Racism in America A Malaise of Public Sentiment

Racism has taken it's toll in the United States.  In fact, it was but one of the focuses in the Civil War which claimed upwardly near 1,000,000 American lives.  Most of us can agree that slavery and racism is wrong.  Whether Caucasian, African American, Hispanic or Asian we all have a beating heart and the cognitive abilities to reason and make choices as well as prosper.  However, can we really say that America is just as racist as it was even just 50 years ago?  What are we to make of the rhetoric we see on the media networks that slam this country for it's oppressive racist views?  This topic of racism in American has caused a malaise of public sentiment in the United States and it is being propagated by the fascist views of the media.

There is no doubt that racism still exists and probably will always exist to a degree.  Bring in a country kid, who's white with little exposure to people of color, into an element of inner city predominant black society and instinct will dictate fear and suspicion.  It works both ways.  That society of color would equally feel just as fearful and suspicious as that white young man.  Logically, only regular and continuous interaction and exposure to other races will prevent racism at all levels.   However, this is not the 60's or even the 80's.  This is an era where minorities are provided extraordinary leniency and benefits to excel in education and other tax funded programs.  In fact, if racism exists it exists on a different level.  A level built not on the color of skin but on the level of government benefits.  If this is true then it is quite possible that Caucasians now endure more racism than African Americans, Hispanics and Asians combined.
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Race is a deeply divisive issue and believe it or not there are people and groups who do cash in on the opportunity.  Why is it that a white police officer apprehending a black man gains more media coverage than a heinous crime committed by an African American against a Caucasian?  The media's twisted liberal views of the United States gains support by choosing to cover certain stories that perpetuate traditional minority unfairness.  Such is the case in these current years.  It is my opinion that the skewed left mentality is equally shared between the media and the Obama Administration.  It is this view that is stripping America of it's prized liberties and perpetuating the cause of minority rules.  Where it comes to journalism, by and large the media has butchered the true record keeping responsibility for generations to come.

If racism is still truly prevalent there wouldn't be such a huge number of multi-millionaire African American music artists and businessmen.  Good grief, we have an African American President!  Can we not finally put to rest the pity trip of the oppression of the African American community?  70% of African Americans are born out-of-wedlock.  That is literally equal to the disintegration of the black American family.  It's a travesty but it is by no means a result of racism.  It is, however, in part a result of government entitlements which have long been demanded.  Now, as is happening among all Americans, there is little reason to work for your prosperity let alone upholding your God-given position as a husband and father.  As far as the African American community is concerned little effort has been championed to secure and teach the importance of the family.

The same can be said across the spectrum of society.  The same is true among the Hispanic community and even the Asian.  We even see the devastation of the family among whites at an alarming rate.  If racism on a violent level exists it exists not because of the common man but because the powers that be deem it profitable to proclaim the demonization of white America and their "Zionist" views.  Why is this happening?  It's happening because if you make the concerted effort to break down the family and the traditional morals and values taught there, you then find a nation full of separate individuals who are then easily enslaved into corridors without freedoms and liberties.  You've then created a socialist or even a communist potting soil in which to cultivate a new North Korea or even an Iran.

We are all Americans (except for those not legal...) and as inheritors of the Constitution we carry that basic torch and banner of liberty that lead to prosperity for all.  Yet that spirit can does and is eroding.  Either we as a people rise up against the agenda of the media and the ignorant fascist view designed to rent the American family to the dust, or we thus allow such design to destine us to repeat history.  

Civil War Battle of Manassas Lessons for a Modern World

The Battle of Manassas was a gruesome perpetuation of the American Civil War.  Culminating in two groups of battles thirteen months apart (First Manassas or First Bull Run and Second Manassas or Second Bull Run) the carnage resulted in the loss of thousands of lives.  American lives, brother against brother, left to rot and wither over several hills in the hot summer sun of Virginia.  The Union dead were taken to Arlington.  The Confederate soldiers were buried in makeshift graves often on the battlefield.

These campaigns immortalized men of renown such as Generals Irvin McDowell, P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnson in the First Bull Run.  The Second Manassas coined Generals Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), Robert E. Lee and John Pope. 

An over-abundance of pride and exuberant ignorance in the First Bull Run led to the death of nearly 1,000 men on July 21, 1861.  The Second Bull Run began on August 28, 1862 and lasted three days killing almost 3,500 men.  Loosely trained men on both sides expected a quick victory.  A year later the battle was fought with seasoned veterans but to no avail all the training counted for nothing relative to the casualty count. 

