I have been so caught up in the election season that I have not even had time to write. However, as the days wind down to the election and we prepare to elect our next leader, my fears of what may happen start to increase.
Say we elect Senator McCain. Here we have a war hero (and no, you cannot play that up TOO much) and a patriot that has consistently stood for what is right. I will admit: I did not want him to be our nominee. I was a full-out supporter of Gov Huckabee. Still am. And I know that Mike will have a great chance again someday. However, we nominated McCain, so lets stay there and look at what we get. True leadership in the face of turmoil. Steadfast decision making that has no influence of popularity or political motivation, but looks to the core of what is wrong and makes attempts to fix it. Someone that reaches across the party line and makes attempts to repair what is broken on both sides of the aisle, not just point out what the other side is doing. A man that has defended our country both in uniform, and by standing up for what is right for the boys and girls that continue to wear that uniform. A family man that loves and understands the importance of family values, marriage, life and love. A man that fears God and does not engage in any dealings with those who curse God. All-in-all: a true leader.
Say we elect Senator Obama. A good man. A nice guy. However, someone that has been known to spend money needlessly. Someone, regardless of his belief in the war, did not wholly support the troops fighting it. Someone that believes in homosexual union. Someone that has been a follower of a 'less than Godly' pastor. A man that has said he would talk to leaders of countries that want to destroy us without any pre-tense. A man that can give a good speech, but has not followed up on any speech with good action. A man that has not extended across party lines to take care of the citizens that elected him.
Well, obviously I am a conservative. But it is extremely more important than that. I am an American. And my concern is that we will not have an America left for my young son if we don't get this right. Both candidates have done good and bad things in their past. This election has nothing to do with that. This election is about which candidate is going to put everything else aside and ensure they will come to work every day to do what is best and right for the citizens of the nation above and over everything else. We cannot be a country of ordinary people, because ordinary people fail. And when the world looks to the United States of America for the pulse of the globe, we cannot afford to fail.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Where we were... where we are going
I visited the National Aviation Museum of the US Air Force today here in Dayton. This is not my first visit, however it is the first in my adult life that I was there without a time constraint and limitations that kept me from enjoying it. Though I am not a veteran of the Air Force, I am a veteran, so the inspiration of the exhibit and the history still affects me and reminds me of my 8 years of service.
I could not help but be reflective of the recent anniversary of September 11, 2001. As I walked through President Kennedy's Air Force One, seeing where Lyndon Johnson was sworn in and where JFK's body was transported back, I was reflective of what I have always heard: 'I remember exactly what I was doing when Kennedy was shot'. The same is true of 9/11/01.
I was in school at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. I had just transferred from my last sea duty station and had then went to school in Norfolk, and was nearing completion in Florida. I was working on plans to spend my last couple of weekends with some friends in the Tampa area, when I called my wife during a break in class to say hello. She was in tears and was trying to explain what was happening when my instructor came to the room and quickly gathered us to talk about what was happening. After some debate, the base was closed down for 4 days and those of us with specialty qualifications in weapons and tactics were put on detail and watch till we found out what was going on.
Now, it didn't take the events of 9/11/01 to renew a sense of patriotism in my life. Anyone that knows me understands that. However, 7 years later, I find myself reflecting on my 8 years of service and what I think we should do as a country to instill some of that value in others.
First, all high school graduates or persons that reach 18 should be required to give 2 years in service to the country. Military, public service, whatever. Service in our country and for its people may in fact curve violence, crime and dis functionality that makes this country crippled.
Second, we as citizens should take a more proactive approach in our governments operations. Be a Republican. Be a Democrat. Be a Libertarian. WHO CARES! Be active and effect change! Volunteer with your party of choice. Educate yourself in the views and make informed votes. But vote. Be active.
Lastly, be proud of your heritage. Be proud of yourself. And be proud of your country. If you don't like something, don't complain. Act. If you don't think your getting a fair shake, work harder to get it. If you think you can't do it, keep trying till you can.
We have a long way to go. Seven years ago our integrity was questioned. Seven years ago villains attempted to threaten our sovereignty. However, we stood strong. We made it through. We came back and stood taller and stronger than ever before.
As Timothy said in his second book of the New Testament, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith'. You should too.
I could not help but be reflective of the recent anniversary of September 11, 2001. As I walked through President Kennedy's Air Force One, seeing where Lyndon Johnson was sworn in and where JFK's body was transported back, I was reflective of what I have always heard: 'I remember exactly what I was doing when Kennedy was shot'. The same is true of 9/11/01.
