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!

Ukraine Invasion - Russia vs US in World Leadership

In March of 2014 Russian troops under the administration of Vladimir Putin crossed the border and invaded Ukraine.  This was a timely strategic move for Putin which has catapulted his image and influence across the globe.  This in the wake of the 2014 Winter Olympics which just took place in Sochi, Russia.  The United States and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) response has all the power of a snowball in a lit kiln.  What are we to do and what role should the United States play?

President Vladimir Putin has an incredible influence over many affiliated with the G8.  Though not able to chair, the European Union represents a host of nations in Europe.  Most of these nations are at the mercy of Russia and by extension Vladimir Putin.  The lifeline of these nations, being natural gas, is funneled from Russia.  So, in reflection little word or action is expressed by those European nations to adversely influence this flow.  This was proven at a recent NATO meeting where several nations expressed the facade of warning but without an wind to drive it forward.  This pretty much sums up the extent of aggressive cooperation from the European Union - understandably but regrettably.

The Russians have a mighty naval force.  As part of President Putin's narcissistic mind and the need to express a communist aggression, he knows that the Black Sea access via Ukraine is very important if not crucial to his design of intended influence to regional countries and around the world.  Not only this but he views the dissolution of the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) as a monumental catastrophe of the modern era.  I believe his ultimate design is to reign in the former "glory" of communism in that part of the world.  The result being that the Russian empire be extended into every former Soviet republic.

The United States response has been very passive and non-demanding.  This reveals a lot about the United States and where we stand in the eyes of the world in the foreseeable future.  A military action by the United States against Russia will never happen.  The consequences of that makes any sane mind shutter and cringe.  There is no way the US could have any viable naval or air affect in such a Russian influence dominated area.  Yet what weapons do we have that may sway the actions of Vladimir Putin?

Before we get to that let me explain the moral and economic obligation the United States has to the world.  Against popular belief among the Obama Administration we are not a nation of bullies.  We have no more undesirables than any other nation.  The fact that we are a prosperous country endowed with the tools of liberty and freedom can either foster envy or hatred among nations.  In my opinion up until the end of the Reagan era we held a moral compass to the world.  Most of the civilized nations looked up to us as an example, a blueprint of the realization of capitalism coupled with a humanitarian and compassionate people.  Throughout the 90's and on in to the new century the United States began a steady decline of not only morality but also global economic influence.  The resolve of the United States and the leadership displayed by President George Bush following September 11, 2001 temporarily revived some of that authority.

The United States of America has at its foundation the basis of freedom, liberty and the means by which a citizen can become prosperous and industrious unto their happiness.  They have the ability through the sweat of their brow to grow their influence and to leave a well-mannered legacy.  The Constitution of the United States has, stenciled in its very fabric, the light that provides that safe harbor for nations bearing through rough waters.  Every child born under the banner of the Constitution has an innate greatness which we are not only obligated to share but also compelled to exhibit unto all nations.  Morality is the compass of humanity by which mankind is to live by and treat one another.

The world shall always have the need to have a worthy moral and economic example to look up to and lean on for direction.  If the United States fails in it's God-given calling to live up to this mantle - all will be lost.

The world is driven by economics.  Nations are either mass consumers or wealthy producers of goods and services.  In today's world those who hold the purse and influence are those who produce mass amounts of energy.  This includes primarily oil and natural gas.  For various reasons through deals made in smokey rooms behind closed doors the United States has become mass consumers and importers of energy.  It's actually an easy process given the rapid expansion of commerce, business and the need to transport goods and people all over the country.  Unfortunately this has caused a dependency on foreign nations that supply the US with high demand oil resources.  The travesty of this outcome is that the moral and economic lighthouse that America provides has diminished with this dependency in the eyes of the world including Americans.

There is a way to win this.  There is a way to suppress the aggravation of Vladimir Putin who depends heavily on the Dollar which we freely distribute throughout the world for energy.  At the same time there is a way for the United States to gain back the mantle entrusted to United States of America since its inception.

America needs to be producers once again.  Producers independent of foreign influences should be free to cultivate the vast energy resources which God has placed right under our feet.  This will launch us into a new economic era that will benefit the entire world.  This production will provide much needed jobs able to support families.  It will build cities and motivate innovation and industry.  Turning the US percentages into the favorability of energy independence is key in bringing us back into a proper light of moral and economic power.

Bringing home the investment of the Dollar will not only strengthen our currency but also decrease the pull other countries have on our influence and prosperity.  Russia's Vladimir Putin wants to expand and needs our Dollar influence around the globe to do it.

Reinvest the Dollar here at home - collapse the aggressive threat of tyrants against the United States and our allies and those we've covenanted to protect.  Why?  Because we've not only strengthened the Dollar at home but also made our chief protectors great and mighty once again - the United States military.

