“Some look at things the way they are and ask, why? I dream of things that are not and ask, why not?” (Robert Kennedy) I’ve read plenty of outrage over Charlottesville . Now, I’m awaiting a plan for remediation. History records the success of the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after WW 2. MLK Jr’s plan for peaceful marches to call attention to an unjust society worked! Who can devise a plan to bring harmony to our cacophonous society? There must be a dreamer out there asking, “Why not…?” ;-) Jack
FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL: lets hope that person arrives soon. America has gone thru tough times before. what is different this time is that the one who should be setting a national mood for remediation is really throwing gasoline on the fire. another good example for remediation was Nelson Mandela who called for unity and reconciliation after spending 26 years in jail. with little or no bitterness. pray for the nation, Jack.====JACK: Soon means one thing to us and another to God. The Israelites complained, while wandering in the wilderness, that God was taking too long to lead them to the Promised Land. I find comfort in the hymn: "God is working his purpose out, as year succeeds to year,====PAUL: good point. his ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts. Isaiah 55: 8 & 9....
FROM TARMART REV: Well stated . . . dreaming for a solution myself, while staying away from all the backbiting news' app frustrating me to no end!!====JACK: Even though we might want to "stay away" from the fray, events have a way of sucking us in
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: All I can say is "I hope he/she comes soon"!====JACK: You sound like one of the Israelites who were wandering in the wilderness. Just remember...God is working his purpose out.
FROM RS IN TEXAS: Perhaps our President could put together a commission to study the matter and have alt-right and antifa members on the committee. Then the question would be, who would chair the committee? Would need to be someone with excellent leadership and negotiating skills. I might suggest Colin Powell.====JACK: General Powell seems like a good suggestion, but usually leaders come unexpectedly...like who would have believed that Joseph (with the dreamcoat) would become the leader of the Israelites?====RS: That's true. Just need to find someone that can get people to the table. Would probably have to be someone who they respect. Maybe two - one from "each side" to show that you can disagree but understand, tolerate and coexist.====JACK: Rather than seek out those from each side, I would first look for people of "reason, " people who are able to put themselves above the fray.
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Something totally unexpected is happening. Americans are doing some real soul searching this morning. It's beyond politics. Each American is deciding for him/herself on which direction to go. I'm beginning to see people galvanizing around the value that Neo Nazies, White Supremacists, KKK, etc. Do not represent American values. We are at a moral crisis in America and the whole world is watching. I believe that as this process continues Americans will be a light among ourselves and continue to be a light for the world. Very Hopeful!====JACK: I wish that I could share your hopefulness. I think that there will be more stirring of the pot before we're ready to sit down together and enjoy the meal. But, maybe you're right!O
FROM HONEST JOHN: The USA is just like the Middle East...there are deep seated hates that will not allow themselves to be healed....I think a realignment of parties is likely. The moderates are as fed up with the left as they are with the right.====JACK: I doubt that there will be "heaven on earth." I'm more inclined to think that there will be a "judgment." As for a realignment of political parties...names may change, but it usually boils down to liberals and conservatives (whatever that means).====PAUL: S. Sarason, a prolific voice in the Culture of Change once said.." Significant change cannot take place without a crisis." I believe we are in a moral crisis in the United States. I believe we will be a better Country on the other end!====JACK: I guess crisis is nothing new to our country, but it seems new to the generation which is facing it. As Gloria Gaynor sings: "I (We) Will Survive."
FROM SHALOM JAN: Thank you for the reminder that "all things are possible for the one who believes", Jack! Now, I and many others need to repeat, "I believe; help my unbelief!" and roll up our sleeves at least mentally and verbally to get to work on the possibilities.====JACK: Just like in the Wizard of Oz...belief makes dreams come true. The Scarecrow gets a brain, the Lion gets courage, the Tin Man gets a heart and Dorothy and Toto get to go back home.
FROM BB: Agreed. Did you happen to read David Brooks’ recent NYT column on “modesty”? That’s a word one rarely hears these days….====JACK: I've got to look it up. I remember the comment when 2-piece bathing suits came out..."Nothing's left to the imagination anymore." That was then, and now is now. Is there such a things as modesty anymore?
FROM BLAZING OAKS: This seems to be a really dark era in our history, with an unstable, vitriolic leader, and so many discontented, and hateful groups of people roiling any peaceful waters. Hope is in short supply! The son of Robert Kennedy is one of the candidates for Governor in our beleaguered Illinois...I wonder if he has some of his father's wisdom and abilities?!====JACK: Your Robert has the genes. That should count for something. Lincoln came from Illinois, too.
FROM DR JUDY: Beautifully stated Jack!! I'm waiting too.====JACK: Do you remember the song, "Waiting For The Robert E. Lee?" Do you remember your history enough to know how difficult it was for Lee to choose sides at the start of the war? He could have been a Union general. Life hinges on the decisions we make.
FROM FM IN WISCONSIN: It is too bad that we don’t have a president cut of the fabric of Robert ====JACK: Is it possible that Robert Kennedy III, from Illinois, is that person?
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