wonderful it is. So many long to see her and make a point of visiting, just once, and then hope one day, they can make this place their home, too. To Us, it’s as reflexive as inhaling or blinking.

Until one day… there’s talk of changing it. What?!! There’s nothing wrong with her? Look… Keep your hands off my Lady! She’s the best thing in the world and ain’t you, or NO ONE gonna change that! You hear me?!!

Then the scaffolding goes up…

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And now, that beautiful lady we didn’t want to leave, has faded from view. It’s temporary they say, but it hurts none the less. It forces us to remember just how precious having her around really is. But even more than that, it awakens a love deep within us we didn’t know was there. Seeing things in a way not seen in hundreds of years…

My God, when she’s gone, how we ache! And the comfort, and safe feeling… I wish EVERYONE could feel that way, forever. The gift of universal love and acceptance shining brightly, we must recommit to it and reaffirm just how wonderful she is!

Anyone can tell you, after so many years, every relationship has to be worked on. It cannot just sit and “be”. As we all grow, so too must our connections to others. Things get rough from time to time, and sometimes, when something separates people, it can rekindle a passion long forgotten. It will force you to question what is the priority and what is the obstacle. Having that destination in mind, of returning to that warm embrace, clarifies and emboldens.

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And both understand, that this commitment is only an optional thing. We knew going into this, that we could change it at ANY POINT. The majority of relationships before ours have been dissolved, and odds are stacked against us. Some days its hard to see the common ground we want to achieve. Some days we think maybe there is greener grass. But there is something to be said for the comfort we get from being in a relationship with Liberty. The ability to chose, to bend, to grow. The freedom to gain scars from failed endeavors, and know a place to heal awaits us in times of trouble.

As disconnected as we sometimes feel we are, when we see her, we remember why we get out of bed some mornings. Because we gotta try and get it right… if not for me, then for Her.

Keep your head UP.

JC

 

Doing the Same Things, Expecting Different Results

“You’ve never run a company, OR been in government.”

To be honest, an inexperienced leader is NOT a GOOD THING! Look at Our Current situation. I doubt the voters will allow such a ‘noob’ take the reigns of Our country again. Consider this- Can the president do anything alone in DC? It is not the President alone who does the hard work of legislating. It is NOT the President alone who will shake hands with our partners around the world. It is not the President alone who champions issues to be legislated.

The People direct the process. What issues are we wanting to focus on? Who best visualizes the solution to the issues at hand? If the People are wanting to avoid war, we vote for the person who’s record shows support for peace. Even specific issues have different solutions, some better than others. But, no matter what the President thinks is the best solution, the Congress must work to support the President and create solutions.

Werner von Braun would not have been able to fly himself to the Moon.

FDR would NOT have been able to defeat Hitler in a fist fight.

Our government is an amazing creature! As we are all seeing today, it can run itself without any assistance. Accountability offices, oversight and regulation advisors, deputy positions, assistant deputies, and lawyers advising them, in the interest of the People’s Government (NOT on the interests of individuals in the government, which is pretty cool) all ensure that we have a government that, at the VERY least, is not working to harm citizens. At a minimum it is helping to protect us.

When it’s at its VERY BEST….? When Our Government comes to the table to play ball and get stuff accomplished, we can move the World! We can loosen any bondage. We can protect Liberty. We can put a MAN ON THE MOON. And EVERYDAY we enjoy the fruits of past labor, from the Interstate System, to the Jazz on Bourbon Street.

Our government can do great things, but ONLY when our VERY BEST people are leading us.

“…I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” JFK to Congress, 1961.

(Read transcript here- https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/features/jfk_speech_text.html)

The most able leader in the world could not lead this country without vision. Without an ability to see what will be, and how to achieve that end. Not just the micro management of minute details, not just the ability to hire and fire. Anyone can do these things in a successful manor. The focus should be “What can you accomplish?” What is the limit to your vision? Where do you want to take us? How high should we be aiming? Who’s got our back if we slip and fall? And who’s gonna lend a hand, lift us up, and slap our back, encouraging us to try again?

“Not because it is easy, but because it is HARD.”

Our Country finds itself in a position of societal upheaval at this moment. An awakening of the spirit of our shared interests. Our common needs. Our common desires. We believe in the idea of our better angels, but are discouraged when all we see are the details of devils. Positive intentions are nothing without positive actions. A group of positive actions leads to movement of our overall societal evolution. Growing pains can be unbearable! Trust me, I’m 6’4″!

But they are necessary. We all want to be the better angels we imagine. We must avoid believing we ARE the better angles, in order to hide the painful truth. We have walked down all the paths before. We have tried the left, we have tried the right. We tried the exciting leader, we tried the even-keeled leader. They have all led us to THIS MOMENT. Every right and every wrong has shaped the people we are today. Every misstep, every yard gained. Every broken heart and every burden lifted. We must own that now. Today is how it is because of the choices that were made.

If we take actions using choices already made, we will be back in the SAME SPOT AS TODAY.

