Live Long and Prosper: The Star Trek Answer to World Peace

Star Trek has captivated the world with it's sci-fi adventures and special affects.  It has also grasped the audience spirit with it's ongoing human relationship factor.  It is this factor which I believe outweighs the "dazzle" that our eyes see.  What lessons can be learned?  Are there things in the Star Trek genre that the modern world can learn from?  In an interview with Leonard Nimoy, also known as Star Trek's original "Spock", he explains the genesis of the iconic Vulcan greeting "Live long and prosper" and opens up a field of opportunity for all of us to learn.

The purpose of this posting is to bring to bear our sincerity when we encounter each other.  Without malice and insidious agendas, how much greater and peaceful would our species be if we but upheld the absolute respect of another, right from the onset.  I know it seems silly associating simple human nature with a Hollywood production - but why not!  Spock is portrayed as stalwart and strong both in mind and body.  Yet in his final greetings he always expresses gentleness and sincerity.  Consider the spiritual nature of the setting when such respect is shown.  I'm not talking about the Hollywood setting, but rather the real life setting of inviting a spirit of goodwill among a group of people.  This spirit of goodwill cannot be truly felt with anger or enmity displayed but only by goodness and kindness.

According to a website associated with the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies the isolated nation of North Korea has launched two new helicopter frigates.  North Korea has always been viewed with extreme suspicion even prior to the Korean War which ended without a formal peace treaty.  All nations in its growth and progress aims a strong military as a primary goal for the protection of its people.  As a country North Korea has the right to pursue their own protection.  However, the underlying notion is that it may be a prelude action against South Korea or area allies of the United States.

What does all this have to do with the subject I started with?  I ask, what would the state of the region be if we all applied a little faith in humanity, and always greeted our friends and foes with absolute and genuine respect and dignity?  Even if we approach an individual whose intentions are set on genocide and subterfuge, our own entrance to the scene can have a profound influence on the mind and will of that person.  Like ripples in the water our actions have a cascading affect.  Who knows, maybe your genuineness you display softens the back of his mind just enough to prevent the hardships otherwise inflicted on a person or entire people.

Vladimir Putin has engaged Russia in a frenzy land grab.  He has clutched hold of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine and continues to break down order in Eastern Ukraine for eventual inclusion into the Russian Empire.  The mindset of Putin is that of a child in a class with the only big Tonka toy.  He will not let go and gains notoriety for having it.  Imagine the difference the entire geographical area would be if world leaders were able to greet this man with the authenticity of preparedness, resource, strong will, compassion and above all a spirit of resolution to act on behalf of the oppressed.  I guarantee that if a tyrant meets someone they feel is a match for them then most of them would have their hurtful appetites vanquished.  It's the most effective presentation of good over evil.

We can learn a lot from the portrayal of Spock played by Leonard Nimoy.  He also had a manifestation in the eyes of all he greets as one with an unwavering ability and resource to act.  I believe that world leaders today have lost this bona fide spirit of resolution.  Even and especially in the United States.  I believe this infection is quickly spreading down into the very lives of every individual on earth.  If we don't stand up and have faith in the foundation our feet are on when we start a relationship or commence an encounter then we are doomed to failure.

We have vast numbers of good and honest people populating all the continents of the world.  If honest and true leaders don't take on the responsibility of morality and strength in the face of the agents of adversity, then the futures of the good and honest will become strained.  May we all take in a little Hollywood Star Trek and learn the lessons from a little Jewish gesture of "live long and prosper."

Ukraine Loses to Russian Invasion Via Luhansk

In a stunning upset Kiev in Ukraine reports massive chaos as Russian officials spark an epic revolt in Luhansk.  Consisting of nearly half a million people, the infrastructure of Luhansk suffered measurable loss of basic utility and social services as pro-Russian forces storm government and military buildings there.  Media and other outlets are unable to gain access into Luhansk at this time.  All eyewitness accounts come from refugees fleeing Luhansk and the prime outlet for news coming from Kiev.  With capitalist business establishments burning Moscow is quick to condemn Ukraine forces with the help of the West for the unrest.  The response has been that Putin is playing on the sympathies of the global scene.

