I think that someone has been trying to tell me something. I have seen tweets, Facebook posts, a Chinese fortune cookie, and even my horoscope recently said that to get somewhere, you have to start. (The horoscope part is funny since I seldom look at what my horoscope says.) Sources notwithstanding, like I said, I think someone is sending me a message.
In the year to come, I have quite a few personal challenges and goals in many areas of my life. For those of you that have read some of my older posts, you know that I don't do New Year's Resolutions but I do at certain points in the year review aspects of my life with the changing of the calendar year being a great time to make note of where I am, where I want to go, and how I am going to get there.
One problem that I have had for a long time is that sometimes I get so lost in the details of what I want and need to do, I forget to take the first step. I don't start. However, this time is going to be different. I have a list of goals. I have a list of needs. I have a list of challenges which need fast and urgent action to be taken. For some of the things that I have mentioned, I already have an action plan of things that I need to do. And I have begun some of those actions. However, there are others that are still waiting for me to start. And there are other plans that need to be made so I can start to move toward my goal. I have a lot going on with a big expectation for this year.
It is going to take some management and enthusiasm on my part. But most of all, they need me to start.
My challenge to you is this: I know that you have dreams and goals for the coming year. If you don't, you need to so some serious self-reflection. You don't need to be like me and have a large and challenging set of goals, it could be just one thing. (As long as when you reach that goal, you set a new one.) For those goals, whether you have them now or will have them shortly, you need to START to move to reaching that goal. One thing is certain about goals, you will not reach them if you don't start.
Smile!
©2014 Eddy Seegers
Monday, January 13, 2014
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Reflection on 9-11
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” ― Søren Kierkegaard
There are three things I take time to reflect upon on September 11th every year.
The first is one of my nieces’ birthday. So much was going on around the time of her birth, so much has gone on in her life, and she has so much to look forward to in the future. I remember when I was that age, the huge anticipation I had for my 10th birthday. For her 10th birthday my niece had to endure the world changing because of what happened on that date in 2001.
Almost everybody takes the time to reflect on the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centers in New York City on September 11, 2001. I think that we need to take more time to reflect on the event of that day. More than just one day a year on the anniversary. We need to look at the pictures and spend time looking at the videos. We need to remember who committed those dastardly acts. We need to remember the feelings that we had on that most gut wrenching day for our country since Pearl Harbor.
Finally, today I reflect on the events in Benghazi, Libya one year ago, September 11, 2012. On that day our embassy and its people were attacked by an organized mob of Islamic terrorists. 4 men died that day including our Ambassador. Yet, to this day many people probably could not tell you what happened that day if asked. On top of that, our government has not shown much of an interest in getting to the bottom of what happened that day or bringing the perpetrators to justice.
A day of reflection. There are lots of things that we should reflect upon in life. On September 11 every year, I think the points of reflection are a little heavier. Well, except for my niece, which reminds me that life goes on. I love you kiddo.
Smile!
©2013 Eddy Seegers
There are three things I take time to reflect upon on September 11th every year.
The first is one of my nieces’ birthday. So much was going on around the time of her birth, so much has gone on in her life, and she has so much to look forward to in the future. I remember when I was that age, the huge anticipation I had for my 10th birthday. For her 10th birthday my niece had to endure the world changing because of what happened on that date in 2001.
Almost everybody takes the time to reflect on the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centers in New York City on September 11, 2001. I think that we need to take more time to reflect on the event of that day. More than just one day a year on the anniversary. We need to look at the pictures and spend time looking at the videos. We need to remember who committed those dastardly acts. We need to remember the feelings that we had on that most gut wrenching day for our country since Pearl Harbor.
Finally, today I reflect on the events in Benghazi, Libya one year ago, September 11, 2012. On that day our embassy and its people were attacked by an organized mob of Islamic terrorists. 4 men died that day including our Ambassador. Yet, to this day many people probably could not tell you what happened that day if asked. On top of that, our government has not shown much of an interest in getting to the bottom of what happened that day or bringing the perpetrators to justice.
A day of reflection. There are lots of things that we should reflect upon in life. On September 11 every year, I think the points of reflection are a little heavier. Well, except for my niece, which reminds me that life goes on. I love you kiddo.
Smile!
©2013 Eddy Seegers
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Random Things That Go Through My Mind
Today is the 1st of September. Labor Day Weekend 2013. To me, this weekend is the unofficial end to Summer. College and high school football has started. School has started back making commute traffic heavier. Baseball season is winding down. Pro football gets started next week. Even though we have 3 weeks until the official first day of Autumn and the weather will still be summer like for a while, in my mind fall begins this weekend.
While trying to think of a topic to post this past week, I ended up with a series of random thoughts which are indicative of all the things that run through my mind. Some are serious and some are not so much. Some seem less serious but do have a serious meaning underneath the surface. Anyway, here is a sample of some of the things that have gone through my mind this past week.
* There was a supposed "Strike" by fast food workers to have their pay raised to $15.00 an hour. Thought #1 on this subject: The understanding of simple economics by this group is non-existent. Thought #2: Many people making minimum wage are overpaid.
