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 |   My journey through (and beyond) the valley with Cancer as my companion. |
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Dear Friend: This is not a Blog about writing! (I already have one of those.) This is a blog about a journey I am taking with illness. I have recently been diagnosed with Cancer. My goal is honest therapy as I progress through, and beyond this new reality in my life. I hope that, somewhere along the way you will find some words that will help you too. While this is, in fact, an interactive Blog, I hope that you will scroll slowly down this page. For you see, the front of this Blog IS my journey. The entries are conversations that are held along the journey.Yes, there is a lot on it--before actually getting to the Blog entries. But, I hope that by the objects and words which appear before the Blog itself, you might come to understand just a little bit about me, and my journey, and some truly amazing friends who have agreed to journey with me. I hope that you, too, will choose to accompany me on my walk--through the Valley. I invite you to join me, and discover the wondrous truths, meet some truly amazing people, and share those "memorable" moments this journey will undoubtedly present. Come along, won't you? In His Care, ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Would you like to help me help others? I found this amazing organization, and I am proud to be a sponsor. I hope you will check it out. It's called The Network For Good.  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "RISUS OMNIA - INCRUMENTUS PER DEDECUS - SAPIENTIA PER DAMNUM" ("Every thing is funny - Growth through humiliation - Wisdom through loss") ~Leunig~ The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse. ~Helen Keller~ "If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people." ~Virginia Woolf~ ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "There is strength in truth." ~The Barton Family Crest~ ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” — Helen Keller, American social activist, public speaker and author (1880-1968) I have moved the list of my thanks for those who have helped to make this little Blog so very special. I hope that you will take a moment to read the list, growing every day, and let these fellow travellers along this journey know that you appreciate the contributions they make to our walk together.
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Please feel free to click on the Blog Rings icon below to be transported to some of the very best of the Best Bloggers around WDC. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** If you are new to WDC, or to our Blogging community, I highly recommend the monthly edition of "The Blogville News". Feel free to click below, and let Scarlett   know that a Blogger sent ya!Hey! We've started a Christian's Blog Ring on WDC. Click on the logo, and join us! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Budroe
 Ring LeaderI have three publications at the moment. Here is a link to purchase my latest one. Buy a great read, and help a fellow writer out, Okay?  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
The Annual Advent Adventure: 2013 Edition is posted, and ready for participant sign up. I hope you will seriously, and positively consider joining us on this amazing, twelve day Adventure, which begins on December 12th, 2013. It's going to be really incredible, I think. You can find the (continually edited, it seems) basic informaton at
The major obstacles to this adventure were two. The first was kicking myself (not the Adventure team) out of the historically significant scriptural applications of prior Advent Adventures. I wanted to do something really different, while keeping the scriptural Christmas story of Luke 2 central to the work. That was a challenge for me, but I think that the Adventure Team really has done a superb job of preparing, laying the groundwork for a truly AMAZING Adventure. The second was getting a sense of "permission" to even present this activity to anyone, much less the WDC and outside communities. As the Adventures are presented by "God's Way Group" , I really felt a huge burden to honor the author ("Dad") and the group memberships involved. I had to just sit with this project, and listen--a lot. The payoff for me is not the number of adventurers, or anything I or the Team have done to prepare this adventure. The payoff is the resulting and life-changing moments the Adventure will provide. As a writer, I always work to incorporate life-changing activity within the words I type. I do know that, in the case of the Adventures, I have to get out of the way and become a transcriptionist. That requires a direct connection between myself as typist and the author of the words I type. That has been difficult this time because of the typist's disagreement on many points with the author; a typical case of the pot arguing with the potter. The Adventure concept is not new to me. This Adventure developed in ways that are new territory for me, and validation was constantly required. I am, and will continue to be responsible for any error within the Adventure itself. There were challenges of error in the creation of this particular adventure that made it (the Adventure) feel larger than my capability. That is one sure way of knowing that Dad is in it; in the very center of it, in fact. So, while it was rustrating as a creative writing project, the continual validation of its legitimacy was strangely comforting. I am still a perfectionist, and very often became the very obstacle to be overcome. As any bold and daring adventurer would tell you, that is often the way with any Adventure. I am now at rest with the typing, and expectant that Dad will in fact show up, and show off for His Kids. That's pretty cool, I think. This adventure will also help the participants, including myself, remain, In His Care, Budroe |
