Love Always Wins Over Hate

Sometimes all you need to do is just keep doing what’s right and move forward. Hate will never overcome love. Over the years I’ve had quite a few people to ignore all my warnings about their behaviors, perceptions and language. Awhile ago I left them to their own devices and moved forward and allowed time and history to be their judge, not me.

No weapon formed against you will prosper when you’re focused on what’s considerate of the least of these. Your words and actions will always be a hinderance to you when they’re filled with hate, vile and inconsideration.

Therefore I offer my sincerest congratulations to President Barack Obama on his successful governance and re-election. I stood with you on Saturday, February 15, 2007 when you first announce your intentions to run for president and haven’t waiver since. Lets keep moving forward and leave those behind who are unwilling to move.

#keepmovingforward

I Never Knew Silence Could Be So Loud

Personally, I’ve given up trying to have meaningful conversations with any individual who can not demonstrate consideration, because it is unproductive. I’ve honestly tried and have observed the behavior, language and perceptions many exhibit towards others and issues or situations. How can you teach anyone who is not willing to first be a student?

This is the reason why I haven’t posted many political post, because I am expecting sincerity, consideration and some version of an intellectual conversation, regardless of the topic of the post. Some simply want to comment on politics only in a way that demonstrates an inconsideration or to be argumentative. I simply do not have the time or energy for those types of conversations. Their silence is louder than they realize.

Someone shared a link with me, which is the video featured of an issue that I’ve tried to get people to understand for awhile. I’ve decided to let people who want to be left behind, be left behind. I’m moving forward.

After listening to the brief story of Susan Grigsby’s brother (Steve); who died a painful death fighting for care as an uninsured American. Susan watched, horrified, as the GOP Presidential Candidates on CNN’s Tea Party Debate stood silent when the the audience cheered for the idea that we as a society should just let an uninsured man die. Now Susan wants an answer from each and every GOP candidate.

I honestly wish Susan luck, because I do not believe that she may get a real answer to her questions. But I’m sure she’ll receive plenty of rhetoric, denials, doubt, accusations, indirect responses, avoidance and inconsideration. Listen to what is said, but also listen closer to what they do not or will not say. That’s where you find their truth.

Some will choose their method of attack and avoidance to go after me or even the issue, but the question remains. I simply give up on expecting anything else, but Susan Grigsby is the one asking the question this time. I’m only providing a venue for her to share it.

The Last Republican

The Last Republican is a brief tribute written with respect towards the memory, life, advocacy and family of Gerald and Betty Ford with retrospect of the political party that is unrecognizable with the one they once lead. Some may unwittingly prove my point by submitting remarks of inconsideration towards our President, the First Lady or even myself, but it is best sometimes to allow a person’s words to be the teacher. - Tim

—

I begin this by respectfully sending my sincerest condolences to the family of Gerald & Betty Ford. Although our political affiliations are different, the commitment your parents and family member shared with the country is the same. I appreciate the work Former First Lady Betty Ford championed and advocated throughout her life. She truly is the last Republican.

Allow me to explain what I mean by the phrase, “The Last Republican”. It is meant as a compliment in regards to the Ford family, but a grim reminder for the political party they once lead in the 1970′s.

The reality is that the Republican Party that was lead by President Ford and amplified the voice of advocacy by First Lady Betty Ford is essentially no more when compared to the shell of itself that’s represented today.

Gerald and Betty Ford provided the true definition of a compassionate conservative. They did not need to hide behind disingenuous campaign slogans and scandalous governing, because they were out front with who they were.

How many Republicans today or even Democrats for that matter during the past thirty years have you heard of publicly admitting that they had a drug or alcohol problem before it became a scandal?

How many Republicans today use their power and/or influence to develop a non-profit hospital to help people with additions?

Although it has been almost forty years since Betty Ford walked the halls of the White House, she essentially is the last Republican who can say “I did” to any of the previous questions.

I may not have always agree with their party’s politics, but I can not count on one hand the Republicans today that I can describe as being compassionate. The few I can name are no longer in office and have virtually been dismissed from the party.