* The current President of the United States of America is clueless when it comes to foreign relations and international affairs.
* My day job gets in the way of my blogging. It gets in the way of a lot of other things also but I like to eat and have a roof over my head.
* Red hair seems to a new "In" fashion statement but there are some people who should stick with what Mother Nature gave 'em.
* The Prez is clueless on domestic affairs as well but a lapdog mainstream press, a power hungry Congress, and a blindly loyal following allow him to get away with his trashing of the Constitution.
* No full grown adult male should ever wear a baseball-style cap backwards. Unless he is trying to look stupid.
* The Prez is clueless on domestic affairs as well but a lapdog mainstream press, a power hungry Congress, and a blindly loyal following allow him to get away with his trashing of the Constitution.
* People who are in supervisory positions and are jerks towards their employees irritate me. It is totally unnecessary. (Note: None of my bosses are like this.)
* Being a homeowner has forced me to learn many handyman skills that I was never interested in learning, until I learned how much it cost to hire someone to do those jobs.
* I no longer use the term "common courtesy" because courtesy no longer seems to be common. If you doubt me, go to a grocery store on a busy day to people watch. Spend some time in both the parking lot and inside the store. the lack of courtesy and presence of outright rudeness is amazing. When an act of courtesy is the exception, there is something wrong.
* The invention of the DVR is one of the 2 greatest inventions for football fans. The other is the yellow first down line on television.
* Which is worse? A person who is not very bright but tries to act as if they are. Or, someone who is smart but like to point it out all of the time and acts better than everyone else.
* My cat likes to jump up onto my desk while I am working. It can make typing a challenge. My 2 points before this one had to be re-typed thanks to him.
* Finally, no matter how bad things are in my life, college football season makes things a little better. Even more so if Auburn and the University of Houston are doing well. (They both won their opening games.)
Smile.
©2013 Eddy Seegers
While trying to think of a topic to post this past week, I ended up with a series of random thoughts which are indicative of all the things that run through my mind. Some are serious and some are not so much. Some seem less serious but do have a serious meaning underneath the surface. Anyway, here is a sample of some of the things that have gone through my mind this past week.
* There was a supposed "Strike" by fast food workers to have their pay raised to $15.00 an hour. Thought #1 on this subject: The understanding of simple economics by this group is non-existent. Thought #2: Many people making minimum wage are overpaid.
* The current President of the United States of America is clueless when it comes to foreign relations and international affairs.
* My day job gets in the way of my blogging. It gets in the way of a lot of other things also but I like to eat and have a roof over my head.
* Red hair seems to a new "In" fashion statement but there are some people who should stick with what Mother Nature gave 'em.
* The Prez is clueless on domestic affairs as well but a lapdog mainstream press, a power hungry Congress, and a blindly loyal following allow him to get away with his trashing of the Constitution.
* No full grown adult male should ever wear a baseball-style cap backwards. Unless he is trying to look stupid.
* The Prez is clueless on domestic affairs as well but a lapdog mainstream press, a power hungry Congress, and a blindly loyal following allow him to get away with his trashing of the Constitution.
* People who are in supervisory positions and are jerks towards their employees irritate me. It is totally unnecessary. (Note: None of my bosses are like this.)
* Being a homeowner has forced me to learn many handyman skills that I was never interested in learning, until I learned how much it cost to hire someone to do those jobs.
* I no longer use the term "common courtesy" because courtesy no longer seems to be common. If you doubt me, go to a grocery store on a busy day to people watch. Spend some time in both the parking lot and inside the store. the lack of courtesy and presence of outright rudeness is amazing. When an act of courtesy is the exception, there is something wrong.
* The invention of the DVR is one of the 2 greatest inventions for football fans. The other is the yellow first down line on television.
* Which is worse? A person who is not very bright but tries to act as if they are. Or, someone who is smart but like to point it out all of the time and acts better than everyone else.
* My cat likes to jump up onto my desk while I am working. It can make typing a challenge. My 2 points before this one had to be re-typed thanks to him.
* Finally, no matter how bad things are in my life, college football season makes things a little better. Even more so if Auburn and the University of Houston are doing well. (They both won their opening games.)
Smile.
©2013 Eddy Seegers
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tribute to my Dad
There have been times in my life that I have felt sorry for my younger brother. Through the chance of birth order, I was the first born child to my mom and dad. If my memory serves me right, I was supposed to be given the name Charles Edward, after my maternal grandfather. When the time came for my mom to fill out the birth certificate she instead named me Edgar, after my dad. That is where I felt sorry for my brother in that I was the one lucky enough to have been given our father’s name. It is a story longer than I will tell here but I am actually the third in the line as my dad was named after his father, who died when Dad was still a young boy but my birth certificate says that I am a Junior.
