BRIAN STRAKA-WALK AWAY

On this July 4th, 2018, I have pondered all day what Beacon of Hope I could send.  I wanted to find something VERY special.  After all, this is America’s birthday, and I believe her future is bright.

I found it!  I will sleep better tonight because Brandon Straka is an American citizen.  I find comfort in his honesty and courage.  I hope you do too!

Our future is secure if we can remember the virtues of Honesty and Public Service!  We must never forget that WE THE PEOPLE run things in America!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2018 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

PASSION vs. ANGER

At the State of the Union address last Tuesday, January 30, 2018, expressions of anger abounded with a certain group of elected representatives and their leaders. It was sad and even alarming to see the spectacle of our political divides, as created by the politicians, playing out before our eyes.  What we saw had nothing to do with who is President and who isn’t.  

If Ronald Reagan had given that State of the Union speech, it would have been more evidence of how he was a “great communicator.”  If John F. Kennedy had given it, it would reverberate for decades to come like others he gave.  My fellow Americans, we are witnessing the greatest intramural power competition in history, and “We the People” are paying dearly for it in many ways, including our treasure.

On the playing field of public service, both passion and anger will appear.  We need to remember that passion is one of the most positive forces in the universe when properly understood and used.  Anger is the most destructive for both the person expressing it, and those around them.  Public office and public leadership is a multiplier of both or either.

PASSION vs. ANGER

• Passion is separated from anger by a very thin line.
• Passion for something or someone looks outward for what it can accomplish and the good it can do.  Anger for something or someone is only about the person who is angry.
• Both produce and bring tremendous energy.  One is so creative and the other so dangerous.
• Passion is directed toward achievement and accomplishment.  
• Anger is directed at the thing or person who is hated, or both.  Anger is destructive of everyone and everything that it touches.  It is most destructive of the angry person.

“We the People” must remember the behavior of our public servants last Tuesday and every day.  Then we must act on those memories on election day.  We must remember the difference between passion and anger.  Then at the 2018 midterm election in November, we must choose.

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2018 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

BEACON OF HOPE - John F. Kennedy On Hope

President Kennedy was many things.  That he could leave us with so much to remember him by, in the short time he was President before his assassination only, speaks to his immense capacity to lead.   

That he could rise to meet the challenges of his time highlights the same courage and determination he used to become a war hero.  That he could speak of a bright future and take actions to bring it closer demonstrates his vision.  However, there is one underlying virtue which informed everything that he was and did.  It is his sense of HOPE.  

View this video clip and see if you might also think he wrote and spoke it all for our times.  He probably didn’t, but he could have because his sense of HOPE was timeless.  

As you start a new week, I HOPE you will go forth optimistically in everything, and that you will pass it on to everyone you meet.

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2017 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

BEACON OF HOPE - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

It's a fateful moment in history. We've seen divisive elections, divided societies and the growth of extremism -- all fueled by anxiety and uncertainty. "Is there something we can do, each of us, to be able to face the future without fear?" asks Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. 

His Answer:  "We can face any future without fear so long s we know we will not face it alone.  For the sake of the future you, together let us strengthen the future us."

In this electrifying talk, the spiritual leader gives us three specific ways we can move from the politics of "me" to the politics of "all of us, together."



. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2017 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

BEACON OF HOPE - MLK by Kid President

The story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President

What we do today, the things we say and actions we take, build our many tomorrows.  Things don't and won't always be perfect, but like Martin Luther King Jr, with love in our hearts and a clear vision of a better tomorrow, we must always relentless move forward.  God Bless America!!!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2017 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

CONTRIBUTION vs. COMMITMENT

When I was a young boy, I remember my father telling me a story about the difference between contribution and commitment.  I know many parents have told this story to their children.  Quite possibly yours told you too. 

I don’t recall if we were actually at breakfast when he told it, but growing up eggs and bacon were a standard breakfast.  He said something like the following:

“Dave, it’s important for you to know the difference between contributions and commitments.  I hope in your life you make many of both to our world.  Think of them this way.  When we have eggs and bacon at breakfast, look at your plate and know that the chicken made a contribution and a pig made a commitment.  Son, as your father, I hope you do both, but if you are ever called to making a commitment, I hope you will.”

That story has been with me all these many years.  Here’s what I think it means now.

We make a contribution when we: Pay taxes, do some public service, obey the law, support our democracy, if we protest something — we do it peacefully, and always look for a chance to help someone in need.