In Kiev, Ukraine officials continue to attempt raids in an effort to regain control of government buildings that have been seized by pro-Russian radicals.  It is apparent that the success of these rebels are being supplied monetarily and being armed through clandestine operations from Russia though no confirmed proof is available at this time.  Russia's Vladimir Putin openly expresses "heartfelt" sympathy for pro-Russian separatists citing oppression from Ukraine government officials.  With one hand he hails to the world as a savior.  So it seems to many that with the other hand in the mire he is masterminding the unraveling the sovereignty and hope of freedom for Ukraine from within the country.  Again, no confirmed proof.

Closer to the Russian border there are reports of dissension among the ranks in the 1,000,000 strong Kharkiv in the Slobozhanshchyna region of Ukraine.  Utilities from Russian sources are rationed at rates 65% higher than what they were just two months ago.  All accounts point to a deliberate attempt to isolate this vibrant stronghold of power for whomever controls it.  Will it be the people of Ukraine or Russia?

There is a curious growing divide even among the Baltic States.  Reports come in from Latvia, Estonia and also Lithuania of a shift in public sentiment toward Russia.  A "meltdown of liberty" cites one official off the record in Poland as he describes the bully state of Russia over all the former republics of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.  If true, this would make seizure of these states quick, easy and at the most minimum of casualties due to an increased lack of initiative.  An important question is whether or not this "lack of initiative" is purposely induced by insidious designs or truly the will of the people?

The above report is false................... for the most part.  However, ludicrous it may seem it is a valid scenario of upcoming events as Russia continues patiently to unravel the fabric of freedom in the former Russian Republics.  The above reports are true current accounts laced with possibilities which have not happened - yet.  Ukraine is a rich resource of natural resources as well as key access to various ports.  Can anyone in their right mind truly doubt the reach Vladimir Putin is willing to exercise in order to accomplish his goal?

Easter 2014 at a Close

As I retire for the evening my mind reflects on my shameful imperfections.  In the solitude of my thoughts I take hope in the greatest news in the world - He lives!  He lives who once was dead!  Once in agony - but now resurrected and perfected.  The greatest Easter message is that He lives!

Easter 2014 Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

We should be in awe at the grandeur of the design of God.  Our finite minds can scarcely comprehend even a fraction of the scope and purpose of the Plan of Salvation.  On this Easter I would like to express a few thoughts regarding this Plan and how Jesus Christ is the central figure making it possible for us to endure, overcome and be exalted according to our deeds and motives.

I remember a few years back when another denomination invited me, as a representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to their Easter service taking place on a Saturday evening.  It was an interesting service to say the least.  I was intrigued, interested and respectful though the service was full of doctrines which completely countered my own beliefs and preachings.

For instance, after the service I had the opportunity to speak with many members of their congregation.  It didn't take long before we were hitting each other's walls of doctrine.  Most of the discussion centered on Adam and Eve.  I was baffled at how two faiths could be so 180 degrees apart.  They vehemently condemned Adam and Eve for their partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge.  They abased them in sin and decay.  I, however, explained that they had pure knowledge and knew that in order for the human family to take place according to the Plan of God they would need to transgress the law (there is a difference between open sin and transgressing a law).  That is just one example, but it does illustrate that I believe the process is designed according to a plan that was laid out in the heavens before and during the very foundations of the earth were laid.

Jesus Christ is being legislated out of our sights through the pressures of minority groups under adverse influences.  I often ponder the agony they would feel if they only knew that they were very much aware in yonder heavens of what the Christ was doing for them.  Imagine a God being mortally stripped of covers and whipped with beaded straps.  Imagine the eternal nature of His love for us as He endured the thorns being purposely pressed into His flesh and skull.  Reach into your comprehension as He was prodded and forced to drag His own demeaning yoke of crucifixion to Calvary.  Also known as Golgotha, extend your feelings as Jesus Christ climbed that hill with the place of His last breath in sight.  Now imagine that you witnessed this event with absolute solemnity and humility, yet in gratitude for that sacrifice on your behalf you recognized the magnificent potential of man.  Not one mortal man would ever shun Jesus Christ as is commonly done today if the veil was lifted and their eyes opened up in remembrance of that great event.