Catholics and Mormons at Mardi Gras

Here nestled in Southwest Iowa sprawls out a small community of around 5,000 people.  We have about 21 different denominations of Christian sects in this town.  In a nutshell we have a lot of Catholics, Protestants and a handful of Mormons.  In particular though, the Mormons and the Catholics have enjoyed a great relationship over the past several years.  I am grateful for their invitation to attend their Mardi Gras 2014 celebration.  The food was great, the door prizes intriguing and the company brotherly.

It is a busy time of year for the Catholic faith.  After Mardi Gras they will soon begin their Lenten season on Ash Wednesday.  Eventually the Shenandoah Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and St. Mary's Catholic Church will soon have another memorable joint activity in 2014.  Fond memories still linger of our time together during our Feast and Song as I'll name it back in 2010.  We also had a warm holiday together for song and food for Christmas in 2011.  Even amidst the efforts to bring our people together it is paramount to remember that we are all striving for the same hope - the full embrace of our Father in Heaven and the celestial accompaniment of friends and family.

Before I close this brief remark I would like to add something regarding the Catholic Lent practice of fasting and abstinence.  This one practice that Mormons and Catholics share may be among the most precious among the children of men.  I believe it to be vital to bringing the spirit - to the Spirit of God, that we may further assure our very being unto His will and not ours.

Though practiced in varied ways, denying the body of specific pleasures for a time is not only cleansing but a journey of the soul.  It serves as a reminder of the dependence or desire you really had for that which you've willingly abstained from.  It serves as a reminder that through Jesus the Christ who was stripped of even dignity we can overcome the body and magnify the spirit.  True devotion to this practice also enhances compassion.  We are to love the Lord with all our heart and to love our neighbor.  Fasting and abstinence allows us to see with spiritual eyes.  They allow us to forget ourselves in the service of our fellow man.  Without these practices man would forever have been cut off from the presence of the Father.

If we all look past the superficial dogma and stereotyping of other faiths that have culminated over the ages we will see one another as we truly are - children of God in all shapes, sizes and colors.  We Latter-day Saints look forward to mingling once again with our Catholic neighbors and friends of St. Mary's.  With the assault on Christianity churches are falling one-by-one to the ills of the world and the demands of political pressure.  Those who are devout and steadfast must find the humility and power to stand side-by-side with other devout Christians in defending the institution of marriage and the divine design of the family.  I don't say this passively.  If we fail in this endeavor then we fail altogether and have frustrated the spiritual progress of man.

Calamity of Being Politically Terminally Negative

It's quite obvious that public life in the shadow of politics is not an easy path to take.  On the one hand you have the ability to legislate policy, usually along with a council of others, for the betterment of the community, state or country in which you live.  Being in the spotlight also means you gain enemies faster than you gain allies.  Negativity is easy to come by and assume.  It's the positive that we actually have to put forth the effort to see and share.  It isn't necessarily that you are a bad leader or even that your policies that you support are adversely affecting those whom you govern.  It boils down to the here and now of what people want.

During my time on the Council I've had my share of disappointments and hardships.  Entering office at the commencing stages of a new water plant, immediately, approvals of budgets and water plant finance issues were scrutinized by many members of the public.  This is good!  It shows that there are those who are paying attention and providing a community "checks and balances" on whom they elect.  Though encouraging that there are people who actually participate in the critiquing of elected officials, a proper perspective also needs to be employed while keeping emotions in check.

We all do it!  We all judge prematurely the works of officials whom we've elected.  At least most of us do it.  At the same time the vast majority of us do it without a proper perspective in considering the office officials hold and the information they are privy to.  Ultimately we fail to keep our emotions in check thus producing attitudes that this guy is evil or that guy is a puppet.  Though these conceptions may be true, it is also probable that things aren't what they seem.  At least not to the degree we feel the plight may be.  Anyone who can't agree with that simple fact seriously has their eyes veiled at no more than two inches in front of their face.

The issue that exacerbates the already frustrating job of public life are those people who threaten, excessively question or portray a terminal character of negativity.  There are always a select few who carry this view who cannot be reasoned with and to whom nothing can satisfactorily be explained.  They simply want the attention and desire to be seen and guise it all under the benevolent umbrella of "being a watchman of the public funds."  Again it is outstanding that there are people who take the initiative to watch and learn what their elected officials do.  The canker of public life are in those select few who take it to an unhealthy emotional extent or level where their rantings benefit no one.

Being negative of all facets of life is not healthy for the person or anyone else - even those whom you wish to gain support from.  If you exercise a positive attitude you will be better armed to employ proper judgement and the ability to see or perceive that other perspective that elected officials have according to their office and the sustaining vote from the people.  Not only will you be advancing the cause of your good health but you will be immensely helping your public officials use better judgement in their decision making affecting the area which they are called to govern.  How??  By discharging a better attitude you increase the outlook of everyone around you.  You relieve the pressures on others.

