This is what I am talking about. It’s not about a Republican or Democratic agenda, of course there are good points and ideas on both sides. We can’t even get to that until we solve this problem. What I’m talking about is HOW this administration is going about it’s business. We must have fair and transparent government which means we need journalism, we need congressional investigations into Russia and to know the financial ties the administration has that may conflict with Americans best interest. Thank you John McCain for speaking up, please continue, there is more to be said and done. Get others on board. Please stand up for what is right.

http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/-that-s-how-dictators-get-started-mccain-defends-the-free-press-880252483608

Worker Wednesday

Unions have been taking a beating in recent years. Corruption in some has tainted all. They are seen as unruly and too powerful, pushing an agenda that damages business. As with all things, some of this is true, most of this is not.

Unions protect laborers from greedy business practices, they provide needed controls for health and safety and ensure fair treatment. If ever, we need unions to function now. We have seen many corporations use and abuse their employees. You have likely seen such practices as refusing to hire full time employees to avoid paying benefits, refusing to pay a living wage, exorbitant compensation to CEO’s while full time employees struggle to make ends meet.

Make sure you are getting good information about unions. Check out the unions in your community. Who is doing a good job? How can you be supportive of them? Which need to be called out for poor practices? This doesn’t mean you throw out the whole union, fix it, make it useful and honest.

When you think of patriotism, which party comes to mind? For many it’s the Republican Party. Why is that? It’s because the Republicans made an effort to claim patriotism and it’s definition. Patriotism has come to mean wearing an American flag lapel pin, fighting for ones country in the military and loyalty to country by never criticizing, no matter what.

This is not the definition of patriotism.

Patriotism is love and devotion to ones country. How this is expressed is as varied as there are people on the planet. In the USA we have many rights and responsibilities as citizens to hold our country to high standards – that is patriotism – a love so deep, devotion so constant that no one will bring down what we value.

Consider unions and how they have risen and fallen in the last 150 years. Hard fought rights by many that were beaten, jailed and killed to improve the lives of all American workers. Corruption infiltrated unions causing a wedge between worker and union which created a gap where business owners could take advantage and weaken union strongholds.

Citizens coming together to demand fair treatment is an inalienable American right and a patriotic stand. No one wants to return to the work conditions before unions and no one wants corrupt unions to unfairly treat businesses. The solution is in transparency and balance.

How will you express your patriotism? Inform your legislative representatives of your values and standards for this country. Support your local unions, teacher unions and other workers that are treated unfairly. Get to know the issues, be informed and share your opinion. Vote. Be informed about your local school district, town, county and state issues. Keeping America great is about maintaining our gains and fighting for our country.

The restaurant was closed where my friend and I were going to meet for breakfast. I called her to create a new plan, watching for her to come from my left. As we talked she said she would turn around. I said but you’re not even here yet. She replied, yes I am, I am on your right.

I was looking for her to come from the scenic route to my left. She chose to come down the main highway on my right. I would take the back roads every time. I love the countryside, get easily tired of highway driving, and would always opt for trees, rivers and cows.

It’s easy to assume everyone thinks like me and shocking at times to find out “they” don’t. It’s time to let go of the idea that politics and religion are taboo topics. This came into being when it was decided that people became too angry and out of control to have a civil conversation.

Civil conversation is what will save this country.

Begin to reach out to those that voted other than you did this year. Not to convince them of your point of view, but to understand their point of view. We need to find common ground. We need to hear about the lives of others and the reasons for their choices. There will be some who will not be able to have a civil conversation and you can walk away from those, but do persist and find people you can talk with – and listen.

We are on the brink of a new year. A favorite time to reflect on the past year, lessons learned, goals achieved, or not, and what we want for the coming year.

Write it out.

What did you learn this past year?

What do you want for the coming year?

Slow down, you move too fast.

Got to make the morning last.

Breathe.

And actually BE present today.

Unions have been taking a beating in recent years. Corruption in some has tainted all. They are seen as unruly and too powerful, pushing an agenda that damages business. As with all things, some of this is true, most of this is not.

Unions protect laborers from greedy business practices, they provide needed controls for health and safety and ensure fair treatment. If ever, we need unions to function now. We have seen many corporations use and abuse their employees. You have likely seen such practices as refusing to hire full time employees to avoid paying benefits, refusing to pay a living wage, exorbitant compensation to CEO’s while full time employees struggle to make ends meet or are even on welfare.

Make sure you are getting good information about unions. Check out the unions in your community. Who is doing a good job? How can you be supportive of them? Which need to be called out for poor practices? This doesn’t mean you throw out the whole union, fix it, make it useful and honest.

Be sure to support your teachers union. These tireless angels are working hard and need reform in school budgets and oversight. A very important place to start is ensuring the needs of our teachers and schools. Get in touch with the Parent Teacher Organizations, find out about the union, be active and vocal if only a supportive note or donation.

Tell me what you find out.