If our legislators would only heed J.F.K.’s advice!
Okay, lawmakers…about that Farm Bill and filibustering….
Archive for December 12, 2013
Freshening Up the House
When freshening up those dingy walls, use eco-friendly paint. It’s is healthier—even dry paint can emit vapors that trigger headaches, allergies, and asthma—and, when discarded carelessly, one gallon of regular paint can pollute 250,000 gallons of water.
[For more easy, money-saving, Eco-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/ view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. Or download a free copy from your favorite e-tailer.]
Thank you, Nelson
The world is a more human place because of you. Thank you, and RIP, Nelson Mandela.
Good Will Toward…All?
This is appropriate for Thoughtful Thursday AND this season of good will:
“No society of nations, no people within a nation, no family can benefit through mutual aid unless good will exceeds ill will; unless the spirit of cooperation surpasses antagonism; unless we all see and act as though the other man’s welfare determines our own welfare. ” — Henry Ford
Vicious Game
Tag has a new version–The Knock-Out Game. A group–usually of young men–wanders around until they choose, at random, an unsuspecting “playmate.” Then one of the gang, er, I mean group, runs up to this person and punches him/her as hard as he can, trying to knock him/her out with a single punch, then the gang runs away. Yes, I mean “him/her,” as well as various ages and ethnicities. Recent victims have included a 50-year-old English teacher stepping off the porch (hit by a 15-year-old boy), a 78-year-old woman, and a 14-year old youngster in Modesto. At least two deaths have resulted, plus painful injuries sending victims to the hospital.
It’s group-influence at its worst. It’s humanity being senselessly vicious. And they’re so proud of their acts that they brag about them on social media.
It makes me sick.
Where are the Homeless?
I thought it a good sign when the homeless hanging around Snell and Blossom Hill Road near my home were disappearing, that maybe the improving economy meant many of them were being able to make better lives for themselves and their families. Not so. They’re just trying to find better shelter for the winter. Despite a healthier economy, homelessness has increased. A good example is San Jose–smack dab in the middle of bustling Silicon Valley–where homelessness has increased 18% over last year. In other words, the fight isn’t over for many men, women, and children who are on our streets because they have no place else to go.
It’s very, very important that we don’t forget these vulnerable people–those on the streets and those who are on the edge and ready to fall off into homelessness. Especially in this season of open hearts.
Help these people by contributing time, goods, and money to shelters, food banks, church food pantries, kitchens that serve meals, clothes closets (for basics and for clothes appropriate for job interviews), and other organizations that serve the homeless and other poor. Watch out for friends, neighbors, or co-workers on the brink of losing their jobs or homes–or who would benefit greatly by being invited to dinner at your house.
If you’re a member of a religion, your faith calls you to do this. If you’re an agnostic or atheist, your humanity demands it.