There are too things that are semi-always-true truths:

1. You don’t want to follow a leader who dies
2. You will change the story to make you look good

Ever been to a funeral and didn’t know who they were talking about half-way through the deal? It’s revisionist history.  I was at a funeral some time ago for a great guy, but for some reason I was wishing upon wish that they would ask me to speak…

Now, I’m not one to make up stories of the greatness of another, but let me tell you a little bit about my friend.  Yes, he cured polio.  Some said his IQ was the highest they had tested, and I once know of a story where he brought a puppy back from the dead using a piece of string and his own will to live.

Oh, and he could fly.

The truth is that only the few sick ones around us want to speak ill of the dead.  If you are ever stuck following someone in a position that has passed on, then simply pencil in the word “interim” in front of your title and call it a day.

Now what brought the second “truth” to my mind was this story in the Jerusalem Post. It seems that just a few years ago, the Palestinian ”Authority” decided to rename some of the well-known sites in the area.

I wasn’t aware you could do that.

You see, they are not even changing the facts of history (as our education system seems to be all-too-willing to do in our country).  They are simply just making up a new story; deciding one day that all things that have been known should be forgotten and a totally new definition of what “is” should be accepted.

The problem is… no one calls people on these types of things anymore.

(Right there… lost some of my friends and potential readers, while others sat up in their seats at attention.  I have an eclectic group of friends.  Stick with me though…)

Anyway, there was a bad commercial on Pawn Stars or American Pickers or whatever show I was watching at the time so I switched the channels and saw Michael Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan, on the Hannity Show.  I’m actually not sure of the name of the show or what they were discussing, but there you go… that’s the backdrop.  Michael Reagan made a comment that I want to throw out there.

Those on the left/liberals follow an ideology.  Those on the right/conservatives want to follow a leader. [paraphrased]

A) Is this true, and B) Which is / Is there one better than the other?

Let me give you my take on this, but then I want to make a simple statement that I will probably pick back up on at a later date.

A) I think the problem with us today is that we tend to place people in various boxes based on the box that we others in.  Someone who believes xyz may stand up for pdq.  However, that doesn’t necessarily the next person that believes xyz also believes pdq.  Beliefs and stands are funny things, and we tend to assume a lot about people based on a label, word choice, or whatever.  It’s hard to get along with someone when you abhor them for something they might not even stand for.

With that said, I think there are some that will put anyone out front that will help further their cause.  Not sure if that’s on the left or the right, though.  I’ve seen it in both.

B) Is one better?  Well, personally, I don’t see how you can follow a leader who doesn’t have your same ideology.  Charisma is a funny things, and I think President Obama is a prime example.  When running for president, he ran high in the polls speaking about hope and change and moving forward and whatever else his rallying cry was.  His poll numbers dipped when he began to speak specifics about the ideas and plans behind the hope and change.  When he went back to “hope”, his numbers went back up.  This is not a comment on the merits of those ideas and plans; but I find it interesting how it all played out.

There was history.  There was momentum.

With that put out there, and I hope you can comment on it… I had an immediate thought after watching that brief clip and just before I turned it back to the previous mentioned show:

You know… there aren’t many leaders anymore.

Just because you win a game, it doesn’t make you a leader.  Just because you win an election, it doesn’t make you a leader.  Just because you walk out in front or have the title on the door or desk, it doesn’t make you a leader.

• Do people listen?
• Do you get things done?
• Do you know who you are?
• Does anyone follow?

There’s more, like having the “big picture” in mind, the ability to look beyond the noise, and being willing to take risks when the cause is right.  Are you willing to get it right rather than just trying to “be” right?  Is the goal the welfare of those who follow you, and those you serve, or are you just looking to step up that next rung on the ladder?  Can you stand before God and know that at the end of the day, you stood for Him?

That’s a leader.

I ran across a story about a couple of pastor’s who have endorsed McCain, and the media is trying to figure out if they should warrent the same firestorm as the Wright deal with Obama.  Doesn’t matter to me, as it is actually not even the same story at all.  However, in the article; Reuters describes McCain’s actualpastor (Phoenix-based Dan Yeary) as, and I quote, “a harmless preacher who rarely meddles in political affairs.”