Instead of a history lesson on the Civil War which anyone can get off the Internet, I propose societal thoughts on the future of the United States of America.  Ask yourself if this can happen again in America.  Aside from our modern conveniences and tedious daily rituals, do you feel that this people still exhibits inflated pride capable even unto violence?  With all the massive amounts of data at our fingertips do you see a vast belt of us left with clarity of truth?

As we continue on this unprecedented age of prosperity let us hope that such a scene as the Battles of Manassas or even the American Civil War in general never happen again.  Within decades reparations from war in a forein land can be made.  Inside a nation budding from a civil war, the cost to the families cannot be calculated and can have a snowball affect for generations. 

Today we have a greater responsibility beyond self interest.  Especially in the United States any skirmish, shootout, coup attempt or all out war within our borders would have devastating global impact.  This would be in addition to an already threatened infrastructure.  The preservation of liberty and the cause of humanitarian efforts are worthy efforts at all costs.  As always but with increased modern care let's be careful of the battles we procure. 

Washington Reflection Pool a National Treasure

The Reflection Pool between the Abraham Lincoln Monument and the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. is a famous national treasure.  Yet it is one of the most overlooked in symbolic meaning.  This post will not serve to tell a history or even it's intended meaning.  It will serve a greater purpose - to tell of it's personal symbolism to me.  I am a simple American from the Midwest.

As I marveled at the Washington Monument's reflection in the Pool I rendered the state of America and what it means to contemplation.  A reflection is a mirror image of substance.  I pondered whether America's modern times are a reflection of true and pure nature of integrity and strength that even the Washington Monument holds.  Does it reflect the same values in it's people as it did when it was erected? 

We've been given so much prosperity and opportunity as a people yet our gratitude is ever so becoming misplaced.  Does our misplacement of trust and faith reflect the traditional values of our fathers?  Wireless communication is a common norm in society.  Many see it as a necessity of life.  A gift to human understanding and engineering to perpetuate growth and prosperity?  Yes!  However, is it not possible for it to be a reminder to mankind that the original wireless communication is just as real and may be more reliable?  That original wireless communication is prayer.  Something that was increasingly relied on as we progress backward through the annals of time. 

My hope is that we may all one day view the Reflection Pool with full faith and association as with our fathers as when it was built.  Only then may our Founding Fathers smile down upon us in solemn reflection.

Understanding the Difference Between Things Wanted and Things Needed

It is a fine line distinguishing between things you want and things you need.  Often we mesh together the two and fear they are one the same.  This fear inhibits change and perpetuates dependency and apathy.  The key in knowing your wants verses needs is discipline.  Discipline is part of why we are here.  Discipline is that part of our being that allows us to grow.  Discipline enables one to incrementally understand what true liberty is.  Liberty is exercising your agency to choose, and fully reap the benefits and consequences of those choices.  As you compromise your discipline, you shrink your liberty, and the very view of life becomes skewed as to what's truly important and what is not.

Beware of the shiny things in this world.  Check out YouTube for those Walmart videos.  It's a literal mass hysteria and chaos of species during holidays and blowout specials.  Sometimes it's a blood bath.  Beware of Ipods, Galaxy phones, Kindles and the like, Ipads, anything Bluetooth, laptops, cars and even Facebook.  None of what's listed is an absolute necessity to sustain life or foster happiness, yet we've come to a point where people are on the precipice of killing for it.

In a fast paced world we've become blinded by the "latest and greatest" thing to hit the shelves.  Fifteen years ago teenagers and adults alike saw little use in constant companionship of cell phones.  Heck, the term Internet was barely circulating and texting wasn't even a term.  Now, it has become an obsession and people now view it as an absolute necessity.  Interestingly, mankind has survived thousands of years without cell phones, Internet and computers but now our bowels loose at the thought of being without them.
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The lack of discipline breaks down the most important unit of society - the family.  On more than one occasion I've seen teenagers get down right violent with parents because discipline was instituted and the phone withheld.  All respect for the parents dissipates because that youth became so dependent on the cell phone and the ability to text. They thus failed to distinguish between the privilege of the electronic gadget and a "right" to have.  The family needs to shore up it's defenses, unplug and have a conversation.
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Your perceived "need" is being inflated by money.  All these tangible items are brought to you, presented to you and intended to be used by you by the almighty currency of choice.  What level of weakness does that state about us as the human species?  We are stronger than this!  Most all of us are guilty of this including me, obviously.  I strip not the technical marvels, but I do condemn mankind for not striving to acclimate and strengthen their discipline relative to the changing times.

