More Than A Politician

Maybe What We Don’t Need is a POLITICIAN in the White House. On morning television a while back there was a segment that reported on a past president who continues to be a leader in this country and the world in a very unpolitical way. An interview conducted by Chris Cuomo on Good Morning America profiled, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. He was hawking his latest book, and talking about his works of service since he left the office over 25 years ago.

This amazing man has dedicated his life to making a difference. Not a politician, as much as a statesman, Carter has worked tirelessly to help the poor, broker deals to manage peace in troubled countries, promote racial equality, and work on solutions for our complex environmental issues. A small part he was given a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He was asked if he would have altered his decision- not to invade Iran during the hostage crisis that dominated his last year or more in his presidency, which probably caused him his re-election.

Carter agreed his negotiations for the 52 Americans in a diplomatic dialogue versus militarily probably did cause him an early retirement, but he believed he did the right thing. Noting that he continued the process after his political defeat with all 52 people being released on his last day of office, they were all alive without having to take any innocent lives in the process. It was not a popular strategy at the time, but he stands behind it.

Apparently, it was the right resolution for the situation in retrospect. If you have lived long enough to remember when Jimmy Carter became President and the subsequent jabs at his moral character (his lust in his heart comment) or strength and lack of it when dealing with the Middle East conflicts (yes, it was an issue back then too-only the players slightly change), you have seen one administration after another fumble with any one the same circumstances that Carter did. Yet, not one of them has done better at it. Carter appears to be a good man, maybe not a good politician. Being a little too honest, a little more independent, and maybe just a bit more intelligent than some of his predecessors or successors, he has become the very model of what a true statesman seems to be. His lack of support from fellow Democrats over the years is still a bone of contention with him and he noted that in his interview.

According to Merriam-Webster, a statesman is a wise and skilled person involved in fixing the policies and conducting the affairs of government. A politician is just an individual engaged in government and politics. A very essential difference, don’t you think? Carter’s credentials speak for themselves. Maybe, just may be during the next election we should step back, peruse the candidates, and research just who is running for the highest office in the land. Is it for the power it affords, the prize itself, or is the ultimate candidate from either party bringing some real ammunition for making this country the best it can be?

Jimmy Carter was also congratulated on having been married for 61 years. Jokingly Carter added that it has been happily to the same woman. Diplomacy definitely remains one of his strong suits.
Until next time...

2008-Going to be Great!

At least that is what I keep telling myself. Besides focusing on the Now in my life that I mentioned in my last blog, I am looking at my attitude. Although I see myself as a positive person, I do tend to limit my wants at least in my head. No more, I am going to think big and go for the gusto in this Part II of life. Why not? The more good things I attract the more I will be able to share. So, think about that when you set your goals this year. The Sky is the Limit!!!

Certainly that is what the political candidates are doing as the primary season has finally begun. Pull out all the stops and hope for the best. I have to say I am already sick of all the posturing, spinning their versions of what America needs and how they propose to do it better than anyone of the other candidates.

I say Republican, Democrat, or Independent-whoever can deliver on a promise to end the war, concentrate on our poor, our economic problems, our racial strife, and the education of our children has my vote! Who is up for that challenge? Until next time...

Be Here Now- My new Mantra

When I was just a young teen many, many moons ago, I remember running across a book called,BE HERE NOW, by Ram Dass. Being young and very impressionable, I ingested every word, without necessarily understanding exactly what he was into- psychedelically speaking.

You see, Ram Dass was Dr. Richard Alpert in his earlier life. A scholar, professor, and very upwardly mobile educator in the academic community coming from an influential Jewish East Coast family. He had the beauty, brains, and money that put him at the top of his game in the 60's. His name was connected with Harvard, Stanford,and UC-Berkley just to name a few. He seemed to have it all.

He began a friendship and eventually a working relationship with Timothy Leary when they began to experiment and research with LSD(via the psilocybin mushroom) much to the chagrin of contemporary moralists. Of course, at the time he seemed very cool to the youth of the day trying to navigate the changing mores, like me.

If that was his only claim to fame, I would not be writing about him in this blog. Nope, the downfall of Dr. Alpert(in the minds of some)was only the beginning of his story. After making a trip to India, Ram Dass became an enlightened teacher of a different sort. Studying and subsequently practicing ancient philosophies, he returned to share his own take on the meaning of life. Hence, the birth of Baba Ram Dass (meaning Servant of God).

For the next four decades, Dass has become a spiritual teacher who has influenced many of our modern-day thinkers. A stroke about 10 years ago may have weakened the voice, yet it has not dimmed the light that shines around him.