Now, the “political affairs” part is what the story was trying to grab onto to differentiate him from Rev. Wright; but these words are not the ones that stuck out to me.  The word that did… “harmless.”

As a man, can you think of a worse word in the world to be described as?

I can’t.

One of the reasons that he is still in the news is that he is putting himself in the news.  This is interesting because I really believe that Barak Obama wanted to maintain a relationship with Wright; but the pastor is making it almost impossible for this relationship to continue.  In my opinion, Rev. Wright is not really being a friend to Obama, as he reports that he is.  I consider this all a little selfish on Wright’s part.

Another reason that Wright is still in the news is because he is writing a book.  This is only known by me because he referred to his upcoming book in the NAACP speech.  You know, this man is doing everything that he can to make his 15 minutes last twenty to twenty-five.

There is another part to this story, and that is the debate that Rev. Wright speaks of. There has been a brilliant move, either knowingly or unknowingly, to actually changethe current topic of debate.  The original problem was with the text of the sermon(s) that was heard and/or read.  The racist message and anti-American rhetoric was what caused the outcry against Wright, and in turn against Obama for associating with him.  In fact, Obama denounced the words of the messenger in his own response to America.  However, at some point (and I believe even in Obama’s speech) the debate was changed from the words actually spoken to the style that they were spoken in.  The point was made that in the “black” church, there is a style and emotion that is not known or understood by “white” America.

Interesting.

Back to the recent speeches by Wright. He referred to people being “different,” and said basically that the recent attack was actually on the black church.  Even though he could not be more wrong; what he has effectively done is changed the debate.  This is frustrating for two reasons: (1) If he knows what he is doing then he is deceitful and inciting strife and resentment out of thin air to take the heat off of himself, or (2) he really thinks that others “misunderstanding” is the reason that he is in the spotlight and quite frankly, this is not only troubling, but sad.  Does he know what he is doing?  Does he really think that all white people don’t understand his style and therefore cannot understand his words?  Is he just a self-gratifying con clothed in sheep’s clothing?

I have no clue what it means to be black. Coming from the religious background and perspective that I do, I understand clearly his style and cadence and religious fervor.  I don’t care if a preacher stands quitely behind the pulpit or waved their arms and shout; I listen for the content and not the charisma.  It is one of the problems that I have with Obama, because as you get past the charisma things tend to fall flat.  I love the charisma, but say something for crying out loud.

[As a side note, the reverse is a problem with Bush.  Whether you agree with him or not, he is actually saying something.  The problem is that he has no style to go along with it, and any charisma he has doesn't come across at all]

Again, the problem with Wright is not how he said what he said or the color of his skin. The problem is with what he said.  He said it, it was stupid; just let the man go away so American can focus on the real issues at hand, look at the three remaining viable candidates, and make a decision.

I have a confession to make. I’m liking the wordpress.com vibe. Am I nuts? I’m going to have to choose.

Anyway, quick story about Israel. I was in the city of Tiberias which is on the Sea of Galilee, and an old guy is playing an accordian down by the sea (lake, actually). I walk up to listen to him, and then tell him, “Very nice,” after which I place a dollar in his hat. He is very excited that I am an American, and tells me, “We want only America here.” I told him that I wanted only Israel, too, because that seemed like an appropriate response.

He is so happy that he proceeds to play me our national anthem on the accordian. He began…

(Hum the words in “accordian” sound to get the full picture)

“Happy Birthday to You…”
“Happy Birthday to You…”
…

I saluted him as he was playing. I think he was pleased.

Up ’till just this morning (6:15 AM local time, 12:15 AM CST [7 hours behind]), I am reminded of a story from a former State Youth Director at our youth camp.

He asked a young boy at the end of the week how the camp had been. “Great!” the boys said, “Still have the same underwear on I came with!”

Sitting on a grassy knoll for 2 hours next to large trucks passing by dangerously close at 75+ mph can make one reflective. Well, it at least makes for an unnerving break in the chaos of life.

Let me back up.

Leaving at 3:30 in the afternoon which turned into 4:00 was the start of the quick jaunt to Crossville. The mission was to take three teenage boys to meet with a girlfriend’s mother, who would travel the rest of the way for a weekend youth event in Knoxville. Understanding on the way that the boys had not brought the money they were supposed to have because clearly they thought I would pay for it and they could just pay me back brought about a wonderful conversation to pass the time. For punishment, I put in a Christmas musical CD and I believe my point was made.

