I have heard the whisperings of the Spirit. I have felt the comforting hand of the Lord. Not all the time mind you, but often enough that I know that the Love of God is real. I am in the USA because the "Voice of the Lord" said "Go the the United States". The words were not fancy, but they were startling...they were penetrating...and I obeyed. Such experiences have been infrequent, always simple, yet powerful...like... "Be a good son". That got my attention. Ii was more difficult to obey...it was open ended...a lifetime challenge.
When I was a counsellor to Bishop Kent Wallis, I realized that he was a man who expected direct answers to his prayers. I had really never associated with a man like Kent Wallis. We would kneel as a Bishopric to pray about an issue. He would ask his counselors "Did you get an answer?" It was always embarrassing to have to admit that we had neither heard nor felt anything. Bishop Wallis would go to the temple and generally stay until he had an answer. I was not then in his league. I am not today.
Still...age has wrought a change in me that I can feel. Whereas I have always been a deep sleeper, one who could miss the end of the world so-to-speak...I now find myself waking in the early hours of the morning...and often receiving very clear promptings regarding such things as Family History, or work issues, or even my political ambitions. Rather than lie in bed, I get up, sit at the computer and write for a couple of hours, then go back to bed. That is most unusual for me. But I have come to enjoy the promptings...even look forward to them.
I think it was Elder Scott who talked about the promptings of the Spirit in Conference. There were lots of great talks. It was wonderful! But I think I heard a message which was truly new to me. It was that even though the Spirit might prompt us to do something...the lesson is in recognizing the Spirit. It is not important whether or not the prom[tings lead to some dramatic conclusion or solution. Rather it is more important that we simply learn to recognize the promptings...and enjoy them with gratitude.
I recall Nate going through a very difficult time in his youth. He had had a very clear vision of the direction which his life was going to take. It did not happen. He asked for counsel. I do not recall what I said, but I am sure that I did not have a good answer. Today I might be more inclined to smile and say "Enjoy the experience son...know that the Lord is mindful of you. Things may not work out for you the way you dreamed or visualized, but always remember the feeling that you had, when the spirit either whispered or showed you something special."
Elder Scott helped me realize, for example, that just because I felt prompted by the spirit to get up and write something that might be useful in my political campaign, I may or may not be successful in the campaign. And that's OK. Whether I am successful or not does not diminish the warm feeling that our Father in Heaven is mindful of me...and His Spirit is prompting me...and I am becoming used to it...and loving it. Let's face it, unless the Lord has some grand political plan for me, such as helping to save the Constitution of the United States, I'm sure that whether I win or lose an election is of little importance to Him. I think Elder Scott's message was that when it comes to spiritual promptings...it is not so much about the outcome...it is about the journey...and learning to enjoy the trip, feeling that you are truly under the watchful eye of God.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Ann Newton Holmes
I did receive a response from Ann Newton Holmes regarding the Suttee which my dad witnessed. She was delighted, but currently overwhelmed because her husband is in a hospital fighting for his life. She promised to get back to me when her life normalizes.
Ann apparently travels to India for 2-4 weeks every year. She is a free-lance writer so she probably collects ideas for articles. I was really thrilled to hear that the Maharaja's wife Rani (known as Kuku to my dad) is still alive, still elegant and beautiful, according to Ann.
I need to make a trip to India...just to pay my respects.
Ann apparently travels to India for 2-4 weeks every year. She is a free-lance writer so she probably collects ideas for articles. I was really thrilled to hear that the Maharaja's wife Rani (known as Kuku to my dad) is still alive, still elegant and beautiful, according to Ann.
I need to make a trip to India...just to pay my respects.
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Book Pusher
Barbara Hales was affectionately known as "The Book Lady", but she preferred to call herself "The Book Pusher". More appropriately, Barbara Hales was the leading advocate for literacy in the valley. She and her husband Lee have sold 500,000 books (at cost) since her retirement from USU. They traveled all over the west buying up books for children. Family members would read the books and report back to her on their content and quality. Barbara would put a sticker on each book to identify its age appropriateness.
Last Sunday Kathie told Barbara about Logan, our nine year old grandson who has a mild form of autism. Logan loves anything related to China, so Kathie asked Barbara if she would keep a look-out for a book related to China.
The very next morning Barbara and Lee were in the parking lot of ShopCo at 9:30 AM. Barbara was walking into the store when she was struck by a truck. She died later that day. A whole community was stunned. TV stations ran the story. The State of Utah had lost a treasure.
Wednesday morning Kathie received a call from Lee Hales. Lee was surrounded by his mourning family, yet remarkably he called to tell Kathie that Barbara had found two books for her...and that their very next stop that fateful morning was to be to Borders, where Barbara had apparently located two more books. Kathie was speechless. She called me to ask if I would stop at the Hales residence to pick up the books. That was a difficult, emotional assignment. The grief was palpable in that home...yet Lee had felt compelled to follow through with Barbara's mission for Kathie.
So what do you think Shelly? I think those books must be something special. And Barbara Hales seemed to be stepping out from behind the veil to complete one last assignment...to bless just one more child...who just happened to be yours.
Last Sunday Kathie told Barbara about Logan, our nine year old grandson who has a mild form of autism. Logan loves anything related to China, so Kathie asked Barbara if she would keep a look-out for a book related to China.
The very next morning Barbara and Lee were in the parking lot of ShopCo at 9:30 AM. Barbara was walking into the store when she was struck by a truck. She died later that day. A whole community was stunned. TV stations ran the story. The State of Utah had lost a treasure.
Wednesday morning Kathie received a call from Lee Hales. Lee was surrounded by his mourning family, yet remarkably he called to tell Kathie that Barbara had found two books for her...and that their very next stop that fateful morning was to be to Borders, where Barbara had apparently located two more books. Kathie was speechless. She called me to ask if I would stop at the Hales residence to pick up the books. That was a difficult, emotional assignment. The grief was palpable in that home...yet Lee had felt compelled to follow through with Barbara's mission for Kathie.
So what do you think Shelly? I think those books must be something special. And Barbara Hales seemed to be stepping out from behind the veil to complete one last assignment...to bless just one more child...who just happened to be yours.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Love Story...or...Suttee
The coincidences continue. In my last blog I commented on the 10 year anniversary of my commitment to transcribing my dad's memoirs. I have to teach the Family History class next week and I was wondering what I could possibly discuss.
This past week, Kathie gave me a copy of the September 2009 issue of "Traveler" and said "You need to read this.". Last night I decided to check it out. On page 164, under the heading of "Putting on the Raj" are images of glamorous models with the backdrop of Jodhpur palaces. Since my dad was the private pilot for Himmat Singhji (Regent of Jodhpur) from 1952 -1954, and since he lived in Jodhpur palaces, I have searched for images of those palaces without success for years. The magazine provided the official names of the palaces and I was able to Google them with great success. It was exciting. I even discovered that each of the palaces have guest quarters where visitors may stay.
So feeling lucky, I also searched the name Himmet Singhji. I have never found a reference to him before. I was amazed to find an article called "A Love Story: Suttee in Contemporary Rajasthan" by Ann Newton Holmes. This woman actually interviewed Himmat Singhji and his wife, in about 1994, about their life in the Umiad Palace. Himmat digressed from the subject and wanted to discuss "the most moving experience of my life".
As I read the article, I realized that it was about the Suttee (a woman's self-immolation on her husband's funeral pyre) which my dad wrote about in his memoirs. I got goose bumps on goose bumps. My father was there. He witnessed the whole event. He was the only "Englishman" to do so. He was close friends with the "Brig" and his wife who committed Suttee; they played Bridge together on a regular basis. My dad agreed that it was an experience that one could never forget.
So then I Googled Ann Newton Holmes and found her email address...sent her an email with a couple of my dad's transcribed tapes. Now I'm waiting for a response. I think I may have something to talk about on September 6.
This past week, Kathie gave me a copy of the September 2009 issue of "Traveler" and said "You need to read this.". Last night I decided to check it out. On page 164, under the heading of "Putting on the Raj" are images of glamorous models with the backdrop of Jodhpur palaces. Since my dad was the private pilot for Himmat Singhji (Regent of Jodhpur) from 1952 -1954, and since he lived in Jodhpur palaces, I have searched for images of those palaces without success for years. The magazine provided the official names of the palaces and I was able to Google them with great success. It was exciting. I even discovered that each of the palaces have guest quarters where visitors may stay.