So, while reading one of my gazillion books on becoming a meaningful person from the inside- out, I revisited his initial study of living in the present. Taking away some of the "Age of Aquarius" prose of the time that may prejudice some readers, he is as we said back then, Right On!

We spend way too much time worrying and planning for the future or blaming our troubles on the past. We rush through our daily lives in a blur of activity that has nothing to do with what is really important. Wouldn't it be nice if we just lived in the moment? Trusting that our lives will enfold the way they are supposed to without constant manipulation from us or others.

Think of a world where we stopped to enjoy our family or loved ones, the classes we are taking or teaching, the jobs that we have chosen to make a living at each day, or even the notion that we can improve our lives and those around us right now- today. Jumping off the fast track and taking time to smell those proverbial flowers we all heard about.

That is my take on it. I am not hankering to go to India and study with a guru, but I do think I am going to practice some of their teachings. My Christian upbringing is not really different from what these ancient wise ones were saying anyway.

If you peel away the self-righteous leanings of current religious affiliations, it seems like God is saying the same thing to all of us. The approach may be different, but I believe we are here to learn valuable lessons to share with the next generation using whatever version we are told.

Live in Peace, be tolerant of the differences while honoring the spirit that connects us all, and most importantly live in the present. That is all we really have, you know!
Namaste...Until next time.

"They" are driving me crazy!

Here we are in that wonderful gap of time between Halloween and Thanksgiving which should be the culmination of harvest time. Autumn has reached its peak of perfection and just a little bit more. The leaves have dropped their colors and the nip in the air has finally taken hold.

We are really lucky the temperatures have been mild for this time of year. I remember in the early 90s a cold wave that knocked me for a loop. Below zero temperatures while shopping for Thanksgiving dinner that rivaled any January hard freeze. Yep, this is a great fall. We have a lot to be grateful for, despite the world's problems.

So, much to my disappointment, while shopping for Halloween candy at the last minute, I spied shelves almost empty because they were setting up Christmas items already. Now, in my neck of the woods trick or treat hours are on the Sunday before Halloween, so this was on the October 27th. What's up with that?! Fall decorations were already reduced and shoved on the end caps like yesterday's news; replaced with holiday red and green everywhere.

Driving home from a meeting the next evening or so, I switched on the radio to hear Delilah, a DJ who takes requests, gives advice, and pretty much rambles about whatever she pleases after 7pm. I have been hooked on her for years and can usually find her in any part of the country I am in at the time. The first song to air after some commentary was "Let it Snow".

Sure enough my favorite easy listening station promptly started their 24/7 holiday rotation on November 1st and that means Delilah even plays only holiday music. I took a stand last year that as much as I like the station, I will not listen to it until the day after Thanksgiving. It makes me cranky, but it is the principle of the thing. Starting that Friday, I am all over those Christmas carols and holiday tunes. For the month before, CDs only.

What is wrong with our society? Could we just live in the moment for a change? We are so fixated on the future, we take no time to enjoy the present moment. Whatever happened to trick or treating on Halloween, celebrating Thanksgiving as a holiday of its own, taking the time to savor the seasons while in them, and then enjoying the Christmas holidays through New Year's Day without seeing Valentine's Day goods hovering around the corner before my Christmas tree even comes down?

I was in neighboring Libertyville when they were putting the garlands around the lamp posts on Milwaukee Avenue almost two weeks ago. The public works people were working right next to the banners with the fall leaves on them. I have to say it looked stupid to see the two competing with each other down the center of town and both looked out of place.

I am not sure who "They" are when sharing my thoughts on this crazy practice, but I do know "They" better watch out when I do find out who is dictating this course of events that seems to get earlier and earlier every year.

I believe the secret to enjoying life is being aware of the NOW, releasing the past as the past, and letting the future take care of itself. Yep, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. Until next time...

The Measure of a Man

Over 30 years ago, I had the extreme pleasure to meet the parents of a friend when we visited him in Iowa City. Dr. Albert Hieronymus and his wife took my fiance and I into their family where we remained until his death earlier this month. A dear sweet man who was gentle as he was intelligent, real as he was talented, and loving as he was renown academically and in his community.

On the outside, Al looked like an Iowa farmer, if I had to categorize him by first impressions. Working with the Earth, did turnout to be one of his passions, but he was so much more than that. A professor at the University of Iowa until his retirement in 1987, he also developed the Iowa Basic Skills Test. He was married for 63 years to the mother of his five children, Wilfreda, was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a friend to many. His door was always open and he always had an extra hand to help someone out.