I was in school at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. I had just transferred from my last sea duty station and had then went to school in Norfolk, and was nearing completion in Florida. I was working on plans to spend my last couple of weekends with some friends in the Tampa area, when I called my wife during a break in class to say hello. She was in tears and was trying to explain what was happening when my instructor came to the room and quickly gathered us to talk about what was happening. After some debate, the base was closed down for 4 days and those of us with specialty qualifications in weapons and tactics were put on detail and watch till we found out what was going on.
Now, it didn't take the events of 9/11/01 to renew a sense of patriotism in my life. Anyone that knows me understands that. However, 7 years later, I find myself reflecting on my 8 years of service and what I think we should do as a country to instill some of that value in others.
First, all high school graduates or persons that reach 18 should be required to give 2 years in service to the country. Military, public service, whatever. Service in our country and for its people may in fact curve violence, crime and dis functionality that makes this country crippled.
Second, we as citizens should take a more proactive approach in our governments operations. Be a Republican. Be a Democrat. Be a Libertarian. WHO CARES! Be active and effect change! Volunteer with your party of choice. Educate yourself in the views and make informed votes. But vote. Be active.
Lastly, be proud of your heritage. Be proud of yourself. And be proud of your country. If you don't like something, don't complain. Act. If you don't think your getting a fair shake, work harder to get it. If you think you can't do it, keep trying till you can.
We have a long way to go. Seven years ago our integrity was questioned. Seven years ago villains attempted to threaten our sovereignty. However, we stood strong. We made it through. We came back and stood taller and stronger than ever before.
As Timothy said in his second book of the New Testament, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith'. You should too.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Grand Slam, Game over!
I have been waiting for this day for months. Finally, all the speculation and the anticipation is over, and we have finally been introduced to the Republican VP candidate. In a word, incredible!
Gov Palin is a formitable woman with a track record for change. She has busted up the politics of her own party and forced change. She doesn't back down, and she fights for what is right. This is truly the best pick for Senator McCain to make.
It is funny. The Obama camp made some rather disparraging remarks regarding the timeline and method that was being used, claiming 'political malpractice', and now we see that he cannot stop the train. Amazingly enough, McCain took everything the Democrats worked for this week and stopped it with one pick.
I now know I am going to stay Republican and vote McCain/Palin.
Gov Palin is a formitable woman with a track record for change. She has busted up the politics of her own party and forced change. She doesn't back down, and she fights for what is right. This is truly the best pick for Senator McCain to make.
It is funny. The Obama camp made some rather disparraging remarks regarding the timeline and method that was being used, claiming 'political malpractice', and now we see that he cannot stop the train. Amazingly enough, McCain took everything the Democrats worked for this week and stopped it with one pick.
I now know I am going to stay Republican and vote McCain/Palin.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Counting your blessings... even after a fire
Thankfully nobody was injured in the fire that ravaged the Penske hauler this morning. For those who did not hear, go to www.indycar.com or www.penskeracing.com for the details. What is amazing is that they were able to get the tractor unhooked and to safety.
Hats off to the drivers and good luck to the boys this weekend. Let's get another 1-2 finish!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
An internal change
I have a friend that has went through a pretty miraculous change the last few years. That friend reads this, so I will not disclose any info because of my respect for that person and their incredible journey... however, I cannot help but look at myself and come to the deepening realization that I am broken.
About 4 years ago I was discharged from the Navy after nearly 8 fantastic years. I had met and worked with some amazing people over those 8 years, from kids right out of high school to the most senior-ranking officers in the military. I found my time to be incredibly blessed, even through the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001 and the death of a child. I learned so many valuable trades and lessons that I have been able to carry on to my professional civilian life. I also learned some very troubling things that have hurt me, but they are very few and I don't buy into those things anymore. My discharge was very troublesome because it was retribution by my Commander, not what was best for my situation. I lost faith in my leadership as they pushed me out the door.
During that time in the military I lived a life that was somewhat 'questionable'. I had relationships that were not healthy, but were more about what I wanted. One of them was what looked to be like a great idea, but may have done damage beyond our reach. I drank, however it was typically social and did not affect my life negatively. Until I moved to St Louis I was not in church on a regular basis. My life had seemed to lost focus.
When we moved to St Louis we were able to find a wonderful church, one that I still support as they need it. Through the extremely premature birth, short life and tragic death of our daughter they were there. Pastor and his family had (and still do) such a profound affect on my life that I named my son after them. We also had some very troubling times as Pastor was accused of actions that were false, the church split, and the vision seemed destroyed. Happily, the church has bounced back wonderfully and is growing weekly. I was also honored to help Pastor build his new house, running all the wiring and many other things that needed done. I even shot him (accidentally with the nail gun in the middle of the night) and can say I am the only one to have ever done that!