The veil over knowledge is in place to allow the liberty and freedom of choice.  It is that essential part of the Plan - that man may fully achieve his potential.  It is every bit as essential as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Can we scarcely comprehend?

Adam and Eve fell that man may be.  That man may know joy and sorrow just as our Heavenly Father.  That man may acknowledge God and love Him.  That man may learn and develop his body and mind for the benefit of his own receipt of the Spirit, and for the greater benefit and progress of mankind.  That man may bring forth a family with a posterity to carry on the torch of righteousness.  That man may choose light or dark.

Mankind was fallen, yet in the midst of sure darkness a Savior was provided - even Jesus the Christ.  All of us bearing flesh were beforehand present as we sustained Jesus Christ according to the Plan of Salvation - to bridge that chasm between mortality and the presence of God the Eternal Father we yearn to enjoy.  Jesus Christ is Jehovah, Adonai, the Unchangeable One, the God of Israel and the great I AM.

By ourselves we could not fulfill the requirements to appease our fallen nature.  Yet to fulfill our design and be magnified in the embracing presence of the Father, only a perfect Son in the express image of the Father could successfully take upon Himself the price of sin and for all of nature's fallen state.  Take those sins of yours that trouble you so and multiply that into the billions - and that into billions for the fallen state of the earth itself.  We cannot comprehend but only a God could sustain the yoke of man.

We must always observe and recognize His eternal Atonement for us.  We must understand that he died in a heinous and undignified manner upon a cross.  We must tremble that with every nail piercing his hands, wrists and feet we are indebted all the more to His purchased price of us.  With every drop of His spilled innocent blood mankind is required all the more to sacrifice his own pride, vanity and life if necessary to make recompense for forgiveness.

In my finite limited way I am so grateful that He would consider someone as lowly as I - that He would openly sacrifice Himself for my salvation.

I try to structure my every thought and action to the will of the Spirit.  I believe that is part of our debt to Him.  I believe that we are not to seek comfort but rather the uncomfortable.  We are to take extra courage in the face of adverse conditions.  We are to faithfully step outside our comfort zone in order to qualify into wider fields of opportunity and understanding.  We should actively identify evil where it thrives and vanquish it with power and authority.  We are to always avoid the presence of evil in our lives lest we become tempted.  These are but a few simple acts we can do to acknowledge the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

May the God of Heaven and earth find favor in our fallen state.  May He provide and protect the banner of true liberty and freedom.  May He empower the able with courage to uplift the oppressed and needy.  May we find unity as we prepare the earth for His triumphal return.

Shenandoah City Council Address

It is the privilege of the people to address their concerns to their city councilperson.  When addressing myself I am now establishing a rule.  It is a small town and there are people who like to stir the pot just to stoke a fire.  Everyday I have people telling me their "horror" stories from the past about virtually all City officials.  Know this, I would never expect any elected official of mine to make a judgement off of here say.  Neither should you.  If you have a story to tell from 2011 clear back even thirty years, I don't want to hear about it.  It is here say because I wasn't there and I can't prove it.  So please stop trying to influence my judgement by degrading the character of an official from an instance in the distant past.

The following are my comments in response to community remarks.

What the community has witnessed in our local government can only be summed up with two words - an egregious atrocity.  I think there is often a natural disconnect between the people and government, but the events plaguing us over the past couple of weeks within the government, have widened the gap and exacerbated the wound with salt.  What I report is the overwhelming people's view.  It is the perception that the people have entrusted me with.  They see the dissolution of City Hall's integrity by fear, distrust and what they see as apparent collusion with private residents of Shenandoah, Iowa.  No, I don't believe this was the intended result but it is a suspicion directly from the perspective of the people.  As everyone knows I may be among the most accessible Councilperson on the panel because of my occupation.  This has been a blessing and a curse.  For as long as I've been in Shenandoah there has always been people disgruntled with City Hall.  City Hall being elected and hired officials as well as City employees.  Again, as in any community, you can't please everybody so this is normal to a point.  With a sigh of frustration I announce that this is not what I anticipated serving for.