Where to begin when I give honor to my dad? I guess the best place to begin is probably that he is one of the Few and the Proud. He was and is a Marine. Dad is not the most imposing figure physically, standing at 5 feet, 7 inches tall. Again, relying on the memory of a proud child, I believe in his Marine Corps days he was about 135 pounds. However, he had the heart of a fighter. The story I have always remembered and when I asked him about it recently, my memory did hold true. His unit was training with pugil sticks, the giant Q-Tip looking sticks that were used for training in close combat fighting using the bayonet and rifle butt. Dad was paired with the biggest guy in his platoon and ended up breaking the other guy’s hand. Apparently, this won his some points with his drill instructor which is always a good thing.
Dad wanted to fly, to become a Marine Pilot, but his eyesight did not allow it. He likely would have made the Marine Corps his career but an undetected birth defect in his spine was discovered and he had to take a medical discharge.
He then had a procedure known as a spinal fusion. It was a much more involved and dangerous operation in the early 60’s when his was done. They took part of his hip bone out and “fused” it into his spine to make it stronger. He wasn’t ever supposed to lift anything too heavy or put too much pressure on it. I remember a time when I was a teenager and we were building a wall in our yard using railroad cross-ties. I was wishing that he would have listened to the doctors, but I never saw him use the back for an excuse. (Although none of our family was very good at it, I think he even water skied a little when we had our boat.)
The thing I most fondly remember about Dad is how he supported my interest in sports. I joke around in my profile for this blog that while I did not come out of the womb with a baseball glove on my hand, my first words were probably “Play Ball!” I have vague memories of a time when I was extremely young and him showing me the proper way to hold and swing a bat.
Even more vividly though are the memories of when I was 8 years old and finally old enough to play Little League Baseball. Back in those days there wasn’t any t-ball or coaches pitch leagues. More importantly, you had to try out to make the team. I remember Dad going with me to the playground of James Bowie Elementary in Baytown, Texas and working with me so I would be ready for tryouts. I probably drove him nuts and while I am sure there must have been times when he said no, I don’t ever remember him denying me when I asked to play pitch or go practice. He would work with me on my throwing technique, give me grounders and fly balls to practice with, and then chase balls I hit during batting practice.
One of the most wonderful thoughts I have of both my Dad and Mom was how they supported my interest in playing sports. I don’t think there were too many games that they did not attend. They worked in concessions stands and joined booster clubs. And they were there to support me. There were times Dad took me to any baseball game that I wanted to go to. He took me to a Pony League game one time because I wanted to see the “older boys” play. I know it probably bored him to death but he was there with me.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I always knew that I was deserving of any honors I was given. Don’t get me wrong, he and Mom were my biggest fans. A long story that I won’t fully share here (as this is already longer than my normal post) goes with my first football game of the senior year of high school. I was in the hospital until Wednesday the week of that first game and Dad helped me twist the words of the doctor to allow me to suit up and play. I didn’t start as our offensive right guard but got into the game late in the first quarter and only missed about 5 plays for the rest of the year. After I got in, I played the game of my life. I blocked against a guy that would end up getting a major college scholarship and totally shut him down after he tormented our team at the start.
Now let me explain, my high school was a little small suburban school in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Right in the middle of the Bible Belt. And my Dad still could talk like marine when he wanted to although not usually in public. The story goes that Mom kept having to “shush” him as he cheered me on in a very colorful manner. I remember how Mom said she was so embarrassed when I made a play and Dad shouted for all to hear, “He knocked him on his A**!”
There are many more things I could share about my Dad. He became a Dallas Cowboys fan with me. The fond memories of watching Cowboys games on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. In high school, Dad, my brother and me, would make treks from Birmingham to Dallas to see a game or two every year at Texas Stadium.
I could talk about how he has had more lives than a cat. 2 years ago, he developed sepsis. His whole body was one big infection. I remember walking into the Intensive Care unit seeing his blood pressure at 50/33 and a heart rate of around 175. I asked him how he was doing and he said that he had had better days. He ended up being in a coma for over 2 weeks. When he awoke, he had a breathing tube that he really did not like. The doctors told us they were going to have to build up his strength to allow the tube to come out. They told him what he needed to do to prove he could breathe on his own and about 3 hours later, the tube was out.
One final brag on Dad. He was always there for me with my love of sports. My younger brother though, was more into things like mechanics and loved fishing. Dad took the time to be there for Little Brother too. They would work on cars together and go on fishing trips (that I didn’t mind missing.) He was also there for my sisters’ dance recitals and all of our school plays. He worked school carnivals. He tolerated our friends.
To close, Dad is not perfect. He can be stubborn. (No comment Mom.) He has been having hearing issues for years but only recently has acknowledged it but is still not doing anything about it. There are times he seems like he is trying to win the “Crabby Guy Award”. But my Dad has given me a lifetime of memories. A lifetime of being there for me and setting an example. Oops, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention his love for the San Antonio Spurs. Even if it means sitting in a sweltering hot or freezing cold garage to watch them while he smokes his cigars.
Dad, Thanks for the memories. I don’t say it enough, I LOVE YOU!