We make a commitment if we:  Serve or have served in the military, go daily to our duties as a police officer or fireman, make the ultimate sacrifice and give our life in the afore mentioned, or WHEN WE VOTE.

As with the pig, commitment sometimes rises to the level of sacrifice of one’s life.  Many Americans before us have paid this highest price.  

ARE YOU PREPARED TO PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE IF CALLED UPON?  IF NOT, WHY NOT?

Let us always remember that honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?

It’s approaching 72 hours since the terrible events in Dallas last Friday evening.  As I’ve watched and listened to all kinds of discussion, I keep asking myself, “Where is the President?”  Leaders naturally look for opportunities to lead.  When they find them, they take action.  While it sits squarely on the tragic events in Dallas, there is a HUGE opportunity now to take America forward in a new positive direction.  NOW ACTION IS REQUIRED!

OK, Mr. President, I volunteer.  I’m happy to play the “if I was President game.”  Here’s what I would have done in a national address on Saturday, the next day.

What I would say …

STEP 1:  APPRECIATE:  Recognize with true empathy how all Americans are suffering from the senseless killings that have come to us.  Take the BLACK LIVES MATTER mantra to a higher level.  ALL LIVES MATTER! 

STEP 2:  AFFIRM:  America is a nation of laws and all of us (WE THE PEOPLE) live under the same constitution.  We all enjoy the same rights and bear the same responsibilities.  

“Our freedoms and liberties are guaranteed for ALL. That's a fact! That some of us have suffered over the years because others among us would deny those two things must now become a point of focus. This can be corrected! IT MUST BE CORRECTED!”

STEP 3:  MOVE FORWARD IMMEDIATELY:  Create a priority task force lead by the Vice President and to include the Attorney General, the FBI director, Congressional Majority and Minority leaders, and police chiefs from our largest cities.  The task force will report back in thirty days on the following three questions —

• Body cameras for every police officer.  
• Deadly crime in America.  Where is it, and what are best practices for stopping it?
• Rebuilding the bonds between the police and the communities they serve in America. 

STEP 4:  LASTLY —

“As President, I commit to holding weekly press conferences and speaking regularly on these issues for the next thirty days as the task force does it’s work.  Following the task force report, and within one week of its delivery to me, I will appear at a Joint Meeting of Congress, and before the American people, to lay out my plan for a better America in the areas these issues touch.  Everyone deserves fair treatment under our laws IN FACT, and they should FEEL IN THEIR HEARTS that they receive it.  We’ll talk again soon.  I promise!  God bless America!”

OK, that’s what I would say and do.

Let us always remember that honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

Here’s How I Feel

I've been thinking about America all day. Like all of us, I feel shock and great sadness about recent events. Good lives have needlessly been lost and families torn apart. It's hard to find answers, isn't it? Nonetheless, we must move forward into the wind. Straight ahead, we need to continue building our American future. Can we not learn some lessons and build a better America still? In spite of everything that seems wrong, I see a bright future. I believe there is much to look forward to. Why?

Our freedoms and liberties are guaranteed for ALL. That's a fact! That some of us have suffered over the years because others among us would deny those two things must now become a point of focus. This can be corrected! IT MUST BE CORRECTED!

We ALL have another job to do. ALL of us must focus on our responsibilities as citizens. The amount of freedom and liberty any of us enjoy is directly connected to how well we do in fulfilling our responsibilities. We should never expect a fire to warm us if we refuse to give it the wood it needs to burn brightly. In the days ahead, our first responsibility should be to hold and comfort each other. At least in spirit, if not in fact. Let's use this as a time to extent kindness and civility. Let's look out for each other. In so doing, we'll find ourselves united, not divided. The American way!

Lastly, tonight, I also believe we can and will reach MLK's "promised land." He was one of our greatest leaders and I find comfort in his words spoken so long ago.

What do you think?

Let us always remember that honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

VOTING ALERT BEACON #3: LISTEN / IGNORE and LOOKING BACK TO LEARN

In January of this year, I wrote a post on my Facebook Timeline about a vision that looked backward.  I know that sounds conflicted, but the purpose was to think about what might have made 2015 a better year for America, and thus help us better soar in 2016.  There are two things I’d like you to consider about what I wrote below.  Especially, because this is a Presidential election year.  First, the words express my positive and optimistic vision for several of the key 2015 happenings.  Second, read my words not for whether you agree or disagree with my view on the issues contained, but see and listen for an optimistic vision for the future.  This is exactly what I advocate in VOTING ALERT BEACON #3:  LISTEN / IGNORE.  Now, read below.  