| I watched the NBC presentation of the stage performance of "The Sound of Music" tonight. I wish I hadn't. Today has been a rare "out of the office" day for me. Now, I must get caught up with all those tasks and things I should have been doing all day today--or at least as much as I can get reasonably done in only a few hours. The blog calendar will hate me today, but it is 23:15 12/5 my time. This time, my time wins!  Evidently the necessary mind clearing worked. I not anything profound or relevant today--so far. There may be a second entry later today. We are waiting on an ice storm, scheduled to begin with rain in about 45 minutes. Phones are being charged, and the heater is on. The streets are silent, as is usually the case just before a snow event. In my Denver-living days, walking outside at night and seeing a white sky was an immediate notification to head to the grocery or hardware store. We didn't have, in those days, cell phones to charge. I know there are humans alive who cannot remember living without a cell phone. That just makes me feel old. Feeling old has been a relatively recent phenomenon in my world. Ill? Common as salt and pepper. Old? Not so much. I got hit in the brain yesterday with an idea that quietly grew in my psyche dealing with writing a "Thank You!" Letter to the world for my incredibly wonderful and exciting life. A bit maudlin, perhaps. But I will admit to liking the idea, generally. Counting blessings comes into it a bit, plus an overview of my life's history. I think the hesitation is in not being able to look forward when doing such a task. A bucket list could do it, for sure. Both would be required for peace in my world. At the moment, it is an idea, not a plan. Of course it will go onto my "Things To Do" list. Do you have such a list? I highly encourage you to create one if you do not, or to update yours if you do. I'm not much on Resolutions, but I do like the notion of a Bucket List, or a "Things To Do" list. For the moment, today, that's all I've got. I have been pretty constantly reminded today that I am, In His Care, Budroe |
| In the down time from some writing, other writing crushes against a fleeting relevance. Does that ever happen to you? Currently, I am taking part in a discussion (both online and offline) about Public Education in the USA. I have been somewhat surprised to learn that there are three distinct "sides" in this debate. Of course, there are thousands of opinion makers and thought leaders on this topic. Some say that Public Education must be preserved, as a right of American citizens through at least the Secondary Education level (High School/Vocational School). Others say that Public Education has failed our future generations, and must be dismantled in favor of a different educational paradigm (universally describing for-profit charter schools). There is a significant percentage of those in the middle, or "Third Way" movement. There are powerful forces at play in each position. Unfortunately, the weakest representation in this debate is for students and parents...and teachers. The least powerful is the "third way" group, because they are guaranteed to upset the other two influences, no matter what they do. The largest population of victims in this debate are students, parents...and teachers. As an educator, I will admit to a bias in this debate. It is not a bias, sadly, shared by many on any side of the debate itself. I'm for the kids. While it is not fair or prudent to say that there are no advocates for the kids being taught, those forces which should natively align with the student population in America today are strangely silent, for the most part. The Chicago teacher's strike recently stood to be in favor for the kids, for education, for teacher protections and labor solidarity. Of course, this was also the "official" position of the Chicago Mayer, Rahm Emmanuel, and the various and sundry Chicagoland Boards of Education, School Boards, etc. Meanwhile, the major outrage from the opposite view is that it is the labor unions' fault. They are simply terrible originators of school organization, who will do anything to protect their collective bargaining rights. The teacher's Unions (and virtually all other public service unions, while we are at it) are the worst of the lot, with entirely too much power both financial and political. The best overall plan, therefore, is to simply eliminate unions all together. For those who believe that education in America is in trouble, I would say that, given the two extremes currently being advanced, those folks would be correct. What is to be done about it? That's what I'm working on today. What are YOU writing about today? I hope you can remain, In His Care, Budroe |
| Deadlines. One of the fallacies of working from home is that you don't have them. Maybe yes, and maybe no. Sometimes, you are required to honor deadlines set by your boss, which is usually yourself. I have given myself a deadline. I will honor it. Within the next 24 hours, I will determine if I am going to present The Annual Advent Adventure: 2013. The entire universe of this potential project lies with me. I know the preparation that has already gone into it. I know the expected outcome as a result of it. It is fully sketched--in pencil. Now, I have to get permission from Dad. This is not a first time for this. It happens every time. Like building a rocket, or a rocket trip, things must occur on time, and in a proper order. There is no doubt that this is a project much larger than myself, which gives me some sense of security in the legitimacy of it. But I learned long ago that, with any such project, Dad must be in it. My prayer is always the same: "Dad, I've done all I can given the information You have provided. Having done all that I can, please now do what I cannot do, if this project truly be within Your will. Amen." Everything that can be done to get the project to this point has been done. This most important step is not appropriate and necessary for this project to either move forward, or move to the shelf. I must also choose how to respond to the response to this prayer. It always comes. "No matter what!" can be very large words, especially in this particular order. Being still, removing myself from the work, and lifting a heart willing but unprepared are the orders of the day. I'll let you know how it turns out. Your best wishes and fervent prayers are coveted. This is how I know how to remain, In His Care, Budroe |