Where to begin when I give honor to my dad? I guess the best place to begin is probably that he is one of the Few and the Proud. He was and is a Marine. Dad is not the most imposing figure physically, standing at 5 feet, 7 inches tall. Again, relying on the memory of a proud child, I believe in his Marine Corps days he was about 135 pounds. However, he had the heart of a fighter. The story I have always remembered and when I asked him about it recently, my memory did hold true. His unit was training with pugil sticks, the giant Q-Tip looking sticks that were used for training in close combat fighting using the bayonet and rifle butt. Dad was paired with the biggest guy in his platoon and ended up breaking the other guy’s hand. Apparently, this won his some points with his drill instructor which is always a good thing.
Dad wanted to fly, to become a Marine Pilot, but his eyesight did not allow it. He likely would have made the Marine Corps his career but an undetected birth defect in his spine was discovered and he had to take a medical discharge.
He then had a procedure known as a spinal fusion. It was a much more involved and dangerous operation in the early 60’s when his was done. They took part of his hip bone out and “fused” it into his spine to make it stronger. He wasn’t ever supposed to lift anything too heavy or put too much pressure on it. I remember a time when I was a teenager and we were building a wall in our yard using railroad cross-ties. I was wishing that he would have listened to the doctors, but I never saw him use the back for an excuse. (Although none of our family was very good at it, I think he even water skied a little when we had our boat.)
The thing I most fondly remember about Dad is how he supported my interest in sports. I joke around in my profile for this blog that while I did not come out of the womb with a baseball glove on my hand, my first words were probably “Play Ball!” I have vague memories of a time when I was extremely young and him showing me the proper way to hold and swing a bat.
Even more vividly though are the memories of when I was 8 years old and finally old enough to play Little League Baseball. Back in those days there wasn’t any t-ball or coaches pitch leagues. More importantly, you had to try out to make the team. I remember Dad going with me to the playground of James Bowie Elementary in Baytown, Texas and working with me so I would be ready for tryouts. I probably drove him nuts and while I am sure there must have been times when he said no, I don’t ever remember him denying me when I asked to play pitch or go practice. He would work with me on my throwing technique, give me grounders and fly balls to practice with, and then chase balls I hit during batting practice.
One of the most wonderful thoughts I have of both my Dad and Mom was how they supported my interest in playing sports. I don’t think there were too many games that they did not attend. They worked in concessions stands and joined booster clubs. And they were there to support me. There were times Dad took me to any baseball game that I wanted to go to. He took me to a Pony League game one time because I wanted to see the “older boys” play. I know it probably bored him to death but he was there with me.
There was a big sign above the concession stand at the Baytown East Little League field with the Parent's Creed. My parents lived by this creed when supporting me.
Another of the things that I think set Dad apart from other sports Dads was he didn’t sugar-coat things. If he thought I had a deficiency, he told me. He would let me know what he thought I needed to work on, and since I had maybe just above average skills and performed better through lots of practice and a whole lotta heart, he didn’t give me a break. I remember him calling me out on a third strike when he umpired a practice game that first year of baseball. On one of the few occasions that he coached me on the field, I had to earn every position and honor. Where in some leagues I played in, if your father was a coach, you were guaranteed getting on the all-star team, even if you were not one of the better players. Not me. I knew I had to be just that little better than the next guy. Shoot, there was one time I thought for sure he was campaigning against me during the all-star selection meeting.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I always knew that I was deserving of any honors I was given. Don’t get me wrong, he and Mom were my biggest fans. A long story that I won’t fully share here (as this is already longer than my normal post) goes with my first football game of the senior year of high school. I was in the hospital until Wednesday the week of that first game and Dad helped me twist the words of the doctor to allow me to suit up and play. I didn’t start as our offensive right guard but got into the game late in the first quarter and only missed about 5 plays for the rest of the year. After I got in, I played the game of my life. I blocked against a guy that would end up getting a major college scholarship and totally shut him down after he tormented our team at the start.
Now let me explain, my high school was a little small suburban school in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Right in the middle of the Bible Belt. And my Dad still could talk like marine when he wanted to although not usually in public. The story goes that Mom kept having to “shush” him as he cheered me on in a very colorful manner. I remember how Mom said she was so embarrassed when I made a play and Dad shouted for all to hear, “He knocked him on his A**!”
There are many more things I could share about my Dad. He became a Dallas Cowboys fan with me. The fond memories of watching Cowboys games on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. In high school, Dad, my brother and me, would make treks from Birmingham to Dallas to see a game or two every year at Texas Stadium.
One final brag on Dad. He was always there for me with my love of sports. My younger brother though, was more into things like mechanics and loved fishing. Dad took the time to be there for Little Brother too. They would work on cars together and go on fishing trips (that I didn’t mind missing.) He was also there for my sisters’ dance recitals and all of our school plays. He worked school carnivals. He tolerated our friends.
To close, Dad is not perfect. He can be stubborn. (No comment Mom.) He has been having hearing issues for years but only recently has acknowledged it but is still not doing anything about it. There are times he seems like he is trying to win the “Crabby Guy Award”. But my Dad has given me a lifetime of memories. A lifetime of being there for me and setting an example. Oops, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention his love for the San Antonio Spurs. Even if it means sitting in a sweltering hot or freezing cold garage to watch them while he smokes his cigars.