Why do I share that with you? Because, like my friend above, I have also been able to find purpose and direction with my relationship with God. I am not as involved in church as I was before, but I am still there and serving as I can. In the midst of the chaos that is my 70 hour work commitment every week, I find peace with God in the middle of that storm. 'Come unto me, all those who are labored, and I will give you peace'.
A great verse, and a great outlook for life.
About 4 years ago I was discharged from the Navy after nearly 8 fantastic years. I had met and worked with some amazing people over those 8 years, from kids right out of high school to the most senior-ranking officers in the military. I found my time to be incredibly blessed, even through the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001 and the death of a child. I learned so many valuable trades and lessons that I have been able to carry on to my professional civilian life. I also learned some very troubling things that have hurt me, but they are very few and I don't buy into those things anymore. My discharge was very troublesome because it was retribution by my Commander, not what was best for my situation. I lost faith in my leadership as they pushed me out the door.
During that time in the military I lived a life that was somewhat 'questionable'. I had relationships that were not healthy, but were more about what I wanted. One of them was what looked to be like a great idea, but may have done damage beyond our reach. I drank, however it was typically social and did not affect my life negatively. Until I moved to St Louis I was not in church on a regular basis. My life had seemed to lost focus.
When we moved to St Louis we were able to find a wonderful church, one that I still support as they need it. Through the extremely premature birth, short life and tragic death of our daughter they were there. Pastor and his family had (and still do) such a profound affect on my life that I named my son after them. We also had some very troubling times as Pastor was accused of actions that were false, the church split, and the vision seemed destroyed. Happily, the church has bounced back wonderfully and is growing weekly. I was also honored to help Pastor build his new house, running all the wiring and many other things that needed done. I even shot him (accidentally with the nail gun in the middle of the night) and can say I am the only one to have ever done that!
Why do I share that with you? Because, like my friend above, I have also been able to find purpose and direction with my relationship with God. I am not as involved in church as I was before, but I am still there and serving as I can. In the midst of the chaos that is my 70 hour work commitment every week, I find peace with God in the middle of that storm. 'Come unto me, all those who are labored, and I will give you peace'.
A great verse, and a great outlook for life.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
FINALLY! Expanded coverage and new hope for IndyCar media
It is now official: Versus network will cover at least 13 races for the IndyCar Series in 2009, with expanded coverage and qualification coverage.
THE FANS HAVE WON!!! No more of the 'wham bam, thank you viewer' coverage!
THE FANS HAVE WON!!! No more of the 'wham bam, thank you viewer' coverage!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A 12-step program for IndyCar addicts
OKAY: THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN... but since I am in a recovery program, I can relate with the real 12-step program, and yes, I am addicted to IndyCar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 12-step recovery program for IndyCar addicts
1. We admit we are powerless over our addiction to wheel-to-wheel action
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves put this obsession in us for high-speed action
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of as many races as possible
4. Learned a complete team inventory for our self knowledge of the sport
5. Admitted to ourselves and to another fan the nature of obsession
6. Were entirely ready to have our fellow fan cheer in our ears
7.Humbly asked our family to forgive us for missing holidays and reunions to watch races
8. Made a list of all persons we wanted to meet that are affiliated with the league
9.Made direct amends to our wife or husband for forgetting your anniversary but remembering the date of the Indy 500
10.Continued to take personal every time our driver got wrecked out of the race by Marco Andretti
11.Sought through meditation and beer drinking to improve our conscious knowledge of the series, down to what a 'wicker bill' is
12.Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of the IndyCar Series, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 12-step recovery program for IndyCar addicts
1. We admit we are powerless over our addiction to wheel-to-wheel action
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves put this obsession in us for high-speed action
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of as many races as possible
4. Learned a complete team inventory for our self knowledge of the sport
5. Admitted to ourselves and to another fan the nature of obsession
6. Were entirely ready to have our fellow fan cheer in our ears
7.Humbly asked our family to forgive us for missing holidays and reunions to watch races
8. Made a list of all persons we wanted to meet that are affiliated with the league
9.Made direct amends to our wife or husband for forgetting your anniversary but remembering the date of the Indy 500
10.Continued to take personal every time our driver got wrecked out of the race by Marco Andretti
11.Sought through meditation and beer drinking to improve our conscious knowledge of the series, down to what a 'wicker bill' is
12.Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of the IndyCar Series, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs
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