Dangers of Coffee Shop Politics and New Shenandoah Water Plant

In Shenandoah we have a small population as well as an aging population.  One of the great comforts among the retired and semi-retired is the opportunity to attend morning coffee shop gatherings.  It is in every way a religious gathering.  Though on Sundays people can miss out on church and religious observance, but under no circumstances can they miss out on daily morning coffee and the local gossip.  It can be a collection in the range of two to twenty people.  Oftentimes the primary use of such occasions is to gossip and complain about the goings on locally.  Conversations tend to stretch matters more over local interests than national or global.  Let's delve into this matter.

I've been in office coming up on five months now.  One of the biggest decisions I've helped make is the construction of a new water plant.  Of course there are those for and against the project.  The biggest concern has been the effect on household taxes.  Those against the measure are adamant about their taxes being high.  In the coffee shop, criticism is sharp against elected officials and the way they handle city business and recently business concerning the new water plant.  Though all their concerns are valid they still openly question the motives and procedures of the City Council.

However, I speak to you now of personal responsibility.  Whomever reads this will not look upon me favorably and I welcome comments at the bottom of this post.  Never have I seen a great public showing at City Council meetings by citizens expressing concern about their taxes or any other concern.  Most of the attendees of Council meetings are those in city departments such as Street Department, Park and Recreation, Water Treatment or other city officials.  Also in attendance are those specifically asked by the Mayor, City Administrator or City Council as part of recognition or to address about a specific concern.

It is a joy and a refreshing feeling to have a citizen attend the City Council meeting with a legitimate concern that effects them.  They come and take part in the process.  They come and address the Council, ask questions and hopefully get a satisfactory response or resolution to the matter.

We are elected by you to make large decisions reflecting the greater interest of the citizens of Shenandoah, Iowa.  You are our boss!  You have the right and duty to attend the many meetings open and available to you.  You have the right and open invitation to attend the City Council meeting and any number of board and committee meetings adjacent to it.  Concerning the water plant, instead of complaining and wondering why certain decisions are made, or our thinking at the time, you need to come to the meeting, and voice your questions and concerns.  That is where enlightenment takes place!

Twice on each agenda of City Council meetings are opportunities for the public to address the Council.  After hearing the Council discussion on an issue it is at that time that you voice your thoughts during the Citizens Opportunity to Address the Council.  You have the right to your opinions and complaints.  Yet, for your own good make sure your feelings are well informed ones.  Attend the City Council meetings and be informed as to how your elected officials handle the business of the city of Shenandoah.

After the meeting you may still harbor ill feelings toward the Council decisions but at least you'll come away hopefully understanding the reasons why.  The vast majority of those in the "coffee shop" mode never step inside a Council meeting.  Yet they are quick to dissect the decisions of those elected officials.  Again, it is their right to do so but the price paid is their own lack of knowledge of up-to-date information.

As a taxpayer you have the right to have your voice heard!  Be responsible and gather pertinent information inherent to your concern.  When you address the Council you complete a circle that our Founding Fathers helped forge from the blood and sweat of many thousands.  You reflect a voice.  When you express your voice you further advance a government for the people, of the people and by the people.

The Three Stooges at a Theater Near You - in Iowa?

The Three Stooges - a review.  Should this be on this blog or not?  I include these thoughts here because this movie is currently playing in Shenandoah, Iowa.  Few movies resound heavily in the heart of man as being profound and inspiring.  Few are found worthy of greatness and renown of true works of art.  Few truly alter human understanding and produce a fruitful field of compassionate philanthropic activity among the sons and daughters of men.  I refer my accolades to The Three Stooges - as they were meant to be.

The Three Stooges

I do not, however, refer to the new release of The Three Stooges.  Only at extreme various times do I find myself nodding off or snoozing during a movie.  Chalk it up to the time of day or even perhaps gas, but when my son and I went to the late showing of The Three Stooges I scarcely knew that I was destined, or doomed, to shame unto unconsciousness.  Sleep, yes sleep was the activity for me not a half hour into the movie.  With each small reach into consciousness came the need or desire to sink back down into nothingness.  It was that bad!

