A Christmas Wish

The original poem actually has two more verses, but I couldn't find a musical rendition of it, so I will place it here.  

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth,

To touch their harps of gold:

"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,¹

From heaven's all-gracious King."

The world in solemn stillness lay,

To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,

With peaceful wings unfurled,

And still their heavenly music floats

O'er all the weary world;

Above its sad and lowly plains,

They bend on hovering wing,

And ever o'er its babel sounds

The blessèd angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife

The world has suffered long;

Beneath the angel-strain have rolled²

Two thousand years of wrong;

And man, at war with man, hears not³

The love-song which they bring;⁴

O hush the noise, ye men of strife,⁵

And hear the angels sing.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load,⁶

Whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way

With painful steps and slow,

Look now! for glad and golden hours

come swiftly on the wing.

O rest beside the weary road,

And hear the angels sing!

For lo!, the days are hastening on,

By prophet bards foretold,⁷

When with the ever-circling years

Comes round the age of gold⁸

When peace shall over all the earth

Its ancient splendors fling,⁹

And the whole world give back the song¹⁰

Which now the angels sing.

— Original five-stanza hymn by Edmund Sears

Merry Christmas to all!

The Gap

We've been discussing the tax reform that the Republican controlled legislature and President have been pushing.  It is a bill that is in reality geared toward the richest in our country.  Yes, there are tax cuts for the lower income levels, but they "sunset" or expire after eight years.  The tax cuts for the wealthiest do not.  This bill will add to our debt, which will either rob our children of their future or force cuts to spending that will hit the neediest in our country.  It will exacerbate the growing gap between rich and poor. 

I ran across this documentary, which helps to illustrate the positions many people are in, from the wealthy to the not so wealthy.  It covers both the United States and the UK.  I have only watched the first half so far, but I recommend it highly.  The second half follows on the first.

Sweet Home Alabama

In a few days the people of Alabama will go to the polls to select a new senator to represent their state. To vote is probably the highest civic responsibility in our country. It is not something to be taken lightly, especially in today's era of politics. Our current president has come out in support of Roy Moore, the Republican candidate, which in the normal course of events would be understandable. But there have been some questions raised as to Moore's past behavior with regard to sexual conduct towards minors.

At some point in time we are all faced with choices that will test our ethics, our core beliefs, our values. The test now is being posed to the people of Alabama who have the duty to try to pick the best candidate to maintain our democracy and uphold this country's core values. It is a test of what those values really are.

Maybe a voice of experience could remind us. Yes, I know, but Alabama is a Republican state, so the voice should be Republican. :) And it was a good speech, so I had to resurrect him.

And maybe I'll give a plug for his book, as the proceeds are going to a good cause. At least he is doing something with his free time to help others.  It was also a rather amusing interview.  Something we could all use right about now.

Update:

Doug Jones, the Democratic candidate for senator of Alabama, has been projected the winner of the special election.

The Mayflower Compact

Today many of us will sit down to a turkey dinner with all the trimmings in celebration of Thanksgiving Day.  Football games and parades will be on our televisions. Yes, I admit it, that is what I am doing now, watching the Vikings/Lions game.  But, before all of the commercialization, bounty, and ease, there was struggle, hardship, and hope for a freedom that was lacking in most people's lives.  On this day perhaps we ought to remember how we came to be.  Because we seem to be watching the slow dismantling of so many things put in place to afford us that bounty, ease, and freedom we hold so dear.

What follows is a short video of the first Pilgrims who, in their wisdom, put together an agreement to see them through the hardships they were to endure in their new world.  It was really a lesson in working together for the greater good, which we could certainly use today.   It is an old video, but I felt it got the point across very well.

Here is an explanation of  The Mayflower Compact.


For all of you out there I wish you a....

And, if you are a football fan, so far the Vikings are ahead.  :)

The Three Gorges

With my post on the wind industry we have been talking about alternative energy sources, so when someone happened to mention water in the comments section that brought to mind how we have harnessed the power of water through the use of dams. Of course, that led me to China and the Yangtze River, which is now home to the largest dam on the planet.  While I had heard about its size and the dislocation of people as the result of flooding I hadn't really looked at the project too closely. It gave me an excuse to do a little research on the building of dams.  

