Jack’s Winning Words 10/13/15
“It’s hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.”  (Sally Kempton)  One of the great comic strips of the past is Walt Kelly’s POGO, especially the line when Pogo says to Porkypine: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”  Those words were on the first Earth Day poster.  Whether it be the environment, politics or a personal “situation,” blame can often be traced back to decisions we have made.  Better life-choices can lead to a better life.    ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  I am reading a new book "The Religion of Democracy".   By Amy Kittelstrom.   (Swede?).   It is about your people.....j. Adams, Emerson, W. James, etc.   I think you would enjoy it.    I recommend it.   I tend more toward Niebuhr, Lincoln, etc. but good to read different points of view.====JACK:  Speaking about reading books....You read me like a book.  I do like Emerson, James and Adams.  I also like to associate from time to time with Niebuhr, Lincoln and Siefken.

FROM TARMART REV:  "Better life-choices can lead to a better life." My hearty "Amen" to that!! ====JACK:  Sometimes the "devil" on one shoulder has a more alluring voice than the "angel" on the other shoulder.

FROM LBP IN PLYMOUTH:  Self forgiveness is a good weapon against some of those internal enemies. I find it even quells the devil on the shoulder a bit too.====JACK:  When the internal enemies mount an assault, turn to  1 John 1:9:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  According to the Roman statesman, Appius Claudius, "Each man is the architect of his own fate."====JACK:  William  Henley wrote something similar in his poem, Invictus:  "I am the master of my fate.  I am the captain of my soul."  Alas!  Where does that leave "poor God"?

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  I cited that line to you some months ago as my favorite "strip" line of all time. It still is, although and old Peanuts strip runs a close second. Charlie is sitting at his school desk showing a graded paper "A" to the kid behind him. The sheet is loaded with compliments about the teacher. Charlie is saying, "Sooner or later you learn what sells."====JACK:  Guinness says that the Bible holds the World Record for the most books ever sold.  What do you suppose makes it sell?  The black cover?