Remember to ignore candidates that don’t express a positive vision for American.  Listen for the leader who expresses a vision that is positive and one that unites.

WHY IS VISION IMPORTANT?

Vision is important because issues, challenges, and problems divide. VISION UNITES! It provides a rallying point. It is a picture of future success, and answers the question of why people should strive to create that future picture. In the process, vision serves three important purposes: 

1) it clarifies the direction of effort and movement, 

2) it motivates groups or teams to take action in the right direction, and 

3) it coordinates the actions of diverse people with diverse skills and personalities. 

For every contemplation that a team has, it can ask one simple question? Is what we propose to do in line with the vision? Does it serve the vision? 

LOOKING BACK TO LEARN

Here’s what I wrote in my Facebook Timeline post:

Now, as the first week of 2016 comes to an end, America and the President have been on my mind. While I continue to believe that America’s future is bright, I also think there are words and actions that the President should have said or taken, but didn’t. 

Here’s the list with the new words / actions that I believe would have made 2015 an entirely different year for the better. I believe America was ready to hear these words.

FERGUSON:

Press Conference: 

“America is a nation of laws. ALL LIVES MATTER. No matter what community each of us live in, we should all be thankful for the police and other legal professionals who work 24/7 to enforce our laws and protect us. The death of Michael Brown is tragic for both Michael and the police officer who was involved in the incident. It is also a wakeup call for America. I have directed the Attorney General and the Director of the FBI to begin taking actions which identify where crime is, and how to prevent and stop it wherever it is. Especially, crime related to guns and death. To be effective, federal efforts must work closely, with and support, local law enforcement agencies. In the weeks ahead, I plan to travel the country to meet with law enforcement officials and citizens to insure this happens.”

IMMIGRATION / KATE’S MURDER:

Press Conference Announcement: 

“I’d like to announce that yesterday I gave the needed directions under existing laws to begin effectively sealing our borders and prevent illegal immigration. I also made calls to the leaders of Congress, so that working together, we can enact Kate’s law. After accomplishing these two things, I will continue working with Congress, the governors from the affected states, and the affected agencies to evolve a refreshed immigration system that is friendly to those people who want to legitimately pursue the opportunities that America offers, but prevents those not friendly to America from entering.” 

MARS / CLIMATE CHANGE:

State of the Union Address:

“Tonight I would like to announce that I am setting two national goals. The first goal is to land a team of US astronauts on Mars by 2025. The second goal is to become energy independent as a nation by 2020, and that 50% of our energy needs be fulfilled by renewable energy methods by 2025. I am designating them as first order priorities for our country. They present themselves as tall mountains to climb. However, both goals will create new discoveries and knowledge, focus our education systems, and create new opportunities and jobs. The positive effects of these accomplishments will enrich our nation and the world for decades to come.”

PARIS / ISSIS

Oval Office Address to the Nation (the day of the Paris attacks):

“I just spoke to President Hollande in France to offer our national sympathies in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks, and to offer our support in the response which President Hollande has said is imminent. Separately, I have directed our military and intelligence leaders to present me, within three days, options for actions that can be taken toward the destruction of ISSIS and radical islamic jihadist organizations wherever we can find them. They are evil, and a blight on one of our planet’s great religions. As a down payment, six hours ago, I authorized the launching of 100 cruise missiles at known ISSIS command and control centers in Raqqa, Syria. I have also suspended, effective immediately, any further withdrawal by our armed forces from positions in the Middle East. Furthermore, next week, I will be traveling to Europe to meet with NATO members and other Middle East Allies so we can coordinate our efforts. I will remain in contact with Congressional leaders and anticipate that I will soon have more to say about all of this in an address to a joint meeting of Congress, and to you the American people. Thank you and God bless America!”

I believe these words and actions would have made a big difference in America and the world, and positively changed the course of history. I believe these are the words of leadership that should have been spoken by the person, who as President, is leading everyone in America.

What do you think?

