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?

Eaton Dissolves 250 Jobs in Southwest Iowa Shenandoah

Recent news of the relinquishing of 250 jobs at the Eaton plant in Shenandoah, Iowa, has been met with great heartache and strain.  My heart goes out to all those affected.  In Shenandoah, those affected are vast in numbers - vast!  For those out there who have jobs let this be a reflective time for you to humble yourself in gratitude for the employment you have.  Let it remind you how fragile one's livelihood can be.  For the community of Shenandoah this news will be a prelude of very difficult times.  Yet, God-willing with the resilience of the people in Shen we will survive and claim the victory in the end.

Jobs Tendered Shakes Shenandoah

Let us all feel the pain right now.  Allow us the moment of grief whether we are employed at Eaton or not.  Let us claim this right to let it prick at the heart strings.

But......

An Eaton employee came into the store very early this morning.  I work overnight so I see him from time to time according to his shift change.  He was talking to me about this news and the reaction of many people in the room when it was announced.  Visibly he was distraught but he chose to keep his sights up.  He refused to let this obstacle get him down.  In his rightful view the "Plan" for the employees doesn't end with Eaton.  It goes on.  There will be a correction in all the lives but the opportunities are or will be out there.  For many this will unfortunately include relocating away from Shenandoah.  Many others will stay.  My conversation with this old friend was reassuring that the prospects can be bright though right now it seems so dim.  I've known him for many years since the days we worked together at Pella Corporation also in Shenandoah.  I hope his positive outlook will resound and be magnified to his coworkers.

Major Manufacturer Cuts Jobs in Shenandoah

Again, from your Councilman At Large I'd like to express my deepest regret for the downturn of Eaton at the Shenandoah location.  I am keenly aware that it affects not only you but your families, friends and beyond.  How can it not??  Eaton has been in Shen for 40 years or so give or take.  For many it has been seen as the lifeblood of Shenandoah.  This will have a significant economic affect on Shenandoah but I will not even entertain those thoughts.  When I took the Oath of Office my focus and passion has been on the individuals and families of Shenandoah.  Their welfare is and should be of utmost importance.  To me it supersedes other priorities of cold policy making.

It is the people that makes Shenandoah!

Personally, I am planning to make it a point of Fasting and Prayer on behalf of these employees.  I invite you to make a conscious vocal or silent appeal on Sunday, February 7th, that hearts may be comforted and that the way may be opened for all of them to obtain gainful employment.  Do so in your own special way.  Reach out in support and service to your neighbor that the yoke of burden can be shared.

This is not the time for negativity and pointing fingers.  Address each other with cheer and goodwill.  We are where we are and together we must find the way forward.

Remember February 7 or a day more appropriate for you.

Part ll - The People

I'd like to share a few more thoughts.  It's been a couple of days since I posted the first part of the major announcement of the 250 jobs being cut at the Eaton Corporation.  I'd like to delve a little more into the people that make up the Shenandoah plant.

I, personally, have had the privilege of working with many of the Shenandoah Eaton employees during my own tenure there as well as elsewhere and in the community.  This group of people are grateful to have been hired at a fine facility that produces ultra high quality tractor trailer transmissions.  They have strived to excel and magnify LEED manufacturing, ISO 9001 as well as huge steps in accident prevention.  I haven't worked at Eaton since 2002 but the same mindset of pride in workmanship remains as it did then - as it has for the past 45 years.  Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters make up this micro-community that has in many cases become generational employment.

It is for this reason that Shenandoah will survive.  It is for this reason that this family will overcome this obstacle and leap into new ventures and prosper.  Working at Eaton not only provided monetary means of creating lifestyles but it also formed and framed character and excellent work ethic.  This is the foundation of their future success.  Their involvement in the community of Shenandoah has helped further establish this town on the maps of unparalleled productivity, faith, family and prosperity.  This is why Shenandoah will rise stronger than ever before.

Catholics and Mormons as the 300 Spartans Against Persians

It may not be appropriate talking about wartime stuff during the Christmas season.  Yes, I said “Christ”mas for all misguided who are easily offended.  Oh, as a sidenote did you know that the feeling of being offended was one of the precursors to the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah??  I’ll leave that for another time.  I’d like to express a few thoughts regarding a recent invitation from my very good friend Father Vern of St. Mary’s Catholic Church to their Christmas social.  

Odd names are popular for new babies these days.  If you’d like to name him or her Phalanx, well, that would indeed be out of the ordinary.  A phalanx is a wartime formation of men.  They produce a formidable force by obtaining common step with each other.  They have a common purpose and skilled tactics.  Moving forward, together in strength becomes their creed.  With different likes and dislike along with family environments they come together in strategic cadence for their survival and the protection of their nation.  This is the crux of my thought.