Have you ever had a moment when you thought about something just before it happened? Well, I was thinking how driving down the interstate would be a bad place to have a flat, especially considering that my spare tire had a nail it in that I had neglected to fix beforehand. No matter, I could take care of that when I got home.

Reflecting on that irony as well as many others while sitting on the side of the interstate brought not anger, but a gentle smile across my face. It truly was an impressive display of “hole” in the tire. I’m not quite sure what had caused it, but that was only to focus on the past, which I am not a man who is want to do. Luckily, when all of the snacks the boys had brought had been consumed by me at a couple of hours later, a football was found and as the sun was setting at around 7:00 PM, no one found themselves bored.

It was at that time that the State Trooper pulled up to see why we were on the side of the road. I informed him that I had called Verizon and they were supposed to send someone, but that was some time ago. He nodded, and drove off. Thankful that not only he, but the other policemen who had passed by without stopping in the time before would be so dedicated to their job of driving the interstates in search of the true ticket quota solutions, I took my spot back on the knoll. Another call to Verizon informed me that the tow truck was 1 mile away, and I walked back closer to the vehicle.

Ten minutes later a car stopped to see if we needed assistance. I informed him of the tow truck being virtually upon us and we discussed the problem with being stuck on the side of the road. Some time later, the tow truck arrived and went through the process of hooking us up. Room was found for the three boys in the cab with the driver, and a discussion was had about the place I wanted to take my car. The driver eventually learned that I did not know where I was, or where a proper tire place was located, and proceeded to drive five miles in the direction I was heading in order to turn around and go twelve miles in the other direction to the tire shop of choice.

Riding in the car on the top of a tow truck gives one time to think. One of the things I thought of was my gratefulness of the fact that I do not suffer from seizures, because the blinking lights that were now at front windshield level would have put a lesser man into such a state. I felt bad for those who have seizures. I also reflected on the physics of wind and resistance, along with the “push” of side wind that comes from semi-trucks. The marvels of the modern truck amazes me.

I in a short time that tire places are closed at 8:00 PM, and that the tow rate after the 10 miles that Verizon will cover comes to around $3 a mile. Interesting. Having remembered that Wal-Mart could be a solution, I requested a trip to one I had noticed from my lofty position a mile or so before. The auto department was closing, as we found out from the drivers cell phone conversation, but I could purchase a tire and put it on myself. This was good news, however I thought of a flaw in the plan. Disappointed the tow driver was when he learned that I had no means to take a tire off of the existing rim, much less put a new tire on said rim. He hadn’t thought of this because he buys all of his tires at a junkyard with the rim already on. What to do… what to do?

It was then that I informed him of the reason for requesting Wal-Mart. There is a tire plug kit for around $6 in Wal-Mart that could give a solution to the spare with the nail. Off we go, pulling out onto the road from the parking lot of the closed tire shop and in search of the plug kit. From my position in the car above the tow truck, I sensed a problem while sitting at a traffic light. It had turned green, but we were not moving. Alas, this is what happens to all vehicles when all of the fuel has been expired.

Apparently, tow trucks have a “back tank” where after a few more moments in the middle of the road can be accessed for emergency fuel. Off we were to the Wal-Mart gas station again, which was only a long walk from the actual store itself. Having gotten there, a request was made for the use of my cell phone, as the driver of the tow truck had left his in the road during the time of gas-less-ness. A supervisor shows up, and the driver leaves to retrieve his phone. This was a foolish mission, it seems, because the phone had been run over by passing vehicles several times, including one as the driver was standing by waiting to go into the road to retrieve his phone.

I learned that a tow truck driver, or supervisor, will not take a check card. I also learned that they will not lower a car from the back of a tow truck without payment. With this information came also the knowledge that Verizon had in fact made a mistake with their direction of the event, but the extra tow miles were probably not reimbursable by them. They also hoped I would have a better day. This is the reason I stay with Verizon, their commitment to the integrity of their policy and beliefs.

I learned then, however, that a solution could be for me to put $12 worth of diesel into another tow truck that the supervisor was driving and all could be worked out. This could be done on my check card at the pump, so I obliged. After getting $12.01 worth of fuel for his truck the driver was satisfied. I felt sorry for the man, however, because I believe that he has a hearing problem, seeing that he did not give me the penny in return even after I had asked for it.