Dad, Thanks for the memories. I don’t say it enough, I LOVE YOU!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Character versus Characters
Yesterday, a great lady, wonderful thinker, and powerful politician passed away. Former British Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher passed away from a stroke at the age of 87. She had been in poor health for the past few years but it was still sad to hear of her passing.
In response to a post on Facebook, I made the comment that we all need to have her strength of conviction and character. My comment started me thinking about this great lady and her political life.
Baroness Thatcher, through time, circumstances, and beliefs will forever be associated with President Ronald Reagan. Both are often referred to as polarizing figures. In other words, most people either loved them or hated them. There are likely very few people that have casual feelings forward either one of them.
Maggie is credited with saving Great Britain’s economy. It had become reliant on strongly socialized economic policies and dominated by labor unions, which by their very nature are socialistic organizations. As Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher promoted and pushed for open markets and capitalistic policies. These polices turned the economy around and saved the British Empire from falling from the edge of economic collapse into total disaster. In doing so, she upset many. Those living on the government dole, those supported by the taxes of others, and those that thought, by action if not actual by intention, that government could lift up the poor by punishing the rich. Many people hated her in spite of the economic prosperity that followed her policies.
I heard the audio clip several times yesterday where she was confronted by a member of Parliament at a time near the end of her service as Prime Minister. He was condemning her because the gap between the wealthy and the poor had widened during her leadership. Showing her character, and her skills as a politician and debater, the Prime Minister responded, “The gentleman would rather the poor be poorer provided that the rich were less rich.” She then went on to note that all economic levels had risen during her time and all were much better off than when she first took office. He is like many politicians who are more concerned about the equality of outcomes as opposed to the equality of opportunity. However, Mrs. Thatcher had the character and convictions to see the benefit that had been seen by all.
Ronald Reagan faced many of the same types of critics here in the United States. Ronnie became President our country at a time it was suffering from the Carter malaise. Our nation was dealing with high unemployment, high interest rates, and a general feeling that the United States had seen the best of its days in the rear view mirror. This man and political twin spirit of Margaret Thatcher began by speaking about the greatness of the United States. He then used his strength of character to begin pushing changes to promote capitalistic policies. He pushed for lower taxes. He pushed for free market policies. He stood for strong conservative values.
And in the process, he made many enemies. He was hated. I was astonished when he passed away to listen to a press that had reviled him suddenly start speaking of him in revered tones. He stood up to the air traffic controllers union that went on an illegal strike and drew the ire of all labor unions. Part of the reason the press disliked him so much was that he had the ability to connect with the common citizen. The press seemed to lose much of their influence during his time in office. He also pointed out the silliness of liberal politicians. I mentioned a favorite quote of Mrs. Thatcher earlier, so here is one of my favorites from the Gipper. “It is not that our liberal friends are ignorant, it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.” I quote that often and it always irritates liberals beyond control.
Yes, both Prime Minister Thatcher and President Reagan made great strides to save the economies of their respective nations and as a consequence, the economies of the rest of the world, even the ones not as free as ours. But I think the strong show of character by both of them was standing up to the Soviet Union during the Cold War and basically winning the Cold War through that strength.
I could continue with examples but I think that I have set a basis of the strength of character of these two great leaders.
The purpose of this post however, in addition to honoring Margaret Thatcher, is to point out that lack of character that we have in today’s politician. Instead we have politicians who are simply characters.
Our current crop of politicians, from both sides of the so-called aisle, show a definite deficiency when it comes to character. But, many of them are characters. They are playing roles. We have a President that stutters and stammers when he is speaking extemporaneously but is praised for his speaking abilities because he is a master of reading a speech off of a teleprompter. We have a Vice President who is almost considered a cartoon character. He quite literally goes day after day making ridiculously inane and stupid remarks. To quote many others, he is a walking “gaffe machine”. On the Republican side we have so-called national leaders who campaign on principles of solid conservatism but when the time comes to stand up for those principles, they cave in and actually vote against the very principles they were elected to defend.
It is with a heavy heart that I remember and honor the life that was Margaret Thatcher. I feel strongly that with her passing, a breed of person and leader has passed from our world and our lives. Where will the next leaders with character, not who are characters, come from?
Rest in Peace Iron Lady.
Eddy
©2013 Eddy Seegers
In response to a post on Facebook, I made the comment that we all need to have her strength of conviction and character. My comment started me thinking about this great lady and her political life.
Baroness Thatcher, through time, circumstances, and beliefs will forever be associated with President Ronald Reagan. Both are often referred to as polarizing figures. In other words, most people either loved them or hated them. There are likely very few people that have casual feelings forward either one of them.