For several years our friendship has deepened.  Fond sentiments between the Catholics and Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have warmed not only here in the outbacks of Iowa, but also in Salt Lake City and around the world.  Catholics and Mormons have come together in common causes whether it be in defense of traditional marriage and family, or in response to crisis and in the succoring the poor and the needy.  Truly a miracle this is in our modern, tumultuous prideful times.

Invitation to Catholic Mardi Gras

As I’ve preached many times, this is key in healing this world and conquering the head of Satan, the father of contention, and even his modern minions referred to as ISIS or ISIL.  It is, to rent the walls of personal pride in earnest desire to become a new creature in Christ.  This essential physical and spiritual act of faith and hope is manifest in the often painful outreach across the aisles (and pews as it may be) in love and as one as a global children of our Father in Heaven.  It is good will!  It is not the hateful “Allah is greater!” but rather “let’s walk together and come unto Christ with full clear conscience as we ultimately prostrate ourselves on bended knee.  It is, to realize the full reality of the nature of faith, hope and charity and to qualify as co-heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:16-17).

Good Friday at St. Mary's

My wife and I have been invited to several Catholic functions over the years and I admit that through humility I’ve come to recognize them as another family.  Yes, one can have multiple families such as blood, church (even more than one as is proven in our case) and even community and nation.  I am very grateful, my wife included, to be greeted each time and welcomed by our Catholic neighbors.  They are family oriented as we Latter-day saints are.  Equally they cherish family and faithfulness.  I’ve noticed their social functions are well organized.  Truly, much can be learned from one another.  

Parish Hall Dedication

We are slowly becoming as a phalanx of Spartans against what seems to be incredible odds of the Persians.  The battle of today is as the Battle of Thermopylae with only 300 Spartans.  Yet, because we understand the doctrine of common faith and cause in numbers we know we’ll succeed in crushing the serpent’s head.  Jesus Christ taught this doctrine as he healed the man with palsy.  In one small verse it curiously states that he saw (perceived) “their” faith in the room and proceeded to address and heal the man (Mark 2:5).  Yes, He is the Master with power to heal.  Yet, curious it should mention “their” faith in the room…

Fasting Among Catholics and Mormons

May we continue to be one this Christmas and at all times of the year.  May we lift and uplift one another and come unto Christ.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Elks Curing Metaphysical Hunger Through Service

Recently, members of our community of Shenandoah, Iowa, had the opportunity to assist in the 23rd Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Shenandoah Elks Lodge.  It was quite a feast with many in attendance.  It was made possible through donations of time, talent and means.  For those who volunteered their effort it was a gesture of goodwill so others may have the full liberty to express gratitude in feast and fellowship.  For me it was an honor to serve the community in what capacities I took on.  Primarily my efforts remained at the beverage area.  This was a good place for me as it afforded a great experience and further insight into "thanks giving" and also filling that metaphysical hunger through service.  I'd like to thank a young lady of no more than probably seven years of age.  I'll just call her Heidi for purposes of anonymity.

Whether it be a corporation, government entity, religious organization or even a club, when you have people eager and willing to serve, the mission of that entity finds the power of accomplishment.  This Thanksgiving Dinner was no different.  "Heidi" had the benevolent task of assisting patrons to their table by carrying their beverage cup or even their plate of food if they needed the help.  Overwhelmingly, most declined the offer but thanked her nonetheless.  Yet, there were those who shared the blessing of service and allowed her to carry out that end of the mission.  It had a deep impact on me as I watched the process unfold.  Truly, a spirit of goodwill reigned within those walls as a very young lady would carry the cup of someone wanting to participate in gratitude at a Thanksgiving feast.

....But why was this simple act so significant?

It brought my mind to a prophecy in Amos 8:11:

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:"

Though this is not a particularly "religious" article per se, but I would say that the famine is in all good things including service as well as the Word.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta spent her life in the service of others.  She is credited with stating that with all the physical hunger and suffering that she has tried to alleviate in the world, spiritual hunger is the most devastating and widespread.  That lack of spiritual strength was a greater hunger in this modern day.

"....my cup runneth over." Psalms 23:5
Hopefully all of us have come across those moments when we are filled spiritually by some experience.  To truly say "... my cup runneth over" requires a humbling of spirit and renting of pride.  Only then can one see with new eyes.  I hope that spirit of service is what people saw in Heidi.  Though she carried the cup for them, with new eyes they'd see that their "cup runneth over."  Being of such young age I don't expect Heidi to know the depth of the service she rendered to the people.  Yet for me and hopefully everyone else it was an inspired lesson to be learned.

Again, I reiterate what I've said in my previous article.  There is no greater power or favor that we can muster than through the kind acts of selfless service.  We've come to a point where we are being stripped to the bone of our liberties, security and even trust.  Now more than ever we ought to engage in acts of selfless service.  Most of us cannot seem to find the power to "fill our cup."  However, the path is right before us.  Being mindful of our neighbor, his happiness, and then acting upon inspiration to minister to his welfare allows your own cup to be filled with purpose as you become a tool in filling his cup.