Three hours after the initial call I thanked the gentlemen from Express Towing Company for their efficiency and innovative solutions to the financial dilemmas that we had faced.

Finding a plug kit after a walk to the Wal-Mart brought joy and expectancy into the moment. Work was done while the parent and girlfriend, who had traveled to our location at the Wal-Mart, watched in awe. It was like grace in motion, teenage boys changing a tire. Showing them the 3 minute procedure of plugging a tire was a moment for learning, which is something I always try to work into times like these. Air was placed into the tire by one of the boys, and then released from twice the pressure than was necessary. Again, a learning moment for a young lad.

The $200 dollars that I had in my possession went directly into the hands of the boys to pay the bill of the trip. Not to worry, I will get it back I was assured. Two of them would currently like to get jobs. Knowing that I, in fact, owned a money tree was assuring to them and caused them not to even worry about how the bill for the event would be paid.

Pulling out of Wal-Mart at 9:43 PM was highlighted by a Taco Bell across the street. This was providential, because I was both hungry and had to survey the area to determine exactly the direction and distance of the interstate from my present location. With full stomach, I ventured back home.

My wife was in bed at 11:30, and as I got under the covers she told me that she was happy that I was home.

I missed her on the side of I-40.

The more specific question is actually, “What is in your office garbage?” I don’t care about shredding documents or such, but I think the garbage in your office might reflect your day.

Mine was full to the top (and almost overflowing) with McDonald’s cups and Dr. Pepper cans.

Just wondering…

I remember when I knew we didn’t have ANY food in our home, and Hol goes into the kitchen and 15 minutes or so later she comes out with peanut butter cookies. Now we add chocolate chips to the mix and it is the best cookie ever!

My youngest son is allergic to everything, but she mixes a bunch of stuff up and whoop-de-ding-dong-dang… Isaac Surprise Cookies! He asked if she could make more, and her response was, “I don’t know. I really don’t know how I made them.”

Last night moved her into a new realm of dessert goodieness. The kids are in bed and we are watching TV. I get up to go into the kitchen for some reason and notice wrappers for both a Hershey’s Dark Chocolate bar and a Little Debbie brownie. I question the availability of more. Alas, they were old wrappers that had escaped the trash a short time before. However, she then asks if I want a snack.

“Do you want something salty or sweet?” she asks.
“Holly, how long have we been married?” I respond.

She goes into the kitchen again, and begins to look into cabinets. Again, a little later a plate was brought out with a “this will probably not be good” look on her face. I tasted it.

Introducing:

Yes, marshmerrios.

She asked for improvements. I said, “Hol, whatever you’ve done… you did it.”

The ingredients:

Marshmallows, Sugar, Butter, Remnant chocolate chips, Possibly something else, & Cheerios

There needs to be some type of cooking show on Food Network that is about pulling desserts out of nothing. Hol would win it.

That said, I begin with my phrase of a few weeks ago:

Life trumps Choice… every time.

It seems that word had leaked out about Prince Harry of Great Britain (3rd in line to the throne) and his service in Afghanistan. He had been serving since December, and the knowledge of that fact was kept in secrecy for obvious reasons. Well, now that I mention it, perhaps they weren’t so obvious. If word had gotten out that he was serving in a certain area, then both he and his unit would have been targeted in a greater measure than in normal warfare scenarios. There are other reason, but this is the main one.

The word had begun to leak, but leave it to the “news” organizations of the American press to totally open the faucet. Now, because our press has run with the story, he is being sent away from his unit and back home.

Does the press have NO sense whatsoever????? Geraldo gives away troop locations. News anchors follow limited movements to report atrocities and believe they are giving the big picture. Now, the press has no idea of what the word “secret” means.

The life and security of Harry trumps their choice to report… or it should. He had put himself in harms way for a cause, but it was his choice. His choice was to save the life of others. The press attempted to put the life of another in greater jeopardy to exercise their “choice” of free speech.

I cannot falsely scream “Fire!” in a crowed room because it would endanger the lives of the people in that room. In the name of reporting, the press screamed “fire.” They put lives in jeopardy for a scoop, not a story.

What a stupid choice.