| I couldn't help myself. Today, I broke out in a fit of reviewing the work of others. Specifically, I looked at the reviews of members of a reviewing group I lead. The reviewing group I lead is an activity--a part--of a group I lead here on WDC. I was, for the most part, cordially ambivalent about the results of my tour today; i.e. I was a bit underwhelmed. Reviewing is important to me. I had an entire, three-hour conversation with reviewing as the topic today...in my sleep! I woke myself up speaking rather enthusiastically, actually. But that conversation led to the tour. I will be continuing the tour today. If you know what GWG stands for, you might get a visit if you are a member of the group's reviewing team. In His Care, Budroe |
| The first of the last. That reminds me of something from Harry Potter's last episode, when he goes to the forbidden forest to do battle with his arch enemy. On a circular object he carries with him, are imprinted the words: "Open at the close." Having just watched it, I am kind of surprised that these were the first words to come into my mind as I begin this entry. Today is the first day of the last month of 2013. I have a few goals in mind for this month, but am loathe to pronounce them, for fear of causing either a rip in the Time/Space Continuum, or setting myself up to fail. I want to blog every single calendar day this month, just to know I actually remember how to do it. I would blog early each day (like now) if I could but remember to. We'll see. Of course, relevance is out the window with such goals--unless you want relevant, or informational, or "important" content in your entries. I want to have a complete and meaningful Annual Advent Adventure: 2013. Working on that one now, but I am blessed with an abundance of options and alternatives. I've got to get the info out to WDC really soon, and am not sure how to most effectively do so. Suggestions are welcome. . I've also got to get the graphics done (ordered). Talk about LATE! No ideas yet. Dad does have a tendency to hold my brain in suspense on these projects. I have to, with more frequency, make certain that the AAA is NOT dependent upon my daily health in order to be a complete and meaningful experience for the Adventurers. This one will officially begin on December 12th, 2013 at around 8:00 PM (Central Time)--earlier if possible. It will last twelve days and will have prep work required. I will announce on Monday, the 2nd of December around 4:00 PM (Central Time). Sorry SM/SMs. I live in the Central Time zone, and really need to simplify as much as possible. (For those who may not be aware, Central Time is WDC Time, minus one hour. 3 PM WDC is 2 PM CT. Okay?) Of course, the bold and daring AAA participant will surely know, or figure out how to arrive on time. Right?) On Tuesday of this coming week, I will visit (for a while, I am told) a Cardiologist, have a (yet another) Chemical Stress Test, and consultation with a Vascular Surgeon. This is all related to my last visit to the White Coats, who for the first time let me go home from the ER--but only if I promised to go directly to my primary doctor first. I did, and I did. It seems some reports, EKG strips, etc. did not please anyone! I have some idea, but no facts as yet. I'll let you know what I learn as I learn it. If you could pass along your best thoughts and prayers for this meeting, I would appreciate it. I'm not scared, I'm just hedging my odds. Winter officially arrives at casa de Budroe on December 22nd, 2013. Methinks someone might want to sneak into Mother Nature's kitchen and secretly place a December, 2013 calendar in her path. I'm not sure what day she thinks it is, but 8 degrees last night was just NOT funny! I wasn't laughin', I tellsya. (Blood thinners, anyone?) For the first time in months, I ventured out of my house to share Thanksgiving with Sara and Cedric (her husband) on Friday. They had family celebration with Son,DIL, and Sara's Grandson on Thursday. We did the deed on Friday. I was so grateful for what they did. Together they put together an entire Thanksgiving experience--just for me! Poor Cedric. After two days of Triptophan overload, he's not gonna be worth much for a while. But, man was that meal just absolutely terrific. Somehow, it seems about 2/3 of that meal got into my fridge, from the juiciest turkey I've had in decades to homemade Punkin Pie AND whipped cream ta boot. Oh, comma, YUMMY! We took a pic of me after dealing significant damage to what quickly became a carcass 0 TurkeyBird, anon: ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Yes, I actually AM aware that Cannibalism is a felony offense, thank you for asking. It was well worth the risk. And I got to even take a nap (before bedtime) and we watched football, and movies until we were too blotto tired to play Bingo. This morning, I awoke to the scents of fresh coffee, warm Maple Syrple and WAFFLES! Again, a first for many, many months. I returned home to three extremely happy Kittehs at the same time my care worker arrived (She fed the boys AFTER much Daddy time was wondrously appreciated, just before all three remembered that they were, as a group, very angry with their Daddy for the disappearing act with Mommy many lifetimes ago, or yesterday.) We did make up, and right now they have returned to their former status as my three "Staff Assistants" as I research and prepare for the Sunday version of my radio show. Not so bad for a guy who just slipped by his seventh (past prognosis, mind you) Thanksgiving. I have so many reasons to be so radically thanks-giving. I just wanted to share a few of the many with you. I am so radically thanks-full for the life-strong friendships which have become part and parcel of this blog. I want you to know that, too. Sometimes I come here to write because something is so in my head, or on my heart that this seems to be the only place it can go. Sometimes, I come here to write because I need to lean. Sometimes I need to be here simply because I am just too tired to write, or even think. And, I get here to my professional writing home, and find amazing writing by those very same people who let me lean, lift me up, or just leave the occasional footprint to let me know that my words are seen. Have you seen my friend Valerie's fresh ink? just4him has been working on a piece up in her port, and she would like a few reviews. I gave her one, and I hope you will, too.