We are not the federal government!

My aim has always been and continues to be to serve the people of Shenandoah.  Scores are upset with decisions and comments I have made in the past.  Scores approve.  It's normal, it's fair and it's the American way.  But you've elected me to stand with a council of your representatives to make those decisions affecting the City of Shenandoah as a whole.  No government can always hold hands and sing "Kumbaya", but we can do our best to make it a goal.

Let me tell you a brief story.  Overwhelmingly, the residents of Shenandoah are unaware that many of the basic deep roots of this community were laid first not on this specific piece of land.  Many of the original residents first took root about four miles to the southwest of here in a thriving place they called Manti.  Yes, this is the same as is now known as Manti Park.  It grew and flourished in the mid-1800s as the crossroad of stagecoaches.  Yet, when the railroad was laid just to the north, the town quickly dried up and many moved to organize along those tracks in what is now known as Shenandoah.

Now let me take you back to ancient times.  There was a grievous war.  The bloodshed was difficult to get an accurate count on.  Eventually one army found favor over the other and defeated them.  For a short time they pursued the enemy as they fled into the deep woods.  The chief of this army sent out three individuals to go and make an accounting in secret of the plans and preparations of the defeated army.  Obviously without guns, telescopes or evasive tools they risked their lives doing this for the chief captain of the army.

The three made their accounting and returned and reported what they had seen.  The enemy joined up with a separate faction and both were preparing to make war on them.  Without going into detail much further, suffice it to say it was a bloodbath war.  So terrible was the carnage that the numbers of the lost even altered the course of the river they fought at the side of.  So what does this have to do with us right here and right now?

These three men served a noble purpose.  They came forth when called upon to serve the people.  They, even at the expense of their lives if necessary, strived to protect and defend the integrity, prosperity, rights, freedoms and the unity of their people.  The name of one of these men was Manti.

Let's use the example of this man as a foundation of who we are or aught to be.  Especially as elected and hired officials and employees of the City of Shenandoah we ought always see our post as a privilege to serve the greater good.  Though it may be our paid livelihood among most of the City employees, it should still be considered a unique privilege to serve instead of just another 9-5 or beyond job in the workforce.

Shenandoah is a great place to live!  We have huge potential of industry which becomes the machine for growth, education, employment and the induction into wider fields of opportunity.  At all times, we should be willing to make even painful and personal sacrifices of pride for the greater good of this people and their future.  With humility and professionalism we should take up the scepter of the mantle the people have entrusted us.

In conclusion I offer a few brief directives for all elected and hired officials as well as employees of the City of Shenandoah.  We have discussion coming up about the use of City vehicles.  I make no judgement, but remember to always be aware that people are watching and taking note.  Though you may be operating within the parameters of the law or policy, just evaluate your every action with City property and discern if that action can or may be misconstrued as misuse.  Just a suggestion.

Second, and this is directed to all city officials across the fruited plain and globe, those directly attached to City Hall will and do at various times feel attacked.  As everyone knows, I deeply understand the need to protect and defend oneself through the professional use of the written word and even video if necessary.  As one who was almost falsely imprisoned last year over a disgruntled taxpayer's hatred for my remarks over the water rates issue, I offer this bit of advice to anyone venturing into the realms of video addresses.  One, do not use specific names.  Two, never produce a video that shouldn't be the information for the entire world to see.  We have local media for the purpose of local news.  Third, if video is deemed necessary never never never never post a video under the online personal account of a private citizen.  This does and has produced the perception of collusion and the absolving of objectivity of City Hall.  Again, this is just a suggestion directed to all city officials in the world now serving.  I offer this advice with love for my neighbor and as counsel for future steps.

I want you to know that outside of these chambers I hardly see or communicate with the other Council members.  I trust the same with them.  From my perspective there is no corruption or smoke and mirror combinations among us.  The public may or may not like the decisions of your elected officials but our operation is as clean as it gets.

Let all attached to City Hall do some self-reflecting and ask yourself "Am I like Manti?"  If there is doubt then ask yourself what sacrifices may need to be made for the greater good and the integrity of City Hall.  The next step is up to us.  Each of us needs to do some serious self reflecting.  If our place as Councilperson or any other position is not helping to unite the people then is it not our duty to step down in order that the greater good can be established?  If I am wrong please tell me I'm way off base and I shall consider my own removal.