This first video is about 46 minutes long, but it is a comprehensive look at the problems that various building projects have overcome as the size of the dams has increased.

It is not just the challenges in building that are an issue . There is also the human and environmental impacts to be considered. The intent behind the Three Gorges dam was to help control flooding in the region, as well as encourage economic development.  But some do not believe that the impact of The Three Gorges dam will be all good.

In the end, when all is said and done, it is the effect this dam has had, and will have, on those who live within its sphere that will determine how it is judged by history.  

Happy Halloween!

The Future

I wrote a post recently on electric vehicles which generated a certain amount of debate as to what the future holds with regard to electricity generation. Coincidentally, today there was an article in my newspaper about the fastest growing occupation in the United States. Yes, you guessed it, it happens to be in an alternative energy industry. It led me to do a little research about that industry. So I thought I would share with you a few videos on what I found.

First up is a nice video on how a wind turbine functions. Yes, it does kind of give away what that fastest growing occupation is. Lol! But I will get back to that later.

This next video answers a question that I have wondered about as I have driven past wind farms here in Minnesota.  Why do the windmills have three blades?

While Europe is ahead of the United States in harnessing the power of the wind, we have made baby steps to try to catch up.

So what is the fastest growing occupation?

Wind Technician

No, it's not just for guys!

Sadness and Sorrow

For all of those who are suffering in the wake of natural, and man made, disaster.

Greased Lightning

Since the first days of Henry Ford's Model T Americans have had a love affair with their cars. After our home they are the biggest ticket item in our budget. We have sung songs in their honor and they have starred in our movies. They are an expression of who we are. Recently my readers, you know who you are, expressed an interest in discussing the future of electric vehicles (EV's). So I have done some research and have found a few things that may be of interest and pertinent to some of the issues raised, such as battery operation.

This first video is a nice overview of how an electric car, specifically the Tesla Model S, works.

Obviously the battery in the Tesla does not lend itself to convenient swapping, so in this case the recharge is critical. In this video the various options are discussed.

As you no doubt noticed the time needed to recharge the battery is rather, well, long. At least compared to simply filling up your tank with gas. There is also the fact that the charge doesn't last for a lengthy road trip, meaning you will need to stop and recharge, adding more time to the trip. You will also note that there is the issue of making sure the battery doesn't get too hot.

In this video that lengthy charge time is addressed.

Hmm...yes, there do seem to be some issues with trying to lower the charge time. That brings us back to swapping out the battery at a charging/swapping station. Apparently that is not impossible as it was tried in Israel, according to this article.

What happened to swappable batteries

I noticed that within that article there is a link to another about charging highways. That is, creating the infrastructure within the highway itself to recharge the battery as you drive. But, like other options, there are drawbacks. Not least of which is how a pacemaker would react to the magnetic charge.

One thing that the author of the article mentioned in the last paragraph was about watching what India and China do. I found that interesting because it does seem that in the case of EV's the leaders will not be in the United States.

Whatever happens in the future may depend upon whether or not EV's can find a place in the hearts of those who have always just loved to drive, as far or as fast as they can.

Or maybe as creatively as they can.  This movie had some serious driving in it!

Voices from the Dark

For the past few weeks we have been seeing missiles flying from North Korea in some kind of desperate attempt at intimidation.  The Trump administration has responded with an escalation of provocative rhetoric.  So what are we to make of this?  Are we on the verge of war because of the impulsive acts of two leaders who are intemperate in nature?  How do North Koreans see the situation?  How do they see us?

This is a video of interviews with three men who grew up in North Korea and are now living outside their home country.  While it does not go into their personal journeys, it does give us a little insight into the people of North Korea, and their perceptions of America.  Considering recent events with that country I thought it might be of interest.

A House Divided

My last post touched on a little of the history of racial divisions within the United States.  But I ran across a documentary recently that pointed out another important factor in our seeming inability to find the unity dreamed of so many years ago.  I speak of the economic divide.  You see it in the gentrification of neighborhoods occurring in so many cities across the country.  On the surface one would think redevelopment a good thing, but in so many cases it results in the displacement of long term residents who simply cannot afford the rising cost of housing.  