I've got 15 holes in the dyke, and only ten fingers. Doing what you can, and letting the rest go is easier for me now than it has ever been before. It's sort of like watching my mind work, or going to pro football games (GO, Broncos!). Now days, I just sit and wait for them to show back up. They always do. I think. I want you to know, I am still here, and fighting every day for the victory of a productive and meaningful day, In His Care, Budroe |
| Across my sphere of influence (what of it there is), I have had to stop, today and consider. On Thursday of this week, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving, 2013. Christmas will soon follow. Channuka is going on now. Quanza is fast approaching. What a time to be slammed with Holidays! In my world, friends whom I know, admire and respect see Thanksgiving differently than I. They consider it to be a day of Remembrance for the intense savagery their peoples have endured since before the founding of this country. Yet, historically they are the ones who have been known as "Savages". Thanksgiving is a day of great sadness for them, and some of my First Nation American (FNA) friends find anger towards me because I celebrate Thanksgiving as a day of joy, family, reflection, and prayers of radical thanks-giving. I believe at least these two (among many) sides of the question are worthy of respect, and honor. I do not, however, believe the guilt those opposed to my view would place upon me, or our government for those past wrongs belongs to me. Then, I think again. I know many first nations people, leaders and elders. I know of their terrible condition now, today in America "The Land of the Free". They are not free. They are hidden, invisible, and forgotten. These people generally do not consider themselves to be America's citizens, and many among them would, if given the opportunity to become citizens, graciously but firmly refuse the offer. Like many who believe that we are in post-racist America, there are many who also believe we are in a time of "post-reservation". Both are lies. Some of this has to do with lies we tell ourselves. Another part of it comes from lies they, and we are told by others. They are still lies; purposely deceitful aberrations of the truth that we, as citizens and reasonably intelligent beings should see clearly visible before us at the very moment of their existence. The simple fact of it is that we may say we didn't see these lies, without ever having the veracity of that statement challenged. Im also aware that many deny the sight of these lies, even while knowing within themselves, within their own psyche that they DO see the incongruities, the cognitive dissonance these statements require in order to be hastily muttered. Among the many holidays which Americans circle on their calendars, Thanksgiving has a decided religiosity about it. Churches will have Thanksgiving Services, even as a good number of those same communities have little if any awareness of what true, radical thanks-giving is all about. Many communities of faith will gather together, "...to ask the Lord's Blessing" on this fourth Thursday in November, even as they refuse to offer the blessings available within them to others. While that truth makes me first shake, and then hide my face in shame, it is shame for them--not for me. Atheists, non-theists, multi-theists...virtually everyone in America desires to celebrate this Thanksgiving Holiday in one way or another. Societal, cultural, family, and even historical factors will be in evidence. There will be many who eagerly anticipate this Holiday, for a variety of reasons. Some will either accelerate or retard the timing of their celebration of Thanksgiving for work, family or other requirements. But, who doesn't love Turkey on Thanksgiving? And, what of those who will not be celebrating their Thanksgiving this year? What are we, as a nation, to say to them? How shall we, as a nation, share this day of great celebration with the homeless, or those who have no idea where their next meal will be coming from, or even IF a next meal will be theirs? With more than 10 million Americans living in cars, having no place to go on this day is a double whammy. Not only may these folks have the ability to provide a celebratory meal, but may not have the resources to have a meal at all. What shall we say to the more than 174 million citizens who find themselves, perhaps for the very first time in their entire lives, below the Federal Poverty Level? Will they lift their self-inflicted veil of invisibility for even the briefest moment, and visit a Shelter simply so their families can share a meal? Will they be welcome? Anywhere? Will others use their plight to somehow assuage their own sense of security, or importance, or material possessions? Is being a citizen only convenient when it makes you feel better? There is a pretty long list of those who will be finding it difficult to feel the spirit of Thanksgiving, or even of thanks-giving this week. The elderly, the poor, the disenfranchised, the unemployed or underemployed of our land will all feel this Holiday as a burden, indeed. The simple, unvarnished truth of it is that we all will feel it a bit difficult to generate for ourselves, our families, our communities and our nation even one meal's worth of thanks-giving this year. It has been a terrible year for so many among us. Not for all, but for most, this year has been measured in loss, and even more so than usual. For many of us, Thanksgiving, 2013 will be a memorial to things, and people lost. As is usual, or even "normal" on this Holiday, many Americans will see, for the first time, an unused seat at the table. Or two, or more. For others, the room of the Thanksgiving feast will seem as a Hall filled with the ghosts around them. Of course, for many others, there will be, for the first time, no Hall at all for them. Truth be told, these Holidays which, even under the very best of circumstance have a certain presence of sadness about them. We can act otherwise. We can not see the homeless vet on the street this week, or the child who has no home walking carefully