So feeling lucky, I also searched the name Himmet Singhji. I have never found a reference to him before. I was amazed to find an article called "A Love Story: Suttee in Contemporary Rajasthan" by Ann Newton Holmes. This woman actually interviewed Himmat Singhji and his wife, in about 1994, about their life in the Umiad Palace. Himmat digressed from the subject and wanted to discuss "the most moving experience of my life".
As I read the article, I realized that it was about the Suttee (a woman's self-immolation on her husband's funeral pyre) which my dad wrote about in his memoirs. I got goose bumps on goose bumps. My father was there. He witnessed the whole event. He was the only "Englishman" to do so. He was close friends with the "Brig" and his wife who committed Suttee; they played Bridge together on a regular basis. My dad agreed that it was an experience that one could never forget.
So then I Googled Ann Newton Holmes and found her email address...sent her an email with a couple of my dad's transcribed tapes. Now I'm waiting for a response. I think I may have something to talk about on September 6.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Turning the Hearts of the Children
Last Sunday was my turn to teach the LP2 Ward Family History class. I chose to depart from our focus on NewFamilySearch. I decided to talk about our new family "tradition" of involving grandchildren in a Reader's Theater during our Family Reunion, to help them learn about their ancestors.
Kathie has a theory that getting people involved at the level of reading and writing histories is the most effective way to "turn the hearts of the children to their fathers". Once we are hooked we may advance to genealogical research, but it is not required. Since that is what happened to me, I must agree.
On occasion, in our classroom setting, I like to recognize those individuals who actually got me started. Norm Barber is at the top of the list, but he was the type who was persistent to a fault. Austin and Gwen Haws were our Ward Family History Specialists; they were less zealous in their approach and they always deserve special mention.
The story is as follows: The Bishop decided to have a Sacrament Meeting dedicated to Family History and assigned Gwen and Austin to speak. Unfortunately they were involved in a terrible accident over at Bear Lake, by Paris, Idaho, and could not participate. Gwen was badly injured and has never been the same physically. The Bishop assigned Doug Hart to substitute for Austin and Gwen on short notice.
Those who know Doug Hart, know that he is NOT a dynamic speaker, so I'm afraid I was not expecting much. But it is a testimony to me that the Lord can use anyone to touch our hearts during a Sacrament Meeting.
Doug's concluding message was simple. It was "Do Something!...Do something related to Family History...anything...just get started." It was a remarkable meeting. Of course we were all concerned for Gwen and Austin, but I committed right there to get started on the transcription of my father's voice tapes. That was the beginning of my involvement in Family History. And I have not stopped...I'm hooked. The Preface to my Dad's memoirs actually tells this story.
So knowing that Gwen Haws would likely be in attendance at our Family History class, (in her motorized wheelchair), I decided to honor her for her role in getting me (and others) started. After telling the story of her terrible accident and Doug Hart's remarkable presentation in Sacrament Meeting, Gwen said..."Thank you...But do you know what is interesting Tony...That Sacrament Meeting occurred exactly ten years ago today!"
Well...I was speechless...I had no idea...but I do know who is in-charge...and we all love Gwen Haws. So I'm honored to have been able to spotlight her. Gwen has published dozens of family histories for her own family and for others. She is the "Mother of Publishing Histories"...no-one comes close to her accomplishments... and she is still at it...from her wheelchair.
Kathie has a theory that getting people involved at the level of reading and writing histories is the most effective way to "turn the hearts of the children to their fathers". Once we are hooked we may advance to genealogical research, but it is not required. Since that is what happened to me, I must agree.
On occasion, in our classroom setting, I like to recognize those individuals who actually got me started. Norm Barber is at the top of the list, but he was the type who was persistent to a fault. Austin and Gwen Haws were our Ward Family History Specialists; they were less zealous in their approach and they always deserve special mention.
The story is as follows: The Bishop decided to have a Sacrament Meeting dedicated to Family History and assigned Gwen and Austin to speak. Unfortunately they were involved in a terrible accident over at Bear Lake, by Paris, Idaho, and could not participate. Gwen was badly injured and has never been the same physically. The Bishop assigned Doug Hart to substitute for Austin and Gwen on short notice.
Those who know Doug Hart, know that he is NOT a dynamic speaker, so I'm afraid I was not expecting much. But it is a testimony to me that the Lord can use anyone to touch our hearts during a Sacrament Meeting.
Doug's concluding message was simple. It was "Do Something!...Do something related to Family History...anything...just get started." It was a remarkable meeting. Of course we were all concerned for Gwen and Austin, but I committed right there to get started on the transcription of my father's voice tapes. That was the beginning of my involvement in Family History. And I have not stopped...I'm hooked. The Preface to my Dad's memoirs actually tells this story.
So knowing that Gwen Haws would likely be in attendance at our Family History class, (in her motorized wheelchair), I decided to honor her for her role in getting me (and others) started. After telling the story of her terrible accident and Doug Hart's remarkable presentation in Sacrament Meeting, Gwen said..."Thank you...But do you know what is interesting Tony...That Sacrament Meeting occurred exactly ten years ago today!"
Well...I was speechless...I had no idea...but I do know who is in-charge...and we all love Gwen Haws. So I'm honored to have been able to spotlight her. Gwen has published dozens of family histories for her own family and for others. She is the "Mother of Publishing Histories"...no-one comes close to her accomplishments... and she is still at it...from her wheelchair.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Political Points
Kathie heard the following timely political truths on Jerry Stewart's radio program:
Right is right...even if everyone is against it.
Wrong is wrong...even if everyone is for it.
There really is no middle road.
The only thing in the middle of the road is either YELLOW or DEAD
Like a yellow stripe...and/or a dead possum.
Right is right...even if everyone is against it.
Wrong is wrong...even if everyone is for it.
There really is no middle road.
The only thing in the middle of the road is either YELLOW or DEAD
Like a yellow stripe...and/or a dead possum.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Politics 101-Plus
I forgot to post about the fact that I was not selected to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Steve Thompson from the Logan City Council. But Tami Pyfer is not running again, which leaves two, at-large openings on the Council. Last Monday I signed application forms to run for Logan City Council in the November elections. I know...it was a moment of weakness.
While I was in the act of signing the papers with Theresa Harris, the City Recorder, Kathie called shouting exciteldy "Where are you?" I told her exactly where I was and what I was doing. She relaxed somewhat. She had just received a call from Jay Monson who was calling to congratulate Tony on "running for mayor". Randy Watts had told him it was a fact. Kathie's response was ..."He better not be...that would be cause for divorce."
Nine people applied for City Council, so there will be a primary election on September 15 to narrow the field to four. It is actually encouraging that there is so much interest in running for political office throughout Cache Valley.
Steve Stokes is also running for City Council, but the Steve Stokes you know from our Ward called to make sure that I knew it was not him. Actually I met the Steve Stokes who is running, at the City offices...and he is a nice young man about 25 years old. But the name Steve Stokes is a completely unfair advantage. Our "Steve Stokes" is a really high profile, popular, very successful businessperson in Logan and NAME RECOGNITION is everything in politics.
Oh well...bigger signs...and more of 'em.
While I was in the act of signing the papers with Theresa Harris, the City Recorder, Kathie called shouting exciteldy "Where are you?" I told her exactly where I was and what I was doing. She relaxed somewhat. She had just received a call from Jay Monson who was calling to congratulate Tony on "running for mayor". Randy Watts had told him it was a fact. Kathie's response was ..."He better not be...that would be cause for divorce."
Nine people applied for City Council, so there will be a primary election on September 15 to narrow the field to four. It is actually encouraging that there is so much interest in running for political office throughout Cache Valley.
Steve Stokes is also running for City Council, but the Steve Stokes you know from our Ward called to make sure that I knew it was not him. Actually I met the Steve Stokes who is running, at the City offices...and he is a nice young man about 25 years old. But the name Steve Stokes is a completely unfair advantage. Our "Steve Stokes" is a really high profile, popular, very successful businessperson in Logan and NAME RECOGNITION is everything in politics.
Oh well...bigger signs...and more of 'em.
Shortest Sermon Ever
Harley Perry reported his mission to Madrid, Spain today. Bart Cardon was assigned to be the concluding speaker. He and his wife Kathy are actually Public Relations missionaries, assigned to Madrid, Spain, but Kathy's health failed and they returned to Logan where they are working out their mission from their home.