Let us always remember that honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

Dear President Obama,

I have heard and read reports of your efforts to reach out to leaders in Congress concerning the open seat on the US Supreme Court.  In spite of your efforts, it appears that Mr. McConnell and the Republican caucus in the Senate are still determined to wait until the next President takes office, and sends them a nomination.  Apparently, they feel that in choosing a new President, the American people will also be choosing the next nominee for the court.  I can imagine that this fills you with frustration, and yes, while I don’t agree with it, I can also see the map of thinking by a Republican Majority Leader.  It is not without logic, but I’m not sure it serves the country very well.  So, what do you do? 

U.S. Supreme Court

I have an idea about what you can do on this issue.  I believe my idea resonates with both your position as President, and your skills as a constitutional professor and a very capable public speaker.  Frankly, I believe it connects with your passions, and many of your core beliefs as I understand them.  So, what is my idea?

Leave the “fight” behind on filling the open US Supreme Court position, and take the high ground.  Begin a persistent conversation with the America people about the US Constitution, and the US Supreme Court.  In this campaign season, make this your campaign.  Become a professor to the nation on this issue, and these topics.  Calmly remind us of the steps required to fill the open seat, and where responsibility for each step lies.  Resist sarcasm and embrace sincerity.  Through history lessons, remind us what qualifications and attributes the greatest justices brought to the bench.  President Kennedy gave a speech with similar intent on the topic of peace at American University on June 10, 1963.  He was eloquent as I believe you can be.  

Rise above the partisanship and tug of war between the Democratic and Republican parties.  Ignore the special interests.  Focus on helping America find a new justice who will do their part in fair constitutional interpretation, and writing good law.  Then after all of this, you may find that the American people will tell both the Republicans and the Democrats in the Senate that they should consider a nomination by you.  Or, at least you will know that if you are unable to submit a nominee, you have prepared the ground by raising the bar of excellence so that the next President will have to meet a high standard with their nominee.  The American people will require it. 

I know these suggestions and my thoughts are unconventional, but all of us are longing for quiet steady leadership.  If you will give us this leadership, you will be as a  “father to the nation,” and be taking steps which will unite us.  You are clearly a loving husband to First Lady Michelle, and a dedicated father to Sasha and Milia.  So, I believe this role will feel comfortable to you.  By leading in this way, you will be laying the corner stones and building blocks of a great appointment, whoever makes it.  Spend the time with all of us in America to build our expectations for excellence.  Then it’s up to us.  I believe in America as you do, and I don’t think we’ll let you down.

President Obama, great Presidents are remembered for how they lead the country, not their party. Leaders don’t always do what is expected.  That’s why they are leaders.  Do the unexpected.

God bless you and God bless America, 

David W. Wygant

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved. 

THE POWER OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

Ted Cruz is right when he says, 

“The power of the American people, when we rise up and stand for liberty, knows no bounds.”

However, what he and the rest of the candidates, both Republican and Democratic, right and left, liberal and conservative, man and woman, black and white, don’t understand is that we’re looking for a leader who will bring us together.   We are looking for an honest public servant who will serve only one special interest, OURS.  We are looking for a leader who can look to the brights stars that light our future, and take us to them.  We haven’t seen the next President of the United States yet, but surely we will in time.

Now, we should become calm and thoughtful.  We should lesson the volume of our voices and prepare to increase the volume of our votes.  This time, every eligible voter must vote.

When we raise our voices through our votes, on the same day, we vote together as a country.  Counted one at a time, our voices sound very different.  We are a country of many different points of view.  However, through voting we harmonize with each other in the song we sing.   The more people who vote, the more harmonic the melody becomes, and we become the greatest acapella choir of all time.  Our best decisions in voting result from our diversity as a country, and when we exert the personal independence and liberty we all enjoy as Americans.  

Our decisions shine brightest when we have faith, in both our diversity and independence, and we follow our faith. The act of voting turns our heads to the future causing us to imagine new possibilities, and energizing us with the hope they bring.

Let us always remember that honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

CONSIDER THE DIFFERENCES (Politicians vs. Public Servants vs. Leaders)

Politician President

• This is the pinnacle of my career and power.
• I’m looking forward to the increased retirement and continuing benefits-perks.
• I will work to fulfill the interests of those who voted for me.  
• I will lead on the issues to implement my agenda and my party’s platform.
• I will interpret the rules so that my actions are legal
• I care about what is good for me, my party, and our viewpoint on the issues.

Public Servant President

• I will do my best to put self last and America first. 
• I will work hard to make a contribution, and then move on to give someone else the same opportunity.
• This isn’t my career, and I look forward to returning to mine in private life as a citizen.
• I am embarrassed by all the perks people want to give me.
• I never take credit, but find out who really deserves it, and I give it to them.
• I serve my constituents and will lead them toward consensus on the issues.