Russian Crimea Step Through Ukraine

There are various perceptions of recent events in the Ukraine region.  The intents of Vladimir Putin are viewed as skewed toward the side of tyranny.  Putin dresses it up as some kind of compassion toward the overwhelming masses in Crimea who wish to rejoin the fold of Russia.  In any case tensions are escalating between Russia and the United States.  To pour salt on the wound it doesn't help the U.S. cause with the weak persona that President Obama dances on behalf of the United States of America.

For those that know my writings it is evident that I have already written my thoughts on this subject and even produced a fifteen minute video.  That was just prior to the Crimea vote which the European Union and the United States disavows, and which Putin poses as a dowry to the beloved people of Crimea.  I needed a fresh perspective.  I needed a perspective through the eyes of those very close to the situation.  I needed to see through their eyes instead of through the lens of our media in the western world.
Pre-Crimea Vote Blog Post
I am blessed to have a working relationship with a particular community within Slovakia.  As you may know Slovakia borders Ukraine.  They are a wonderful people with warm hearts and an unwavering sense of hospitality.  I became curious as to the level of anxiety that they may have with the possible encroachment of the Russian military right on their doorstep.  As a precursor into that thought I entertained the scenario of a mighty Canadian or Mexican army (both of which doesn't exist) preparing to unilaterally annex by force the lands of the United States of America.  Obviously, this is different because the Russian military is mighty and real.  The threat of a risen tyrant from that source has ever been present throughout Europe.

I've asked this citizen what their thoughts were of Putin's intent given their proximity to Ukraine.  I believe that the distance from a focal point is undeniably relative to the perception of that point.  I expected their fears to exceed in intensity and on a different level than ours in the United States.  As I awaited this person's response to my inquiry I perceived over the next few days the pages of history, of armies overrunning countries and wondered if history through irony is repeating itself.

The first sentence received was the question we are all asking.  What country is next?  Obviously, especially in Slovakia this must weigh on their minds heavily.  Remember, many of these bordering countries claimed their independence in 1991.  In the larger picture that's not a long time.  In fact, many of these countries, though may not be communist, do still have strong political ties and views consistent with socialist policies.  These countries are still fragile in an area of the world with constantly shifting powers at play.  What country is next and how will it affect the people and infrastructure of that country?  I'm not advancing the personal idea that Vladimir Putin is pursuing to acquire key former republics of the Union Soviet Socialist Republics but these questions need to be pondered over and seriously considered.

As a disclaimer the thoughts received from Slovakia came from only one person.  In addition to the statement previously discussed it was believed that NATO and the western allies would probably not act on further aggression into Ukraine.  This would essentially be using Ukraine as a political pawn or an appeasement in thwarting possible war.  There is the belief that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) can be relied on by new European Union countries.  If this trust proves untrue it is believed that it would be the end of Europe as it is known today.

It is evident that the NATO alliance is key.  The leadership and strength of the United States is key.  These two components, mainly leaning toward the latter, are essential in suppressing tyrannical actions but those who hold no core belief in international policy.  A hallmark of this belief is when action is taken against a country whom you already have power over.  Russia supplies much of Europe with natural gas and has enriched it's stronghold over those countries' infrastructure.  If you were the Russian President with this power, yet needed the abundant resources and food produced in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, it would be awful tempting to move in and claim lordship over those lands.  The danger lies in that mindset, will and who dares to act on it in these modern times.

There are those who believe that this is another step toward a cataclysmic "end times" scenario.  Some see Russia's Putin as desperately obsessed with reacquiring those lost Republics in order to reinstitute the USSR.  As throughout history and especially in the first half of the 20th century countries can and do fall like dominoes.  Will the unthinkable of so many years finally become the inevitable?  Will the two major world powers finally flex in the battle as Babylon?