Larry, Moe and Curly are icons!  They are a most righteous collection of misfits!  This new release movie is a failed attempt at mimicking the old episodes and those wonderful characters.  The stunts played by Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos and Will Sasso pail in comparison to the antics of Larry, Moe and Curly of old.  The new release attempted to link the old and the new by mimicking the process of creating short subject lines in the movie with film cut curtain calls.  Though reinventing the American vaudeville was interesting it certainly loses the modern audience.

I bring about this subject for the safety and concern for all my countrymen in Shenandoah, Iowa.  If you want to retain your sanity and self control then don't see this movie.  If you want to grow to be an upstanding citizen and an exceptional mother or father then don't see this movie.  Likewise, to ensure these great qualities immerse yourself in the Larry, Moe and Curly of old.  It will make you wise and fruitful with knowledge.

Because of the travesty of this new release movie of The Three Stooges I have labeled this post under Disaster.  Go ahead, watch the movie and you'll understand the plight of my heart.  The only thing that drove the dagger further into my heart is getting out of the movie only to find Kony 2012 posters all over the downtown area - including my vehicle window.

Kony 2012 hits Small Town Shenandoah Iowa

In small town Shenandoah, Iowa we often don't expect a national craze to come here but it did just last night.  My son and I went to see a movie, Three Stooges, and when we got out we found windows and light poles throughout downtown plastered with Kony 2012 cheap posters of copy paper.

Now, I will not offer any opinions on Kony himself, but I will say that I vehemently oppose any individual or group who restrains the liberties of others.  I oppose anyone who rips families apart.  I oppose anyone who instigates military action against the weak or defenseless for personal and prideful reasons.  Now, having said that I, by no means, jump on any bandwagon to apprehend any particular individual.  In my position that would be irresponsible.  Also, we cannot judge soundly from one viral video.  There are still many things we don't know.  I write this in response to the flyers posted all over my town last night.

There are many ways to inform, motivate and convince the people to a certain view.  Using the Internet is among the most expanding and powerful means.  If you are a Kony activist or of some other organized group be creative in using the Internet.  Start a Facebook Page, get a website!  Hey, here's an oldy but goody: go door to door.  Heck, even a few church groups still proselyte by means of door-to-door.  Try it, you might like it!

Look, I admire one's freedom to bring awareness to a situation.  I even support the right to protest it.  However, I really don't appreciate defacing public property or littering our streets over it.  There are much cleaner and more efficient methods of activism than that.  Why go through all the effort and footwork of copying paper and covertly putting them on car windows and light poles?  Here's a thought:  if an action is the right thing to do then why are you compelled to do it in the dead of night when no one is watching?  Well, perhaps that action is not the right thing to do....

For my fellow residents of Shenandoah, Iowa I humbly support your privileges as American citizens.  Assemble how you may but do so with a little confidence and pride in your own community.  If you want Kony down then go for it but please keep your Shenandoah streets looking nice and presentable.  May your worthy efforts prove fruitful!

Astronomical Event over Midwest Shenandoah Iowa

Outdoor activities can be fun and exciting!  Astronomy is among the great activities that expands the imagination and will to learn.  At Rapp Park just outside of Shenandoah, Iowa the High School Astronomy Club had an evening of stargazing and learning.  It was a privilege to be invited by them to attend with the scopes I had on hand.

What started out as a cloudy day lasted on into a clearing sunset.  The clouds quickly burned off after the sun went down.    They were able to see Venus, Mars, Mercury, Saturn and many stars and constellations.  What started out as a cookout with unfavorable cloudy conditions ended up as a pleasant lakeside Astronomy Club event.

For the people of Shenandoah this is a great event to report on.  We have a great location and youth who are curious and want to learn about the world and worlds around them.  Our city and countless other need to harness and utilize their resources to continue fostering that learning and desire for knowledge.

We used my Dobsonian Skywater reflector, Meade Lightswitch, Astroscan reflector and GoScope all of which proved useful.  Using telescopes is a peering into unknown parts of the human experience.  It's the gaze into knowledge yet unknown.  Many of our young go to their beds at night dreaming of common space travel.  They see movies like Star Trek and Aliens and wonder about extraterrestrial civilizations yet to be found.