I considered accepting the opportunity of addressing the issues Republicans of today engage in, but rather use the opportunity to respectfully honor the life and works of someone who very well may be, the last Republican.

Today your advocacy is unheard of and unspoken and occasionally demonized by members of those who represent the party you was apart of years ago. At least now you can be at rest and perhaps others may learn from your life.

Thank you Mrs. Ford for your life’s work and dedication to people in need. Thank you for being a reminder to Republicans today of what the Republican use to be. May you rest with and in eternal peace.

Thank you.

If you know someone struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, please help them by any means necessary. You may also consider contacting the Betty Ford Center at www.bettyfordcenter.org for additional information and assistance.

Anti-teacher climate humbles the conservative husband of a Cleveland educator: Connie Schultz

Introduction – Awhile ago I’ve gave up trying to reason with unreasonable people. I just don’t have time for it, because there are are better things I can do with me time than waste it in discussion with someone who only want to disagree without consideration. Since then I have an opinion, but I’m about seeking a solution and not my way. People have said many things and believe even crazier things, but I am personally done with them. This has been true for those who are on the right and left of the political spectrum, but also goes beyond politics

 

Given the anti-everything attitude of people in our political environment on both sides of the aisle, I can tell you what the root of the problem is, but what’s the use if the person is unwilling to consider anything you say. Therefore I’m posting an article in full written by NY Times columnist David Brooks. There is no reason for anyone who only visit this blog to disagree to disagree with me, because it’s not by words.

 

So I invite you to read the  letter written the self proclaimed conservative husband from Cleveland, Ohio regarding his own party’s position and policies regarding education. Everything below the web address below is the article. Again, these are not my words at all.

Cleveland.com Article

http://www.cleveland.com/schultz/index.ssf/2011/03/apology_to_a_cleveland_teacher.html#cmpid=v2mode_be_smoref_face

Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 on Cleveland.com

It’s a question on a lot of parents’ minds these days: How do we teach character?

New York Times columnist David Brooks was in Cleveland on Monday to talk about his new book, “The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement.” During the audience Q-and-A, the self-described conservative was asked how he would design high school curriculum to include the teaching of character.

Brooks shared a memory of his own teachers: “I don’t remember what they taught me, but I remember how they behaved.” Many in the audience nodded and murmured in agreement.

Like most people, I could easily rattle off the names of several teachers who changed my life by the way they lived theirs. I’ll spare you that walk down my memory lane.

Instead, I want to quote another self-described conservative who had a lot to say about character. His recent e-mail to me echoed the sentiments expressed by many readers who object to various states’ legislative attacks against public school teachers, including those in Ohio. These letters and e-mails are not from teachers, but from those who love them.

This particular reader is a business analyst. He made it clear that, while our dads held similar blue-collar jobs, he and I grew up to disagree on many issues. He’s not a fan.

But he does share my high regard for the men and women paid by taxpayers to teach America’s children. He’s been married to one of those dedicated public servants in Cleveland for nearly 14 years.

“We spend tons of money on supplies for the kids,” he wrote. “I have begged her to leave Cleveland and she refuses to because it is her calling. I should be so lucky.”

To insulate this man and his wife from the current blood sport of teacher-bashing, I won’t name them. He did give me permission to share the recent letter of apology he wrote to his wife:

Dear Honey,

I’m sorry.

I am a conservative husband, belong to the Tea Party and I voted for John Kasich. I have been married to a Cleveland teacher for almost 14 years and my vote let her down.

I apologize:

For letting people tease you about having the summer off and not asking them to thank you for the tough days ahead that begin in early August. I know for a fact you work more hours in those 10 months than many people do in 12. All those hours are earned.

For complaining that my Sunday is limited with you because you must work.

For making you think you have to ask permission to buy a student socks, gloves and hats.

For not understanding that you walk through a metal detector for work.

For leaving dirty dishes in the sink [when you awoke] for your 4 a.m. work session. I should know you have to prepare.

For thinking you took advantage of the taxpayers. Our governor continues to live off the taxpayer dole, not you.

For counting the time and money you spend to buy school supplies.

For not saying “thank you” enough for making the world and me better.

I love you.