There is power in service!  Who knows?  Perhaps one of those patrons were subtly inspired by Heidi's act that they later reached out to a neighbor in need.  Perhaps in the 1 or 2 people who read this may feel the influence of Heidi's service and feel compelled to visit the sick and weary this afternoon.  It could be that someone is stressed over some very important issues which they can't seem to solve.  Yet, through seeing Heidi's acts of service, are softened to the point of seeing other perspectives and possibilities - solutions to their own obstacles.

Obviously it seems that I've magnified Heidi's service at the Shenandoah Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elks Lodge.  Some would say to a ridiculous degree.  However...... prove me wrong.  Like so many other communities here in the United States and around the world Shenandoah has it's own set of difficulties and problems.  There are obstacles to overcome on the community level as well as individual with domestic issues.  I so testify that the key is in selfless service.  The key is in what separates us from the beasts of the field.  The key is in openly choosing to become that new creature.  It is in choosing to serve your neighbor that his cup and his joy runneth over.

Thank you "Heidi" for your service to the community of Shenandoah, Iowa.  Heidi was one of two or three others with this task.  Thanks to all of them and everyone else who volunteered their service.  It was truly an inspiration and a timeless lesson to be learned.

Paris Attack Mark of ISIS Cowardice Offers Strategic Hope

Unworthy of even the acronym of terror, the famed ISIS group has claimed the Paris attacks of Friday the 13th as their prize.  Additional statements and Twitter tweets suggest the best blood is soon to come - American blood.  The global threat from cloaked cowards have been upon us for some time now.  What is the solution?  Is there a solution?  What is the damaging affect on the rising generation?

I believe there is an answer.

You can never be fully or too prepared for grave hardships that can befall upon a nation.  The Paris attacks were the deadliest since World War ll.  Go back to the events of that war.  Think of the Holocaust and the twisted minds that sealed those acts in the chapters of human history.  We've come a long way and paid a heavy price for the freedoms we have today.  Still, we lag behind in solutions to problems and the applying the true applications of liberty into our daily lives.  Truly, a change from within is required to continually realize liberty unto happiness.

As you and I sit in front of the computer or television and lament the heinous acts that have taken place in Paris, what are we now prepared to do to maintain not only freedom but also hope.  As adults hope wanes with not much thought put into it.  However, think of our children......... Hope is what drives them into brighter futures.  Hope is what forms their character as they raise their own families.  If terrorist attacks diminish the hope and heart of those with age then imagine what this is doing to the young.  How does their impressionable hearts receive daily doses of death?

We are getting hurricane force winds right in our face and we aren't even holding our arms up in protection.  These blatant acts of horror, which can only be best described as deliberate infarctions against humanity by diseased wild mad animals, are the clearest examples of good vs evil.  When a man is beheaded practically in real time on your screen is that not evil??  When a man is burned alive or tortured in a manner for all the world to see is that not evil??  Agreeably heavy hearts tend to lack hope and the power to act decisively in response to evil forces.  However, I trust that every sentient conscientious human being has that degree of anxiety in the heart and wants to act in some manner.

Attacks from those who fear showing their faces should never happen, but we must learn from them and learn to act decisively both for the protection of the people and for the preservation of liberty unto happiness for the self.

I believe I have the answer though it will never be popular with media.  Obviously, building up the military machine is essential every bit as much as protecting the borders for any nation.  Having said that I'll leave that alone because any further ideas down this road are obvious and clear.  I want to get into the "less" obvious solution that I believe has infinitely more power to it and lasting affect.

What is it that took us to the Moon?  After Pearl Harbor what led us to victory in the Pacific?  What leads men to greatness as they grace our shores as immigrants with new hope and new ideas?  What is it that leads you to cup a child's cheek when he or she is suffering?  By what power does a community rally to support a child with cancer?  What resolve protects the sanctity of a funeral of a fallen soldier?

All these things and all things that have built true greatness of a nation involved something unseen - an idea of hope.  Technology obviously aided in taking us to the Moon, but it would've all been for naught had it not been for the faith in the hope that it could be achieved.  Pearl Harbor stripped us of security but it was the faith and hope in the nature of the Stars and Stripes that girded up our loins and led us to victory.  If we didn't have that unseen empathy we would never have it in us to console a sick child.  There is power in numbers as time and time again it is demonstrated in communities that rally in support of one of it's own.

The answer, aside from the national military, is in positive reinforcement from the individual level on up.  Selfless service allows one or many to draw upon powers that rest in hope.  Selfless service allows one to see new perspectives and inner strength to add to their environment.  I believe that it is through that change of heart, and by extension the change in a nation, that we'll realize a power strong enough to keep adverse forces at bay.  Sure, we'll still be hit from time to time, but as "new" creatures of hope we'll know how to deal with these situations.  We'll know how to properly support our troops and various tools we have that fight against those that delight in such dark days as the Paris attacks of Friday the 13th.