It is my hope that these young minds will hunger to grasp their potential.  If gazing and learning about the stars works then all the more power to it.  By expanding knowledge our young grow to be more effective leaders, compassionate and problem-solving parents and pillars of example.

I thank Mr. Morse and his invitation to attend this event.  I thank the students who asked questions and were curious.  I thank the city and creators of Rapp Park for giving us the ideal setting and I thank God for parting the clouds.

Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation by Mayor Hunt

By proclamation read at City Council Shenandoah Mayor Richard Hunt declared April 2012 as Shenandoah's Child Abuse Prevention month.  In a heartfelt decree it was noted the importance of abuse prevention for the sake of Shenandoah's youth.  The mayor offered an outreach that businesses, organizations and faiths band together in cooperation in the common cause of preventing child abuse.

Overwhelmingly, the most common reported form of abuse is child neglect.  Though deemed not as important, neglect is just as damaging as any other form of abuse.  Causes for this are many including household finances and employment.  It is unfortunate that an estimated at least half of all child abuse goes unreported.

For the city of Shenandoah may it be stressed to an unhindered degree that our youth are our future and lifeblood of this community.  As parents we bear the duty and responsibility to raise our children in a wholesome and productive manner.  With increased government dependence and moral decay comes the increased mindset of dulled ownership of the mind and will of our household offspring.  This is damaging to the family and a disgusting display of selfish knowledge of open neglect.

Patriots to the Cause of a Happy Home and Community

Once a man hired a construction contractor to build him a home. A grand home fit for a king with all the comforts and luxuries that money can buy. The main stipulation to the proposed contract was that only the best premium materials were to be used. The contractor looked over the specifications and layout of the home and agreed to build the edifice. The owner prepaid the price in full and both were satisfied. So work immediately began.

The contractor kept to the time line and work progressed impressively. After a while the contractor noticed that the owner wasn't coming around to regularly inspect the home. Calming his own fears he would have the owner meet with him at the construction site a couple times a week. The walk through went fine but with little questioning from the owner. The owner would make his smile then drive off the building site. As time drew on the contractor figured that the owner may not be as serious about the workmanship of the home as he had thought. Using that as a basis he then began to take short cuts and to use cheaper materials. He strayed from his true nature as a craftsman in order to maximize his return on the contract for less expense on materials.

The day came that all the finishing touches were made and all looked cosmetically sound and of impeccable quality. The owner came down and inspected the home. After the final inspection was made the contractor asked the owner on what he thought of the home. The owner then said that the home wasn't for himself but for the contractor. He then signed over the paperwork and gave it to him.

We truly reap what we sow. This man sought to deceive, even after the price had been paid, but in the end found out that he was building his own grand home out of the efforts and materials he, himself, initiated. Now, knowing of the fruits of his labors he holds the keys to the mansion he built.

Though this is a parable of a life lesson it's a lesson that we need to hear much more often. It is directly tied to happiness. If we are to maintain a higher standard of character and living we must be worthy by holding tight to our integrity and not deviating from that course. We are known in southwest Iowa for a great workforce. By exceeding expectations in labor and character we further invite more business into our community.

More importantly, by being true to oneself we help ensure happiness in the home. Marriages will be saved, children will have esteem and do better in school and the workplace will have joy.

The parable outlined is owed to Elder Ward of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a profound parable modified in modern terms that's easily understood.

Let's let Shenandoah and the surrounding communities shine with a bright hope in the future by justifying our homes with renewed integrity and assured diligence in making them temples held sacred for all time.

How to Have a Dignified Death

In the Spring of 2012 a funeral occurred in Shenandoah, Iowa.  The passing of our family and friends is often difficult to accept but is likely seen as a blessing to those who suffer.  This blog post is an observance of the respect shown on behalf of the community.  A respect that is quickly fading from common view of the public and society at large.