before us. We can ignore the plight of those whom we cannot see, even as the weight of their presence lies upon us like the stone it should be. And, this Thanksgiving, 2013 will have many new people in those populations. What are YOU going to do about it? There is just a ton of possibilities for you to create, alter, change, or dispense good tidings to your fellow man on this Holiday. Visit a Veteran's Administration Hospital, and ask the Chaplain who is a patient that has not had a visitor in a while...or at all. You can do the same with a Children's Hospital, or an orphanage, or a Food Bank, or a Shelter, or the home of a neighbor. You could do all or any of these things, if your heart was geared up, and ready to go for some really radical Thanks-giving. In order to do anything of substance, however, there is one thing you must do to prepare. You must become, if only for a time, completely and legitimately selfless. It is very true that those you would help can and do sense insincerity from a mile off. Believe me when I tell you that their survival often depends upon this one skill alone. But, I would tell you this for yet another, and I believe much more important reason. Selflessness requires faith. It requires not only your own faith, and faith in yourself, but faith in your fellow mankind. The purposeful act of selflessness comes very easy for some, while remaining nearly impossible for others. Goodness knows, we have a lot to complain about in our own lives, families, jobs, communities and nation. How does one move beyond those realities and simply say "That doesn't matter. This does!" Well, that is an inside job, friend. The process of demanding your own selflessness is very likely to bring you into direct contact with a few things about yourself you don't feel so good about. Demand it anyway. You may find that there is a really great secret about Thanksgiving you either never knew, or haven't remembered in a very long time. In His Care. Budroe ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Footnotes |
John Fitzgerald Kennedy May 29, 1917 - November 22, 1963? Yesterday, Friday November 22, 2013 was a day of remembrance for me; thus no writing. Fifty years ago, on this date in 1963, America lost her Camelot. There was no saving her from it, even as other brothers would try. One, Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy, the Attorney General of the United States of America under his older brother's administration, would mount a Presidential campaign. He would die because of it. Yet, if Camelot could not continue, the legacy of family participation in Public Service to our country would continue for decades, and even to this very day. Much has been made of the life, and the death of JFK. Even the most cursory glance at the television schedule this week will immediately testify to that truth, both here at home and abroad. Yet, while there are enigmas and dilemmas abundant for a century of research, speculation, publication and dissemination, I feel that something even more significant is being overlooked. Not merely in the past 50 years (historically), but today and perhaps tomorrow as well. Pardon my arrogance, but it is only through the watching, reading, and viewing this week which makes me feel this statement to be much more than true. What I do not yet know is whether or not this perhaps most important reality will be a perpetual one. The reason is a simple one, yet not one whose solution we cannot determine. Therein lies the dilemma, you see. The solution is entirely up to us, the citizens of the United States, and of the world. It may go without saying (necessarily) that President Kennedy had one over-arching belief, a supreme confidence. In his living, in his speaking, in his writing, and in his Presidency, this belief was central. He believed in us, the American people. Not only was his belief in us strongest in our very best nature, but very outspoken in his understanding and belief in our very worst nature. His conviction was that, no matter what, America was safe for her citizens because OF her citizens. Kennedy had seen the very worst of humankind, even his fellow citizens. His living was the proof we needed during some very difficult times to help us see those times through. He led from, as is the trait of a genuine leader, from the front. We saw him, during our difficult times, like Moses overllooking the Red Sea, compelling his followers forward into, and through the abyss of uncertainty until we again landed on solid ground. That was a position we, the electors gave him. In fact, it was a position we were more than willing to give him. Of all we needed, we needed him to lead. He did, valiantly. Many loved him. Many despised him. He knew the fullness of both. Yet he did not waver when it came to his faith and belief in us. That was him, the man, the President of the United States of America. That was him, the Father, Husband, friend, colleague, and leader. One need look only to his words, his acts and deeds, and the steps he walked to understand that Kennedy was a believer in citizen, and in citizenship. Yet, I submit that we have failed in the largest part to validate his belief in us, and his trust in the security of freedom both at home and abroad. One need only look at our collective words, and acts, and deeds with an honest, critical eye to know this to be true. As a result, John F. Kennedy truly did die on November 22, 1963. It wasn't necessary then. It isn't necessary now, so why do we continue to act as if it were? From the very beginning moments of the future of America after Kennedy, we as a nation have betrayed his faith and belief in us. While it is true that we have had some stellar advances in that time, it is much more true that we have had blinding, and in most cases blindingly stupid decisions and choices which belie his faith and belief in us. This is the genesis of the ongoing dilemmas and enigmas which never seem to stop assailing us as a nation. It is our fault, and ours alone. So is the decision to stop the attacks on citizenship, on democracy, and on America. You see, since the