In the realm of selfless service I advocate the first full week in December as Selfless Service week.  Make it your own test.  Commit yourself to serving your neighbor and see how you feel at the end of that week.  If you have complaints or concerns about your City's projects then commit to selfless service and see if you have any new contributory ideas or perspectives to offer.  If you have a family member in serious need then commit to selfless service and see what powers have been invoked on their behalf.  By further connecting to your fellow man you'll find a common communion of energy with them.  You will care!  When you engage in the service of another your thoughts of your own problems tend to be put aside for a while.  When you get back to them you'll find that either they've been solved or you'll know how to find the solutions for them.

There's no need to carry the yoke terrorist attacks or other local or personal problems to the point of no hope or foresight of happiness.  We are all in this together, and in drawing upon our acts for the betterment of the temporal and spiritual welfare of one another, we'll find that unseen power that eventually placed that shoe print on the Moon after the landmark edict, "The Eagle has landed."

Join me the first week of December for Selfless Service week!  Do it in support and remembrance of Paris.  Do it in support and remembrance of Iraq and Afghanistan.  Do it in support of the Russian Metrojet Flight 9268 that was brought down by terrorists.  Do it in support and remembrance for thousands of lives lost and affected from the 9/11 attacks on the East Coast.  Do it in support and remembrance of lives lost and affected from the Holocaust.  Do it in support and remembrance of the daily struggles in Israel from terrorist activity.

Most of all do it for yourself that you may find the power to help others yet maintain a brightness of hope in yourself, your family, your community, your nation and even the entire human family.

Take the Selfless Service week as a challenge!  Dare to prove me wrong.  If you have positive experiences from it then I strongly encourage making that monthly opportunity to reinvest in your neighbor that your energies may be properly balanced and not always turned inward.  Let's support our fighting men and women in uniform that they may be guided knowing of our affection for them.  Let us do our part as civilians to uplift and strengthen our neighbors and communities that we may invoke a positive favor strong enough to protect us in times of deep trial.

CNBC Fail Amazing 2016 Presidential Election Moderator Questions

The CNBC Republican Presidential Debate held in Boulder earned a magnificent 12 bonehead points against the moderators.  This polling seems to be bipartisan across the United States.  The questions posed by the CNBC moderators were embarrassing to say the least.  Strictly coming from a red-blooded American that is.  In a country where we are supposed to expect more professionalism and objective cognitive processes from advanced college graduates, it is evident we have stooped far lower than Chicago even has hope for crime free streets with exorbitant gun regulations.  So....... America..... what say you in matters of our future?

Ever been peed on by your infant child when you changed his/her diaper.  That "glorious" feeling is how I'd feel if I were to post or even link to the Debate questions.  It is of no use and only makes you feel dirtier even after scrubbing your hands and arms.  I keep an open mind so I have no favorites as of November 2015.  I do, however, think that a serious u-turn on a Los Angeles freeway would be close in catastrophic terms to voting for Hillary Clinton or even Bernie Sanders.  I believe I've entered my mid-life crisis and I'm starting to come to grips that I really need to get my eyes checked, but I can clearly still discern those two candidates.  I understand the train wreck we're headed to in this country, but either of these two would be like putting Swiss cheese on the track.  Not only would it mock the trains but would probably exacerbate the situation.  As far as the CNBC Republican Presidential Debate is concern, several of the candidates were very clear and eloquent in rebuking the moderators for their incompetence.

So...................... what questions would you ask?

Here are the 6 questions I would ask candidates of both parties.  In addition, I would offer 5 minutes to answer each question with the option of reserving any unused time to rebuke any other candidate's remarks at the end of the debate.  Interfering, stopping or commenting during another candidate's time is grounds for immediate removal from the debate.  Boy, I'm such an $^&!@^$#

1. What is your plan for economical development in the United States?
2. What policies do you plan to implement to ensure the sovereignty of the United States including economic, national boundaries and also cyber-security sovereignty?
3. What is your foreign policy approach in an increasingly dangerous world?
4. Outside the realm of executive action how do you plan to promote to fruition bipartisan support for bills worthy of the United States Congress?
5. In your opinion, does the Office of President of the United States have an obligation as a moral leader as well as in matters economic and even as Commander in Chief?
6. How will you ensure the protected privileges and rights of religious organizations to fully exercise their beliefs without encroachment by Washington?

It is my responsibility to rebuke and summon to penance the media and others who blatantly mock their own profession by being extremely biased.  It doesn't matter if it is for ratings, political manipulation or just to make a name for themselves.  They all put to shame the intelligence of every American.