In this husband’s apology, we learn a lot about the remarkable teacher who is his wife. Her students sure are lucky. Every day that she shows up with such optimism is another day her students get a chance to believe in a better version of themselves.

Thankfully, this teacher is not an anomaly. Despite recent attacks on their pay, motives and even their supposed lifestyle, the majority of public school teachers across the country continue to bring their talent and high ideals to some of our most troubled districts.

Consider the take-home message for America’s schoolchildren:

Conservative politicians emboldened by brand-new legislative majorities insist that children are our most precious resource, but then pass bills guaranteed to undermine the teachers entrusted with our children’s future.

Nevertheless, those same public school teachers under attack continue to report for duty every day.

We know that children watch, and learn. And what they are sure to understand is that, unlike those politicians, their teachers refuse to give up on them.

Talk about a lesson in character.

Barbara Bush for Marriage Equality

OK… Sigh… I must give both Barbara & Laura Bush credit for having the courage to speak out against an issue that has plagued their father (George W. Bush), Uncle (Former FL Gov. Jeb Bush) and Grandfather (George H.W. Bush)’s party.

I give them credit not just because they are speaking about an issue of equality, but because they are speaking out on an issue of equality that involves marriage. An issue that their party or at least their family’s party affiliation has used in a political context.

They do this with the knowledge that many of their family’s party members and various media outreach outlets will actively work to discredit them in one way or the other. This proves a point I’ve made a long time ago on a different subject. One of the most powerful voice for change is of the reformed and oppressed.

Some will be quick to offer the excuse as a subtle diversion of the issue that other political parties have used wedge issues. I agree, many have, but we’re not talking about other parties in the post, but speaking about the contribution towards equality regarding marriage despite of the oppositions to them or the issue. The point is equality and all the consequences that comes with that.

So I will say, good work Barbara

What Makes for Peace: USA & Cuba

 

Awhile ago I asked the question, “What makes for Peace?” in hopes of getting answers regarding your ideas for how we journey towards and arrive at what we all can consider peace. If injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, then we must begin with this question.

 

We are intelligent people. There is little reason why we can not make a stride towards peace by addressing the obstacles in our path. I want to believe that we all are in support of world peace and global harmony. We know that is not always possible, but when it is we should work towards it. Just because it takes time doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.

 

I would like for us to continue this conversation for peace by considering our (United States) relationship with Cuba with a question that I hope you will share not only your thoughts, but you solutions in your response.

 

How long should we keep up this hatred of Cuba?

 

If we are suppose to be the purveyors of peace, should we at least make an attempt of seeking it?

 

We do not trade with Cuba because it’s a communist country, but nothing is said about our relationship as a borrower or trader with China. Our relationship with Vietnam is vital to the spirit of international harmony, but to hell with Cuba? How do we justify this standard?

 

The ultimate measure of our words is not what we say in moments of comfort and convenience, but what we do in times of challenge and controversy when no one is paying attention.

 

Who is willing to do what makes for peace?

 

More importantly, how much is peace worth to you?

Anthony Miller Black Republican Quits Arizona Post Due To Tea Party Threats

Anthony Miller Black Republican Quits Arizona Post Due To Tea Party Threats

“Today my wife of 20 years asks me do I think that my PCs (Precinct Committee members) will shoot at our home?

I love the Republican Party, but I don’t want to take a bullet for anyone.

So with this being said I am stepping down from LD20GOP Chairman. I will make a full statement on Monday.”

- Frm. Chairman Anthony Miller

 

 

Anthony Miller is the state of Arizona’s ONLY Black Republican to chair a legislative district. In a party already vastly racially unbalanced and standoffish towards the interests of the communities it hasn’t served in decades is suffering another lost in the battle of racial equality.

Verbal threats and Internet blog posts from Tea Party member’s causes it’s only African-American Republican district chairman to quit.

News from AZCentral.com: 43-year-old Anthony Miller resigned from his position as the Chairman of Legislative District 20 Republicans; which covers sections of Chandler, south Tempe, and Ahwatukee Foothills.