But.....  Shall we take a different path, quiet the mind and listen to the promptings of sound decision.  In our decaying moral state do we have the qualified men and women in high places of influence that are willing to stand up for what's right?  Will they face evil and opposition even among their own countrymen in order to avoid war and restore order and peace?  We still have so much to accomplish and the potential and prosperity of man increases accordingly to the proper decisions we make for the good of all mankind.

The wolves are circling and the response I've received from Slovakia bear out to me that concern is rising in the shadow of a monster whom they've already encountered before not too long ago.

What is the Perfect Birthday Gift for Her?

The perfect birthday gifts are as follows: a new car, $400 gift card to Macy's, dinner at a fine dining restaurant, vacation at Acapulco, a new dress or perhaps just a relaxing evening in front of the television.  Now, for a brother thinking of what to do for a sister's birthday it gets a little complicated.

I don't like cards though I'll gladly receive them.  When I search for a card I inevitably wind up on skid row with the rest of the men at the store.  Guys, you know what I mean.  It's notorious on Christmas Eve to silently befriend a whole host of other strange men at the store - a store void of any women whatsoever.  Come on guys, Walmart, need I say more?  It is literally agony for us.  We'd rather be bound and quartered by horses before the torture of deciding on a gift let alone a card.  But we are men, barely homosapien, in search of food, bear skins for clothing and a pat on the back with a wooden club.  We go, we conquer and we feel like crap later for what we got for someone else's birthday or Christmas.

No, this is actually a monumental birthday for my sister.  Details on which birthday matters not.  Needless to say it is an opportunity for everyone to reflect and ponder the relationships we have.  In so doing I've opted to blog my thoughts of my sister.  It is my hope that through this exercise I'll have a clearer understanding of the family relationships that we are all called to strengthen.

My sister and I are rather far apart in age.  Spanning about nine years she became the firstborn and after my brother I pulled the short straw and became the baby of the family nine years later.  My memories are few in my early years.  By the time I was ten she was already in college.  So, for the purpose of this post to be served  I'll bypass the early years and concentrate on what I've observed in the years since.  The true masterpiece of man comes in how they rear their family and nurture relationships therein.

My sister is a woman of faith.  Having grown up in a home associated with the Latter-day Saint faith she has perpetuated that foundation into her own home with her husband.  All her children have grown and are growing with impeccable quality of character and stamina.  They have a firm foundation of faith that helps them stand in the face of life's storms.  History often attributes these vital qualities to the teachings and example of the mother.  Two thumbs up for mom!  Go, sis!

My sister has a keen sense of judgement.  In college she married a man well-fashioned for her that she knew would stand as a model patriarch in her home.  Not only does he achieve this but he has even served multiple tours of service during the Iraq war.  A model in the home - a model to the nation.  Upon his retirement in a short few years you'll both look back through the sorrows and joys and be content one with another with an eye single to the glory of God.  Yep, a great judge of character!

My sister is sensitive.  She always has been.  Though many would consider this a weakness I think of it as a pillar of strength.  The person themselves often don't always see the scope of their example.  When it's us we feel the weight of our own sensitivity.  In the case of my sister and those with this quality, that sensitivity invokes the spirit of compassion and self reflection in those around them.  Though it takes years, this genesis has a cascading affect that benefits generations down the road to countless people.  Don't change a thing sis.  God has imparted this virtue to you to bless nations.

Though over the years our conversations have been few and far between we do share a silent kinship.  We would come to the aid of the other if it be in our power to do so.  I love her dearly and seek to draw upon her strengths in my time of need.  At the beginning I said that relationships are to be strengthened during the journey of man.  I also said that it was my hope to gain a clearer understanding of these things.

Through this posting process I resolve to a personal inspiration.  At this juncture of her birthday and my milestone of having a rather robust belly I wish to strengthen communication between my sister and I.  I reflect and am brought to the knowledge through this exercise what a precious resource we've been given in family.  The kinship of siblings twenty years apart can be just as strong as those one year apart.

My personal goal is to stand before my Maker at that day and to have a confident joyous response when He asks, "What have ye done with what I have given?"

Happy birthday, sis, and may chocolate bloom before your footsteps.  May the angels present great waterfalls of well-churned frothy chocolate that rival that of even Willy Wonka.  Enjoy your birthday and expect to be pampered!