As an appendage to that thought on money mankind is quickly losing the will and drive to work for their happiness.  What do we purchase with money that we anticipate will bring us happiness?  Virtually everything, right, from food to clothing to electronics?  With our level of mass production we've filled our measure of society with "stuff" and it can all be purchased with money.  With this ease of acquisition and government welfare programs the human technique of laboring with effort for your needs and wants is all but extinguished.  The "sweat of the brow" is no longer seen as the key to happiness.

The point of all this is to help you refocus and reestablish what is a need and what is a want.  Most of all, realizing in which direction happiness truly lies.  There is a reason hundreds of thousands choose to acquire as much education as possible.  The go through the toil and frustrations because they have a grain of faith that it will pay off in the end not only in income but also in happiness.  There is a reason why vast numbers still attend church on a weekly basis and even wear their Sunday best.  It's because they have a grain of faith that adherence to a set of standards will benefit themselves and their families.  They also know the benefit of sacrifice offered on a regular basis.  At the same time there is a reason why so many pursue a form of happiness in diverse avenues of life be it texting, sports, work or even not going to church.  Just ask yourself if you are truly fulfilled with your level of effort into your varied aspects of life?  Are you one to drive forward or be run over?

We do live in a marvelous time!  The curtains of knowledge are rolling back and we are learning and understanding all things at an unprecedented pace.  Yet, to maximize our worthiness of this gift we need to establish personal parameters to ensure continued discipline.  This will ensure our growth relative to the times.  To parents this means tough love for their children.  Monitor and restrict access if need be to these modern privileges.  To children this means less chatting and more outdoor play.  It means leave your Ipods and cell phones at home while in the church or public school room.  It means common respect for our fellow man whether it be a teacher or someone we are passing on the highway.

Learn to govern yourself.  Only by governing your passions and desires can you truly discern your own personal wants and needs.
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2013 Disney The Lone Ranger Review: Depp and Hammer - Praise or Shaft?

The Disney movie The Lone Ranger starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer opened in the summer 2013. The mere title stirs emotions and hopes in the hearts of those who remember the old black and white television series.  That is probably the first and foremost hurdle for the success of this movie to conquer.  Did it produce successful results?  This movie was long anticipated and Johnny Depp always draws a crowd.  Can a first run superhero movie steal the show from opening night?

I remember the original series starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels of the Mohawk tribe.  To a young child they were the crest of Old West superheroes.  The Lone Ranger was the reason we mounted our broomstick with a plastic horse head.  They formed for us an assumed glory of the Old West that helped pave the way for how we viewed the world around us.  It gave us courage and a sense of justice.
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The Disney reincarnation of The Lone Ranger was a quaint cinematic production but hardly a credit to the original legend or memory of The Lone Ranger that most of us know and have come to love.  As stated at the top it is hard to compete with the foundation of a legend.  In order to view this film production objectively you must first strip any notions of the original series.  It is vital in order to prevent association disappointments between the new and old duo.  To go into the theater afresh is a task for any review.

From an objective standpoint there are some issues i'd like to address regarding this new rendition:

• I've always enjoyed Johnny Depp and consider him one of the most unique actors of our time.  Having said that, due to his popularity I don't believe he is a good match with Armie Hammer.  There is too great a "credit" divide between the two actors.  The movie title is The Lone Ranger and logic dictates that the primary focus should be on that character.  Don't get me wrong, Johnny Depp made an intriguing Tonto.  However, I believe he would've meshed better with a little more known actor like perhaps Viggo Mortensen.  Mortensen is not as credited as Depp in the public eye but given his role in the huge success of The Lord of the Rings he would have made a good fit.
• The credibility of the Ranger as a capable and knowledgeable crime fighter is seriously undermined in this new movie.  Agreed, a learning curve for any superhero needs to be employed through any movie series like Ironman or Thor, but aside from John Reid's brilliance in law he is cast as a complete moron in tact, courage and basic human relationship knowledge.  
• Silver, the white horse.  What's the deal with the horse?  Did the producers have such a lack of confidence in Depp and Hammer that they had to trump up the horse to not only superhero status but also a gravity-defying one?  I think the movie finally lost me when I saw Silver standing up on a tree limb.  A 500-pound horse walking on top of a burning and weak barn roof, maybe, but on a tree limb?  I get more pleasure watching Charlie the Unicorn.