moment that Lee Harvey Oswald successfully completed his second of three sniper shots, we as a people have been mistrusting, misunderstanding, misrepresenting, and misleading our government, and each other. If one were to plot a Cartesian point (x,y) graph across the span of the preceding fifty years of American History, the increase in the negativity of our citizenry against their government (and governance) is patently clear. You must, in order to truly "see" this reality must do one simple, yet simply impossible task. You must set aside your political ideology. This is not an activity for party politics, but for the inquiring mind of a reasonably intelligent citizenry. You can refuse to do so, and nobody much would be either impressed or surprised. That is the absolute foundation of the problem, you see. Within three days, the American people had begun their own series of continuing mistrust and disbelief. It continues to this very day. Rather than spending empty brain power creating an argument to my theory, how about spending some time investigating it's potential integrity and truth? By the time of the release of the Warren Commission Report, the path down the rabbit hole was complete. One person, Mark Levin has been making a buck on the fear of Americans from that day to this. He was wrong in 1963, and 1964, and every year since. He is wrong today. But he does have a few hugely successful products that just keeps on giving: doubt; mistrust. Voice. From the ride to Parkland Hospital, through Vietnam and beyond, even unto this very day, politicians and political entities (on both sides of the political aisle) have employed the strongest emotional tactic of all to enable those who believe power is for sale to the highest bidder. Sadly, yet predictably, the price has been constantly rising, with power going ever-upward to the more and more affluent among us. First, those circles who found the affluence of the Kennedys, and their ilk not only admirable but achievable hung to the Hyannis clan for all they were worth. Stars of the fear philosophy began carving space for themselves, offering their services to the highest bidder. The problem was the same as for any other Ponzi scheme. It became more and more expensive to first control, then remain in the game. The game has continued unabated since, with fear as the grease, and money as the fuel for the engine of State. Those raised in, and since Kennedy's Presidency have become so untrusting of their government, and their governance that simple fear ran it's course. Fear has ruled this country since 9/12/11 by the hand of those whose lust for power outstripped the ability of fear itself. That was a wrinkle the power mongers never anticipated. It was the wrinkle that Kennedy depended on. There truly is a limit to the accesses of power, for power's sake alone. Now, the power brokers arrogantly, visibly, publicly presume that there is no power sufficient to stop them, much less return to the democracy President Kennedy died for. Kennedy governed in a time when fear was trumped by willful allegiance to the principles and precepts of democracy. It was a learned lesson from since before the days of WW II, and hard earned. Simply one firm connection between Kennedy and his people that was unbreakable, even in death. A bond that could not, regardless of the money spent in the attempt, or the power displayed, be broken between fellow citizens. Kennedy knew that, too. It was where the guiding light came from, after all. We know that President Kennedy witnessed the most horrific mankind had to offer. We seem to have pretty consistently forgotten the other part. President Kennedy saw the very best mankind had to offer, as well. Not only did he see it, he lived it, among the very best citizens of the very best nation in the world. That's what we once were. That's what we used to be, you know. Today, we are anything but. But that is a choice. We make it, every day. President Kennedy lived, and died believing in our best, even as we together endured the very worst. He told us we could, and should deal with the worst by refusing to be anything but the very best. No matter what. Today, even when we have the living proof of a President who is leading his country to better tomorrows for everyone while being vilified, maligned, abused, disrespected, and forsaken by the citizens of that same country, even President Kennedy would call us as citizens again. His legacy is calling to us, and our best potential even as there are so many screaming fear, doubt, and hatred for everything Kennedy stood for, and what we as Americans should be standing for today. For every one of us, who every day fail to resist the lies of fear and power in that fear, we choose to keep President Kennedy's legacy in a grave. For every one of us who wake up, knowing in spite of the fear screaming around us to believe in the very best we, as Americans have to offer, Kennedy's legacy lives. Sometimes, it even soars above and beyond us. I believe that makes President Kennedy smile, within his never-ending faith in us. At least, I do sincerely hope so. America is worthy of that President, and this one. America is worthy of our very best citizenship. John F. Kennedy knew that. I know it now. If it be no more than I alone, I will continue to agree with our 35th President, and the legacy he leaves to us every single day, if we will but listen. If we do, our most beloved President will be validated, and his legacy will live for the ages. If we do not, the only confirmable fact will be that John Fitzgerald Kennedy truly died that day in Dallas. That choice is up to us. Right now. And, I do remain, In His Care, Budroe |