Leader President 

• I will lead America toward fulfillment of its potential and destiny.
• I lead all Americans whether they voted for me or not. 
• I lead toward a vision not a position on an issue.
• Leading is my service and my duty.
• The only special interest that matters is America’s.
• I will lead toward leaving America in better shape than she was in when I took office.  

Honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

Practice Thinking: Duty Number ONE-SAFETY

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

When a newly elected President places his or her hand on the bible, and makes a sacred promise to protect the Constitution of the United States, that moves their duty to protect America to the front of the line and ahead of the many other things a President does in the job.

As voters, we have a responsibility too.  As we listen to the candidates, 1) we all hear what they say, 2) we consider the experience they bring, and  3) develop feelings about how we think they will perform in the job.  This is exactly what we’ve all experienced in seeking jobs for ourselves.  However, now we are doing the hiring.  We should be thoughtful and choose wisely.  The input into our thinking and feelings should be current or from history, but relevant.  In addition, the actions and results of a current President give input as we consider how we feel regarding America’s safety, and our personal safety.  This input shapes our expectations for the 2016 batch of candidates, and our expectations for their possible future performance, doesn’t it?

PRACTICE WITH CURRENCY

Well, so what!  OK, let’s take a real example and practice our thinking:  The current debate on gun control.  There are two very divided sides to this issue, and they are driven further apart by special interests and the politicians.  In any event, the President has chosen this issue as a point of focus, arguing with passion that it will bring increased safety to all of us in America.   The question for each of us as voters is, “WILL IT, REALLY?”  

To begin our “thinking practice,” lets look at this from two perspectives:  1) The big picture or national viewpoint, and 2) The local and more personal viewpoint.  Now ask.  Will compliance with the President’s executive orders make us more safe in fact as a nation, and should you choose to own a gun, make you personally feel more safe because you’ve followed the executive orders, or someone has?  Do you feel confident that others will comply as you might choose to do?  What about the bad guys?  What if they don’t comply?  These are tough questions, to which I’m not suggesting an answer.  I’m only asking you to ask the questions.  

I have faith in voter choices, and I have confidence that Americans will make the best decisions with their votes.  I really believe, and that belief forms the basis of the Voting Alert Beacons.  Do you have the same confidence in your choices, and in the choices of your fellow Americans?  I hope so.

PRACTICE WITH HISTORICAL RELEVANCY

Still practicing, and on the issue of safety, let’s think bigger and give thought to what history might teach us.  Expand your thinking to look back at the serving President’s performance record on national safety.  Consider the following events:

• Doubling the national deficit from $10 to $20 trillion (a key safety driver)
• Continuing cuts in defense spending
• Not putting the missile defense system in Eastern Europe
• Watching as Russia invaded Crimea (later annexed) and the Ukraine
• Not implementing by actions that contribute to energy independence
• Benghazi
• Releasing 6000 convicts from federal prisons
• Iran nuclear agreement
• Syrian refugees
• Continued growth of ISIS
• Not sealing the US borders
• Not taking action on the Syrian chemical weapon redline
• Early withdrawal of forces from Iraq
• Plans to withdraw forces from Afghanistan
• Releasing Guantanomo prisoners (with goal to close the prison)

The controversy around all and each of these continues to swirl.  We all have our own ideas and opinions about them, but let’s go back to my earlier question.  In terms of keeping America SAFE, do you think the serving President has properly balanced actions and responses in each, given how all of these connect to  each other to form a tapestry?  Is that tapestry a warm blanket of safety?  Is America safer?  Is there a unifying vision that runs through all of them?  Finally, finish the process by going back to the beginning, and ask yourself how you feel about gun control now.  Should it even be part of the same historical “tapestry and weave?”  Ask yourself how safe you might feel now if different actions had been taken along the way. 

OK, now carry the learnings and feelings you’ve gotten from this thought experiment, and look at the 2016 candidates.  Consider your choice carefully and be sure to vote!!!  

Honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

LEADERS HAVE VISION!

On their websites, in their speeches, in what they have written, in interviews, in their public and private performance records, and according to what they have said, or probably will talk about, at debates, the current crop of Presidential candidates have included the following as priorities for our country:  

Jobs, education, national and personal security, improved standard of living, increasing the GDP, military capacity and national defense, strong diplomacy, immigration, tax reform, environmental protection and preservation, and reform of government to increase efficiency and effectiveness.  I may have missed a few, but this is a long list of the most important things.