Bishop Tom Lee assigned Bart to speak "on the scriptures". As often happens in such meetings, administration of the Sacrament took longer because of the number of visitors in the congregation, and Harley actually had a lot to say...in his strange Spanish influenced accent.
So there was little or no time left for Bart. Never-the-less he left us with a memorable message with the fewest words ever:
"If you want to talk with God...get on your knees and pray.
If you want God to talk to you...stand up and get into the scriptures."
We may remember that longer than if it had been buried in a 10-15 minute talk.
Bishop Tom Lee assigned Bart to speak "on the scriptures". As often happens in such meetings, administration of the Sacrament took longer because of the number of visitors in the congregation, and Harley actually had a lot to say...in his strange Spanish influenced accent.
So there was little or no time left for Bart. Never-the-less he left us with a memorable message with the fewest words ever:
"If you want to talk with God...get on your knees and pray.
If you want God to talk to you...stand up and get into the scriptures."
We may remember that longer than if it had been buried in a 10-15 minute talk.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The ELECTRIC LIME Purse
Kathie purchased a bright lime green leather purse this spring. She has received lots of positive comments from family, friends and even strangers. It really is attractive and she has matched it with ensembles which show the purse off with great effect. During a recent trip to visit Shelly and Rich, in Minnesota, Logan 9, who views the world from within a slightly different paradigm, dubbed the purse..."grandma's ELECTRIC LIME purse". That was so perceptive...so creative. It stuck.
Like many men I have a genuine phobia about carrying women's purses. Kathie says I'm insecure about my masculinity. It must be so, because it almost makes my skin crawl to be caught holding Kathie's purse...anytime...anywhere. I feel like an idiot...look like an idiot. Kathie, on the other hand, absolutely delights in putting me in such situations.
For example...last Sunday...we were at Church...walking out of Sacrament Meeting...headed to the priesthood room where I was to teach a Family History class. Kathie said..."Please hold my purse". Apparently the horrified look on my face gave me away, because she said..."Look...it is only 30 feet to the classroom door...I have to go...I'll be back in a minute...just take it to the classroom for me...please...you can do it."
So the old male brain quickly surveyed the situation and the terrain...it was the ELECTRIC LIME purse...we were the first out of the Chapel...the coast was clear...it looked safe enough...and it was only 30 feet. So I clutched the purse fearlessly to my chest...and obediently moved forward.
I actually made it to the classroom undetected and was just putting the purse on a chair in the front of the room when I heard a sweet feminine voice say "Nice purse Tony". I was busted...and speechless. I looked up just in time to see Joann Karren's smiling face pass the door frame.
I tell you...its a female conspiracy.
Like many men I have a genuine phobia about carrying women's purses. Kathie says I'm insecure about my masculinity. It must be so, because it almost makes my skin crawl to be caught holding Kathie's purse...anytime...anywhere. I feel like an idiot...look like an idiot. Kathie, on the other hand, absolutely delights in putting me in such situations.
For example...last Sunday...we were at Church...walking out of Sacrament Meeting...headed to the priesthood room where I was to teach a Family History class. Kathie said..."Please hold my purse". Apparently the horrified look on my face gave me away, because she said..."Look...it is only 30 feet to the classroom door...I have to go...I'll be back in a minute...just take it to the classroom for me...please...you can do it."
So the old male brain quickly surveyed the situation and the terrain...it was the ELECTRIC LIME purse...we were the first out of the Chapel...the coast was clear...it looked safe enough...and it was only 30 feet. So I clutched the purse fearlessly to my chest...and obediently moved forward.
I actually made it to the classroom undetected and was just putting the purse on a chair in the front of the room when I heard a sweet feminine voice say "Nice purse Tony". I was busted...and speechless. I looked up just in time to see Joann Karren's smiling face pass the door frame.
I tell you...its a female conspiracy.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tristan Corrigan
You know that I don’t believe in coincidences…I believe in God…I believe that He is in-charge of our affairs…at least, whenever He chooses to be in-charge. And the older I get, the more obvious His hand becomes. It is almost humorous.
So here’s the set-up. It is Monday May 31, 2009. Kathie and I are sitting in the Minneapolis Airport, after a visit with Shelly and her family…on our way to Pittsburgh, to visit with Jeff and Kimi. There is a handsome young man sitting next to me. Kathie leans over and says “I think he might be a Marine…he has his Lid (dress hat) with him”. So I strike up a conversation. The young man is not a Marine, but he is Navy…Naval ROTC to be exact…on his way to Germany for a 25 day exchange with the German navy. He is easy to talk with…so we chat. I tell him about our Marine sons…about Dan’s float in the Mediterranean. He had a similar experience as a crewman on a troopship. I tell him about Henry Sipple and his WWII service…his historical timeline which I recently typed up…problems with WWII torpedoes, etc. He asks if he might receive a copy of Henry’s timeline so I ask for his email address.
His name is Tristan Corrigan…now there’s a good old Irish name if ever there was one. He is attending Iowa State University on an ROTC scholarship. tristanc@iastate.edu
This is where Kathie and her incredible intuition come into play. She says…”you would not be from California would you?: Answer “No…I’m from Minnesota” So Kathie explains how she had just published her mother’s diaries from her Park City teen years…how she was enamored with a young man named Francis Corrigan who lived in California. Tristan looks at Kathie and says…”Francis Corrigan was my grandfather…he lived in California”.
This deserved a …YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME…right?
Well…it turned out to be true. Tristan’s father is Michael Francis Corrigan, the son of Francis Corrigan, of California. Francis suffered from heart problems and died a couple of years ago. It all fits. But what are the odds? That’s so weird. And if the Lord is actually pulling these strings…why? Surely it is not just to show us that he can.
Francis was unfortunately divorced from Tristan’s grandmother…and Francis was estranged from the family…Tristan never met him. But he is sure that his parents will want to exchange information and photos with Kathie, so we are going to email documents to Tristan who will send them on to his parents.
I can hardly wait to find out what will happen on our next trip.
So here’s the set-up. It is Monday May 31, 2009. Kathie and I are sitting in the Minneapolis Airport, after a visit with Shelly and her family…on our way to Pittsburgh, to visit with Jeff and Kimi. There is a handsome young man sitting next to me. Kathie leans over and says “I think he might be a Marine…he has his Lid (dress hat) with him”. So I strike up a conversation. The young man is not a Marine, but he is Navy…Naval ROTC to be exact…on his way to Germany for a 25 day exchange with the German navy. He is easy to talk with…so we chat. I tell him about our Marine sons…about Dan’s float in the Mediterranean. He had a similar experience as a crewman on a troopship. I tell him about Henry Sipple and his WWII service…his historical timeline which I recently typed up…problems with WWII torpedoes, etc. He asks if he might receive a copy of Henry’s timeline so I ask for his email address.
His name is Tristan Corrigan…now there’s a good old Irish name if ever there was one. He is attending Iowa State University on an ROTC scholarship. tristanc@iastate.edu
This is where Kathie and her incredible intuition come into play. She says…”you would not be from California would you?: Answer “No…I’m from Minnesota” So Kathie explains how she had just published her mother’s diaries from her Park City teen years…how she was enamored with a young man named Francis Corrigan who lived in California. Tristan looks at Kathie and says…”Francis Corrigan was my grandfather…he lived in California”.
This deserved a …YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME…right?
Well…it turned out to be true. Tristan’s father is Michael Francis Corrigan, the son of Francis Corrigan, of California. Francis suffered from heart problems and died a couple of years ago. It all fits. But what are the odds? That’s so weird. And if the Lord is actually pulling these strings…why? Surely it is not just to show us that he can.
Francis was unfortunately divorced from Tristan’s grandmother…and Francis was estranged from the family…Tristan never met him. But he is sure that his parents will want to exchange information and photos with Kathie, so we are going to email documents to Tristan who will send them on to his parents.
I can hardly wait to find out what will happen on our next trip.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Politics 101
As you know I have been attending 9/12 meetings in Providence. The objective of the group appears to be to get qualified people to run for political office at every level.
The group has been encouraged to read Skousan's "5000 Year Leap". On page 49 he says..."The natural tendency of all people is to encourage others to run for office, but not get involved themselves."
On May 22, 2009, Logan City placed an add in the Herald Journal, calling for applicants to fill the vacancy on the City Council created by the resignation of Steve Thompson.