First off I believe we have a peculiar treasure in southwest Iowa and Shenandoah especially.  We have top notch, professional and compassionate funeral homes here that I'd easily recommend to anyone.  This funeral was of my mother-in-law so I aim this particular compliment to Hackett Livingston Funeral Home.  It has been a busy week in this business and the funeral homes have been working hard to satisfy the needs of the families involved.  Hackett has my endearing respect because they also served the funeral services for my firstborn son twenty years ago.  On behalf of the family I thank Hackett Livingston Funeral Home for their care and respect for the dearly departed.

It is my character and drive to observe the events of today.  I see the slow and rapid decay of morality in my own beloved nation.  I see deceit and hate run rampant through the halls of federal government down through the halls of grade school.  I see school teachers giving up because the education reform has brought them and this generation a grave disservice.  I see mothers and fathers neglecting their children and drowning their lives in alcohol, tobacco, pornography and equally as damaging - television.  Often my outlook is grim but on this beautiful funeral day I noticed something bright.

There are a few commonly accepted customs associated with a funeral.  Obviously, after the funeral the hearse leads the procession of vehicles to the grave site.  It is always proper respect and symbolic that the procession turns their lower beam lights on.  Not only does this indicate a funeral to oncoming traffic but it also acknowledges the passing of a dear friend, family or loved one.

Mainly, there are but two courtesies that oncoming traffic should always express.  First, traffic should use extra care in their driving.  Safety is paramount and can be accompanied with compassion.  An oncoming driver should offer their sentiments and condolences by also turning their low beam lights on.  This is a grateful acknowledgement that someone's mortal journey has successfully ended.

Also courteous is when the oncoming traffic pulls off to the side of the road and comes to a complete halt until the procession has passed.  Again, safety first but it is an extra homage to the dignity of the funeral and how we treat our dead in general.  When people stop it's as if they voluntarily stop the daily hustle and bustle of life's pace to reflect and show respect for that person whom is now at rest.

I publicly thank and commend the residents of Shenandoah, Iowa, for their expression of these oncoming traffic dignities.  They were not all the older generation but a mix of old and young.  The family thanks you for this small yet significant service you provided!

These kinds of acts serve as a reinforcement of hope for the future of our young.  Keep these and other worthy traditions and customs alive.  It is my belief that part of our judgement rests in how we treat our dead and dying.  Live and act according to how you'd like to meet and be received by your loved one when your time comes.

I encourage you to ponder over these thoughts.

Sports Tournament for Area Churches to Battle it Out!

Get ready to rumble! Are you ready for some dodgeball? In the community of Shenandoah, Iowa, a miracle compilation of area church youth groups combine to battle it out for People for Paws. That's the aim of the event which took place but what was the silent diamond-like precept taught? The young men and women learned that we are not all that different and that we have much the same struggles as the next guy. What does it mean to hold dear our neighbor? What would it take in your own life to stretch forth the arm of understanding that you may hold your sentient neighbor as someone of just as great a worth as yourself?

We are in the dark midst of intolerance. The age old topics of intolerance remain but are accompanied by much more trivial and modern “reasons” to seek occasion against a brother. We've got inflated intolerance of size, country of origin, consensus of military, how food is eaten and even an intolerance of lady bugs. The age old subject is the intolerance of religion. In 2012 in the community of Shenandoah, Iowa, a miracle took place among the rising generation of future leaders and families. In the pursuit of understanding, good will and sportsmanship among all faiths a community in southwest Iowa pinned their youth groups strategically against the other to engage in a dodgeball tournament. The tournament took place on the 14^th of March and all free will proceeds went to People for Paws.

Participating area Christian faiths were two teams from St. Mary's Catholic Church of Shenandoah, St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hamburg, St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Imogene, St. John's Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, Assembly of God, Harvest Family Church, First Presbyterian Church and two teams from the Shenandoah Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was an interesting feeling for all, especially at first, to be all under one roof yet associated with our own respective faith. However, with popcorn to sustain us and an exceptional display of sportsmanship everyone had fun and retired to their homes all the better for it.

Though this was an epic first step it is but one in a series of larger steps to be taken to ingrain our young with the liberating feelings of acceptance and understanding. There is no reason to shun the prospect of friendship based upon differing religious doctrines and views. The experience of the human journey is the road less traveled and is often stripped from ourselves and our young. Without the drive and experience of learning and stretching one's own limits there can be no growth.