| There are many quotes of, about, or by John F. Kennedy. As I stated in the beginning, he was a writer. The remembrance which comes first to my mind regarding something personal of himself which transmitted to those who heard his words, especially when spoken by the President himself. One kept coming back into my brain, because it was just about the first quote I ever heard him say, and because of the dramatic, life-changing impact it has had on my life since the moment I first heard it. I must admit that I had read the words long before I heard the writer speaking them. I was aware of the political circumstance. The moment of the speaking was a significant factor in the speaking of the words. These words have guided my life, and my living as much as any words written. They do define me, my work, and my life in the very best sense, but surely in the intensely personal and truthful sense. If I ever needed a guidepost for my own life, these words never failed to provide one for me, no matter my own personal, professional or political situation. They more then speak to me. These words speak for me. If you ever wanted to know what my core driving motivation might be, these words would solve that particular problem. “If by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people-their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights and their civil liberties-someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal", then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal.” ― John F. Kennedy, Profiles in Courage __ The words were tough to speak, given the audience at the University of Massachusetts who were looking to derail Kennedy's campaign on several grounds. But the impetus for the occasion of the speech was a group of potential opponents to his election. He just happened to see them as advocates for his cause that didn't know it yet. There was much suspicion about the name, the family, and the man. Not among the least of these suspicions was the fact that Kennedy was the first candidate for the Presidency who was a devout Roman Catholic. "Who Are YOU?" A question that virtually every member of that audience wished to ask candidate Senator Kennedy of Massachusetts, but civility and respect for the man kept them from outright blurting it out. He solved that problem and acquitted himself handily in the process. However, as I heard him speak those words, he was talking to me. If any words I could ever write or speak could have that effect on an audience, a listener or a reader, I would consider my craft to have been more than successful. But, in that moment, those words resounded within me. They have stayed in my heart ever since. I believe there are many who could say the same. Lasting impact; lasting effect. This would become a hallmark of the man, and his life. He did, indeed walk the talk. He got in a passel of trouble for it, too. Yet, he would not change, or flinch or budge from this most fundamental definition of himself. His was a tough standard to live up to, yet I have tried in my life to bring at least some honor to those words. The difference, you see.... The difference is that President Kennedy challenged us, but also showed us that every challenge was possible. What we considered to be dreams, he considered to be plans of accomplishment. Life changing attitudes brought an entire nation into the realm of the possible, leaving the difficulties of depression, injustice, poverty, and inequality behind. Forward looking demands of our very best which could resolve all the difficult entanglements of national--and personal--life were contained for me in that quote. I was a very young man, but hearing those words confirmed for me a lifetime. How much could one person affect another person? Or a nation? This is the scope of Kennedy's strength. He would demonstrate over and over, and over again his commitment to those words in his life, and never more so than in his Presidency. A nation came to believe him, and to believe in him. His words were not sophisticated. They were simple truths. His life and his work, and his words were by no means perfect. We have plenty of reason to know of him as a mere mortal. But in the process of becoming, Kennedy reached for new horizons, vistas the American people had long since forgotten. Post-war, one of the most difficult considerations for the citizens of America was whether or not we would, post-war, return to a nation steeped in mediocrity, or whether we would not only accept our new role upon the world stage, earn it, and keep it. That was a huge consideration for us in those days. There were, in virtually every corner of this nation some new rumblings. They were rumblings of dreamers suddenly finding their backbone, and a willingness to do what they could to not let their President down. His statements were challenges. His challenges were just, and right, and true. He empowered an entire nation to dare, to dream, to become. These are all, finally, personal. President Kennedy knew how to speak to his audience, whether a nation, or a common Kentucky hillbilly. Somehow, even as I realized these words were speaking directly to me, I was also incredibly comforted in the knowledge that, through this man, these words were speaking for me to a changing and unsuspecting world. What more could one hope for in a President, or a friend? That's how John F. Kennedy affected me. That is how one man affected, and changed a nation. He helped me to understand that, more than any other desire, I must always desire to be, In His Care, Budroe |
| "Frontline", a PBS program, tonight replayed a biography on the life, and death of Lee Harvey Oswald . This is a 50th Anniversary replay of a biography originally aired on PBS to remember the 30th Anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I learned some things that I had not known about this man and his life. The program was complete. I watched pretty much the entire life of a human on a television screen. It was fairly represented, yet it did not change my views or my opinion. Much has been made of possible conspiracies regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. In my personal opinion, one man assassinated John F. Kennedy. His name was Lee Harvey Oswald, aka "Alek J. Hiddell". Since that most infamous of days in the recent history of the United States, there have been multiple investigations into the facts and theories surrounding President Kennedy's assassination, beginning with the Warren Commission Report, in 1963 and ending with the Joint Committee investigation more than a