Mr. Miller resigned six hours after the massacre in Tucson, Arizona. The former chairman, in an email, stated he made the decision after his wife asked him if he thought someone would shoot at their home.

According to the AZCentral.com article, Mr. Anthony Miller received emails stating that someone was going to “get him”. He also claims several people with Tea Party ties, referred to him as “McCain’s boy” and motioned with their hands as if they were shooting him.

Final Arguements:

No one can say I haven’t been trying to warn you about this happening. There’s only so much one can accept or ignore before coming to the conclusion of doing something about it.

Some will not read anything that is written and just look at it as an opportunity to argue, disagree, discount or disprove. This is just one reason why I have simply given up and written the Republican & Tea Party off. When I say I’m letting time and history be your judge, that’s what continue to be documented in report after report with instances such as this.  Those who continue will see that I’m honestly not trying to come against you, but warn you. I’m not your enemy, but what has made our political environment what it is today is who I’m targeting.

All you can do is try, but you can’t always change a mind that is convinced that it is right and leaves no room for discourse or opportunity for consideration. When someone continuously points something out to you with multiple examples or occurrences to support their argument, you must stop long enough to consider others beyond your own understanding.

Take a good look at your party and its members and be honest with yourself. Stop looking to disprove or point the finger at Democrats, look at yourself. What has the party you are affiliated with become? The other guys may have problems, but how do they compare to my own problems?

Listen, I may not be a Republican, but I am open-minded and honest enough to have tried to throw you a line to help pull you back in. You may be a Republican, but I still see you as an American. That is more than I can say many of your fellow Republicans have said or viewed me and members of my party.

What happened in Tucson, Arizona was an unfortunate trial run. This will happen again and is likely going to be a more visible target. I am not blaming you for the shootings, but giving the language and behavior many members have exhibited is the reason for the focus on you. This can not be ignored any longer.

I’m absolutely pleading with you to listen. You must not only speak out against what the GOP has become, but become more active in doing something about it. I say this not to be mean or score any political points, but take a serious look at the party. Stop ignoring the obvious. The Republican Party is virtually a regional, culturally restrained White Heterosexual Christian political organization. It leaves no room for growth or diversity. The Democratic Party is capitalizing off of that. I simply can not say it any plainer than that.

Mr. Anthony Miller, I think you made the right move. Not because of any political differences we may have, but you adhered to your position as a husband, father and man. Perhaps you can help your fellow Republicans better comprehend what it is many have become, because I give up.

A Call to Conscience

I’ve been writing about the incident in Tucson and plan on being able to release it by Saturday in another venue. Despite the behaviors of those who we can anticipate their response, we can not waste much time with them.

I sincerely have strive to write something that has meaning to it and may help someone in someway deal with the issue at-hand. Regardless of those who choose to misunderstand or side with what places their conclusions in a better light than challenging themselves to consider others.

As I was writing, I was  listening to this particular speech by Dr. King and the Eulogy delivered at the 16th Street Baptist Church after the bombing speaks to the issue of political rhetoric and who essentially pays for it. This lead me to titled what I’m writing “Who Pays for our Political Rhetoric?“.

I just wanted to share this speech/eulogy with you before I publish what I’ve written in hopes it provides a background for my approach to this tragedy in Tucson. Although I know some simply will not read it, I ask those who may to just read it. Don’t get stuck in an implicit bias when you read it, but consider others as you read it as if you practice an ideological moratorium.

Eulogy for the Young Victims of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://tinyurl.com/6chgxhs

FOX News cuts away from ‘Giffords vigil’ when Sarah Palin’s name is mentioned

Link:
http://embed.crooksandliars.com/v/MTkyOTUtNDMwMjI?color=C93033

On a related clip:

On a related clip: (Sarah Palin’s Targeted List)

When the Sheriff of Tucson decries political “Vitriol” something is up.

Now I believe this guy is unstable who did the shooting in Arizona, but also believe there is a reason to be aware of the political rhetoric that encourages the unstable to act. You may not like someone, but when you get into the place where you hear calls for killing or lock and reload, something is wrong. Personally, I’ve given up expecting considerate conversion from certain parties, but this type of stuff is exactly what I’ve warned about.