What happens when you have an area with higher end homes, or schools, across from public housing units?  How does this affect the people who live and work in the area?    This documentary was told through the eyes of the children and young people who are experiencing just that.   Some of their views may surprise, or not, but they are thoughtful and intelligently expressed by some rather insightful young people (especially Rosa).  :)

While America has never really achieved a truly classless society, we have in the past at least made an attempt to lift as many people as possible into a middle class existence.  But what seems to be occurring now is an ever widening gap between the wealthier segment of the population and those on the lower rungs.  A state of affairs that isn't sustainable.

We Won't Turn Back

Lee suggested that I do a post about the civil rights movement in the United States, given the recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and our discussion about them in the comments section.  I pointed out that I did not know enough of what transpired during the 1960's to give a good account.  So on his recommendation I went searching for a PBS documentary which described the actions of a group of activists called the Freedom Riders.  What they did was challenge the idea, and practice, of segregation in the Deep South.  In doing so they also stood up for one of the basic tenets of the United States Constitution, that all men are created equal.  I, of course, believe that there should be a mention of women in that line, but that is a post for another day.

What the documentary shows is not just the courage of the Freedom Riders, but the importance of the involvement of the government, on both a national and a local level, in acting as a stabilizing factor.   If there is no moral leadership there can be no tamping down of bigotry or racial division within our country.

This documentary is quite long, containing film from actual events and interviews with people who were there.  But it is very good.

The Next Ice Age

The term “global warming” is a little deceiving. It implies that the problems we may face in the future are solely going to revolve around higher temperatures. But what we may be dealing with is something far more complex. Rising temperatures are really a catalyst for a changing climate. While we have enjoyed a moderate climate in the past, that does not mean we will continue to see this kind of environment in the future.

I have talked about the effects of rising temperatures melting ice, which will cause sea levels to rise, leading to flooding of coastal areas. But there is also the problem of all of that fresh water diluting the salinity of the oceans, causing the Thermohaline Circulation to stop. Maybe you remember that movie, “The Day After Tomorrow”? It's premise was based on this effect.

This documentary was first aired back around 2003. It gives a nice explanation of the Thermohaline Circulation and its effect on climate, especially Europe's.

There is mention of a study initiated by the George W. Bush administration, basically “war gaming” a scenario of what would happen if this occurred in 2010. I found this rather interesting given that the current occupant of the White House is seemingly pursuing a policy that refuses to even consider the possibility of climate change and its dangers. Not to mention actively undermining any real scientific activity that might be of benefit to the people of America or the world.

While the movie was a little extreme, after all it is Hollywood, there is real danger in an abrupt change in climate. I fear it would make it harder for the occupants of this planet to adapt.

Greatness

Sometimes greatness comes in different forms.

  A song.

A speech.

We know it when we see it because it inspires us to be better than what we are.  If we let it.

Out of Africa

No, not the movie.  :) We have been discussing migrations of people for some time now in the comments section and I just ran across this documentary about the first people of Europe.  It seems to debunk some earlier theories of how our human ancestors developed, and is a good illustration of what could happen with the movement of massive amounts of people.  So I thought you all might want to take a look if you have an hour to spare.

Who We Want to Be

A while back I did a post on who we are, or perhaps, who I thought we were. Maybe the more appropriate question is who we want to be? In years past we have fought a civil war, we have fought for voting rights, we have fought for woman's rights, we have fought for civil rights. My readers and I have been arguing in the comments section for weeks now about immigration and what should be done in various countries to alleviate some of the problems caused by mass immigration. It is during the times of greatest stress that people are forced to examine themselves and their country's values.

I finally got around to watching a movie that had been recommended to me a while ago. It is based on a true story which took place during the United States civil war. It is a story I hadn't heard before, and I suspect neither have many others. It takes place in Mississippi and follows the events that occurred when a small group of people decided they didn't like what was being done to them in support of the Confederacy. They began to fight what amounted to a guerrilla war against the southern troops who were conscripting people and supplies for their war effort.

Even long after a war is won, it is still being fought. This really is a case of voter fraud.

Everyone struggles within themselves to find the right path, even with the small things. When it comes to the larger tests in life it becomes a true test of character.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. 

Abraham Lincoln

Mosul Update

While we have been distracted with our domestic politics the world beyond our shores has continued on its path.  It's time to visit Iraq again, I think.  The battle for Mosul rages on in the western area of the city even as the eastern half starts to awake from the long nightmare that descended on the city with the advent of Daesh ( Islamic State) three years ago.