Who we choose to be, tomorrow, begins with how we see ourselves TODAY. Are we leading or following directions? Are we in control of our densities, or is that only an illusion? VISION is a powerful creative tool. It can be wielded to destroy civilizations, or produce the cotton gin. It can free slaves, or create slaves of the free. If we want things to get better, we must “see” it happen. To make that vision a reality, we must unite and support each other. For the common good. For us ALL.

THAT is where real power comes from- leadership born of the People who benefit the most. If you haven’t lived it, then you cannot change it.

That’s how I see it. Keep your head UP!!

JC

How Should the Constitutional Amendment Read?

What do We want Our government to look like? Who should Our government represent? When the choices that appear on the ballot look and act nothing like me or my family, why should I expect they will make choices with my family in mind?

Our election system currently forces a candidate to acquire money to have their voices heard. Therefore, the more money, the LOUDER your voice becomes. THIS has led to the upside-down view of “government is not the solution to our problems- government is the problem.”

I believe this should change.

When We elect a President born OF this country, A President who is FROM The People, we can see the change We need. Our government is seen by special interest groups and MASSIVE corporations as an obstacle to overcome. But this is NOT the case.

It IS the FRAMEWORK that holds us ALL together. A ‘referee’ in the daily battles of life, for the economic world AND the consumers. BOTH are dependent on the other for survival. And Our government ensures the playing field is fair for everyone. It protects the field’s VERY EXISTANCE.

Money should NOT DECIDE who can become President.

ideas should.

The government (We) should create the “venue”, the “vehicle” for the debate on ideas. A “Coliseum” for a “Battle Royale of the Minds”. To decide the President of THIS Country?!! We deserve No Less!

We need a Constitutional Convention to create a ONE CITIZEN=ONE VOTE, OPEN, SECURE, Election system to change the way the candidates are selected. In an open and honest debate, the BEST ideas ALWAYS rise to the top. We can do better than the system we have now. End the Electoral College.

Considering that an amendment requires 2/3 Congressional approval and 3/4 of the States’ Legislatures for ratification, this is a process that requires everyone to speak up and participate. EVERYONE benefits from this. This change will also require us ALL to take full personal RESPONSIBILITY for the HONOR and POWER of the Office of the Presidency. It is, after all, an embodiment of the unified spirit of all who participate in this system. Whomever holds the Office, holds it for us all. So my following text is an idea.

Proposal for Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America

Article II, Sec I.2 shall be undone.

Article II, Sec I.3 shall be amended to read as follows-

I.3 Each of the Several States shall select, by ballot of eligible voters, in the respective States, an eligible candidate for President. The Chief Executive of each State, the elected Legislatures of those States, as well as the Secretary of State of the respective States, shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate, the name of the selected candidate. The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and the House of Representatives, open and announce the name and State of each candidate.

At the end of the announcement, discussion/ decent shall be voiced and heard by the President of the Senate. At such point, either by determination of ineligibility or by majority vote by both Houses in separate votes, dismiss any candidate. If the votes of the House and the Senate stand in opposition, deference  falls to the original Vote of the State that had certified the candidate.

Article II, Sec. I.4 shall be undone and Amended to read as follows-

I.4 The Congress may determine the timing of a series of primary debates and discussion designed with the goal of narrowing down the list of eligible candidates, by ballot of eligible voters, to a choice of two eligible candidates. The two remaining candidates will be announced by the president of the Senate no later than July 4 of the election year to give the electorate sufficient time to become familiar with the candidates, to be voted upon for President in November.

The integrity and security of Our Intellectual Debates for Our Elections shall be overseen by the Secret Service, with full Congressional oversight and direction.

-END

Keep your head up.

JC

 

 

The Breaking of a Moral Compass

During WWII, Americans were called upon to aid in the war effort. By sacrificing here, “The boys in Europe won’t go without!” When asked “What are YOU doing to fight the enemy?”, average Americans could point to their ‘Victory Garden’. That helps keep our boys fed ‘over there’! It made the war’s end seem achievable with a point of unity. Together, we can see this through. No doubt that helped win the war.

After September 11, 2001, the public ached from the sudden loss, just as at the beginning of WWII. As our anger and grief turned to concern and support for our troops in a new war, average Americans again asked what they could do to contribute to the effort, to bring closure to such a deep wound.

George W. Bush told us that we should continue our lives like before. Go buy a car. Spend money. The goal of the enemy is to disrupt your daily life. In essence… Go shopping or the Terrorists win.

THAT has improperly closed a MASSIVE wound in the Nation’s collective mindset. By the account of most observers, GWB had cute ‘mannerisms’, and that the go shopping statement was a kinda joke…. ha ha. But average Americans did as told. Having faith in the system of justice and our moral high ground seeming to be on secure footing, we did just as he asked, hoping that THIS might sooner bring an end to the pain we felt from that day’s loss.

A seemingly unending war on an idea. An idea being fought with ignorance. In order to secure ourselves, we must push away those who would only seek to help and strengthen your position. In order to fight this anger and hate, we must unite in anger and hate toward our enemy- An idea that fear and anger are the winners in a discussion of ideas.

