Winning Words 2/15/13
“Compassion is not weakness, and concern for the unfortunate is not socialism.”  (Hubert Humphrey)  Another “H” could be added to Hubert’s name…Humanitarian.  He was an outspoken critic of segregation and an advocate for the “little guy.”  When he was terminally ill in the hospital, he went from room to room cheering up other patients.  I’m glad to have been able to meet him when he was running for President     ;-)  Jack

 FROM HONEST JOHN:  We have drifted so far to the Right that a moderate is depicted as a leftist in this society...we need to move back a bit...to where HHH and others were.////JACK:  I've found that as I reflect ....we've come a long way.  Hubert's losses were a vindication of his compassion.  The walkout of the Dixiecrats...Nixon's shenanigans.  Hopefully, we will continue to inch forward in showing compassion. ////JOHN:  Hubert's losses were because of LBJ's mistakes.  Demanded to acknowledge that if they are to move on.////JACK:  We inherit the sins of those who have preceded us.  Regardless, we move on, and Hubert tried to remain true to his ideals.  My favorite college course was, "American Ideals."  I look banck and see it as a time of mind-shaping.

 FROM TRIHARDER:  Thank you, Jack.  I will pass this on to many of my more conservative friends. ////JACK:  Compassion...Concern...Conservative!  Can the three Co-exist?  The S doesn't seem to relate. ////TH:  I think they can.////JACK:  But, it takes an open mind.

 FROM WALMART REV:  ...one of those many good Minnesotans, Jack!! It was a blessing to still have our spouses with us this past Valentine's Day, wasn't it . . . several of my older friends did not have that pleasure this year.////JACK:  HHH was raised in a NoDak town of 600.  His dream of being a college professor moved him to Minnesota.  Circumstances got him into politics, just like circumstances got you to where you are at this point.////REV:  I drive through Waverly, MN most often when we venture out to Minneapolis. The sign reads, "Home of Hubert Humphrey!" Thanks for the updated information as well. ////JACK:  My hometown is Moline, Illinois, although I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and have spent most of my life in Michigan.  Hubert and Muriel raised their family in Waverly, and he called that place, "The peace of my world."  Where is your peace?  There's an old song, "This world is not my home; I'm justa passin' through.  My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue."////REV:  I think we are listed as neighbors there . . . hopefully sooner that later for me anyway.

 ROM SHARIN' SHARON:  the part which struck me is "Compassion is not weakness." In trying to understand people and why they are in a vulnerable, fragile situation, maybe one part of our being compassionate and doing something useful to help is not to have fear of entering into a thought-pattern where we empathize as vulnerable and fragile as they are, at the moment. Maybe that also has something to do with fear of socialism or politics that seems like socialism. Whatever frees us up from fears is the most helpful. He must have been a very fearless man to have been practically on his deathbed and yet thinking of helping all those other people. I'm inspired by his WW. Thanks for sharing!!!!////JACK:  He was on the political scene during tumultuous times.  The "noise" was so loud that the "quietness" of caring was hard to hear.  With the passing of time, his message was heard.

 FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  Socialism has nothing to do at all with compassion or concern...nor does it have anything to do with a republic like ours...nor conservatism for that matter. Yet, the blind and confused speak as though they do! HHH and many more like him, and like those who do like him, can be compassionate and concerned for sure. Just as those who didn't or don't can be compassinate and concerned. Like all that is Good, it comes from God...not our government, and certainly not from our "leaders" (Pharisees). Compassion, concern, and all Good Fruits that are blessings upon us will be shared with others through each one of us ourselves, personally. It is indeed a reflection of one's relationship with Jesus Himself. Why does one look to government? It is not their function...it is yours....and mine! Keep the filth of politics far away from government...it is indeed like "casting pearls before swine". Go and be compassionate by your works; just like Faith, it is dead without it.////JACK:  "Socialist" was one of the labels that Humphrey's critics attached to him, hence his quote.  We often label people in order to demean them.  It goes on, even today.  What is socialism?////RAY:  I would rather ask what is Freedom and what is Liberty? Freedom comes to each one of us by God. As the existentialists would say, it is a "given" of our existence. It is a freedom to respond to one's circumstances. If we recognize that, as our founding fathers did, we too will naturally embrace Liberty for all people. For this reason, the Constitution of our Federated States restricts government reach into a person's life. The more the government has control of one's liberty, the less Liberty one has. In other words, we are free to be idiots and give up our liberty. Socialism, on the other hand, cannot exist with Liberty, because direction is not from oneself, but from those who think they know what is best for everyone. They determine it for you. Of course, they don't live by the same rule of law...because they are the elite who know better. Just like our government that makes separate rules for itself while regulating our lives in accordance with what is best for us. This is not my opinion; this is precisely what is occurring today...right now! Socialism is not for the socialists. It never has been; nor will it ever be.  Freedom is of God and from God. There is no one who can live your life for you -- no matter how well-intentioned (s)he might be. Liberty to live that life is in accordance with the very fundamental premise that God created us "free" with free-will. I still ask why does anyone look to the government for answers to that? ////JACK:  None of us is truly FREE.  Martin Luther wrote a short and interesting treatise..."Christian Liberty."  Thanks to the internet, you can Google it.

 FROM BLAZING OAKS:  God loves and cherishes each person on Earth, and we need to do the same, including the unfortunate. Delilah, radio host, and mother to 12 children, 8 adopted, some with special needs, said, "I feel the incredible sense  of connection that comes when people share their lives with one another. To me, it's God using us to spread His love."  "Brighten the corner where you are..."  HHH was an icon of servanthood!////JACK:  A. Lincoln said it.  "God must love the common man, he made so many of them."  I suppose that relates to the poor, also.  "Love" is a tricky word.

 FROM GOOD DEBT JON:  True enough statement and good politicking by HHH, but unwrap it; is involuntary philanthropy concern or a paternalistic power grab (ultimately)? There is a huge difference between voluntary dollars spent through Habitat for Humanity, for example, and billions spent on "public housing."  In Columbus (recently-probably still) one side is locating old residents of a public housing project "greedy developers" want to tear down to have on camera to create "rented-Kodak -Emotional-Moments" to stir public opinion, trying to block a project. Meanwhile the other side greases the politicians. All the while Habitat and others with like missions actually help the people. In the end Socialism creates more of what it purports to hate.////JACK:  "God helps them who helps themselves" is a mantra to give excuse for not becoming invloved in other people's problems.  Life doesn't always present a level playing field.  So the debate goes on how to help those in need.  The Parable of the Good Samaritan continues to have. "legs."  Who is my neighbor?////JON:  I don't recall any prior mention of the Bible, today, your WW was from a politician. If you want to proof text from the Bible to support a certain view that is a never ending game. I was commenting on politics and wasteful spending sans scripture.  But I don't mind being the straightman for your Biblical jabs.////JACK:  If someone wants to call compassion and caring for unfortunate people, socialism...so be it.  But, I don't think that was your intention.  I didn't mean for the Good Samaritan parable to be used as part of an argument, but only to explain what drives me to have a concern for those in need.

FROM ILLINOIS LIZ:  "socialism" is continuing to throw fish at the problem... no reason such unprecedented numbers of people should not be able to experience the pride & self-esteem that comes from a job.////JACK:  When I first read the quote, I thought that it concerned "socialism."  Then I reread it, and discovered that it was really about compassion and caring for unfortunate people.  We get sidetracked when we go to a discussion of an -ism.  The question is...What is compassion, and what it caring, and how can we best do that...if we indeed want to?

 FROM DR J AT BGSU:  Hubert is one of my favorites!////JACK:  How many Huberts do you know?

 FROM PH IN ARIZONA:  the great state of Minnesota has produced some fine "liberals"  like  Humphrey, Mondale, Al Franken, Amy Klobuchar, Al Quie, etc.  we are happy to claim them and hope for many more...  we are not sure what to do with Jesse Ventura!////JACK:  Don't forget that staunch liberal, Michele Bachman.