In this first video we have a native of Mosul who is returning to visit after a long absence.  His friends give insight into life under Daesh and also the fears that many in Mosul feel for the future.

But it is not a simple matter to remove the militants who have ruled Mosul, as this video makes clear.

And for many in the city there is still the pain and horror of a war that still burns red hot.

This war will not end with Mosul.  But perhaps, as the last scene in the first video shows, a new future can begin with Mosul.

The Fix...that was

In the last post I talked about the problems the world faces with climate change.  In this post I thought I would visit what some people, and I emphasize some, have been working on to try to deal with the problem.  This video is from 2011, so obviously some things are out of date, such as our Energy Secretary, and our energy policy.   And that is partly why I found this so interesting, and sad.  It was a time when the US was still intent on retaining a place in the race to future clean energy.    

The rather poignant part was regarding the current residing place of one of the solar panels Jimmy Carter used to have on the White House, which Ronald Reagan had removed.  It seems rather prophetic.  If you have a rainy day, like I have here today, you may want to check it out for nostalgia's sake.

Meltdown

This past week Donald Trump made the decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Accord, an agreement reached by the majority of nations on the planet to attempt to fight climate change.  His reaction to the many voices that rose in objection was a statement that read:  "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris".  For some reason Donald Trump apparently believes that the future of this planet is not of concern to the people of Pittsburgh.  

I realize that the Paris Accord may not have been a perfect agreement, but it was a start to at least attempt to address an issue that will affect everyone, and I do mean everyone, on this planet.  That our president in his infinite wisdom doesn't seem to understand that is of great disappointment.  

This video is an illustration of various scenarios of what the future may hold.  I am greatly relieved that I will not be around to see it.  But I feel very sad for those who will and complete disgust at those alive today who have deliberately contributed to it.

Last Hope Island

I don't usually recommend a book that I haven't read yet, but I am going to make an exception now. It is Memorial Day weekend again and I have in the past done posts that have revolved around the US and our experiences. This year I am going to do it a little differently and pay tribute to one of our close allies, the United Kingdom, and all those who found haven on her shores during a time period that was pivotal in the world's history. With the bombing in Manchester it has been a tough week for our friends across the pond and I think it time to acknowledge and remind those who need reminding of how special this relationship is and how important the intangibles of life really are. Intangibles such as hope.

When the second world war broke out in Europe many countries were scrambling to respond and find some footing in a world turned upside down. Where do you go when someone stronger than you steamrolls over your country? How do you not lose everything that makes your country what it is? While there may have been missteps along the way during this time it was the United Kingdom that in the end stepped up and acted like an oasis in an ocean of chaos. It provided refuge for those seeking a safe haven and a staging ground for those who were fighting to regain that which they had lost. In effect the UK became the “Last Hope Island” for a Europe that was on the brink of losing the freedoms and rights that Europe and America had struggled so hard to create. Their actions, and those who lived under their umbrella, were an integral part of the war effort, helping the allies to prevail in what was a massive struggle for survival.

If you would like to visit a time in the world's history that helps us understand the complexities of our relationships and our need for friends in times of trouble then give  Last Hope Island a read.

When the Nazi blitzkrieg rolled over continental Europe in the early days of World War II, the city of London became a refuge for the governments and armed forces of six occupied nations who escaped there to continue the fight. So, too, did General Charles de Gaulle, the self-appointed representative of free France.     

As the only European democracy still holding out against Hitler, Britain became known to occupied countries as “Last Hope Island.” Getting there, one young emigré declared, was “like getting to heaven.”

The Russian Whistleblower

The First Amendment

Last night was the White House correspondence dinner.  President Trump, unlike many of his predecessors, chose not to attend.   His choice, of course.  But I listened to clips of some of the speakers and ended up listening to one monologue in its entirety, the one by Hasan Minhaj, a comedian on the Daily Show.  I listened expecting the jokes and the roasting of the President and the media.  I got all of that, but there was also a very on point portion that gave us an inkling of what it means to be a minority.   He also showed us what exactly that First Amendment right to free speech really means.

So if you want to really see why we are not North Korea, or Russia, or any of the other countries out there who repress their citizens, give it a listen.  It is a real shame that President Trump did not attend that dinner.  He might have learned something about what America was envisioned to be.