I was not overly impressed with the 2013 release of The Lone Ranger from a legend standpoint.  However, from a Friday night movie flick standpoint I recommend the film.  It's not a badly produced film.  It'll get it's ratings but it far underscores what it could have been.  A better lead actor for Kimosabe, a firmer foundation for the actor to build on and a strong horse that doesn't stand on tree branches.

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Just remember - turn off all cell phones at the beginning of the movie and patron your concession regularly.  Enjoy!

Syria Libya Egypt Supporters and Rebels Murder Under Banner of US Administration

Getting right to the point we are at the point where clear decisions need to be made regarding the government of the United States.  It is clear as never before that the American people, way of life and the fabric of the Constitution of the United States has been betrayed by the hidden agendas of a conglomerate of players in Washington D.C. and throughout the nation and world.  When we come to a point where we witness absolute disgusting and revolting demonstrations of beheadings and point blank shootings on our viewer by those who are financed and armed by the very government that claim global superior morality, it is time to appoint new protectors, guards and sentinels for our liberty.
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Let's put this in as clear terms as we can.  My fellow Americans, when you labor for meager living in your factories affording Uncle Sam his excess share you are financing a tapestry of horror.  When you work for an overbearing condescending boss just to scrape a living, yet surely paying taxes, you are advocating our government stripping faith from our rooms of learning yet establishing a state religion built on bloodshed and murder.  When you sweat laying concrete highways in 100 + degree weather just to make ends meet while being mandated to pay your taxes, you are enabling the powers that be to arm and finance those who have no regard for basic life - even to the beheading with a dull kitchen knife.

What say you America!  You were reserved to come forth and be born on this land in this country for a reason.  You are inheritors and benefactors of those who've sacrificed so much to preserve the liberty you enjoy.  Your destiny in the eyes of God are absolute.  Choose good over evil and ye shall prosper.  Compromise your values little by little and you'll lose everything - even unto your very soul.  That's what is at stake for Americans.  We really do have a moral responsibility and obligation to the world.  Believe it or not many nations look toward us for this leadership.  Currently, they thirst for it because it cannot be found even in American representation.  

When we have a White House spokesman that just shakes his head on television for public sentiment at continued questions over Benghazi just a few months after the murder of four Americans in Libya then it's time to clean house.  When we have a State Department Secretary conveniently step down just when her answers to questions were most needed then it's time to break out the 409 in Washington.  When the bloated IRS is proven to withhold liberties on certain individuals and groups in America then it's time to get out the brillo pads.  When demographics in the inner metropolitan cities dictate national elections over the rest of the more sane nation it is time consult Mr. Clean.  When our military chaplains are mandated to no longer display the Holy Bible for political correctness then it's time for a little surgery on a big cancer.  There is a crystal clear pattern of disassociation from all accountability by our Administration.

I am not a conspiracy theorist.  I believe that many who subscribe to conspiracies endanger their field of view of simpler explanations.  However, I do know right and wrong.  I do know when an individual, group or country is under the influence of an adverse power and influence bent on the destruction of the basic unit of family and individual choice and accountability.  Yes, even bent on the destruction of an individual's ability to prosper and pursue happiness.
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We've seen beheading videos before and unfortunately we've become all but desensitized to them.  The murderer parades the head then places it on the street.  The common chant in the Arab tongue is "Allah is great!"  Can you tell me in all honesty how these types of groups and mindsets can be reasoned with?  How can diplomacy thrive with those who view life as being only for the fittest?  It is our duty as American citizens to reject the support of countries who demonstrate inhumane actions.  I don't give a rats #$^%$% if they are a different people with a different culture and that we should strive to "understand" them.  We are Americans who are supposed to be standing for truth and right.

This is not the America established by our Founding Fathers.  Our government was to have been forged out of the refining fires of past tyranny and unrest.  Our Fathers designed this country under the inspiration of the Father of all heaven to be governed of, by and for the people.  Many cultures throughout history enjoyed a 200-400 year cycle.  You will notice a rise in prosperity brought on by hard work and industry coupled with strong families and traditional values recognizing God in all things.  During that prosperity you see a segment of apathy and entitlement where hard work is shunned, and gain at the expense of the neighbor is the means of happiness.  Then comes the sharp decline of all morality and especially liberty.  Before you know it either the people all end in bloodshed or totalitarianism and communism fills the vacuum of power.

