Tag: Liberty

Campaign Statement on Foreign Policy Position: “The Company We Keep”

Our county’s greatest strengths come from our diversity of knowledge accumulated and shared with all citizens in our public schools. Found within that community structure we see the common ideals taught to our children. And within that environment, we find our core values. The uniting principles that inform a great statesman take root in the elementary school at the end of the block.

I have avoided stating a definitive foreign policy platform mainly because I felt ignorant of our overall engagement with other nations. In many ways, my greatest strength is pure ignorance of these relationships. I have no preconceived judgement of these situations. Only impressions, or a vision, of how our relationship in the world overall should be presented… Who are We, as a country? Our face to the world community, what our abilities are, and how we can best help every other nation succeed- The United States of America is a PARTNER in the international community because we ALL succeed when we ALL contribute.

Our county’s greatest strengths come from  our diversity of knowledge accumulated and shared with all citizens in our public schools. Found within that community structure we see the common ideals taught to our children. And within that environment, we find our core values. The uniting principles that inform a great statesman take root in the elementary school at the end of the block.

When we extend our hand in trust and compassion, we help another person learn how to be kind. When we stand side by side with others of sound principles, we present strength through inclusion. When we help our friends when they hurt the most, we rekindle the fire of fraternity that so often can be taken for granted in a family. And it is through our ACTIONS… THAT is how we lead in this world.

We show others how we want to be treated by how we treat them.

We support Liberty and justice for ALL, so at home, so abroad. We support open markets in nations abroad because our markets are open to ALL. We support EQUALITY, as endowed by our Creator, for all of our countrymen, and wish it were so thought the world. How we treat the least amongst ourselves at home, is how we will be seen throughout the world… If you want a ‘clean house’, you gotta start in your own ‘backyard’.

To read the words of true statesmen, like those of Ronald Reagan to Canada in his last official visit in 1987, reminds me of how little I know of world diplomacy. The technical ‘ins and outs’ of political calculations in order to protect rights and interests…

The message attempts, made in ‘good faith’, in honesty and respect, will be received the warmest, even if they are ignorant of some facts. The credibility of the person delivering the message can carry more weight than the message itself. As a citizen of The United States, I expect everyone to respect the Commander in Chief, not ONLY because of the honorable office they occupy, but because they are someone WORTHY OF THAT RESPECT. Someone who holds the values written in Our Constitution within their essence, we should all hope to elect.

As an Eagle Scout, I believe I know what those ideals are that make a President. I live my life within that framework, daily. “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty.” That is all a person has at the end of the day… their word. Their honor. That is where leadership is born. That is where success begins. That is where we should allow the power of Our President to reside. Because lasting progress only comes when built upon a firm foundation of just moral principles.

And we stand with those who feel the same. Those who do not stand for Liberty and Equality, we will not walk away from our community, but we will not support any nation who seeks to separate instead of unite. We stand strongest when we can declare these ideals to all the world as a benchmark to be measured by, especially when we LIVE it, daily.

That is where my journey will begin. We must be sure of our own position, at home, before we can go and demand to others THIS is how it should be done. Our own moral hypocrisy has diminished our standing around the globe. If we wish to remain free and indepenent, we must assess what we see in the mirror. Then, our desire to be better each day will reflect in those who desire to surround themselves with the same.

That is my agenda. When we expect better from ourselves, we can expect the same from everyone else. “In truth, and in love.”

-Jack Charbonneau

 

“A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem…”

I spoke to a new friend today about an equal rights amendment… for children. It’s sat in my mind for a while, and I think I realized an important truth. And I realized it in direct relation to our Constitution.

In one of my previous posts-https://jackcharbonneau.com/2018/06/05/let-experience-solve-it/ where I misconstrue the words of George Washington as an endorsement for my candidacy (sarcasm!) I spoke about the Constitution’s inherent strength that comes from

“… The existence of a “blank sheet” at the end of our Constitution. It is the most brilliant part of the whole document… nothing. everything. anything. The People’s will. Where the wellspring of fraternity flows strong, that is where OUR just patriotism comes from. Washington KNEW that the exponential growth of human minds, burning brightly within the kiln of a fair and just system, would always provide a solution.”

We are here today, because of the children of today. As it was then, so it is now. When they first put quill to parchment to “…secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish…” the future of all Americans shall be bright, bold, and fully armed with the KNOWLEDGE any successful democratic republic would require.

Because they knew, that in THEIR hands… the hands of the children, their OWN destinies lie. The PAST would one day be protected by the present.