Maggie is credited with saving Great Britain’s economy. It had become reliant on strongly socialized economic policies and dominated by labor unions, which by their very nature are socialistic organizations. As Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher promoted and pushed for open markets and capitalistic policies. These polices turned the economy around and saved the British Empire from falling from the edge of economic collapse into total disaster. In doing so, she upset many. Those living on the government dole, those supported by the taxes of others, and those that thought, by action if not actual by intention, that government could lift up the poor by punishing the rich. Many people hated her in spite of the economic prosperity that followed her policies.
I heard the audio clip several times yesterday where she was confronted by a member of Parliament at a time near the end of her service as Prime Minister. He was condemning her because the gap between the wealthy and the poor had widened during her leadership. Showing her character, and her skills as a politician and debater, the Prime Minister responded, “The gentleman would rather the poor be poorer provided that the rich were less rich.” She then went on to note that all economic levels had risen during her time and all were much better off than when she first took office. He is like many politicians who are more concerned about the equality of outcomes as opposed to the equality of opportunity. However, Mrs. Thatcher had the character and convictions to see the benefit that had been seen by all.
Ronald Reagan faced many of the same types of critics here in the United States. Ronnie became President our country at a time it was suffering from the Carter malaise. Our nation was dealing with high unemployment, high interest rates, and a general feeling that the United States had seen the best of its days in the rear view mirror. This man and political twin spirit of Margaret Thatcher began by speaking about the greatness of the United States. He then used his strength of character to begin pushing changes to promote capitalistic policies. He pushed for lower taxes. He pushed for free market policies. He stood for strong conservative values.
And in the process, he made many enemies. He was hated. I was astonished when he passed away to listen to a press that had reviled him suddenly start speaking of him in revered tones. He stood up to the air traffic controllers union that went on an illegal strike and drew the ire of all labor unions. Part of the reason the press disliked him so much was that he had the ability to connect with the common citizen. The press seemed to lose much of their influence during his time in office. He also pointed out the silliness of liberal politicians. I mentioned a favorite quote of Mrs. Thatcher earlier, so here is one of my favorites from the Gipper. “It is not that our liberal friends are ignorant, it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.” I quote that often and it always irritates liberals beyond control.
Yes, both Prime Minister Thatcher and President Reagan made great strides to save the economies of their respective nations and as a consequence, the economies of the rest of the world, even the ones not as free as ours. But I think the strong show of character by both of them was standing up to the Soviet Union during the Cold War and basically winning the Cold War through that strength.
I could continue with examples but I think that I have set a basis of the strength of character of these two great leaders.
The purpose of this post however, in addition to honoring Margaret Thatcher, is to point out that lack of character that we have in today’s politician. Instead we have politicians who are simply characters.
Our current crop of politicians, from both sides of the so-called aisle, show a definite deficiency when it comes to character. But, many of them are characters. They are playing roles. We have a President that stutters and stammers when he is speaking extemporaneously but is praised for his speaking abilities because he is a master of reading a speech off of a teleprompter. We have a Vice President who is almost considered a cartoon character. He quite literally goes day after day making ridiculously inane and stupid remarks. To quote many others, he is a walking “gaffe machine”. On the Republican side we have so-called national leaders who campaign on principles of solid conservatism but when the time comes to stand up for those principles, they cave in and actually vote against the very principles they were elected to defend.
It is with a heavy heart that I remember and honor the life that was Margaret Thatcher. I feel strongly that with her passing, a breed of person and leader has passed from our world and our lives. Where will the next leaders with character, not who are characters, come from?
Rest in Peace Iron Lady.
Eddy
©2013 Eddy Seegers
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Argument Before SCOTUS
I have been debating whether to post my opinion on Facebook regarding "same sex marriage". I decided my post would be too long for that venue so I am posting here instead. I am still treading lightly not for the sake of not offending someone, I have no problem doing that. I am doing so because if I am not careful this post would be about the size of "War and Peace". I am additionally taking my Christian beliefs out of the discussion, again not not because I am concerned about offending but to take a lightening rod item out of the argument and to keep the post shorter.
First, is the semantics of the discussion. In my first sentence I put "same sex marriage" in quotes because on the most basic level that is what the argument is about, changing the definition of marriage.
The plain, simple and to the point definition of marriage is the union between a man and a woman. It is NOT the union between two people. It is NOT the union between a man and a man. It is NOT the union between a woman and a woman. It IS the union between a man and a woman.
One of the two arguments before the Supreme Court is over California's Proposition 8. The arguments of the opponents of Prop 8, supporters of "gay marriage", include that by not allowing homosexuals to marry they are being denied rights that are conferred to married straight couples. The only problem with this argument is that this is a 40 year old argument that is almost a totally moot point in this day and time, even more so in California. The rights of any couple in a relationship are protected. No longer are there limits in the areas where at one time a married couple had one set of rules and a homosexual couple had another set. Even when there are differences they can be overcome with legal documents; for example, hospital directives.
No, a union between a couple of the same sex, by definition is not marriage.