I pray for the spirit of America.  I pray for the foundation of America that it may be resolute and true.  I pray that it be not made a wolf in sheep's clothing.  I pray that this people will steer their thoughts away from what they think they are entitled to and start thinking about what they need to do to secure a nurturing home and family full of faith, love and liberty.  I pray that unwavering dignity and integrity be restored to the White House and the halls of Congress.  May they come to reflect the true interest of the American heart.

Mormon Pioneer Reenactment in Southwest Iowa

Scores of young men and young women from ages 14-18 set out this past week on a 27 mile trek as part of their Council Bluffs Iowa Stake Youth Conference.  They started out in Imogene, Iowa and trekked west toward the Tabor area.  It was an inspiring event for all.  Memories and lessons learned will carry with them throughout their life.  Clothed in pioneer-type apparel they were organized into families and assigned hand carts to pull.  In an age of excess convenience it often takes reenactments like this to bring us back into focus.  It takes a taste of hardship to help us realize the sacrifices that were made to ensure our way of life.

The Mormon Pioneer experience extended over a 1,000 mile stretch across the Midwest into the Salt Lake Valley in the 1840s and 50s.  It was an essential product of years of persecution from other "would be" Christian factions and others just scared and paranoid of the faith and industry of the Latter-day Saints.  Joseph Smith, the translator of the Book of Mormon, was murdered in cold blood along with his brother, Hyrum, in Carthage, Illinois.  This was an addition to the scores of other Latter-day Saints murdered previous and after this time.  This escalated persecution and perpetuated the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from their homes near the Mississippi River in Nauvoo, Illinois.

After a miracle which enabled the Saints to cross the Mississippi they endured extreme hardships and immense death in their journey across Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and into Utah.  Many families lost children, mothers and fathers especially during the winter of 1846-7 at Winter Quarters in what is now the Council Bluffs/north Omaha area.  They pulled handcarts through deep mud and relentless shoulder high grass.  They trekked across the ice and snow which barely allowed them to dig graves for their children.  Though incredible pains were endured it was apparent that it was part of the plan of God to place these select Latter-day Saint families into a Refiner's Fire that they may come forth purified and exalted to stations of respect and honor with a legacy never more to be forgotten.

These families that these youth were organized in at one point had to endure, just as their forebears in the 1800s, the loss of the men.  The men were removed as a reenactment of the calling of the Mormon Battalion.  It is fascinating to comprehend.  The Mormon Pioneers, though rejected by their government and countrymen for their faith, were fierce advocates of the Constitution of the United States and the founding principles of this great land.  When the government came and asked for volunteers to aid in the Mexican War the men were encourages to stand and be counted.  What an incredible burden these women had to bear in continuing the wagon train across the wilderness without the strength and manpower of their husbands, fathers and sons!  They were eventually returned just as when the War ended to help their wives, mothers and children continue the journey.

An interesting note is that they were all given pins each with a name of an actual Pioneer.  At the end of the journey and all were assembled to discuss their feelings it was announced that all who wore a brown pin had died on the trek.  Place yourself in that scene and feel the humbled atmosphere.  Then we can begin to appreciate the sacrifice of the Saints.

Many would ask, why?  Why would they endure such a thing?  Why wouldn't they just forsake their faith and assimilate into society?  Why would any God allow such distress to take place among any of His children?  In order to answer these questions we must look toward today and see the fruits of the hardships and labors of our Mormon Pioneers.  Without these efforts millions of hungry around the world would not have been fed.  Hundreds of thousands would not have clean water and been taught how to install well systems.  Millions would not have been equipped with essential life skills learned from the Boy Scouts of America, which program the Latter-day Saints have long since advocated.  Without these efforts you might as well have cut off most of the American West clear through Iowa.  The entire landscape and demographics today wouldn't even be recognized in comparison had the Mormon Pioneer experience not taken place.

In my humble opinion the greatest affect is on the American family.  The Mormons have always centralized the family as being the beginning and the end of all mortal and eternal existence.  As spelled out in the Proclamation to the World the traditional family as designed by God is with a mother and father rearing their children in the home.  They would be reared in righteousness and taught to not just fear God but more importantly to develop a personal relationship with Him.  Had the Pioneer experience not happened the decay of the family that we see today would have been accelerated ten fold.  Imagine where we'd be as a people today.........

I'm grateful that the Mormon Pioneer experience was granted to these modern youth.  I'm grateful that they had that taste in order to more fully appreciate their own heritage.  Through this exercise their convictions to God deepened and their association with the Pioneers strengthened.  They are now armed more fully to go out into the world as they will soon be adults, and become loving responsible parents and Constitution endearing citizens with the spirit of liberty always in their hearts.