Our whole system has been flipped upside down due to the influences of corrupt money in our collective values. No one should want harm to come to a child. Bottom Line. Ellis Island- “… Please answer one question to enter the US- Should anyone harm a child?” Answer: “NO.” “Good. Welcome to America.” So then as it should be now. And IT IS in our lives, but NOT in our governance. NO ONE believes that it IS a problem, because that would lead to admitting “MY GOVENMENT HAS A CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM.”

But that is where it starts. OWNING past mistakes to take control of the future destiny not yet sown. Beyond that which mortal man can see, to the NEXT ridge over the horizon.

Where We stand NOW. Looking back 200 years… THEY stood looking back 200 more. And they sought to BEGIN a process that could, ONE DAY, effectively deal with the sin of servitude and disgust our world now, can hardly even comprehend. Only a few today know of what I speak, and mindfully, fewer tomorrow. But THEIR WOUNDS are OUR WOUNDS today none the less. Because it is a scar carried collectively. What hurts ONE, hurts US ALL. Because we are United States of interaction, compassion, of collective desires, and collective fears.

If we strip away, the shine and sparkle of our shared society. The partisan, the political, the persona and the façade, down to the mettle, where corrupt corrosion occurs, we all know there is no future in a society that cannot stand to protect children. It is as allegorical as it is literal. Genetically or orally. The past is written in the future, as we ALL stand HERE TODAY.

How we chose to treat our children… our COLLECTIVE children. Individual as well since it all starts in the ‘home’, but I speak more of the community, the commonality in principle if not actual. If we ALL believe in the idea that a “blank sheet” is representative of “nothing. everything. anything“, then it would only make since that we should establish, with firm Command, a permanent, established Law defining the basic human rights enjoyed by all. A basic protection of humane rights to all minors. And adherence to this protection should be so obvious and forthright, that it seems almost a frivolous and superfluous law to anyone in our society! Its VERY EXISTANCE should be seen as a Declaration of Liberty for ALL, and adherence is the fabric that binds us together! In joy and love.

Because, on the smallest order, of genetic evolution, I would give all to protect my children. I also believe I would do the same for your child, too. Because that is our understanding. That is our “social contract” at the end of the day. Hell AND high water.

…and now WE can stop, and try to see 200 years AHEAD.

Consider the consequences of our inactions today. How many died due to our collective inaction in Puerto Rico… New Orleans… Parkland, Florida. How many have died, due to our collective fears, of an “enemy” abroad, and our willingness to buy into that fear. And now we hide from fears that plague communities, divided from one another. Individual fears faced alone, silent, and unopposed. After two decades of war in a country that produces massive amounts of opium as cash crops , our country has an opioid addiction. But, then again, we still haven shaken the OTHER addiction we came home with from WWII…  OIL

The ills of our society are vast. To an individual they are more innumerable than stars in the sky. And it would do it no justice to attempt even a partial list now. But ALL of those issues, the pain suffered silently by so many TODAY, as then… NO ONE could deny the roots of ALL lie in the treatment of ourselves, as a child. I fear a delve deep into the recesses of my mind some days! As do many, as do many who cannot delve into that past, for fear of losing one’s current ‘self’. And its horrible to contemplate, and its horrible to speak of…

But that doesn’t make it go away. And there should be NO ONE who would not give it ALL to make it go away. For ourselves. For them. To honor those who started this ‘experiment’. Because the Framers KNEW… they knew this moment would one day come.

I just realized that. I don’t think ANY OF US could ever be that smart. THAT’S incredible.

Well… that’s all we have to do. Seems pretty simple.

Keep your head UP!!

JC

 

 

“Let Experience Solve It.”

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George Washington’s Farewell Address. I am awe-struck at the vision these men had when considering the possible outcomes of a newly created government! He knew that his words would be tossed about for as long as the Union stood. He ENSURED it would by how he acted. How he set the tone, for the respect of the Office. So long as man puts pen to paper, the words of true fellowship and liberty will always win the day.

As true visionaries tend to do, Washington saw how this could all end. As he said, “prevent our nation from running the course which hitherto marked the destiny of nations.” He knew because it had happened before. As did ALL the Framers of our Constitution. The evil of Man has corrupted countless souls, as far back as one can see. The historical tyrants recounted today, number far fewer than the ones long forgotten, who’s actions, though less known, still led to the moral corruption of nations just the same.