This event benefited People for Paws from which a great number of animals will find homes or be cared for. Yet all in attendance, both young and old, have been enlarged and uplifted from this experience. It is hoped that this is the first annual dodgeball event. The potential gain from these types of events is immeasurable!

Look at the prosperity and the potential of our city. Aside from the other company markets, located here is the start of an entire industry of algae biofuel. If the trend of incredible success continues then this area will expand and grow. By starting now to build a foundation of cooperation and openness among the citizens of our area that growth will continue with minimal degradation of morality and charity in the years to come. This is unlike most other small and metropolitan cities that grew without building the community “house” upon the diamond rock of holding our neighbor dear to the heart.

Let's go forth and lead by example! All present, youth and adults, were winners that evening! In closing let's offer a quote from Father Vern Smith of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

"Truly, Shenandoah's wonderful cooperation between the various churches makes our city a bright light of faith shining brightly here in southwest Iowa.”

What is Fasting? Cure for the United States Moral Decay?

What is fasting? Religious fasting has been a roller coaster practice throughout the centuries. What was once a common practice has become a cursed word among those who don't offer such sacrifice or deem it totally unnecessary. It is practiced yet today in various forms but fast becoming seen as only a dangerous act solely for the zealot bent on the downfall and destruction of others. Religion is in danger and in particular Christianity. What is fasting and what does it mean?

Fasting in it's purest sense is the purposed proactive free agency of man to draw nearer to God. It is that time when the individual identifies his own fallen nature by his own past actions and thoughts and resolves to make recompense with God that his spirit may be renewed and find new strength. For those who practice devoutly it is seen not as being starved of food sustenance but rather a self cleansing of all impurities that the exercise of true faith will uphold him. Fasting should always have a purpose for which end requires personal sacrifice.

Catholics and Mormons are among the Christian theologies that still regularly practice fasting. Though they both instill the practice differently the purpose and outcome are still often the same. To draw nearer unto God.

Fasting for the Catholics involves the holy time of Lenten. Beginning on Ash Wednesday Lenten holds the fast for forty days leading up to Easter. Lent or Lenten is Anglo-Saxon for “spring” or “springtide”, but also means “March.” March, of course, is the month for the start of Lent. Throughout the many years Lenten observance of the fast varied as far as how long to fast and what should or shouldn't be taken in as food.

Lent today carries simple observances. The fast is observed except for one meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday in conjunction with abstaining from meat. Meat is abstained on the other Lent Fridays. Now, during Lent a sacrifice is encouraged as a sign of one's faith. However, these sacrifices can technically be partaken of on Sundays and solemnities such as St. Joseph's Day and the Annunciation. Lent is an excellent time to purify and sanctify oneself. There is great personal agency to choose how diligently to observe the fast during Lent.

For the Latter-day Saints, or the Mormons, fasting is also very important and an essential part of devoted faith. It is a cleansing act for the self in it's drawing closer to God. Mormon teachings express that one can fast when they choose as it is with the Catholic faith. Latter-day Saints have a regular practice to devote each first Sunday of the month to the Fast. On that day the membership is encouraged to forego two consecutive meals. In addition to that it is asked that they offer the monetary value of those two meals to the Fast Offering Fund. This fund is what priesthood leaders use to aid the poor and the needy in their local congregation boundaries. Other opportunities for mass fasting occur during times of disaster or special petitions before the Lord.

Whatever your religious affiliation you often return from a fast much more devoted, renewed and with an increased clarity of thought. You've achieved the goal of the fast – to draw nearer unto God.

So why bring this up? What does fasting have to do with me? The change in world affairs mutates by the day. We can hardly recognize a few years ago let alone yesterday. Values once held dear to our hearts just a few decades ago are now viewed as outdated and discriminatory. To counter this trend traditionally-minded people proposed initiatives before state and federal congresses. On occasion valued principles have won out only to see it overturned by judges a few month later.