My second point is about the use of the term "civil rights". In other words, that "gay marriage" is a civil right. Many of the Hollywood types are saying that "gay marriage" is on the same level as the black civil rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. I even heard it compared to the women's suffrage movement. There is one huge problem with this comparison. People that are black have no choice about whether or not they are black. Women have no choice as to whether they are a woman. They have civil rights simply because they are humans on this planet and they have basic civil rights that cannot be infringed upon simply because of their skin color or sex. Gay people have a choice as to whether or not they get involved in a committed relationship of whatever degree. I am not afforded anymore rights as a straight man over whether I can be involved in a relationship than a gay man. While going back to my first point, by definition, my relationship can develop into a marriage, a gay man (or woman) can enter into a committed relationship with all of the same benefits except the title of marriage. It is NOT a civil right.
For my third and final point for this discussion, I have to admit that Rush Limbaugh stole some of my thunder by discussing it on his show today. If we go about changing the definition of marriage, where do we stop. One of the arguments by supporters of "gay marriage" is that we should not stop a committed and loving couple from getting married. But why stop stop there and who says it will stop there. Where is the line? What happens if one of the members of the couple is a minor? Why should we stop a committed and loving couple from being together so the argument goes. What about polygamy? What if 3 people love each other and what to get "married"? Why should we stop them? After all, it is their "civil right"? What if a whole group of people want to live in a loving and committed relationship, something similar to the hippie communes of the 60's. Who are we to stop them from getting married as a group?
I could go on and be even more graphic and deviant but I think you get the idea.
I am confused by the liberal mind. They don't want straight couples to get married. They encourage the spurning of the formality of marriage between a man and a woman but they demand that a man and a man or a woman and a woman be allowed to join together in marriage. They glorify single parenthood but talk about how great it is for children to be adopted by a gay couple.
As I said, there is so much more that I could go on when speaking on this topic. I tried to keep this simple and I may even come off as simplistic. If so, oh well. If I offended you, good. You probably needed to be offended. You may disagree. I have no problem with that. You have the right to your opinion and I have the right to mine.
As always, I encourage comments. As a reminder since this is such a sensitive topic, I ask that you remain respectful. I reserve the right to review all and delete any I feel are inappropriate. Profanity will not be tolerated. If you do not like those rules, deal with it or start your own blog where you make the rules.
As always, SMILE.
Eddy
First, is the semantics of the discussion. In my first sentence I put "same sex marriage" in quotes because on the most basic level that is what the argument is about, changing the definition of marriage.
The plain, simple and to the point definition of marriage is the union between a man and a woman. It is NOT the union between two people. It is NOT the union between a man and a man. It is NOT the union between a woman and a woman. It IS the union between a man and a woman.
One of the two arguments before the Supreme Court is over California's Proposition 8. The arguments of the opponents of Prop 8, supporters of "gay marriage", include that by not allowing homosexuals to marry they are being denied rights that are conferred to married straight couples. The only problem with this argument is that this is a 40 year old argument that is almost a totally moot point in this day and time, even more so in California. The rights of any couple in a relationship are protected. No longer are there limits in the areas where at one time a married couple had one set of rules and a homosexual couple had another set. Even when there are differences they can be overcome with legal documents; for example, hospital directives.
No, a union between a couple of the same sex, by definition is not marriage.
My second point is about the use of the term "civil rights". In other words, that "gay marriage" is a civil right. Many of the Hollywood types are saying that "gay marriage" is on the same level as the black civil rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. I even heard it compared to the women's suffrage movement. There is one huge problem with this comparison. People that are black have no choice about whether or not they are black. Women have no choice as to whether they are a woman. They have civil rights simply because they are humans on this planet and they have basic civil rights that cannot be infringed upon simply because of their skin color or sex. Gay people have a choice as to whether or not they get involved in a committed relationship of whatever degree. I am not afforded anymore rights as a straight man over whether I can be involved in a relationship than a gay man. While going back to my first point, by definition, my relationship can develop into a marriage, a gay man (or woman) can enter into a committed relationship with all of the same benefits except the title of marriage. It is NOT a civil right.
For my third and final point for this discussion, I have to admit that Rush Limbaugh stole some of my thunder by discussing it on his show today. If we go about changing the definition of marriage, where do we stop. One of the arguments by supporters of "gay marriage" is that we should not stop a committed and loving couple from getting married. But why stop stop there and who says it will stop there. Where is the line? What happens if one of the members of the couple is a minor? Why should we stop a committed and loving couple from being together so the argument goes. What about polygamy? What if 3 people love each other and what to get "married"? Why should we stop them? After all, it is their "civil right"? What if a whole group of people want to live in a loving and committed relationship, something similar to the hippie communes of the 60's. Who are we to stop them from getting married as a group?
I could go on and be even more graphic and deviant but I think you get the idea.
I am confused by the liberal mind. They don't want straight couples to get married. They encourage the spurning of the formality of marriage between a man and a woman but they demand that a man and a man or a woman and a woman be allowed to join together in marriage. They glorify single parenthood but talk about how great it is for children to be adopted by a gay couple.
As I said, there is so much more that I could go on when speaking on this topic. I tried to keep this simple and I may even come off as simplistic. If so, oh well. If I offended you, good. You probably needed to be offended. You may disagree. I have no problem with that. You have the right to your opinion and I have the right to mine.