The Hermit Kingdom

Sometimes there really is someone who is worse off than you.  With all of the saber rattling of North Korea recently I thought it might be interesting to visit this reclusive country.  This Frontline film was aired three years ago, but it still gives timely insight into a place that many of us know little about.

 

The Sumerians

I was trolling You Tube and happened upon this documentary.  I found it interesting and thought I would share it with you.  It is a bit long, about an hour.  But looking at the past may give us an insight into our present and our future.   So it is worth the time.

Happy Easter!

Swinging for the Fences

Have you ever had someone tell you that something is impossible? Well, sometimes you run across someone that is willing, and able, to prove you wrong. A few weeks ago I went to see the movie Hidden Figures. It was nominated for Best Picture and I can see why. It is the amazing story of three African-American women of immense talent and perseverance who worked behind the scenes at NASA to help launch the United States into space. This despite all of the obstacles put in their path.

As we watch the implosion of countries in the Middle East and we are told that it is impossible for people in these countries to work together, maybe we should take a break from that supposed reality and watch what some people have accomplished by their hard work and determination within a system that wasn't favorable to them.

The Tongass

There are places on this Earth that you remember.  They stick in your mind as something special.  For me this is one such place.  I have walked in this forest, I have stood by a tree just like the one in this video.  It was an amazing experience that made me feel humble and in awe of what nature has created.  I wanted to share this video so that others may see, perhaps, what I saw.  A place that needs to be preserved for others to enjoy, for others to understand that we are but a small part of this ecosystem of Earth.  When our elected officials talk about cutting regulations, or slashing budgets for the EPA, or even ignoring the possibility that we may have some, however small it may be, effect on our changing climate I wanted to remind people of what we have at risk.   We are stewards of our environment.

Sit back and enjoy a tour through an ancient place that I am hoping will still be around for generations to come.

That Man from Moscow II

I was going to do a movie post, but then when I was watching CNN this morning I was reminded about this documentary that Fareed Zakaria hosted.  For those who do not have access to CNN and are interested in viewing it I thought I would provide a link.  It is still very relevant.

 

The Robber Barons

They were called the Robber Barons. They were the wealthy businessmen who helped build and helped exploit the unfettered capitalism that was the norm for the early United States. With little government oversight they amassed huge fortunes.

The Robber Barons

We have come to assume, perhaps, that all government regulations are bad. But many of us have forgotten, or don't realize, that some of those regulations have been put in place to help smooth out the disparities of American lives. As we listen to our politicians claim that they represent us it might be wise to look beyond the rhetoric that has been at play and dig into the meaning of what is actually being said. We have gotten a peak at the proposed health care reform and the budget of the new administration. Both should have been eye openers for Americans of all walks of life. But, perhaps, until the effects trickle down people won't come to understand the real life effects they would have.

America has always been a land of opportunity. There is nothing wrong in that. But whose opportunity will it be in the future?

Do we want to help those who have little? Do we want to attempt to provide them, via education or health care programs, with those opportunities that allow them to prosper?

Or are we willing to sacrifice our people's ability to climb the economic ladder to the greed of new age Robber Barons, who would act to enrich further themselves and their friends via legislation?

Do we understand that what is at stake will not just affect the lower income among us, but the middle class as well? Do we want an America that looks after the elderly, the disabled, and the poor? Or are we willing to sacrifice them on the altar of greed that seems to be entrenching itself in Washington D.C.? Do we understand that if we remain silent we are complicit?

Mosul in Depth

I talked a little about Mosul back in November, before the election.  Since then the fight has progressed, sweeping through the outlying areas, through the east, and now reaching the western sections of the city.  ABC News (Australia) did a short documentary about the fighting in Mosul, embedding with Iraqi forces as they moved into the city.  This video is just under an hour long, but it gives a good account of the dangers for those fighting this battle and the civilians living through it.

The Earth Beneath Us

I wanted to do a post on something different and so I looked around and noticed a small story that I think worth visiting. I know that I touched briefly on this topic before with my Yellowstone post, but that was a narrow focus on something that is truly global in nature. We have talked about global climate change, but there is also a certain amount of unpredictability in what lies beneath.

The interior of the Earth is molten and there are times when it reminds us. This is what is happening currently in Hawaii, in a spectacular show for those who visit the area.

