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Americans have always had laws against Murder, yet we have always had Murders.
Law enforcement has always relied on the voluntary compliance of law. And for the most part that is effective. But not always.
As an example, most of us drive safely and within the confines of traffic law. But as we all know, there are idiots out there that have no reverence for the law, and law enforcement officials are continually on the offensive against those that violate it. Yet convicted offenders most often become repeat offenders.
My point is that we don't need more laws, we need more ethics. Ethics will determine whether you buy a gun and how you will use it. Ethics will govern whether you purchase that Fourty-ouncer and french fries, or drink and drive. Ethics will decide whether you cheat on your taxes, or steal from your neighbor. Ethics will set your pace for helping those in need, and cheating on your wife. And ethics will determine whether you lie or tell the truth.
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Monday, January 28, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Glosing the Gate
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During the travels of this trip I visited with several persons that lived in gated communities, or neighborhoods governed by home owner's associations. Now HOA's have been around a very long time and have been an interest to me. Now I can certainly see the advantages of HOA's, but I've not totally bought into the concept. That said, I'm always anxious to talk with those that live in HOA communities.
This trip though, It occurred to me that every one of the people that I've talked to recently said the same thing; that they appreciate the diversity in the city where they live. They seem to be proud that their city has a diverse population by race, age, religion, etcetera. On the face of things, they seem to love (or at least tolerate) those that are different than them. They travel, shop, work and play with those of a variety of cultures.
But back at home, things are different. These friends lock themselves behind the gates of their community, and enact HOA rules preventing anyone from entering and changing their perfect utopia. The HOA's prevent any changes to the homeowners private property that are outside the boundaries of the rules. No remodelling, No painting, No cars older than a certain year. Curfew hours. No washing or maintaining of cars. No. . . . and the list goes on and on.
As a result, these neighborhood become anything but diverse. Persons with income, children, and most often people loose any desire to live in these communities because of prejudices of the residents who justify their actions while claiming to love diversity. Gated communities may be fine for some, but please don't pretend to appreciate diversity while hiding behing your gate.
So, to those that have had recent visits from me, I won't apologize. If the shoe fits . . .
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During the travels of this trip I visited with several persons that lived in gated communities, or neighborhoods governed by home owner's associations. Now HOA's have been around a very long time and have been an interest to me. Now I can certainly see the advantages of HOA's, but I've not totally bought into the concept. That said, I'm always anxious to talk with those that live in HOA communities.
This trip though, It occurred to me that every one of the people that I've talked to recently said the same thing; that they appreciate the diversity in the city where they live. They seem to be proud that their city has a diverse population by race, age, religion, etcetera. On the face of things, they seem to love (or at least tolerate) those that are different than them. They travel, shop, work and play with those of a variety of cultures.
But back at home, things are different. These friends lock themselves behind the gates of their community, and enact HOA rules preventing anyone from entering and changing their perfect utopia. The HOA's prevent any changes to the homeowners private property that are outside the boundaries of the rules. No remodelling, No painting, No cars older than a certain year. Curfew hours. No washing or maintaining of cars. No. . . . and the list goes on and on.
As a result, these neighborhood become anything but diverse. Persons with income, children, and most often people loose any desire to live in these communities because of prejudices of the residents who justify their actions while claiming to love diversity. Gated communities may be fine for some, but please don't pretend to appreciate diversity while hiding behing your gate.
So, to those that have had recent visits from me, I won't apologize. If the shoe fits . . .
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Monday, January 7, 2013
Pride - Integrity - Guts
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A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a friend that unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. He wasn't my best friend, but I wish now that he was.
Among the many people in attendance for my mid-sixties friend, was his mid-nineties father.
Several people who knew my friend much better than I spoke from the pulpit. As I listened, I became riveted about the stories they told while learning so much about my friend. Stories from co-workers, relatives and friends told of his very distinguished military career, love for his wife, and love for children and sports.
But the most impressive testimony about my friend came from his father, also a decorated Marine. A most heart wrenching thing it must be to attend the funeral of one's only son so late into one's life. But this father handled it in stride by briefly stating how proud he was to be my friend's father; a person with his own pride, his own integrity, and his own guts. A person who worked hard his entire life, to build his life and effect the lives of everyone around him. And, most importantly, a man who loved Christ.
Now I'm no stranger to funerals, including military ones for both my co-workers and my own family. But, as I sit here, still in awe over what I witnessed, I can not help but wonder how many of us can truely say the same about our own children.
A legacy was left.
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A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a friend that unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. He wasn't my best friend, but I wish now that he was.
Among the many people in attendance for my mid-sixties friend, was his mid-nineties father.
Several people who knew my friend much better than I spoke from the pulpit. As I listened, I became riveted about the stories they told while learning so much about my friend. Stories from co-workers, relatives and friends told of his very distinguished military career, love for his wife, and love for children and sports.
But the most impressive testimony about my friend came from his father, also a decorated Marine. A most heart wrenching thing it must be to attend the funeral of one's only son so late into one's life. But this father handled it in stride by briefly stating how proud he was to be my friend's father; a person with his own pride, his own integrity, and his own guts. A person who worked hard his entire life, to build his life and effect the lives of everyone around him. And, most importantly, a man who loved Christ.
Now I'm no stranger to funerals, including military ones for both my co-workers and my own family. But, as I sit here, still in awe over what I witnessed, I can not help but wonder how many of us can truely say the same about our own children.
A legacy was left.
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Mama, It's Cold outside!
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What a Christmas! Here is a view of the Wheeled Manor when we awoke on Christmas Eve outside Colorado Springs. Such beauty, but only at Six Degrees. Haven't seen anything like this since the ones that I had on the East Coast some 50+ years ago. And so different that what we've had in Southern California and Oregon during my adulthood.
Merry Christmas!!
See you soon.
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What a Christmas! Here is a view of the Wheeled Manor when we awoke on Christmas Eve outside Colorado Springs. Such beauty, but only at Six Degrees. Haven't seen anything like this since the ones that I had on the East Coast some 50+ years ago. And so different that what we've had in Southern California and Oregon during my adulthood.
Merry Christmas!!
See you soon.
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