Friday Tidings

It starts young. Some do it privately, others publically. Some do it at home. What happens there can alter the course of our life…it’s school. In an effort to raise academic standards our federal government established the Department of Education. Many have argued that it became just one more level of bureaucracy with minimal success.  I’m a taxpayer in a rural school district. State and federal dollars don't cover all the school costs, so I just voted to raise my taxes to help fill those deep holes. We don’t seem to argue that students deserve a good education; the question remains how. I’m not a teacher, but I respect the ones I know. While others spend their evenings relaxing, they are often making lesson plans and grading papers. And they don’t teach to get rich. All the new mandatory testing seems to rank higher than sparking innovation—in both teachers and students. This century’s problems require young capable minds helping discover needed answers. ...

I received an email from my old college friend and it hurt to read his words. He wants me to remember the memories but he’s severing our friendship. Why? Because in the ensuing years, I remained a Christian and he became an atheist. He thoughtfully explained that religion has caused much of the world’s strife, malice, injustice and war. He hates religion and sees science as the only answer.  He cares deeply about injustice and  I have dozens of examples of his mental brilliance. To him, a better world is one without God.   His anger against those who believe in God stands between us. I've studied atheism, but now atheism has a new face. And I never imagined it would be his. His email came the day before Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. I find it ironic that Lincoln shares his birthday with Charles Darwin—a renowned atheist. The God-honoring Lincoln believed that all men were equal and is best known for his Emancipation Proclamation—setting the slaves f...

I’m honoring three anniversaries that I’d rather not.  These anniversaries remind me about what I’ve lost and what alcohol took away much too soon. I’m not pointing fingers here, except at myself and what I didn't do. Alcohol isn’t evil. But because of it, my innocent friend was killed on a lonely road by a drunk driver, leaving behind her devastated family. And I watched my parent's alcohol-related diseases slowly kill them. Alcohol is part of my life. I just wish it wasn’t. My parents were “functional” alcoholics. It didn’t cost them a day at work—but the price was paid in their home life and ultimately how long they lived. They worked hard in their careers and then alcohol gradually took their health and eventually their lives before they ever could enjoy retirement—or their grandkids. Growing up around alcohol l learned that life’s rough edges could be smoothed with a drink--or several. Alcohol can start out innocent enough but for some it’s quicksand. I...

Economics has always intrigued me. I've analyzed economic policies and how they work in our nation. However, it has only made me more frustrated with our politicians. So instead, I decided to venture into anthropology— studying old cultures. Might as well see how others messed up while others managed to survive. I’ve really come to appreciate the research of Dr. Joseph Daniel Unwin. He spent his career analyzing the ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians, the Assyrians and the Romans. His research detailed their incredible strengths and their glaring weaknesses. These dynasties built roads, libraries, and used amazing architectural feats based on engineering principles we use today. They amassed powerful armies that trampled their enemies. Nothing could stop them. Well almost. Intriguingly, they all shared a common fault that led to their demise. As their power grew, so did their wanton behavior. The orgy of excess became intoxi...

Before I was born, my parents lived in Okinawa while my dad served in the Air Force. On a special trip to Tokyo, my mom eyed a beautiful doll and my dad seeing how much it meant to her, purchased it.  This ornate, incredibly fragile doll was displayed in their first home and then traveled thousands of miles back to the US where it graced the mantle of our fireplace. As the light reflected on her, she seemed to look down on me with different expressions. I very much wanted to play with her, but she was off limits to my clumsy five-year-old hands. I knew this and left her alone, but for some reason, I decided to take a closer look. My small hands reached over my head so I could personally inspect the glass face and the colors of her costume. Unfortunately I couldn't reach and hold at the same time and I dropped her on the hearth, breaking the doll in several pieces. After the initial shock and scolding that immediately followed, it was my mother's tears that truly hurt...

I’m reveling in the snow-covered landscape. The thick pristine blanket covers all the leaves I didn’t rake.  For the brief time the snow lasts, it beautifies the spindly alder trees and hides the muddy driveway. My cynical side considers how this snow coating is like our political landscape. Who’s anticipating the 2012 election? I’m already tired of the caustic attacks, worn-out excuses and the stump speeches. Who can we trust with the severity of all the complex issues we face? Hillary Clinton once said it takes a village to raise a child. I suggest something similar: it will take our nation’s people working together to save us from our demise—there’s no miracle political leader. Snow eventually melts exposing what's underneath, and likewise, who ever wins next November can’t cover up the severity of our nation’s problems....it's an ugly mess—just like my muddy driveway beneath this beautiful blanket of snow. Political "snow-covered" words sou...

Sex gets attention. It sells things. Racy, suggestive commercials lure us in with promises. But sex wasn’t supposed to be so cheap and given away so easily. Sex, once reserved for adulthood, now has some elementary girls seeking birth control.  Students are taught about sexuality along with math and grammar. Heck, in some classrooms they even learn how to have better sex.  But sex has a cost. And it can be expensive.  Someone I know just got a look at the price tag. And I hate to tell them it's only the beginning.   In the throwaway nature of young sexual relationships, something special is lost with every break-up.  With each relationship failure, the baggage gets a bit heavier. For many youth, the future is a far away place and sex is more immediate. It's just another activity to be enjoyed, like a good movie. And then came Tim Tebow. I never thought someone from the raunchy; rowdy NFL would be promoting sexual purity. Here i...