So on May 27 I submitted my name a candidate to fill that vacancy. The appointment would only be till January 31, 2009. That means that there will be an election this fall to fill that seat and another seat which will be vacated by Tami Pyfer.
The City Council will meet on June 5 to make their decision. I know each of the council members except Lorraine Swenson. Apparently she thinks that whoever is appointed should not be permitted to run in the next election, because the experience gained in filling the interim seat would be an unfair advantage. Other council members think that the council has no business telling anyone what they may or may not do politically. I think I would agree with the majority position.
I sent an email to each of the council members. Jay Monson, Herm Olsen and Tammy Pyfer responded positively, but I have not had responses from Lorraine or Steve Thompson. Steve would support me to the other council members. He is a democrat, but interestingly to me he is extremely conservative...possibly the most conservative on the City Council. He and Tami supported our neighborhood on the power plant issue. None of the other council members were serving at that time.
We will let you know if Popa T is a politician soon. Of course it would be hard to be disappointed were I not selected.
The group has been encouraged to read Skousan's "5000 Year Leap". On page 49 he says..."The natural tendency of all people is to encourage others to run for office, but not get involved themselves."
On May 22, 2009, Logan City placed an add in the Herald Journal, calling for applicants to fill the vacancy on the City Council created by the resignation of Steve Thompson.
So on May 27 I submitted my name a candidate to fill that vacancy. The appointment would only be till January 31, 2009. That means that there will be an election this fall to fill that seat and another seat which will be vacated by Tami Pyfer.
The City Council will meet on June 5 to make their decision. I know each of the council members except Lorraine Swenson. Apparently she thinks that whoever is appointed should not be permitted to run in the next election, because the experience gained in filling the interim seat would be an unfair advantage. Other council members think that the council has no business telling anyone what they may or may not do politically. I think I would agree with the majority position.
I sent an email to each of the council members. Jay Monson, Herm Olsen and Tammy Pyfer responded positively, but I have not had responses from Lorraine or Steve Thompson. Steve would support me to the other council members. He is a democrat, but interestingly to me he is extremely conservative...possibly the most conservative on the City Council. He and Tami supported our neighborhood on the power plant issue. None of the other council members were serving at that time.
We will let you know if Popa T is a politician soon. Of course it would be hard to be disappointed were I not selected.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
9/12: May 13, 2009
Wow! I attended another 9/12 meeting tonight. It was awesome. There are lots of things going on which should encourage even the most depressed conservative.
Independent Caucus: This is an independent movement to take our government back from the "Big Money" special interests. This group intends to send every Congressman/woman a Pink Slip...and a Tea Bag from thousands of people in their districts nation wide. And they intend to film the reaction at each Congressional office when the bag is delivered.
We watched a video presentation about why it is so hard to unseat an incumbent Congressional politician. Why do 94% of incumbents get re-elected when they have only a 10% approval rating? "Big Money" from lobbyists makes it almost impossible to fund a challenger adequately .
Montana: Two days ago, the Governor of Montana signed into law a bill which says that firearms, ammunition or associated equipment, manufactured in Montana are NOT under the control of the federal government. It is a state's rights issue and it will go to the Supreme Court. This is a big deal.
Patrick Henry Caucus: Carl Wimmer, a member of the Utah Legislature started the Patrick Henry Caucus in Utah. He was on Glenn Beck last week talking about the landmark Montana legislation. Utah is working on a similar, but more broad state's rights bill. Texas is moving forward with similar legislation. We watched this portion of the Glenn Beck program. It was inspiring. Utah intends to take back all state's rights bestowed by the Constitution.
Larry Bodily explained how the federal government usurped state's rights back in the 1930s. They did it over the issue of interstate commerce. Apparently a farmer, who owned a bakery, was growing his own wheat, making bread products and selling them all within his state...no interstate commerce. The federal government had no control over him or his products under the then current Constitutional law. They used him as a test case. They came up with the screwball argument, that because he was NOT engaging in interstate commerce he was actually affecting interstate commerce negatively... therefore he could be regulated and taxed. The supreme court upheld that action...following which anything and everything could be defined as falling under the definition of interstate commerce...controlled and taxed by the federal government.
Glenn Beck was beside himself when one of his guests, who was a retired judge, said that this would the biggest supreme court case since Roe vs Wade...and the current conservative court would reverse a 70 year old law. Glenn begged the supreme court members to "eat your vegies...stay healthy...don't any of you dare die on us". The whole audience applauded after that short video clip.
There is a Tea Party at the Utah State Capitol next Wednesday at noon to celebrate the formation of the Patrick Henry Caucus to take our States' Rights back. Think I may go. This is getting exciting!
Independent Caucus: This is an independent movement to take our government back from the "Big Money" special interests. This group intends to send every Congressman/woman a Pink Slip...and a Tea Bag from thousands of people in their districts nation wide. And they intend to film the reaction at each Congressional office when the bag is delivered.
We watched a video presentation about why it is so hard to unseat an incumbent Congressional politician. Why do 94% of incumbents get re-elected when they have only a 10% approval rating? "Big Money" from lobbyists makes it almost impossible to fund a challenger adequately .
Montana: Two days ago, the Governor of Montana signed into law a bill which says that firearms, ammunition or associated equipment, manufactured in Montana are NOT under the control of the federal government. It is a state's rights issue and it will go to the Supreme Court. This is a big deal.
Patrick Henry Caucus: Carl Wimmer, a member of the Utah Legislature started the Patrick Henry Caucus in Utah. He was on Glenn Beck last week talking about the landmark Montana legislation. Utah is working on a similar, but more broad state's rights bill. Texas is moving forward with similar legislation. We watched this portion of the Glenn Beck program. It was inspiring. Utah intends to take back all state's rights bestowed by the Constitution.
Larry Bodily explained how the federal government usurped state's rights back in the 1930s. They did it over the issue of interstate commerce. Apparently a farmer, who owned a bakery, was growing his own wheat, making bread products and selling them all within his state...no interstate commerce. The federal government had no control over him or his products under the then current Constitutional law. They used him as a test case. They came up with the screwball argument, that because he was NOT engaging in interstate commerce he was actually affecting interstate commerce negatively... therefore he could be regulated and taxed. The supreme court upheld that action...following which anything and everything could be defined as falling under the definition of interstate commerce...controlled and taxed by the federal government.
Glenn Beck was beside himself when one of his guests, who was a retired judge, said that this would the biggest supreme court case since Roe vs Wade...and the current conservative court would reverse a 70 year old law. Glenn begged the supreme court members to "eat your vegies...stay healthy...don't any of you dare die on us". The whole audience applauded after that short video clip.
There is a Tea Party at the Utah State Capitol next Wednesday at noon to celebrate the formation of the Patrick Henry Caucus to take our States' Rights back. Think I may go. This is getting exciting!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
9/12 Meeting
We here we go! I attended a 9/12 meeting in Providence last night. Last week was their first meeting, so everyone was still new to the concept of coming together in unity and love to effect political change. Larry Bodily seemed to be the ad hoc leader of the group. He was cool and calm. One young bloke stood up, distributed an organizational chart and announced that we needed to get organized, with heads over counties, cities and precincts. One woman asked "Why?" and she got a lecture on how organization was ncessary if we wanted to accomplish anything. One eloquent old bloke said "It would be better to talk without being organized, than to be organized before we talk". Even that did not deter the young fella. A few others complained, but he pressed on..."we must get organized now." Finally I said, "Excuse me...but you are not listening...people are telling you that we don't want to get organized until we understand what it is we want to accomplish by being organized." He pressed on...people threatened to leave...he shut up. So it was not a smooth beginning.
Larry Bodily reported that someone in SLC has actually taken it upon himself to get 9/12 groups organized across the USA and in Utah. Apparently there are dozens of groups meeting, but without any coordination. He also said something that got my attention. 9/12 representatives were meeting last night in SLC with conservative political parties...Republican, Constitutional and Libertarian, to try to forge some unified effort to replace current elected Congressional politicians with politicians who will live by 9/12 values. It is a strongly held "throw the bums out" mentality.
The reality at present is if a really well qualified candidate is put forward by the Constitutional party he/she will not get elected in Utah. So it is my opinion that unless people like me who feel that the Republican party left us behind want to eat crow and work within the Republican party, nothing will change. Larry promised to report on that meeting next week. We are meeting weekly.
Future meetings will include a little education. It was suggested that we each purchase Skousens "5000 Year Leap" and read it. There are also classes on the Constitution that we can attend.