decade later. The entire question of conspiracy surrounding the assassination of our 35th President has begun, and become an industry unto itself. Beyond four "official" investigations by the United States government, several investigations by branches of the Armed Forces, and untold individually funded and/or conducted investigations looking at virtually every possible aspect of the characters and events leading up to, including, and beyond November 22, 1963, nothing much has changed. Improved or newly established technologies in fields as diverse as photography to computerization (which did not much exist in 1963 in personal or private domains) have not moved the focus to any other assassin, possibility, or conspiracy. Hollywood has consistently benefited from every potential explanation of those days, and continues to do so even today. Despite absence (or presence) of evidence, gaffes, inexplicable turns and all the personal, professional and political punditry assigned to the topic, as of this date no significant "other" evidence, testimony or causation has emerged which would change the outcome, or my opinion on the matter. When the events were current news, I was a very careful reader and observer of the investigations surrounding the death of President Kennedy. I was not alone. If the death and funeral of our President had captured every available form of media, the investigation into those days was more so. Every reporter was there, and had a scoop. Every newsman had an angle. The nightly news was filled to overflowing with interviews, interpretations, intelligence that the investigators doubtless needed but did not have (because said holder of said important trivia had not been subpoenaed to appear--yet!) as of the most recent report. We waited, literally while holding our collective breath as a nation, for the revelation that would explain it all; an explanation that never came. Of course, by the time we had begun to become accustomed to the idea that our President was dead, so was the suspected assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. Jacob Rubinstein, aka "Jack Ruby" had seen to that. Anything we would learn would have to come from our own efforts alone. Since that fateful day in Dallas, there have been many assassinations, multiple murders and random acts of violence perpetrated upon our citizens. Some (but by no means all) of them have affected us as a nation. As we have not yet figured out the why of Dallas, neither does it seem that we have figured out the same question in so many other violent acts. Of late, there has come a fairly universal agreement among reporters and other media journalists not to reveal or speak the name of the perpetrator; to focus on the victims. Psychologically, it is believed (or hoped) that a silence of the name would somehow lessen the desire to make yourself known, or famous for having committed such acts. It is so new a trend that we really cannot definitively state or quantify its effectiveness. How can you prove how many violent acts of murder have not happened? But there will be, for the entirety of history, an answer to the question of who killed President Kennedy. Lee Harvey Oswald is his name. Together, these two names will eternally dance together. Survivors of both families are living today, as are millions of American citizens who clearly recall those days, and those times in our own personal history. I would much rather be celebrating the 96th year of that most amazing President, having no memory or idea who Oswald was. That's the truth. I cannot. But I can determine the relevant importance that name, or any name holds in my personal life. One of the new ideas that have come to me as a result of the "Frontline" piece I watched tonight is that, while there were countless entities, organizations, and individuals who had a furious, nearly rabid hatred for President Kennedy, the human who assassinated him most likely did not. This unique act of violence had little to do with Kennedy, and virtually nothing to do with his politics. It was all about a man who wanted to be known as a Marxist anti-capitalist revolutionary, but couldn't cut the mustard in either the Soviet Union OR The United States. One man thought more of himself than he ought, and the entire world discovered, to it's utter horror, that one man changed the course of world history with his insipid hatred for an ideal. Today is the 150th Anniversary of the first speaking of the Gettysburg Address by then-President Abraham Lincoln. Yes, another assassinated President, whose death moved the dial of world history, and the only American President whose assassination was, in fact, the result of a conspiracy. Abraham Lincoln was a man whose words were measured for time, and all eternity by a nation who did not then, and quite possibly even today does not fully comprehend them. American History assignments due this day will undoubtedly be filled with words about those words, yet we as a nation still cannot seem to live them out. This is because, in my opinion, we are still a people who find hatred for our fellow citizen to be a more preferred alternative. The words of Lincoln informed the words of Kennedy. This is a parallelism seldom discussed in America. Of the many, many parallels, coincidences or incidental truths which flow between these two men, their words, their nation, and the world, we should pay much more attention to the words they shared. Perhaps, if we do, we can prevent future violence against one another, and choose rather to invest our energies, intentions, and work to making our nation a more perfect union again. Lincoln died for that cause. So did, as it turned out, John F. Kennedy. So should we, as have so very many. During this remembrance week of the 50th Anniversary of the death of President Kennedy, perhaps we should best be tasked to taking the words they wrote to heart...as American citizens. If we do not, our name should be known along with the murderers, and not the witnesses. To that end, and for that cause, I do remain, In His Care, Budroe |
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