The Constitution of the United States is in jeopardy. Our leaders have been corrupted by veils of darkness propagated by forces set on defeating the inspired Constitution. Our very liberties and freedoms are being sold away as our dependence on foreign countries grows. How are we to maintain this great nation and the promise of prosperity for our children? Perhaps the time has come to fast.

Let us petition the Lord as individuals, families and even churches. Petition that our hearts will remain resolute and firm in the foundation of truth. Firm that we won't be swayed by ill-influenced mindsets of the few yet powerful. Firm that mercy will prevail and that the veil will be lifted from those whom are willing to restore this great nation as one who acknowledges it under God.

Perhaps the lesson we are all to learn is that the power is within us to change the world around us. There is power in numbers. Perhaps a unified fast among the people of the United States will clasp hands with the will of the Father in restoring integrity and independence not only to our leaders but also to the general public.

Correction starts at the individual and family level. The basic unit of society must be justified in their petition. Whatever your faith give the laws of the fast a leap of faith. You may just learn a thing or two about yourself.

Web Design and Technology Give Way to International Exchange

It's a world of web design, e-commerce, instant messaging, free video chats, new frontiers in technology and a host of other exciting thresholds.  All these are good and can serve to benefit mankind.  Yet, a vast number of men, women and youth feel more alone and isolated than ever.

We residents of Shenandoah, Iowa, can often feel secluded from the world just as other rural areas.  Especially our youth who definitely often feel out of touch with the "greater" world outside.  But it is greater - with knowledge!  Can we bridge the gap in some small manner between rural populations and the world at large?

Shenandoah is part of the Sister Cities International program in which we are associated with a community overseas named Tisovec, Slovakia.  It's a small community of comparable population.  A very picturesque valley rich in history.  The Sister Cities International program serves to enlarge cultural exchange and dialogue between peoples and lands.  It's a very worthy ongoing project.

Sister Cities is a platform upon which a wide variety of activities can be built.  A delegation from Tisovec has visited Shenandoah and likewise we've visited them.  In the spring of 2012 Shenandoah will be sending a delegation over there for an important occasion.  A tree planting ceremony will take place to solidify the Shenandoah/Tisovec relationship.  The opportunity itself is a grand gesture to any host community that good intentions are at heart.

We are in the midst of worldwide turmoil.  It can be extremely hard for any person, young or old, to have a bright outlook on life and prosperity.  What we hear on the news is by and large skewed according to what that person believes.  That's what makes Sister Cities and other like projects so precious and helpful.  As we work together and get to know each other we then become friends.  Through a working and continuing dialogue we can be happy and in fact even prevent the loss of life through future wars and strife.  

Anarchy and Seeking Peaceful Change

It is important to follow the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States and use them as the template of proper order of government on all levels.  It's important for the people, citizens of this nation, to know that they have been given the power and responsibility to provide a descent government for themselves.  If such a government fails to truly represent it's people then they may be elected out.  Every now and then a major change may need to be made.  Our Fathers knew this in light of their relationship with England.  They've provided the outline for peaceful transitioning of new government if it be the will of the people.  How important this piece is to the safety and continuation of this great nation.  In a modern time where we are having a spread of anarchy in the streets it's good to know that peaceful means of change is possible and in fact advocated by our Fathers.

Such has been the case with Vernon, New Jersey.  They have transformed their government.  A group of citizens recognized the corruption, organized and set forth to change their entire system of local government.  They did so under the Faulkner Act.

May we all remember our civic and national responsibility to tend to our own government for the sake of our happiness and accountability.  Today is the day to vote!  For those that have put the pencil to the paper for my name I thank you tremendously.  For those who did not yet did go to the ballot box I thank you immeasurably for the discharge of your duty.

Sister Cities Shenandoah Iowa and Tisovec Slovakia

Shenandoah has a great asset in Tisovec, Slovakia. Tisovec is Shenandoah's sister city. At Tuesday's (10/11/11) City Council meeting we heard the report of a recent trip there by a Shenandoah delegation. The entire report was superb and full of hope. The Tisovec people, especially in the parliamentary leadership, were moved by Shenandoah's gesture of goodwill. The delegation was even invited to a school program about 9/11. They thought they were going to hear student reports of the dreadful day but instead it was actually a chance for the Slavic people to ask us (the delegation) our own feelings of 9/11. The report was that everyone in attendance was greatly moved. These kinds of events further bind cultures. We are truly blessed to have a friend in the community of Tisovec, Slovakia.