The meeting became anecdotal...which was pleasant if not really productive. There was some dark talk about how threatening the government could really get...and about Glen Beck predicting that he would be silenced. I had not heard that. One fellow asked if we new why Glen Beck chose to call his effort 9/12. I had no idea. It was becasue 9/12 was the day after 9/11. On 9/12 the USA was humbled but united. He wants all who are like minded politically today to come together with that same awesome feeling of unity....which is real power.
I like to think of 9/12 as the day that evil hid its ugly head...there was not a word from the America haters...yet within six weeks evil emerged in the form of Michael Moore. It was the hate America croud which convinced me give up 36 years as a legal alien...permanent resident alien...to become a US citizen...to stand shoulder to shoulder with my American brothers and sisters in the fight against evil...which is now even more seriously threatening to destroy this great country.
So last night was ...one small step.
Larry Bodily reported that someone in SLC has actually taken it upon himself to get 9/12 groups organized across the USA and in Utah. Apparently there are dozens of groups meeting, but without any coordination. He also said something that got my attention. 9/12 representatives were meeting last night in SLC with conservative political parties...Republican, Constitutional and Libertarian, to try to forge some unified effort to replace current elected Congressional politicians with politicians who will live by 9/12 values. It is a strongly held "throw the bums out" mentality.
The reality at present is if a really well qualified candidate is put forward by the Constitutional party he/she will not get elected in Utah. So it is my opinion that unless people like me who feel that the Republican party left us behind want to eat crow and work within the Republican party, nothing will change. Larry promised to report on that meeting next week. We are meeting weekly.
Future meetings will include a little education. It was suggested that we each purchase Skousens "5000 Year Leap" and read it. There are also classes on the Constitution that we can attend.
The meeting became anecdotal...which was pleasant if not really productive. There was some dark talk about how threatening the government could really get...and about Glen Beck predicting that he would be silenced. I had not heard that. One fellow asked if we new why Glen Beck chose to call his effort 9/12. I had no idea. It was becasue 9/12 was the day after 9/11. On 9/12 the USA was humbled but united. He wants all who are like minded politically today to come together with that same awesome feeling of unity....which is real power.
I like to think of 9/12 as the day that evil hid its ugly head...there was not a word from the America haters...yet within six weeks evil emerged in the form of Michael Moore. It was the hate America croud which convinced me give up 36 years as a legal alien...permanent resident alien...to become a US citizen...to stand shoulder to shoulder with my American brothers and sisters in the fight against evil...which is now even more seriously threatening to destroy this great country.
So last night was ...one small step.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Palm Springs Air Museum
Missy and Andy joined us at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Resort, in Palm Desert, for a few days. Andy and I left the ladies at the Resort yesterday and went to the Palm Springs Air Museum. Kathie and I had been there on a previous visit. We left the girls home, because I knew that they would be bored, but I was pretty sure that Andy would love it. He did! He wished that his friend Wallace, from Australia, could have been there. In fact, he said that the museum was a "must see" stop for Wallace one day.
The museum is privately owned and self supporting. They had a sponsor who died a couple of years ago. Half of the planes are owned by his estate, but on permanent display at the museum. There are six paid employees and about 350 volunteers...who talk to visitors, restore planes and fly planes. Most of the planes are operational; they used to fly one every Saturday. Recently they have only flown one monthly due to the high cost of insurance.
The museum has two separate indoor sections: 1. WWII in the Pacific. 2. WWII in Europe. Outdoors they have static displays of modern jets, and a few other planes yet to be restored in a yard. While we were there, about 30 privately owned WWII T-34 trainers arrived. That plane was a Beechcraft Bonanza without the V tail. They were a club making a weekend visit to the museum.
Most of the museum exhibits were immaculate...and they were all beautiful...not the least of which were the P-51, Spitfire and bent-wing Corsair. We even crawled through a B-47 "Flying Fortress" and marvelled at the primitive conditions which flight crews endured. 12000+ of these planes were built. 4,000+ were lost. 47,000 young men were lost in bombing raids over Europe. My dad once told me that 35% of the Australian pilots trained for WWII were killed in action. It was apparently about the same percentage for all Allied pilots and flight crews.
Andy and I agreed that the best part of the museum experience was the volunteers. They were WWII Air Force/Navy/Marine Corps veterans...mainly pilots. They are a dying breed, so it was a privilege to talk with them. We got to spend private time with about five of them. They were extremely knowledgeable, and they all had something special in common...they were all really humble men...with great pride in their country...and a profound respect for their comrades who did not come home. It was obvious that they had a message to leave with people.
The first volunteer we met was not a pilot. He proudly showed us his belt buckle, which had sea serpents around a submarine. He was in the Submarine Service. That gave me goose-bumps. I asked if he served in the Pacific. Turned out that he served his entire duty in the Pacific, out of a submarine base located in Fremantle, Western Australia. He did not know Commander Henry Sipple...because he was an "ordinary seaman" and did not associate with the "brass". But he said he loved Fremantle and Perth; everyone treated him and has fellow seamen wonderfully.
It was a great experience, but it will not be long before the best part of that experience will all be gone.
The museum is privately owned and self supporting. They had a sponsor who died a couple of years ago. Half of the planes are owned by his estate, but on permanent display at the museum. There are six paid employees and about 350 volunteers...who talk to visitors, restore planes and fly planes. Most of the planes are operational; they used to fly one every Saturday. Recently they have only flown one monthly due to the high cost of insurance.
The museum has two separate indoor sections: 1. WWII in the Pacific. 2. WWII in Europe. Outdoors they have static displays of modern jets, and a few other planes yet to be restored in a yard. While we were there, about 30 privately owned WWII T-34 trainers arrived. That plane was a Beechcraft Bonanza without the V tail. They were a club making a weekend visit to the museum.
Most of the museum exhibits were immaculate...and they were all beautiful...not the least of which were the P-51, Spitfire and bent-wing Corsair. We even crawled through a B-47 "Flying Fortress" and marvelled at the primitive conditions which flight crews endured. 12000+ of these planes were built. 4,000+ were lost. 47,000 young men were lost in bombing raids over Europe. My dad once told me that 35% of the Australian pilots trained for WWII were killed in action. It was apparently about the same percentage for all Allied pilots and flight crews.
Andy and I agreed that the best part of the museum experience was the volunteers. They were WWII Air Force/Navy/Marine Corps veterans...mainly pilots. They are a dying breed, so it was a privilege to talk with them. We got to spend private time with about five of them. They were extremely knowledgeable, and they all had something special in common...they were all really humble men...with great pride in their country...and a profound respect for their comrades who did not come home. It was obvious that they had a message to leave with people.
The first volunteer we met was not a pilot. He proudly showed us his belt buckle, which had sea serpents around a submarine. He was in the Submarine Service. That gave me goose-bumps. I asked if he served in the Pacific. Turned out that he served his entire duty in the Pacific, out of a submarine base located in Fremantle, Western Australia. He did not know Commander Henry Sipple...because he was an "ordinary seaman" and did not associate with the "brass". But he said he loved Fremantle and Perth; everyone treated him and has fellow seamen wonderfully.
It was a great experience, but it will not be long before the best part of that experience will all be gone.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
You Have Got to Be Kidding!
Here we are in Palm Springs. Well...we are actually in Palm Desert. We flew into Ontario and drove to Marriott's Shadow Ridge Resort, in Palm Desert...which is next to Palm Springs. We settled in...went to dinner...then did a little shopping at Albertsons. Even though we pretty much plan to eat out every meal...one would not want to get hungry between meals.
Shopping is one of those activities which I simply endure. Kathie seems to enjoy every minute and she enjoys talking to people...complete strangers. She can strike up a comfortable converstation over the simplest detail. That is one of those very special attributes which she inherited from her mother Floris.
So Kathie was looking at cottage cheese, carefully evaluating every detail trying to find the right sized curd at the right price. She did not immediately notice the Albertsons worker standing behind her who appeared to be patiently waiting for Kathie to move so that she could stock shelves. Kathie turned and began an easy conversation about "cottage cheese"...and the high price of stuff in Palm Desert. I walked away to find more essential stuff, such as diet Coke, thinking that the Alberstons worker was probably more anxious to get on with her job than listening to an out-going, out-of-town customer.
Pretty soon I heard Kathie call my name, so I obediently wandered back. Kathie said "You'll never guess who this is...but this is Pete Coleman's daughter...Susan...we're related". All I could do was stare stupidly and say..."You have got to be kidding!" Seriously...what were the odds?