I had the chance to see him for the first time since his wife died this June. More frail and sedentary(with the years taking toll on his 89 year old body), sadder and maybe lonelier than he was when he had his soul mate by his side, and yet he was still a vital force in his family's lives and a big part of all their hearts. His fragility made little difference when he greeted us at his home.

His memorial service this weekend was filled with people he touched in big and small ways. Each with a special story about what he meant to them. Although, I could not be there I shared with his son, John (still a dear friend), how I felt about the loss of this very special man. All who knew him was better for being able to share time with him. I am just one of a multitude who will miss him dearly.

Six Years and Counting...

Tuesday marks the sixth anniversary of 9/11. When you think of all the changes that have happened since this national tragedy took place, it seems much longer. Yet, in my mind's eye I can't help but wonder how could that morning be so long ago?

Counting the lives lost on that day(3047) and from the War in Iraq(3753), the cost is very high indeed. 6800 people have died fighting this war on terrorism with no end in sight. I pray for each and every member of our military over there, but I can not say I think it is right to continue to send over the precious future of this country as a sacrifice in a political operation.

Being proud of the men and women who feel so strongly that they are doing the right thing is one thing. Allowing the government and different branches of our Armed Services to manipulate these young people by promising incentives to get them to join the ranks is whole other one. These soldiers are doing the right thing, yet because of politics these kids are being destroyed. Almost 4000 have died since May, 2003. How many more have been maimed, psychologically damaged, and re-deployed over and over again with little to show for the minimal progress reported by our military leaders?

Recognitions for 9/11 victims, first responders, and our military personnel are one way to show the public has not forgotten these brave souls. I would like to see our government put an end to the killing by bringing our citizens home. Let the Middle East countries deal with their own problems in their own way. Let's start healing America. Until next time...

Open Letter to Anonymous

Open Letter to Anonymous

Hey, I received a comment from an anonymous post that was amazed I would suggest writing for a paper that I called a rag. The following is my open response to that anonymous person explaining how I could have the audacity to suggest an idea that I know I could write quite easily and maybe bring back the kind of newspaper that people actually enjoyed reading. At one time I was proud to write for my hometown newspaper. Now, I don't even recognize it.
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Dear Anonymous:
The paper has turned into a rag. As I said there are some good writers already at the News-Sun as I used to be, but they are buried by the tabloid and sensationalism that permeates the publication. It makes me very sad not as a writer, but by being a lifetime reader (until very recently) for the lack of content in its present state.

I want the paper to be better and I think there is a chance to save it from being the rag it is now. I keep suggesting ideas that can be used with or without me that would interest the average Lake Countian. Only, if the management was willing to take the hard road and make it a quality paper again.

I have nothing to lose not writing for the paper or writing for it. I have proven my worth as a writer, I have made some very wonderful friendships, and gotten a lot of respect from some very good people in Lake County. You have come into this area quite recently and have no idea what makes this community tick, but I do. This isn't just some overinflated ego talking; it is the truth. You shortchange the intelligence of the people who purchase your paper or even still subscribe to it.

Take a poll of your readers to see if they are enamored by the format, choice of headlines, and byline pictures with writers heads cut-off. The present version that is filled with nonsense about topics with no substance or (keeping the paper orientation the same) going back to real stories for people that actually like to read. I know what scenario would win without a doubt. That is the paper I want to write for.

Each idea that I gave was mentioned with me writing it because I love to write and I would love the challenge, but any good writer could do it. Don't sell my suggestions short because of my comments. There are plenty of professionals right there to choose from. Each editorial not published, each suggestion not taken, each commentary on local news ignored or cut, shows how low the standard has become. Even the News Hound can't carry a discussion online without reverting to childish bullying.

People keep asking me to write another column. I said I couldn't do it the way the paper is now and that your paper made it clear they didn't want me to. I keep hoping for change, but I am not holding my breath. Don't think my $180 a month loss is worth begging for a chance to bring this paper back to the land of the living. Yet working for a quality publication that is respected throughout the county is definitely a priceless feeling to only dream about at the present time.

The people I know (from all walks of life) know why I left in the first place. I have been honest about my departture from the start. Even doing an editorial apologizing for leaving like I did. It was never published either.

Are you up to the challenge for making the Lake County News-Sun a winner? Prove to me I am wrong! Make it more than a rag and kick the Daily Herald's butt. Right now it is the better paper and it doesn' even cover all of Lake County. That paper has no heart, but at least people have something to read about instead of looking at the pictures.
Not afraid to use my name,
Odie Pahl draft