As always, I encourage comments. As a reminder since this is such a sensitive topic, I ask that you remain respectful. I reserve the right to review all and delete any I feel are inappropriate. Profanity will not be tolerated. If you do not like those rules, deal with it or start your own blog where you make the rules.
As always, SMILE.
Eddy
©2013 Eddy Seegers
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Aware in 2013
"What you do today can change all your tomorrows."- Zig Ziglar
I just finished a quick paragraph on Facebook to go with a re-posting of the above quote. My statement on every one's favorite social networking sight dealt more with politics but it also works with life in general and I guess it can probably pass as the closest thing to what would be called a New Year's Resolution. (I re-examine my goals and objectives, make adjustments in my plans, and review what I have done and learned in the past but I do that at various times throughout the year and not just at the rolling over of the calender.)
It is a time that people become more aware. We need to be more aware of what we do, our world that we live in, what we think, and how we interact with others. We need to be more aware of our relationships, our thoughts and emotions, and our personal behavior.
My statement said that most people either do not understand, do not care, or do not think they can do anything about circumstances.
I think since this is a more general discussion than my other post, awareness can be substituted for understanding. I encourage you to do an experiment. Go to the mall or the grocery store and just watch people. I would say to also try it when driving but unless you are already good at being aware of your surroundings, save those observations until you are more in tune with the world around you. But back to the experiment.
Walk around.
People watch.
Watch how people move, act, and react. You will notice that people do not realize where they are walking, the space they are occupying, or others around them. Much of the behavior can be considered to be rude but the people will have no clue.
Now some people may not care if they are being rude. They may not care they are not aware. In my humble opinion, way too many people just do not care. They are happy to just go through the motions of life and unless life hits them between the eyes with a 2x4, they just don't care about things outside of a very limited circle of interest.
Then there are finally those people that don't think they can affect any changes, even within themselves. You can hear these people usually before you notice them otherwise. They are the ones that are always complaining, usually with something along the line of "Someone should do something..." These are the people that are always waiting for someone else to take action or someone else to take the lead even though they would not likely follow along anyway. One of the great Life Lessons that I have learned, if you want "someone" to do something, become that someone.
My conclusion to my Facebook statement was this, "I do understand, I do care, and I know that I can do something about it." I continue to try to be aware of of my life, my world, and the world around me. I do care. I care deeply. I care deeply about many things. And finally, I do think that I can do something about it. I have been blessed with a good mind, a strong work ethic, and a strong desire to make things better.
It is my challenge to all that read this to become more aware. Try my experiment to see how aware people seem to be. Gain understanding. Learn to care. Know that you CAN make a difference so you CAN do something. So get out and do it.
Eddy
©2013 Eddy Seegers
I just finished a quick paragraph on Facebook to go with a re-posting of the above quote. My statement on every one's favorite social networking sight dealt more with politics but it also works with life in general and I guess it can probably pass as the closest thing to what would be called a New Year's Resolution. (I re-examine my goals and objectives, make adjustments in my plans, and review what I have done and learned in the past but I do that at various times throughout the year and not just at the rolling over of the calender.)
It is a time that people become more aware. We need to be more aware of what we do, our world that we live in, what we think, and how we interact with others. We need to be more aware of our relationships, our thoughts and emotions, and our personal behavior.
My statement said that most people either do not understand, do not care, or do not think they can do anything about circumstances.
I think since this is a more general discussion than my other post, awareness can be substituted for understanding. I encourage you to do an experiment. Go to the mall or the grocery store and just watch people. I would say to also try it when driving but unless you are already good at being aware of your surroundings, save those observations until you are more in tune with the world around you. But back to the experiment.
Walk around.
People watch.
Watch how people move, act, and react. You will notice that people do not realize where they are walking, the space they are occupying, or others around them. Much of the behavior can be considered to be rude but the people will have no clue.
Now some people may not care if they are being rude. They may not care they are not aware. In my humble opinion, way too many people just do not care. They are happy to just go through the motions of life and unless life hits them between the eyes with a 2x4, they just don't care about things outside of a very limited circle of interest.
Then there are finally those people that don't think they can affect any changes, even within themselves. You can hear these people usually before you notice them otherwise. They are the ones that are always complaining, usually with something along the line of "Someone should do something..." These are the people that are always waiting for someone else to take action or someone else to take the lead even though they would not likely follow along anyway. One of the great Life Lessons that I have learned, if you want "someone" to do something, become that someone.
My conclusion to my Facebook statement was this, "I do understand, I do care, and I know that I can do something about it." I continue to try to be aware of of my life, my world, and the world around me. I do care. I care deeply. I care deeply about many things. And finally, I do think that I can do something about it. I have been blessed with a good mind, a strong work ethic, and a strong desire to make things better.
It is my challenge to all that read this to become more aware. Try my experiment to see how aware people seem to be. Gain understanding. Learn to care. Know that you CAN make a difference so you CAN do something. So get out and do it.
Eddy
©2013 Eddy Seegers
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