For those in the family who do not know your genealogy that well...Pete Coleman, was the son of Guy Coleman, who was the brother of Lethe, Henry and Dale Coleman. Their mother Emily was Jeremiah Robey Springer's sister. Jeremiah is Kathie's grandpa. That makes Susan the same generation as our children.
Among Kathie's most special childhood memories is walking to the Midway store owned by Guy Coleman, holding hands with her grandpa Jerry...and listening to the old boys solving the problems of Midway... and the world. And she remembers seeing Pete Coleman's baby in a stroller in the store. According to Susan that baby had to be her, because she was the only surviving child in her family. One sibling was still born, the other died shortly after birth. Susan was raised in Midway and knows all the people Kathie remembers fondly.
I felt an immediate bond. It was strange...we had found a long lost cousin and it felt as if we ought to take her home with us. But she did not want to go...she seemed quite comfortable staying in Palm Desert...strange how that works.
So there is a lesson here. Always talk to strangers...you may be related. But still..."you have got to be kidding!"
I always used to tease Kathie that "You are related to everyone in Utah". That was because she would meet people and after a few minutes find a family connection...and I was directly related to no-one in Utah. But now she has extended her range of seemingly serendipitous encounters with relatives, to California.
Shopping is one of those activities which I simply endure. Kathie seems to enjoy every minute and she enjoys talking to people...complete strangers. She can strike up a comfortable converstation over the simplest detail. That is one of those very special attributes which she inherited from her mother Floris.
So Kathie was looking at cottage cheese, carefully evaluating every detail trying to find the right sized curd at the right price. She did not immediately notice the Albertsons worker standing behind her who appeared to be patiently waiting for Kathie to move so that she could stock shelves. Kathie turned and began an easy conversation about "cottage cheese"...and the high price of stuff in Palm Desert. I walked away to find more essential stuff, such as diet Coke, thinking that the Alberstons worker was probably more anxious to get on with her job than listening to an out-going, out-of-town customer.
Pretty soon I heard Kathie call my name, so I obediently wandered back. Kathie said "You'll never guess who this is...but this is Pete Coleman's daughter...Susan...we're related". All I could do was stare stupidly and say..."You have got to be kidding!" Seriously...what were the odds?
For those in the family who do not know your genealogy that well...Pete Coleman, was the son of Guy Coleman, who was the brother of Lethe, Henry and Dale Coleman. Their mother Emily was Jeremiah Robey Springer's sister. Jeremiah is Kathie's grandpa. That makes Susan the same generation as our children.
Among Kathie's most special childhood memories is walking to the Midway store owned by Guy Coleman, holding hands with her grandpa Jerry...and listening to the old boys solving the problems of Midway... and the world. And she remembers seeing Pete Coleman's baby in a stroller in the store. According to Susan that baby had to be her, because she was the only surviving child in her family. One sibling was still born, the other died shortly after birth. Susan was raised in Midway and knows all the people Kathie remembers fondly.
I felt an immediate bond. It was strange...we had found a long lost cousin and it felt as if we ought to take her home with us. But she did not want to go...she seemed quite comfortable staying in Palm Desert...strange how that works.
So there is a lesson here. Always talk to strangers...you may be related. But still..."you have got to be kidding!"
I always used to tease Kathie that "You are related to everyone in Utah". That was because she would meet people and after a few minutes find a family connection...and I was directly related to no-one in Utah. But now she has extended her range of seemingly serendipitous encounters with relatives, to California.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Federal Climate Bill in Congress
Herald Journal: Page A2, April 19, 2009.
Read this incredible language from one of this nation's brilliant, non-partisan journalists:
"The fallout from global warming, while subtle right now, could eventually be more dire".
Now read it again. That ought to make even Kathie and her Self-Sufficient-Sisters tremble. Maybe you should read it again.
I don't know where this journalist went to school, but I think "subtle" means...hardly noticable. And the words "could" and "eventually" are linked in an incipid threat that global warming "could be"..."more dire" than "hardly noticable". What would something "more dire" than "hardly noticable" actually look like? And when should we expect "more dire"?... well... "eventually".
Let's put this in perspective. After more than thirty years of preaching environmental doom and gloom like "acid rain destroying lakes and forests, polluted rivers being on fire and smog choking people in some cities", global warming activists admit today that "the fallout from global warming is only subtle right now".
But apparently that most unscientific position "has Democrats pushing legistlation that rivals in scope the nations land-mark anti-pollution laws."
And..."If Congress balks, the Obama administration has signalled its willingness to use decades old clean air laws to impose tough new regulations for motor vehicles and many industrial plants to limit their release of climate-changing pollution." (and put a lot more people out of work)
"The EPA said that rising sea levels, increased flooding and more intense heatwaves and storms that come with climate change are a threat to public health and safety."
Having stated that pollution is causing climate change, the EPA "predicted that warming will worsen other pollution problems such as smog"...."our health and our planet are in danger."
So are you paying attention folks?
Global warming is now climate change...and ...
Pollution causes climate change...and
Global warming causes pollution.
It's hard to argue with that circumlocution.
Read this incredible language from one of this nation's brilliant, non-partisan journalists:
"The fallout from global warming, while subtle right now, could eventually be more dire".
Now read it again. That ought to make even Kathie and her Self-Sufficient-Sisters tremble. Maybe you should read it again.
I don't know where this journalist went to school, but I think "subtle" means...hardly noticable. And the words "could" and "eventually" are linked in an incipid threat that global warming "could be"..."more dire" than "hardly noticable". What would something "more dire" than "hardly noticable" actually look like? And when should we expect "more dire"?... well... "eventually".
Let's put this in perspective. After more than thirty years of preaching environmental doom and gloom like "acid rain destroying lakes and forests, polluted rivers being on fire and smog choking people in some cities", global warming activists admit today that "the fallout from global warming is only subtle right now".
But apparently that most unscientific position "has Democrats pushing legistlation that rivals in scope the nations land-mark anti-pollution laws."
And..."If Congress balks, the Obama administration has signalled its willingness to use decades old clean air laws to impose tough new regulations for motor vehicles and many industrial plants to limit their release of climate-changing pollution." (and put a lot more people out of work)
"The EPA said that rising sea levels, increased flooding and more intense heatwaves and storms that come with climate change are a threat to public health and safety."
Having stated that pollution is causing climate change, the EPA "predicted that warming will worsen other pollution problems such as smog"...."our health and our planet are in danger."
So are you paying attention folks?
Global warming is now climate change...and ...
Pollution causes climate change...and
Global warming causes pollution.
It's hard to argue with that circumlocution.
Friday, April 17, 2009
TEA PARTY
On April 15, 2009, Andy and I attended the Tea Party held in front of the Old Logan Courthouse. It was organized by a USU student who first heard about planned Tea Parties from a friend in the east. He and some friends had agreed to carpool to Salt Lake on April 15...but he decided to post a note on his web to see if there was interest in organizing a Tea Party in Logan. He was overwhelmed with responses.
So...200-300 brave souls met at 4:00 PM...in the snow. It was wet and cold but the spirit of the event kept us warm. There were lots of speakers, including Scott Bradley the Constitution scholar, but the highlight was a bunch of school girls, and one boy, reciting the Declaration of Independence. It was not possible to get an accurate count because people were arriving even as we were leaving at 5:30 PM.
The Tea Party was orderly and interesting...but it was an eerie experience. One could not help but wonder if we were feeling the same feelings as the first groups of protestors felt in Boston. We conservatives are not protestors...it makes us uncomfortable. Were we being foolish? Might we be forced to take a stand at some point? Would it do any good? But it actually felt good...like it was time...time to join with like-minded people who are angered that the Constitution is being trampled upon, that the federal government is usurping powers granted only to the states, and that our country and our future is being stolen from us. And for me it was an opportunity to begin the process of letting the Republican Party know that they have lost me...or rather, they left me behind...and if they want me back they will have to earn the privilege by returning to the positions and principals which good men before me have defended with their lives.
So...from a purely historical perspective...we were there! Let's see where we go from here.
Oh yes! Marshall Thompson, the liberal "veteran" (journalist) was there too...with a flag tucked under his arm. Of course he was the focus of the Herald Journal coverage...such as it was.