The Sister Cities International program is a great way to connect the world. It's a “win win!” Great strides seem to have been taken to warm relations and strengthen future ties. As a gesture of goodwill Shenandoah proposed a tree planting ceremony on Tisovec ground as symbolic of a solid foundation of relations between our two great cities. This tentatively may take place in the spring of 2012.

As part of my “wish list” of things to happen in Shenandoah while in my proposed tenure of City Councilman At Large is the hope that individuals in our community may organize through this Sister City International delegation to communicate personally with individuals of the sister city of Tisovec, Slovakia. Ongoing communication may help create friendships and foster even economic ideas to benefit each other.

Constantly improved technology can make this process easy. With the help of Facebook and even the premiere of Google+ exchanges can take place daily. Google+ especially comes to mind because there are simple avenues to have webcam “hangouts” in circles. This can be not only fun but also productive as far as economic ideas and cultural exchanges are concerned.

I plan to look into this process immediately to see it's relevance.

Community Service Initiative Builds America

Serving our fellow citizens is part of purpose and joy. We have so many people in our community willing to help when the call is given. Passing this great ethic and virtue on to the rising generation is an important responsibility for all adults. I've found that many of our youth who seek opportunities of community service lack the knowledge as to where to ask or find it.

I advocate an ongoingly publicized central initiative for youth, whether individually or as an organized group, to go to and receive ideas and projects to help the community. We have a few Boy Scout troops in the area. We can offer them ideas of what we feel the community needs most by way of service. Service helps them learn and to fulfill advancement requirements.

In addition, it's at my attention that a certain amount of documented community service hours are required to be rendered by our High School Seniors. It would be an excellent idea to give them a place to look for these opportunities.

Community service builds character and teaches lessons of selfless service toward others. This benefits the community in countless ways. From a budget perspective community service can help in that area as well. Most of these opportunities are accepted without monetary compensation yet are often recognized in the media. Given that coupled with a group of youth beautifying or benefitting the community is nothing short of a “win win” situation for everyone.

Again, I advocate the idea of a centralized portal where people can go to swiftly and effectively serve their community. There are few better ways to truly connect the community to those whom the community elected as their leaders and councils.   

9/11 Terrorist Attacks Felt in the Midwest Heartland of Iowa

September 11, 2001 – 9/11 – 911, or whatever else it may be called. Few epic moments define our modern world and the United States of America. Arbitrarily, the Republic was shaken to the core in downtown New York City. I remember that day though it was a couple thousand miles away in the Midwest. As I reflect may I offer a few observations for the future.

I was working in a warehouse in the small community of Riverton, Iowa. Riverton has always jokingly and seriously been known as the town that floods when it sprinkles. Situated squarely between Shenandoah and Hamburg, Riverton resides right on the Nishnabotna River. The setting is given when we heard that the north tower had been struck. That was a pivotal moment in the American psyche, that was to define the following course of this country. During those moments we didn't know if it was an accident or an act of terrorism. We wanted to believe in an accident. Why? Because the thought of terrorism was too large, too coordinated and quite frankly too Hollywood to be real. We've lived so long in a “comfort zone” and just survived the bloated “dot com” boom that our own pride prevented the consideration of the worst.

There was no television in the warehouse so we intently and quietly listened to the radio for developments. Constantly the media projected numbers. Numbers, numbers, a ceaseless string of numbers! “Up to 60,000 may be dead!” Though physically we were not in the center of the circus of vertigo in New York City, emotionally we were connected as one nation in peril. THAT - was the bonding glue that will survive the United States of America now and in the future as it did at that moment.

I remember my supervisor coming in a while later and with a degree of fear and anger.  She said that another plane struck the tower. She, herself, a long time military patriot hearkened the innate call of danger. At that moment we didn't know that it was the other tower that had been struck. We continued to listen intently for confirmation of the second plane. The resolve was all but complete – the United States of America had been attacked. Whether we liked it or not we were now at war with an army most vague to identify.