It's a matter of faith!  Faith is extremely hard to live by for people who are constantly negative in concert with like-minded people.  When I speak of the affects of carrying a positive attitude they don't physically "see" the evidence of it in their mind.  That's part of what faith is.  It's the ability to believe in that which is not seen but is true nonetheless.  Therefore, without even the smallest degree of faith certain people lull in the mires of the here and now and see only the negative aspects of life.

It is my hope that elected officials will be strong and strive to keep a good outlook amidst those few who hang on their heels to drag them down.  There are many who are legitimate in their questions and there are those who are not.  May we as a nation of liberty and freedom live up to the mantle that we as everyday citizens are called to occupy.  Whether elected by the people or the people being governed we all have a responsibility to uphold the precepts of the Constitution of the United States and to execute a positive outlook at all times from which free enterprise and our capitalist system flourish.

Captain Phillips Movie and Horn of Africa Maersk Alabama 2014

The movie "Captain Phillips" was quite moving and emotional.  It brought to our homes the reality of the dangers working the waters around the Horn of Africa.  Places such as Somalia and the countries and islands of the area are a hot bed of anxious adventurer pirates that actively seek, not too unlike Al Qaeda, for opportunities to capture ships and/or hold working men and women hostage.  All their efforts for nothing more than money.  In 2009 they succeeded in briefly hijacking a Maersk Line container cargo ship that was bound for Mombasa, Kenya.  Opportunities like this are difficult to deprogram from the minds of the countless who are already in destitute and poverty stricken situations.

It is enlightening to witness from the comforts of our homes in America the various movies based on actual events.  World Trade Center is among them.  It stirs sympathetic feelings and new appreciation for not only the working men and women who put their lives in harm's way daily, but also the military, Navy Seals and first responders who may be called upon to rescue civilians or resolve a potentially deadly situation.  Unfortunately it is the price of progress in a fast world needing goods and services shipped around the globe in a timely fashion.

In February of 2014 it seems the storyline and danger of the Maersk Alabama continues from it's commencing piracy chapter from 2009.  Apparently two former Navy Seals were found dead recently aboard this very ship.  These men were employed by the Trident Group who are a collective of experts dealing with maritime security.  It is still early for hard information but could this be stemming from an ongoing effort of a faction in the Seychelles islands bent on retribution?  It's entirely possible.  Needless to say that the Maersk Alabama is a modern testament that lives are still at stake as ship pass through the Horn of Africa.

This post is not intended to rehash the details of this incident.  There are much better places to visit for that.  Here it is the desire to express the urgency of the moment.  In an effort to thwart opportunists it is important to realize the extent being made to secure many of the products that you bring into your home.  The divisions between countries who prosper and those who do not grow every day.  Bitterness and hatred heaps up against the United States.  This offensive attitude is often a result of jealousy and envy for American prosperity.  Around the Horn of Africa natives see this displayed often with the ships that pass by.  Let's not be misunderstood.  This does not validate attacking container ships from any country.  It does, however, illustrate that to these desperate opportunists they view these gems of the sea as quick money sold to the highest bidder.

What does the future hold for security in international waters?  With growing dissension among the ranks of nations from the elite powers down to even third world countries, entities such as the Trident Group will be an increasing necessity upon troubled waters.  Not all the product carried comes to the United States.  In fact, through the Horn of Africa only a fraction of that product sees our domestic ports.  Nevertheless, in order to be proactive in securing our homeland and our citizens abroad it is essential to produce our various products within our United States boundaries.  This would include above all - energy.

It is vitally important that we support the armed security aboard these vessels.  Millions benefit from the movement of these containers and assuring that passage remains imperative.  We are not going to change the minds or alter the paths these natives are choosing by the day.  So long as the desire for money darkens the heart of the young and their countries remain in political unrest, then further elaborate plans will be carried out on shipping lanes around the Horn of Africa and elsewhere around the globe.  As far as the United States is concerned the more we resolve to produce more of our goods and fuels within our boundaries the less we'll be relying on foreign support.  Yet, like I said, only a fraction of that product reaches U.S. ports.

Shipping lines have taken great strides in updating and securing their vessels for the safety of their product and more importantly their staff.  After all these incidences of piracy cost the shipping industry about $7 billion in cost.  It is evident that more needs to take place since there is obviously still interest from opportunist tribal factions.  Cautiously, the news of late has been encouraging.  Since 2006 piracy has fallen to it's lowest level.  Many attribute this to armed security personnel stationed on at least 80% of all containers ships and tankers.  Clearly this is an effective deterrent for the vast majority.

Piracy and terrorism are real problems and costly ones at that.  We need to be supporting these men as the fight continues.