The greed of corruption. The self-enrichment from the treasure of our nation, sometimes at the cost of our nation. Blood money. Pork. Lard. Pay for Play. Payola. How ever you frame it, it has stagnated cesspools and swamps, burdened the citizens, and upended civilizations throughout history. And knowing this, Washington spoke after two terms as the first President. Seeing how the nations of humanity reacted to this new ‘organization’ “…what did they call it, an ‘experiment?’ Those crazy colonists…”, and knowing this ‘experiment’ would prove a success, he gave some advice as he left-

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“… the JUST pride of patriotism…” Not that the act of patriotism is just, but the patriotism that, today, We take for granted +200 years later. The strong footing on the moral high ground. Not passively enjoyed as passing fad or trend, but hard won over two centuries of shared loss, and triumphant joy in re-unification.

A Well Worn Relationship, Of Union Celebrated, and not of one Unknown!

We KNOW these words, because they were taught to us in public school. We know these words because we BELIEVE in these ideals, and have lost family to keep them. We see the words of George Washington and take them for granted. Because we have now given our all, for generations, to these conceived principals, and it lives WITHIN US! It is real, it is “good”, and THAT is why it is a “…JUST Patriotism”. “You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together!” His words, now amplified over 200 years.

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“… to listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal.” Let experience solve it!

We have now reached a sizable data pool to extrapolate from. The Office of President has been filled as prescribed by the Constitution, 45 times. 45 times our country has elected a President! Yet, to many people in this country, that rings hollow. To many people I know, this doesn’t matter, because they say “my vote doesn’t count. I live in____.” (insert red/blue State) OR “The President is only chosen by Electors, not popular vote.” The disconnect between the value and power of the voter and reality is real. And it is costing lives due to impotent leadership in dealing with natural disasters.

Many of us have forgotten the power to create positive change in our country is balanced… there is a shared responsibility. We are TIED to each other, for better or worse. Most assuredly, we WILL all hang together! No one is doubting that for one moment! That is why it was enshrined in the “Bill of Rights”… Our solution. The ability to Amend, to bend, to create a more perfect union. The existence of a “blank sheet” at the end of our Constitution. It is the most brilliant part of the whole document… nothing. everything. anything. The People’s will. Where the wellspring of fraternity flows strong, that is where OUR just patriotism comes from. Washington KNEW that the exponential growth of human minds, burning brightly within the kiln of a fair and just system, would always provide a solution.

Because the alternative… Our Constitution is a patchwork quilt, made of the beautiful parts of corrupt civilizations long fallen. It’s multi-textural structure, the framework of Laws paired with the flowing and ever changing interpretation, is a singular powerhouse BECAUSE WE SEE IT AS EVER CHANGING… as we should. Our endeavors, though blessed by Universe, are executed through the ‘Word’ of Universe. And as we advance in knowledge, so too must our system of governance. AND KNOWING THIS…  over two hundred years ago, fully envisioning how a free country would likely fall, The Framers made their ONE FATAL ERROR. It is the “experiment” directly spoken of.

The ability to FULLY share responsibility for another soul, whom you will surely never meet. Can that SHARED responsibility be given FREELY to others? AND fully reciprocated? For myself, my family… our future? They balked… They had DOUBT. They had NO DATA to base a conclusion upon.

WE HAVE THAT DATA! THAT DATA IS GOOD DATA! And we now face a point where the worst envisioned fears of the Framers has come to pass. Sadly, it was of their OWN MAKING. But they left us the SOLUTION…. Because the alternative has been done before.

The intensity of the conflict at the heart of Our American struggle is unrecognized among the media, the polling, the leaders and legislators. The voters KNEW the choices for president, and their disgust for the whole corrupt political system was shouted loud and clear… “These are NOT the two best choices for the HONOR of the Office of President of OUR UNITED States.” THAT was the message. That was the demand. “FIX IT!” Not “BURN IT DOWN!”

So long as we follow the Law, and hold sacred the same values and fears our Founding Fathers held, We should re-affirm our Union and create, through Regular Order, and ratified as prescribed in our Constitution, a more perfect system. Dissolve the Electoral College, and establish in Law, our firm faith in the ideals of LIBERTY, EQUALITY, and FRATERNITY.

As this idea surely will create some panic, as change suggests an unmooring will occur, we must not forget, ALL voices MUST BE EQUAL. Though we all come from differing places, we ALL live our daily lives under the common structure that Every One is Created Equal. And ONLY from that shared equality can we have the balance, for our shared economic prosperity, our shared security, and the comfort that comes from connections unseen but treasured none the less. Values we celebrate not because they are Our values, but because they are WORTH CELEBRATING-

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” –Abraham Lincoln, second Inaugural Address

To a just and lasting peace.

JC

 

 

 

 

“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

 

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