Andrew Card informs President Bush the U.S. is under attack.

The confident heart fell as if in a refiner's fire when the news came that the towers crumbled to the ground. The towers came down but the curtains opened up to a future unknown. So vulnerable we felt. So open and helpless became the individual American. So unprepared was this people as we lingered in disbelief.

After work I hurried home to view the constant updates and rehash on the news channel. Time and time again like so many I watched the reruns of the falling towers. For days the numbers varied and finally settled to a number.

Not long after the symbol of the world financial institution fell I strongly noticed how still the sky was. Following protocol the President of the United States was taken to a safe military bunker. Yet, soon thereafter orders manifest that all aircraft were to be grounded.

Those white streams in the sky from the wake of a plane's exhaust disappeared altogether. Especially for a person out in the rural country those planes represent civilization and the surety that America is vibrant and moving. In other words “business as usual.” Suddenly in just a few minutes of epic event, American skies were just thrown back to the 18^th century when all that occupied therein were the birds. Yet, even the birds seemed more somber and reserved. It was as if a divine power which blanket this great nation called upon all life to mourn.

The rest is history but that is where I was. No wonderful activity or spectacular place that I was. Yet, equally important as all other American stories mine will live in infamy as a chapter in my life to be shared with my own children and grandchildren.

I will not discuss religious doctrines or political thoughts. I will share, however, what my life has taught me of this great nation. For current society and posterity sake may it serve to expand wider fields to view.

We are a wealthy nation. Yes, we do have pride here as well perhaps even to a dangerous level. We are also the most charitable and helpful nation on earth. Whether we are liked as a nation or not, we are still indisputably sought out and looked toward for leadership and example. We have a mighty military commissioned to protect our own as well as allied nations. We have massive social deficiencies but the foundation, though weakening, principles of this nation remain in the hearts of so many.

Should this not be so? In such a whirlwind world should we not count it as an inspired gift that we have a country constructed in such a way as to encourage and foster leadership and worthy attributes? The basic heart of man is good and true. If that heart is given the opportunity to thrive it will change it's world. This is what liberty has profited us. Our country has been outlined to provide man liberty and freedom. That liberty and freedom enables happiness. Happiness derives from personal initiative in the progress of work and family. Liberty naturally wants to expand because that happiness in the heart compels the host to share it and testify of it.

We as Americans wear the robes of liberty. How we exercise it determines their colors. Liberty thrives only when connected from one heart to the next – and the next. When we as a nation are bonded as one - liberty cannot be conquered. After the attack a decade ago we were “one” for a time. That oneness is what gave us resolution of heart. It's what gave us the will to stand on our borders, arms locked, till death if the need were to arise for the preservation of our country and spirit of liberty.

We have a duty attached to the expensive liberty which we are to cherish. We have the duty to preserve order by participating in local, state and even federal government and policy making. We have a duty to be willing to protect and preserve this nation and it's tenets. We have a duty to raise our families to the best of our abilities with our posterity's interest at heart. It is the rising generation that will carry the banners of family and liberty forth into the future.

I love this country! I love what it has provided me and my family. I love the responsibility placed upon me even by the cries of our Founding Fathers from the grave. I love that we are able to clasp hands in fellowship even though we may have differing faiths. I love the liberty-inspired free enterprise and free market degree that we have. It's what helps to foster personal growth, expansion and happiness.

I hereby testify that we are a truly inspired nation. That inspiration put to pen so many years ago is born into the hearts of every true American whether domestic born or immigrant. With this liberty we can rise above the political turmoil which we now suffer. Life doesn't have to be complicated. The principles of liberty and freedom are not difficult to understand. Any institution, organization or branch of society that pins it's will against it's own people in a direction of misdirection and confusion is not born of liberty.

We of strong hearts and compassionate minds have the commission, ourselves, to make the difference in this world. Let us all get out there and serve our fellow citizens with love and concern. As our conviction toward our neighbor strengthens our flag will indeed blind all those powers who wish to bring our banner to it's knees. Long may the flag wave pure and happy!