So...200-300 brave souls met at 4:00 PM...in the snow. It was wet and cold but the spirit of the event kept us warm. There were lots of speakers, including Scott Bradley the Constitution scholar, but the highlight was a bunch of school girls, and one boy, reciting the Declaration of Independence. It was not possible to get an accurate count because people were arriving even as we were leaving at 5:30 PM.
The Tea Party was orderly and interesting...but it was an eerie experience. One could not help but wonder if we were feeling the same feelings as the first groups of protestors felt in Boston. We conservatives are not protestors...it makes us uncomfortable. Were we being foolish? Might we be forced to take a stand at some point? Would it do any good? But it actually felt good...like it was time...time to join with like-minded people who are angered that the Constitution is being trampled upon, that the federal government is usurping powers granted only to the states, and that our country and our future is being stolen from us. And for me it was an opportunity to begin the process of letting the Republican Party know that they have lost me...or rather, they left me behind...and if they want me back they will have to earn the privilege by returning to the positions and principals which good men before me have defended with their lives.
So...from a purely historical perspective...we were there! Let's see where we go from here.
Oh yes! Marshall Thompson, the liberal "veteran" (journalist) was there too...with a flag tucked under his arm. Of course he was the focus of the Herald Journal coverage...such as it was.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
DISTRACTIONS
Well...how rude!...Andy and I attended the Priesthood Session of General Conference tonight...and I'm offended! Well...I'm trying to act as if I'm offended, even though one of the speakers said that true believers in the Restored Gospel should NOT be offended by anything.
But President Uchtdorf said something that made me think anyway.
He gave one of his great aviation stories, about a flight crew who were so distracted by an indicator light which did not come on when it was supposed to during a landing approach, that they forgot the main mission...which was to land the plane safely...and they crashed into the Florida swamps killing all aboard...over 100 people.
He was making a good point: It was good for the flight crew to be concerned about an indicator light...but not good in the big picture to become so discracted that the plane went down. He said likewise, it is a good thing for a Priesthood holder...a father or grandfather... to be involved in FAMILY HISTORY, BLOGGING or GARDENING...but not if he becomes distracted and loses sight of his primary mission... which is to provide for and bless his family.
It was interesting that President Uchtdorf chose to highlight those three otherwise positive activities...as potential distractions. Who do we know who is involved in all three? When President Uchtdorf made that statement, Andy just turned...looked at me... and smiled his best "Oh-my-gosh" smile.
Of course Kathie was really sympathetic when I gave her my report of the Priesthood Session. She knows how to sooth her man's damaged ego. She offered a thoughtful observation about President Uchtdorf..."He probably looked really good while he was offending you though." That's true....but I think I'll read DESIDERATA again.
But President Uchtdorf said something that made me think anyway.
He gave one of his great aviation stories, about a flight crew who were so distracted by an indicator light which did not come on when it was supposed to during a landing approach, that they forgot the main mission...which was to land the plane safely...and they crashed into the Florida swamps killing all aboard...over 100 people.
He was making a good point: It was good for the flight crew to be concerned about an indicator light...but not good in the big picture to become so discracted that the plane went down. He said likewise, it is a good thing for a Priesthood holder...a father or grandfather... to be involved in FAMILY HISTORY, BLOGGING or GARDENING...but not if he becomes distracted and loses sight of his primary mission... which is to provide for and bless his family.
It was interesting that President Uchtdorf chose to highlight those three otherwise positive activities...as potential distractions. Who do we know who is involved in all three? When President Uchtdorf made that statement, Andy just turned...looked at me... and smiled his best "Oh-my-gosh" smile.
Of course Kathie was really sympathetic when I gave her my report of the Priesthood Session. She knows how to sooth her man's damaged ego. She offered a thoughtful observation about President Uchtdorf..."He probably looked really good while he was offending you though." That's true....but I think I'll read DESIDERATA again.
Monday, March 23, 2009
DESIDERATA (Things to be desired) by Max Ehrmann
Design West is working on a proposed School for the Arts. The client (Ruthanne Christensen) would like the poem DESIDERATA mounted on a high wall in the main entry. I did a google search and found a great deal of interesting controversy regarding the origin of the poem. But Max Ehrmann, a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana (1872-1945) was the author. He obtained a federal copyright in 1927. It is beautiful language... Ehrmann's "humble gift... a bit of chaste prose." It is wonderful advice for young and old alike... especially in these uncertain times.
__________________________________________________________
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Retrieved from "http://wikilivres.info/wiki/Desiderata"
Check also "The Confused History of Desiderata" at http://www.fleurdelis.com/desiderata.htm
__________________________________________________________
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Retrieved from "http://wikilivres.info/wiki/Desiderata"
Check also "The Confused History of Desiderata" at http://www.fleurdelis.com/desiderata.htm
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Far Country by Allen Powell
Missy and Andy gave me this book. I finished reading it during airline travel and airport waiting on our trip to Pittsburgh. It is "a short history of the Northern Territory" in Australia. It was a great read, but being a history book...a little more info than one needs.
The NT has been Federal Government property since 1911. The city of Darwin was settled by intrepid pioneers primarily due to fear that some foreign power would claim it. The state of South Australia claimed it first, then gradually tried to get out of the deal. The Federal Government's attempts to govern are a classic collection of mistakes.
Private enterprise in the form of huge foreign companies, which had the capital to outlast unpredictable weather, was encouraged. One English company called Vesty's bought up cattle stations and built a huge meat packing plant in Darwin. They created markets for NT beef in Indonesia...and then they were gone. Why? They would never say and no-one has ever been able to access their records. But the historians speculate that the company simply could not trust government. The federal governments changed every four years...agreements were made...agreements were broken. That unpredictability on top of an unpredictable climate caused Vesty's and other major investors to up and leave.
One classic episode in the history of the NT was the government take-over of Darwin Hotels (pubs). Who would believe it? Who would stand for it? But the government quickly lost money and returned the pubs to private ownership. There is a lesson here. Anyone who can't make money on a pub, among some of the greatest beer drinkers in the world...in a place like Darwin that would drive anyone to drink...is obviously incapable of running anything efficiently.
Why would clear thinking people trust government to run anything efficiently? But the same people who can't run a pub in Australia efficiently, are attempting to run health care, airlines, aboriginal affairs...you name it.
And in the USA people chose a President and a Congress who are hell-bent to give us government run National Health Care...and government run banks. Heaven help us!
The NT has been Federal Government property since 1911. The city of Darwin was settled by intrepid pioneers primarily due to fear that some foreign power would claim it. The state of South Australia claimed it first, then gradually tried to get out of the deal. The Federal Government's attempts to govern are a classic collection of mistakes.
Private enterprise in the form of huge foreign companies, which had the capital to outlast unpredictable weather, was encouraged. One English company called Vesty's bought up cattle stations and built a huge meat packing plant in Darwin. They created markets for NT beef in Indonesia...and then they were gone. Why? They would never say and no-one has ever been able to access their records. But the historians speculate that the company simply could not trust government. The federal governments changed every four years...agreements were made...agreements were broken. That unpredictability on top of an unpredictable climate caused Vesty's and other major investors to up and leave.
One classic episode in the history of the NT was the government take-over of Darwin Hotels (pubs). Who would believe it? Who would stand for it? But the government quickly lost money and returned the pubs to private ownership. There is a lesson here. Anyone who can't make money on a pub, among some of the greatest beer drinkers in the world...in a place like Darwin that would drive anyone to drink...is obviously incapable of running anything efficiently.
Why would clear thinking people trust government to run anything efficiently? But the same people who can't run a pub in Australia efficiently, are attempting to run health care, airlines, aboriginal affairs...you name it.
And in the USA people chose a President and a Congress who are hell-bent to give us government run National Health Care...and government run banks. Heaven help us!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The SON is shining; He can use you.
My sister Beryl (Lady B) sent me a presentation with lots of beautiful photos, and a more beautiful message...especially for those who may feel either inadequate or overwhelmed. I will forward it on to family members, but I thought it might be interesting to look at it this way also:
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Jeremy and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan Woman was divorced...more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer
and
Lazarus was dead
And Jesus helped them all. Not only that...
He used them all.
No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential.
The presentation also included the following ten (10) thoughts:
1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts
2. There is no key to happiness...the door is always open
3. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted
4. Do the math...count your blessings
5. Faith is the ability not to panic
6. If you worry, you didn't pray
If you pray, don't worry
7. As a child of God, prayers are like calling home every day
8. The most important things in your home are the people
9. When we get tangled up in our problems...
God wants us to be still, so He can untangle the knot.
10. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Jeremy and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan Woman was divorced...more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer
and
Lazarus was dead
And Jesus helped them all. Not only that...
He used them all.
No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential.
The presentation also included the following ten (10) thoughts:
1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts
2. There is no key to happiness...the door is always open
3. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted
4. Do the math...count your blessings
5. Faith is the ability not to panic
6. If you worry, you didn't pray
If you pray, don't worry
7. As a child of God, prayers are like calling home every day
8. The most important things in your home are the people
9. When we get tangled up in our problems...
God wants us to be still, so He can untangle the knot.
10. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
AUSTRALIAN FIRES
The following is a Letter to the Editor of the Herald Journal, which was published Sunday, February 15, 2009.
HJ asks “Is global warming contributing to Australia fires?” Feb 11, 2009.
I have been emailing friends and relatives throughout Australia regarding recent events. Obviously the fires have been of great concern to the nation as a whole. I did notice a few blogs blaming global warming…some blaming government…one even blaming the USA. But I asked my friends to comment on the HJ’s question…”Is global warming contributing to Australia’s fires?” The immediate response was “No way mate!” One friend noted…”it is truly pathetic for global warming activists to attempt to gain capital from a national disaster”.
The facts are these: It is hot in Australia every summer. When it is really hot, natural flammable oils in eucalyptus trees vaporize. Under that condition, the possibility of spontaneous combustion (and a firestorm) in eucalyptus forests is real…and terrifying. No-one knows how the recent fires started, but the HJ article correctly notes that “tens of thousands of such blazes erupt across Australia every fire season”. So Australians live with the threat of bush fires. And it is an historic fact, that since 1860, there have been much larger fires in Australia, in terms of area burned. Global warming did not contribute to recent Australian fires, any more than it contributed to even larger fires, recorded over the past 150 years.
The recent loss of human life is tragic and unprecedented. The loss of animal life is sad but typical. And to those who would lament the loss of a thousand square miles of forest land…no worries…the eucalyptus forest will survive and even thrive. It is an historic fact that the original native inhabitants deliberately cleansed Australia’s forests with fire in the spirit of sustainability.
And since the issue is global warming, just yesterday a journalist friend in Melbourne reported that ABC conducted an on-line poll asking Australians…“Is Global Warming a Myth?” Of course, ABC was expecting a specific result, but after it had received 15,000 responses, 90% of which were “YES!”, ABC shut down the poll, then pulled it from its web site. As my journalist friend reported with professional concern…”it just disappeared”. And ABC bills itself as “Australia’s most trusted news source”.
Most Australians are amazed, thrilled and proud of how the nation is “coming together” in the wake of the natural disaster. So to HJ and other global warming activists, please don’t embarrass yourselves, by asking questions which my OZ friends regard as “truly pathetic”. There are more constructive questions to be asked.
HJ asks “Is global warming contributing to Australia fires?” Feb 11, 2009.
I have been emailing friends and relatives throughout Australia regarding recent events. Obviously the fires have been of great concern to the nation as a whole. I did notice a few blogs blaming global warming…some blaming government…one even blaming the USA. But I asked my friends to comment on the HJ’s question…”Is global warming contributing to Australia’s fires?” The immediate response was “No way mate!” One friend noted…”it is truly pathetic for global warming activists to attempt to gain capital from a national disaster”.
The facts are these: It is hot in Australia every summer. When it is really hot, natural flammable oils in eucalyptus trees vaporize. Under that condition, the possibility of spontaneous combustion (and a firestorm) in eucalyptus forests is real…and terrifying. No-one knows how the recent fires started, but the HJ article correctly notes that “tens of thousands of such blazes erupt across Australia every fire season”. So Australians live with the threat of bush fires. And it is an historic fact, that since 1860, there have been much larger fires in Australia, in terms of area burned. Global warming did not contribute to recent Australian fires, any more than it contributed to even larger fires, recorded over the past 150 years.
The recent loss of human life is tragic and unprecedented. The loss of animal life is sad but typical. And to those who would lament the loss of a thousand square miles of forest land…no worries…the eucalyptus forest will survive and even thrive. It is an historic fact that the original native inhabitants deliberately cleansed Australia’s forests with fire in the spirit of sustainability.
And since the issue is global warming, just yesterday a journalist friend in Melbourne reported that ABC conducted an on-line poll asking Australians…“Is Global Warming a Myth?” Of course, ABC was expecting a specific result, but after it had received 15,000 responses, 90% of which were “YES!”, ABC shut down the poll, then pulled it from its web site. As my journalist friend reported with professional concern…”it just disappeared”. And ABC bills itself as “Australia’s most trusted news source”.
Most Australians are amazed, thrilled and proud of how the nation is “coming together” in the wake of the natural disaster. So to HJ and other global warming activists, please don’t embarrass yourselves, by asking questions which my OZ friends regard as “truly pathetic”. There are more constructive questions to be asked.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Global Warming - Poll From DownUnda
My journalist friend in Melbourne sent me an incredible article by one of his journalist friends who survived the current bush fires. The details were incredible...he lost his home, all the family pets, but he saved his family. The central point of his article was that life is precious and family is everything. There were dozens of responses to this wonderful article which were genuine expressions of love and support. Unfortunately some chose to make a point of blaming global warming for the wildfires...some blamed the government...incredibly one blamed the US for not coming to the aid of Victoria in its urgent need.
When I commented on this to Tony, he sent me the following:
"Glad you liked the piece. Agree about those pathetically wanting to make global warming capital out of it, notwithstanding that the northern hemisphere is freezing and Queensland is deep under floods. And there have been plenty of worse bushfires in Victoria way back to 1860, in terms of area burnt, etc.
There was an amusing poll on the ABC online, "Is global warming a myth?" The result from 15,000 responses was 90% yes, which was so embarrassing to the ABC that they took the poll off their site...it just disappeared."
When I commented on this to Tony, he sent me the following:
"Glad you liked the piece. Agree about those pathetically wanting to make global warming capital out of it, notwithstanding that the northern hemisphere is freezing and Queensland is deep under floods. And there have been plenty of worse bushfires in Victoria way back to 1860, in terms of area burnt, etc.
There was an amusing poll on the ABC online, "Is global warming a myth?" The result from 15,000 responses was 90% yes, which was so embarrassing to the ABC that they took the poll off their site...it just disappeared."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Endure Well
A recent Priesthood lesson in our Ward, brought clarity to my understanding of what it means to “endure to the end”.
The lesson was given by Mel Larson. It was the first Sunday of 2009. Fundamentally, he asked what we could “do” to improve our temporal and spiritual lives in 2009. The discussion was vigorous. There was discussion about our need to pray…to read the scriptures…and to be found doing good…through all our days.
But Bart Cardon, who can always be counted on to clarify an issue, reminded us that “all will die” and ”the end” for each of us can come at any time. “Enduring to the end” has the same meaning for someone who dies at age 20 or 50 or 90. “Enduring to the end” simply means…maintaining our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ… to the end.
In Moroni Chapter 8, Moroni recorded an epistle which his father wrote to him. The words are beautiful. They are the heartfelt last words of a father to his son. Verse 3 is a poignant introduction.
“I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end.”
There is a lot packed into that verse. It is also my prayer that each of our children and grandchildren, in your own way, in your own time, will come to understand the importance of gaining a sincere testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ…and work at maintaining that testimony…to the end. Endure well!
The lesson was given by Mel Larson. It was the first Sunday of 2009. Fundamentally, he asked what we could “do” to improve our temporal and spiritual lives in 2009. The discussion was vigorous. There was discussion about our need to pray…to read the scriptures…and to be found doing good…through all our days.
But Bart Cardon, who can always be counted on to clarify an issue, reminded us that “all will die” and ”the end” for each of us can come at any time. “Enduring to the end” has the same meaning for someone who dies at age 20 or 50 or 90. “Enduring to the end” simply means…maintaining our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ… to the end.
In Moroni Chapter 8, Moroni recorded an epistle which his father wrote to him. The words are beautiful. They are the heartfelt last words of a father to his son. Verse 3 is a poignant introduction.
“I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end.”
There is a lot packed into that verse. It is also my prayer that each of our children and grandchildren, in your own way, in your own time, will come to understand the importance of gaining a sincere testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ…and work at maintaining that testimony…to the end. Endure well!
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