… are you confused yet?

The enemies of Our Country are fighting this battle RIGHT NOW. The Russian attempt to influence US Elections was successful. They INFLUENCED Americans, motivated people to ACTION here in the USA, to go to demonstrations, and executed it all from OUTSIDE the US.

This was Round #1. They are ONLY getting started.

Most of us aren’t even AWARE there is a war going on.

To be Blunt for a moment…. All Americans consume a steady diet of news from an obviously deeply interested corporate media titan of one type or another. It is a fact, even if you were not fully aware of it. And no matter who you are, or what color your favorite Kool-Aid is, we ALL recognize ONE THING:

ALL of them are full of it.

Weather you consume yours with ‘red sauce’, or you prefer ‘blue sauce’, in the middle, under all that ‘sauce’… is still a big pile of it. But we are still not fully aware of the magnitude of the battle.

The problem is our bullshit is being compromised.

PROPOGANDA designed to invoke a feeling. Our enemy knows what makes us ‘tick’, and can be sneaky. There is a BATTLE going on on your smart phone, in your email box, and even on your Facebook page. You are in the crossfire everyday you participate in the virtual world. Every American, and every citizen on this planet who values free speech, is in a war.

“What can Americans do to help win the war? We Want to Help!”

This Battle will require us all to secure our individual identities. To make ourselves digitally secure. It also requires EVERYONE of us to become computer literate. To become masters of our own identities. Just as one would with a social security number and driver’s license, etc. Your virtual digital identity is even more important. So, the “Call to Arms” for the citizens of THIS moment is a simple one. The MOST EFFECTIVE WEAPON against the bad actor with bad intentions is still the same-

“Arm yourselves with KNOWLEDGE.”

Keep your head UP!!

JC

 

What is a Safe Conspiracy Theory?

What’s your favorite? Does it involve black ops or ‘beings’? Bet it might involve murder. Mine does. And it always makes my ears “perk up” at odd moments during news cycles or conversations. Plucked out of a tree of forbidden fruit… And to SHARE that fruit with some Joe on the street, it’s like sinking the three at the buzzer sayin’ “You know what I’m talkin’ about!”

And sometimes when you speak up a little, you find more people asking the same things, and you ask it a different way. “Seriously… DO you know what I am talking about?” And you realize, no… they did not know, they were thinking about lizard people… really, wa.. what… LIZARD… “Sir, let us have a conversation…” And THAT is the point. Knowledge cannot be attained without asking some STUPID questions. Explaining some basic things.

Open dialogue of information clarifies arguments. Shows bad actors in full view. Brings to attention points of view the public at-large SHOULD know, but otherwise might not know due to being portrayed in an ‘evil’ light.

Every Conspiracy Theory I have looked into deeper than a blog post or headline has born some truth I had not previously known. I have also found some… um, ideas? Not so much FACTS as they would be, not so truthful…. but entertaining as all hell! I never miss the opportunity to discuss lizard people taking over _____. Leaders, politicians, assassins, clergy… they ALL start or revolve around a simple, usually exaggerated or misconstrued, version of a truth.

People want the truth. They have been lead to believe they are getting the truth. When they are presented clear evidence they have not been given the full truth, they believe they can handle the truth… they are entitled to it, it’s my right! The Clandestine EVA of Apollo 12 is the best example. Full article explains it… in all the detail I never wanted, but have now read, fully…The Most Plausible Apollo Moon Landing Conspiracy Ever Devised.

Oversimplified conclusion: Apollo 12 was supposed to land at a pinpoint spot on the moon…on TV, LIVE, to MANY interested parties. Due to dust kicked up during landing, and limited window seating on the LEM, the astronauts could not confirm their landing coordinates without preforming an EVA. They had to preform, live, on television to a global audience, an unscheduled SEVA.

TRANSLATION: The Astronauts, flying under the flag of the United States of America, couldn’t see where they parked, and now, were gonna have to stick their head out the window to find out where they are… hold on one minute…

This Stand-up Extravehicular Activity (SEVA) happened in secrecy as the world watched. Under radio silence, one of the astronauts opened the hatch and looked out to find the lunar lander NASA sent previously, sitting a few hundred yards away. Being able to confirm where on the lunar surface they landed, the mission could proceed. The hatch was closed, the radio silence ended, and history was made.

NASA choose to not display publicly a misstep and knowledge of an event, insignificant as it may be, for a preconceived hidden agenda. Insignificant, if you believe that opening the hatch of a spacecraft on the surface of a foreign body hundreds of thousands of miles away from breathable air is SOP and cakewalk stuff…

ASK questions, DEMAND answers. KNOWLEDGE will keep us ALL FREE. More voices will lead to a better conclusion and help us dodge the missteps of our ancestors. The bad actor will shine brightest in the light of FULL KNOWLEDGE. And those without the light will gain more without even knowing it.

I think I lost my point here… hmmm. I’m going to bed.

Keep your head UP!!

JC