Passing of Shenandoah Leaders and the Torch of Service

Former City Attorney Bob Norris and City Councilman Don Gibson of Shenandoah have passed away, each from long-suffered illness.  Though a double whammy for the city of Shenandoah it is a time to reflect on what they've left behind.  It would be inappropriate for me to speak of surviving family members.  Yet, our hearts and prayers are with them all.  As a city official and one well acquainted with both, I offer my thoughts and reflections at this time.

I've only known these two men since my commencement on the Shenandoah City Council.  I cannot comment on growing up with these two, but I can comment on how they've helped me grow up.

Bob Norris was a fascinating man.  His knowledge of law baffled me many times in our meetings.  Not only was he greatly knowledgeable, but he executed the law with compassion, empathy and objectivity.  I have a deeper appreciation though.  Twice I have been blessed to be in his company on trips to Tisovec, Slovakia.  As part of our Sister City project we strived to know and understand our partners across the waters.  Bob had a genuine love for the people.  He bonded with them especially with he and his wife's host family.  I was impressed on more than one occasion to witness the tears in his eyes as he felt the sorrows of their history and the uncertainty of their future.

Remembering those who have passed on is a verb and not something passive.  The verb is in actively instilling those characteristics that impressed you into your very being.  To you that keeps them alive and active in your soul.  From Bob I will endeavor to remember his humility, honesty and integrity.  I will reach out even more to succor the downtrodden and the weak.  Truly, I will miss Bob Norris.

I served on the Shenandoah City Council with Councilman Don Gibson.  In addition to that I served on the Water Committee with him.  He had a unique view of the world and the bureaucracy behind it.  I was always impressed that all of his votes and opinions revolved around the good of the people.  Even in the face of opposition he held his ground on many occasions.  With all the contention revolving around our progressing new water plant project Don held his ground multiple times.  From Don Gibson I'll remember and pursue courage to stand for what I feel is right.

Experiencing death can be heart-wrenching.  It pulls at the emotional strings for the family and friends left behind.  Yet, in those troubled hours it is important to exercise faith in a bright hope.  It is important to believe with a degree of happiness that they are now in the joyous company of family and friends who preceded them in death.  Our loss in life can only be their gain on the others side.

Now, without the pain of sickness they live with clarity of thought and renewed love and hope for mankind left behind.

Brussels Terror Attack US Leadership and the Turning Tide of Public Opinion

On this day in history the rodents of ISIS claims responsibility for the terror attacks on Brussels in Belgium.  This event, as with all other deadly terror activities like Paris and New York City, should sicken the very soul of every God-fearing human being with even an ounce of compassion and empathy.  It is bad enough we must witness the cowardice of these vermin, but to continually witness the cowardice of political leaders and campaigners is equally unsettling.  As we in the United States watch this political season need we say our very humanity is at stake?  Should not our potential leader be one who has the courage to lead the absolute eradication of the disease ISIS?  Have we not, by our ignorance and arrogance, not finally come to the understanding that destruction is at our door and most likely has slithered under and around that door?  Are we still going to claim two blind eyes to the threat to the pursuit of happiness?

Our current leader in this post will take on the title from the popular Harry Potter series, "He Who Must Not Be Named."  Other posts of mine have named him but as time rolls on I've found him unworthy of mention by name.  I find him unworthy of the post he holds, and one supposing to be capable of fighting this cancer as well as showing support and empathy in times of sorrow.  While the world burns this day in Belgium, He Who Must Not Be Named plays ball with the Cuban regime dedicated to oppression and the downfall of the United States.  They drink and be merry at a ball game and wave their arms like circling wolves devoid of compassion and understanding.  Truly these past two terms of Office exemplify the mires of apathy we are led to accept as the norm of the West.

I speak for myself in saying my heart and prayers extend to the Brussels attack victims.  I've got a connection if you will as four of our Latter-day Saints (Mormon) missionaries have been seriously injured.  Missionaries - whose primary duty is to provide service to anyone in need.  Their innocence is not less or greater than the others who have been injured or murdered.  Violence of this type really rips at the heart.

Now a final thought that may not be popular.  Yes, I now support Donald Trump for President of the United States.  I take a longer view when determining my support during a Presidential campaign season.  Yes, I believe it is vital to have someone who supports and speaks the language of the Constitution of the United States.  From that standpoint I support Ted Cruz.  However, I also look at the needs of the people in the current time.  Is not our country in such a degraded state that demands action?  I should say so!  Sanders' social beliefs counter every principle this country was founded on.  Hillary is just a bad choice all around.  I shouldn't need to dig into her repertoire.  Cruz is good but I don't believe his time is yet to be President.  Rallying action is not his strong suit though his intentions are honorable.  What's needed is action.

Yes, Donald Trump is loose with the tongue.  Even to an offensive degree for me.  However, I believe his qualities are needed at this time in the history of the United States and the world.  Our economy is in shambles and the failed Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare is to say the least - unsustainable.  I know this first hand.  Most every businessman has had failed endeavors.  That charge of bankruptcies against him holds no weight.  What makes him good economically is that he's learned to press on and succeed.  Aside and also in connection with his business experience, as a leader he does know that he doesn't know everything.  What he does know is how to surround himself with those who do know.  To create a team of actionable professionals is what's needed in this current political and social climate.

Sure, I may be wrong, but it's a whole lot better than the thought of the progress of Socialism or ultra-liberal Hillaryism.

Again, may the victims of the Brussels attack and their families find comfort and solace in their time of need.  May we, in turn, be blessed to act on individual inspiration on how we might best help them and the threat at large.  These sick dogs (ISIS and other like groups) need to be slated off the world.  Ask yourself who in this political season has the platform to bring the United States back to a leadership role and truly lead the unmatched charge against them?

Is it not time to do our part and recognize the threats abroad - even at our borders?