Here’s a question, without regard to any political position on the issues, but only focused on generally finding improvement for our country in these areas …

WHY HAVEN’T ANY OF THE CANDIDATES PROPOSED THAT WE SEND A CREW TO MARS AND RETURN THEM SAFELY?

It is an act of leadership to see the challenges now and ahead, and propose a vision that takes us safely and confidently forward.  It is an act of leadership to call upon us as a nation to focus on doing something really difficult.  It is an act of leadership to stand up and with a strong character say, “follow me.”

Such a goal would not only cause America to focus on the trail forward, but we would reclaim our leadership position in the world.  I am quite sure that Russian, Iran, ISIS, and the rest of the evil actors would take notice.

The nay-sayers will hide behind the cost of such a mission.  I don’t know if it would take another $10 billion or $100 billion or even $500 billion.  I do know that any of those costs are small compared to the tangible and intangible returns from such a mission.  I do know that any of those costs are small compared to the amount our national debt has increased since 2000.  Finally, I do know that based on books and research easily available, that the “moon landing” in 1969, and what it took to accomplish that, is almost fully responsible for the America we live in today.

Let’s learn from history!   LISTEN TO WHAT ONE OF OUR GREATEST PRESIDENTS SAID WHEN HE SET THE GOAL OF GOING TO THE MOON:

WE THE PEOPLE need to ask the candidates for their Mars vision!  Remember Beacon #3 (Listen/Ignore).  It is fair for us to ask many questions and expect them to respond so we can "listen."

Honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2015 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

AMERICA IS LIKE NO OTHER PLACE

In recent years, our elections have been defined by issues.  Accordingly, we’ve become more and more divided.  The campaigns have turned into win/loss slugfests instead of productive competitions between visions and ideas.  Somewhere in this we’ve forgotten that we’re all Americans.  Somewhere in this we’ve stopped reaching to do hard things because we’re focused inward.

We need to remember once again that America is like no other place.  History tells us that.  Our accomplishments demonstrate that what we can do and create is only limited by the size of our dreams, and the reach of our imaginations.  As we pick the next President, lets find a leader who will challenge us again to dream big dreams, and lead us to expand our national imagination.  

In his course, TO LEAD A NATION, The Presidency in the Twentieth Century, Robert Dallek discusses the reasons why some of the Presidents of the Twentieth Century (Theodore Roosevelt through Ronald Reagan) rose to greatness, while most of us can’t remember who the others were.  

Mr. Dallek identifies several things that the “great Presidents” consistently score high in.  This list of items includes:  Vision, charisma, pragmatism, consensus building, trust or credibility, and luck.

So, now lets start watching the Presidential candidates with all of this in mind.  Let’s look for those who have the capacity to dream big dreams, and imaginations with a long reach.  These are sure signs of leadership.  Also, look for the attributes the Mr. Dallek identified.  If we focus on finding a leader, then that leader will help us find agreement on the many issues.  

Honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2015 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

LOOKING FOR AUTHENTIC PUBLIC SERVANTS!

I started to write another article about polls, but my thoughts drifted into many interweaving and related areas.  Finally, I ended up with notes comparing the thinking, activities and actions of politicians and public servants.  My list(s) are below.

I’m glad I took this detour given that the first Presidential debates are tomorrow.  In addition to using your Listen/Ignore table from yesterday’s post to keep score, ask yourself how each candidate rates according to the points below.  Are they a politician or a public servant?  By my count, there are only three candidates who can fairly call themselves public servants.  See what you think.

Politician

• Pursues and accepts money from special interests, organizations and wealthy individuals in ever increasing amounts.
• They like polls, and can make a negative poll look good, and use a positive poll for negative purposes.  Their focus on polls is strategic in terms of helping them divide voters into groups as they look for our votes.  The terms “divide and conquer” come to mind.
• Use the influence that comes with their office and responsibilities for the benefit of special interests.
• They view their elective office as a career with some taking the word incumbent to the next step of entitlement.
• They are generally willing to sacrifice national progress to further their own interests, or that of the party.
• Views “perks” of their office as required and deserved.  Always in the ready to create more.

