Winning Words 5/10/12
“Never give up on anybody.” (Hubert Humphrey) I never knew why Humphrey was called, “The Happy Warrior,” until I read Wordsworth’s poem by the same name. You can Google it. HH had strong convictions for what was right. He was a champion for civil rights, a nuclear test ban and humanitarian aid. I wonder how much popular support he would get today by saying, “Never give up on anybody?” ;-) Jack

FROM STORMIN' NORMAN: OK: good words, I will try it.////FROM JACK: Anything that we can do to try and help someone is worth a try.

FROM RG IN ARIZONA: I would suggest that I don't give up on anyone, because I don't really put my Faith in them in the first place. As I write this, I am aware of how cynical that appears. I assume our flaw at the onset, which inevitably proves out in our daily lives. Why use faulty wood to build your house and then be surprised when it breaks apart? It becomes very difficult, especially in today's practices, to heed the voice of one who seems to address a righteous concern from one side of the mouth, while assassinating the character of another from the other side of the mouth. We just call it politics, and demonstrate our approval through our silence or provide defensive rationalizations for the deceivers (politicians). I think a lot of people are passionate about certain ideals --- but misguided just the same. HH was no exception; nor am I --- so don't put your faith in me either!////FROM JACK: I saw Humphrey, first as a human being, and then as a politician. Even though he lost the presidential election to Nixon, I didn't give up on him.

FROM HONEST JOHN: The term "The Happy Warrior" was used by FDR when he nominated Al Smith for Prez in 1924....again he was a champion for the underdog. Humphrey killed himself by backing LBJ's position on the war....////FROM JACK: I would not be surprised to learn that FDR was familiar with Wordsworth. In today's world, many politicians are dependent of speech writers to come up with the quotes. In hindsight, Hubert could have acted differently. Does belief in a friend's view and loyalty to your "boss" count for anything? Granted, each of us is responsible for how we make up our mind.

FROM TS IN MICHIGAN: so, before today, when was the last time you mentioned, heard, the name of Hubert Humphrey? Yesterday, I had a meeting/date with a woman from Minnesota who was a MN dem -- Humphrey/Mondale supporter; married (now divorced) a prominent Republican. And we talked about HHH.////FROM JACK: I've referred to him from time to time in Winning Words, not only because he is quotable, but because I admire him as a man. I was able to meet him personally in Wisconsin when he was running for president.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON: Didn't someone once say "The only thing certain is change". I'm not always really good at never giving up on people but believe deep down that change is inevitable for all of us so there are always a lot more things going on than just what I perceive in any one person at any one discrete period of time. Who would have ever thought that President Obama and probably the whole Democratic Party would be where they are today?!!!! Pretty brave. "Never give up on anybody." "Never give up on a politician????" ////FROM JACK: Never give up on a fellow human being, no matter what their occupation (or lack of one) might be. Easier said than done.

FROM PASTY PAT: Hadn't read this poem before. Hmmmm --- do you suppose it could be made required reading for Congress? Aw heck --- let's make it all govt. officials!////FROM JACK: How about making Winning Words required reading? Just kidding. I do like to give us (me and the readers) something to chew on.

FROM CL IN MICHIGAN: Thanks for helping me recall The Mighty Warrior poem as well as prodding my memory to recall that HHH is one on the long list of losers that I have supported in their quest for office. I really enjoyed reading the poem once again Thanks as always.////FROM JACK: Stay tuned for a Zig Ziglar quote next week which relates to winning and losing. Lost in the translation....The Metrodome in Minneapolis was originally called the Humphrey Dome--officially, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. I think that some Republicans were behind getting rid of the HHH part.

FROM PLAIN FOLKS CHESTER: I'll never forget the Democratic convention when Carter introduced HH as Hubert Horatio Hornblower. And that's kind of what he was.////FROM JACK: You forgot to say that he was a nice and honorable man.

FROM WATERFORD ANNE: I agree. We cannot solve all problems but we must not give up on people. ////FROM JACK: Jesus is our great example. "Go, and sin no more."