Beware of One-Sided Thinking

Quick Thought: On Politics

There are so many things members of fringe political groups and parties claim to know, but observe their words and actions to validate what is true. Many do not have the experience, consideration or fail to realize their policies or positions do not apply to everyone.

Consideration is just one key to success. Not everyone is open or have the heart or mind for consideration.  You can listen to the way they respond more than what they say.

Another is not allowing the misinformed to be your source of information. Learn how to discern what is true and what is hypocrisy, posturing, false or inconsiderate. If not, you’ll get it wrong every time.

Don’t get so emotionally tied up in your own concerns that you show no concern for others who may benefit from the policy decisions you get wrapped up in. Politics is not one-sided, neither should be your thinking.

FYI: This is the 1001st blog post. So to everyone who has come against me and those who stood with me, thank you for reading

A More Perfect Union

Although I anticipate the predictable few who only comment when they see an opportunity to criticize or disagree, but this one is not what you may think. So I’m going to throw this one out there.

 

Understand that this is not an opportunity for anyone to bash another political party as tempting that may be, but think about the question being asked. You or I may not like a certain political party, but I’m not going to go after them this time.

 

Given the political environment we have been in for years in this country, should we actually consider more than two major parties? 

 

Today we have the Democratic Party and the Republican Party as the two major parties. Regardless of our disapproval of either major party, I wonder what would happen to both if more people would  disaffiliate with either the GOP  or Democratic Party and just be their own stand-alone political party?

 

Better yet, why not promote the Green Party, Libertarian Party and the WI & RI Moderate Party’s, since all  have valid concerns despite their faults. The two major parties have valid concerns, but both have become so polarizing and has a long history they carry with them that is not easily forgiven or embraced by all. You can barely mention one or the other without hatred of some level being displayed for both of their ugly past.

 

Both Democrats and Republicans are made up of two sub-groups; the extremist and the moderates. Now one could suggest three sub-groups if you consider Progressive Democrats & the Tea Party.

 

I  believe it’s time for some of these sub-parties to stop riding the coat tails of the two major parties and simply stand on their own.

 

I have asked questions of both political parties repeatedly only to get someone on either side suggesting I was this or that, while never addressing the question or issues. It’s about being right or seen as right.

 

Imagine how much would we get done as a nation if no one voted for a Republican or a Democrat? At least in terms of their anticipated voting blocks.

 

Republicans need White Heterosexual Conservative Christians to vote Republican. Democrats need Blacks, Latinos, Women, Youths, other immigrants and GLBT communities to vote for Democrats and so on. The question of diversity I have repeatedly asked will never be answered or even addressed by Republicans, because it is not a priority to their base. The question of consideration of economic or military concerns will not be fully addressed by Democrats because it is not a priority to their base.

 

Democrats do not care about Republicans and Republicans do not care about Democrats, but both forget what makes up these two are people.

 

We may complain about one industry or another being too big to fail, but many within both major parties are responsible for failing the nation by practicing the ideology of politics as usual.

 

Would we actually form a more perfect union without these two divisive parties?

 

 

Remember: Don’t demonstrate your inability to consider others by saying it is just the fault of one and not so much the other. It is the fault of us all. Republican and Democrat.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

I’ve learned awhile ago that you simply can not teach someone who is unwilling to learn. All you have to do is look at their motives. Senator Bernie Sanders, and Independent from Vermont speaks truth to power. You’ve got to love it, because the those who are untruthful will always reveal who they are. So thanks Bernie Sanders for presenting truth to the Senate chambers.

 

Apples & Obama

The problem with many Republicans who will swear that they’re not what so many people calls them is an lack of understanding of what is going on within themselves in addition to the rest of the world when it comes to President Obama. But I extend this analysis to Democrats and Independents as well.

The state of affairs that the President is contending with is the workings of President Bush and six years of Republican rule in Congress. To help Republicans, Democrats and in between capture a greater understanding of what is happening I use a simple example for those who are familiar with the psychological term of a schema will find to be true in addition to other terms that can be used to describe what is going on as well. I’m emphasizing the people who are acting in a certain way that believe it is not because of their own implicit bias or unconscious discrimination.