Public Servant

• Accepts campaign funding only from individual voters.
• Ignores polls and talks directly with voters.  Their leadership and ideas are based on direct contact with their constituents and their imaginations.
• Voters are the only special interest they serve, and use the influence of their office for.
• They look forward to returning to the careers they left behind to serve in elective office.
• Seek win-win, and compromise, in the interest of America and progress.
• Pursue consensus in word and deed.
• Happy with expense reimbursement and personal benefits during the time they serve, but they leave those behind when they return to their lives back home.
• They have a retirement program back home, and don’t expect one as a result of their relatively brief public service.

DISCLAIMER:  The lists above are mine, but I believe I could objectively find  numerous examples of each point.  Although, it would be more difficult for the public servant points.  Nonetheless, as a responsible voter, please form your own opinion(s), and then vote in secret.

Elective office is a public service opportunity, not a career!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2015 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

DO YOU FEEL SAFE?

Government’s obligation to provide for the nations defense, and its safety, has been a core responsibility from the beginning.  For most of us, we think of safety in our cities, towns, neighborhoods and homes.  In that regard, the police and fire departments have always been our first line of defense, our friends and heroes.   When we have suffered public disturbances or mass crime in our cities, or when nature has unleashed her fury and destructive powers, we have relied on the “state guard” to restore the order, or keep order, as we put things back together.

I’m raising these issues now because soon we will be voting again to select a new set of leaders, and whether we are safe, and feel safe, has to do with selecting the right leaders.  I will also confess that for the firs time in my life as an American citizen, I’m not sure if I really do feel safe.  

As we continue to move into another election season, I am thinking carefully about the questions for which we need answers.  Using the Voting Alert Beacons as a guide, I will first look for candidates to think of the questions on their own.  Are they in touch with reality and me?  Then I will listen carefully to their answer.  I will carefully consider the details of their plan(s).  Does it answer the questions?  If they focus on criticizing other plans instead, then I will ignore them, and they won’t get my vote. 

OK, where do we start?  What questions should we begin with?  Well, for me the murder of Kate Steinle, the Chattanooga terrorist attack, and the recently signed nuclear agreement with Iran are good places to start.  They are recent.

Here’s my list.  Add your own questions and go from there.

Kate Steinle:

• How is it possible that a felon with multiple convictions and deportations was released to walk freely in an American city?
• In the midst of this tragedy, why must we watch local, state, and federal officials quarreling about who is to blame? Why can't they think more about how they broke their oaths to keep us safe?
• Doesn’t responsibility start at the border?  How does a person like Kate’s murderer walk or transport himself easily back into the United States?  The border is well defined.  The objective is clear.  Why can’t we close it?  

The Chattanooga Terrorist Attack:

• How is it possible that members of the most highly trained armed forces in the world through all of history were on duty without the means to protect themselves, and those around them?
• How can we ever ask anyone, under any circumstance, to give an oath to preserves and protect the Constitution of the United States (which includes us), and at the same time leave them disarmed?
• An ordinary citizen can carry a firearm in Chattanooga.  Why can’t an elite marine or sailor when they are on duty?
• Generally, isn’t it common sense that those who wish to do us harm with think twice if they know we can, and will defend ourselves?

The Nuclear Agreement With Iran:

• Why did we abandon all of our negotiation goals in the process of arriving at this agreement with Iran?
• What happened to anytime and anywhere inspections?
• Why would we ever want to willingly agree to lift the arms embargo on Iran, and permit them to develop missiles?
• Why do we want to give them $150 billion dollars if their support of terrorism is clear?
• If we want this agreement because it will help the common folks inside of Iran, why didn’t we just support their uprising in 2009?
• What about the only democracy in the Middle East and our friend Israel?  Why are empowering neighbors who define their existence by the destruction of Israel?

OK, I gave you a few questions to start with.  Now think of more questions you’d like answers to.  We need to start asking our leaders for solid answers. 

In this election season, there will be much to think about and questions to ask.  As we ask the questions, and listen to the answers given, all of us will begin to develop “feelings” for what we should do as individuals, and who we should vote for.  Don’t hesitate to follow your feelings and vote accordingly.  After 200 million of us vote, the answer we provide will be more correct than any person or group of experts could ever be.

Let’s also practice looking for honesty and true public service.  By that I mean honesty in fact, and public service that causes our leaders to put us first, not themselves or their careers. Honesty and public service are the gears that drive our democracy, and we turn those gears with our RIGHT TO VOTE.   LET’S ALL VOTE!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2015 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.