In Ethiopia a lake overflows:

In Italy, living in a volcano:

And volcano footprints:

The Earth can teach us a lesson in humility. We are but a small part of its ecosystem.

Resistance

Someone once said that America was a sleeping giant. Those words were spoken at the start of a world war, but they still resonate today as we see protest marches sweeping the country, town hall meetings disrupted by catcalls, and our elected representative's phones ringing off the hook.

The ill conceived Executive orders that have come spewing out of the Oval office have brought chaos and anger. Mr. Trump seems intent on erasing policy that has been long standing. Not just policy implemented by the Obama administration, but policy that has been created over successive administrations. Our new President has managed to offend our friends and our trading partners even while he praises our adversaries.

We are seeing a bully who believes he can control and force others to bend to his will. But America has never been a pushover. We have strong people who believe in the values that were the goals of our founding fathers. We are seeing resistance from sea to shining sea to a man who apparently believes he can ride roughshod over the American people as if they have no say in their lives.

From California...

To Minnesota..

In our immigrant communities...

And in our entertainment...

No one is exempt from being called to account...

We are the people and we will be heard.

(And that last one is seriously funny.)

"The Damn Fool"

An immigrant then: 

Alexander Hamilton

Immigrants now:

#America Strong

Last weekend I went to see a movie. I write about this today, on this day, because it reminded me of something I had forgotten. So many people are worried that with the advent of the new President we have forgotten what America really is. Sure we have always had divisions, be they economic, racial, or political. But this movie reminded me of what is the core strength in my country. It is its people. Not one person, but all of us together. And when the going gets tough we rally around each other.

No one is fully prepared for any emergency situation. But on that day, and in its aftermath, many, many people helped those in need, or helped to make sure that others would not have to face a similar situation. This was their town, their country. They would not let those who would seek to harm it or tear it down succeed.

This is Boston strong, this is America strong.

 Never underestimate her.

The Reality of Being President

Our recent election of Donald Trump to the highest office of our country has made me contemplate what that job entails. We, the American people, I believe expect a great deal of the person who holds that office, not least of which is to conduct himself or herself with integrity. Governing the United States is not a game or a winner take all competition to be indulged in.

The United States Constitution has various checks and balances written into it. One of those is the ability of Congress to remove a president if he or she commits acts considered to be “high crimes and misdemeanors” against our country. This is not to be taken lightly. I thought it might be interesting to look briefly at what this means and so have delved into it further. This is some of what I have found.

Contrary to what some may believe Richard Nixon was not actually impeached. He was warned that the proceedings were going to take place and in all likelihood he would be convicted, so he chose to resign.

Impeachment of Richard Nixon

For those who don't remember, or aren't aware of, why Nixon was set to be impeached, this is an excerpt from the article on how it all started:

“A break-in occurred on the night of June 17, 1972, as five burglars entered the Democratic National Committee offices inside the Watergate office complex in Washington. Discovered by 24-year-old night watchman Frank Wills, they were arrested at the scene by police at 2:30 a.m.

Investigations soon revealed the Watergate burglars were employed by the Committee to Re-elect President Nixon. However, a White House spokesman dismissed the incident as a "third-rate burglary attempt."
In August of 1972, President Nixon told reporters, "no one in the White House staff, no one in this administration, presently employed, was involved in this very bizarre incident."
The arrest of the Watergate burglars marked the beginning of a long chain of events in which President Nixon and his top aides became deeply involved in an extensive coverup of the break-in and other White House sanctioned illegal activities.”

But as the following article points out the two Presidents that actually had impeachment proceedings initiated, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were not convicted, and went on to complete their terms.

The charges against Andrew Johnson pertained to violation of the Tenure of Office Act and the charges against Bill Clinton were obstruction of justice and perjury pertaining to his testimony before the Grand Jury with regard to his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Presidents who were impeached

As we go forward with the new administration it would be my hope, as well as many others I am sure, that our country will continue to prosper. The new President should play an integral role to achieve that.

In my newspaper today there was an article regarding the realities of being President that will face Mr. Trump when he takes office. It is an interesting read.

A Realist's Guide

This New Year

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."  Benjamin Franklin

We are at the start of a new year again.  For all out there who are struggling to find their way in an uncertain world, remember, never give up your dreams.

Happy New Year!