I would begin by asking not just Republicans, although they are the biggest culprits of this reality show, but direct this to anyone. A simple question that I would not expecting an answer, but to make them aware of what they’re doing.

When you think back to the idea of an apple in… lets say 1975, what would you have thought of or named?

You may have thought or said Red Delicious, Gala or even a Granny Smith apple. All would be correct.

Now fast forward 35 years to 2010 and tell me what you think of when you see or hear the word apple today?

In 1975 the known concept of what an apple is was a Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith. Today the known concept of what an apple includes iPod, iPad, MacBook to name a few.

The point is that President Obama changed our concept of what a President (apple) is or can be. It’s not just a collection of one thing (fruit), but includes something that would have been unheard of years ago when thinking of an apple; a computer, mp3 player or cultural corporate icon.

For some people it is about race, even if they refuse to admit it or fully understand it. For others, it is the ill-response to their psychological adjustment of what a president (apple) is.

How do we deal with these individuals who are demonstrating their inability to adapt to the changing American racial, political and professional cultural environment?

My suggestion is that we do not watch them sit around ‘sipping tea’ and complaining about what many of us know is gestures toward positive change. I suggest we do what we did in 2008. Educate ourselves and stop allowing them to demonize and control the conversation with ignorant suggestions and poor ideas. We must adopt one of Apple’s previous marketing slogan; Think Different.

They want to see an apple, but we see a Mac.

The Party’s Over Here

Here’s a question everyone can answer, because it is non-partisan.

 

If you are honest with yourself then this should be simple, but if you’re looking for a means of escape, then you may have difficulties in your response or just choose to doing what is most comfortable for you.

 

The substance of political strength is found in its diversity. Regardless of your political affiliations the question of strength and weakness is simple.

 

How diverse is your party?

Consider What You Have Become

How do you deal with people who believe they’re never wrong?

 

Many people seek justification for their hate through the use of more socially acceptable means. The gestures that exempt accountability or reduces their responsibility and to find acceptance apart of a group that tells them they are the victim and we’re mad as Hell about it.

 

They will tell you who’s at fault and how to fix it, but isn’t it interesting that they never find the problem within themselves? Isn’t it interesting that they are so willing to fix the problem, but only under certain conditions? Isn’t it interesting how so many refuse to answer questions that ask for their personal policy, procedure and perceptions of various social issues, but still they can tell you how social programs do not work?

 

You claim to represent America, but when you look at the ranks and take a step back to take a good look at your membership, supporters and sympathizers as a whole it only resembles a portion of what is America. So who do you say you represent?

 

When you see me you believe that you can speak to me in any ole way, but when the conversation starts and questions begin you learn that you have nothing to say or offer, but excuses, distortions and dismissive responses. You can’t answer a question without getting upset or appearing uncomfortable. Is it something I’ve said?

 

I know you love your patriotic mottos like “America First” and your slogans like, “Taxed Enough Already” or my favorite “I want my country back.” I know you love the symbols such as Sarah Palin or even Michael Steele as an attempt to attract what you lack.

The other use of paraphernalia as the flags, bumper stickers or t-shirts and even the misuse of the Bible as to brand yourself to those who may not consider what you have become. I guess this is acceptable, since it has become standard political marketing techniques. But my question is whether it is considerate, inclusive and tolerant towards others who are unwilling and/or intellectually, strategically and morally not susceptible to these ploys? How far are you willing to go to win an election and at what cost?

 

Why must you use religion as a tool to manipulate public opinion for political gain?

 

How ethical is it to continue using religious rhetoric and language that many of your leaders and those seeking leadership use as a weapon or lightening rod to energize people for a political process or in opposition of the government’s policies or actions?

 

I know it isn’t all Republicans, because many Moderate Republicans were pushed out of their own party for basically being the conscious of the party. With them gone, what’s left? Democrats are not perfect either, but at least they are doing something for others and not just for themselves.

 

There are many things I and others could say about the Republican & Tea Party, but what differences would it really make. I have given up on you many months ago. Primarily, because you have no interested in considering what you have become.