A Simple Solution

     Laura and I have been arguing about things that have been argued about, possibly since the beginning of time and things have got a little tense. I continued, saying the things that people have always said, and she responded in a like manner.  Then I suggested that she should gather her life, and move out.  This, of course, ruined the rest of the day and soured things around the house.
     Today, while working on my new website, CrowMacCreek.com, which is slowly being developed, I stopped working to look at Laura making dinner in the kitchen. She stood with her back to me, and, all of the sudden I realized that she and I are alike.  She has skin, bones and organs working within her.  She has a mind and a heart that can be broken; just like me. What affects her life, affects mine and vice versa. In short, I realized that she is just like me, and in that visceral realization, I grew a little bit.
     Maybe if all of us were to look at each other and see that others are just like us, we could solve a whole lot of problems... together.

Which Presidential Candidates Have the Necessary Diplomatic Skills?

     I once saw a postcard that read, "Diplomacy is the skill that allows others to do what you'd like them to do." With that thought in mind, which of the candidates for president in the 2016 election would be capable of effective diplomacy? This skill requires an understanding of what is happening in the world, and who the powerful players are. A broad knowledge of what each nation desires and the ability to identify opportunities is mandatory, all while maintaining a focus of what is best for our nation as a whole.

     Trump is an unknown with no knowledge or experience in diplomacy. In addition to this, his words and demeanor have proven to be inflammatory. Would world leaders respect these characteristics and be willing to work with us toward common goals, or would they simplify back off an let us "go it alone," as we saw in the George W. Bush presidency? Knowing this, a Trump presidency would probably be very week in the area of diplomacy, and have the potential to be dangerously explosive.

     A Cruz presidency would likely be very similar to that of Trumps, though certainly more moderate in nature. He has no track record in diplomacy, and though he has proven desire for power, his knowledge of world dynamics has yet to be displayed.  However, it is likely that he will walk the line as is set forth in the GOP. He will certainly do the bidding of those who own the GOP; big energy, Wall Street, the pharmaceutical industry and insurance companies. This, hand in hand with an  implementation of supply side economics could well leave us in economic shambles.

Bernie Sanders, though a very well meaning candidate with an excellent perspective of what needs to be done to prevent the wholesale loss of the middle class, will scare the wits out of those in power and a (GOP) congress will paralyze his presidency.  The power structure will surely release the bogeyman, and Sanders will be called a socialist, or worse, a communist. The voting public, upon hearing this will conjure up visions of Soviet dictators and a society imprisoned by a totalitarian state.  The Republicans will complain bitterly and fight his every step, biting and scratching in the process. They will make sure that nothing gets done as we've witnessed with President Obama, even taking positions that will cause damage to the American public. And it will be a rare Democrat who will stand with Sanders. Sanders will certainly be a one term President and will find it impossible to do anything while in office.

 Though Clinton has seemed to be a little tricky in some areas of concern, she is intelligent and has the diplomatic experience we need. Her understanding of our politics may not prevent the presidential presidential paralysis caused by the Republicans, and she will, at least during her first term, be caught between the rock and the proverbial hard spot.  But economic damage caused by supply side economics will be minimized and there may a second term where a better political balance may be in force to effectively guide the United States into a position where other countries will respect us and accept our leadership in world politics.

   

A Good Time For Squirrels

Every presidential election year seems to set new lows in ugly meanness, but this year takes the cake. In the past, Republicans have had the edge in this lack of civility.  Television news reporters, in bitter demeanor, spin the facts so what they present serves more to sway the public opinion  than to inform. Then there are the "shock jocks" like Rush Lindbaugh who spew new ugliness on a daily basis. Though, in the past, Democrats have proven to be a little less rough on each other , candidates Clinton and Sanders have stooped to new lows as well.  We need to demand more of the candidates.  We need to know how they guide this "ship of state" through the treacherous waters of our time.  Until they do this, squirrels will be living in a time of plenty, because our elected officials are acting like nuts.

It's been a while since I have written, possibly because I hadn't had much I wanted to share with others.  I had lost much of what I had gained, and my vision of where and who I was and also what I had lost was abysmal.  Yet my faith was strong and the help of a few friends prevented my life from bottoming out. Still, for many years, I really did not think I had enough going for me to share with others. During these years, at least three dear friends passed away without my communicating to them their value in my life. This is something I will change.

Since late 2013, I have done what was needed to begin anew. Though I have lost much of what I had gained and will probably work until I leave this world, I have not quit. I have work, a 401k, and I am purchasing Home Depot stock at 85% of it's value. My past investment in myself has given me good health. And I find that I still have good friends who have remained so throughout the years of wound licking and feeling sorry for myself. All in all, I am satisfied with who and what I am. So the spring photo which accompanies this post is an excellent representation of my life now. Hello world!