Random Thoughts....

Sometimes there are so many things going on in the world, in the area and in our personal lives that narrowing things down to a single thought for a column every couple of weeks is challenging. Even the events over the last 24 hours (I am writing this on Sunday morning) fill the mind with all sorts of random thoughts.

Let’s work backwards a bit…

To start on a lighter note, Tim Lincecum threw a no-hitter for the struggling Giants. Congratulations! Perhaps ending the first half of the season on a high note bodes well for the second half for them. Meanwhile, the A’s have had a great first half and we hope they can continue that effort the second half of the season.

On a more serious note, the jury acquitted George Zimmerman in Florida. It was clear from many of the pundits, from both sides, that the State had a very weak case based on Florida law. You can argue all you want with the law itself, which will certainly happen in the weeks to come, but this case was turned into far more than it was by politics and race. Unfortunately, cases like this happen almost every day around the Country which is the tragedy we should be addressing.

It seems the world is getting ready for the birth of a new royal soon. The future king or queen of England (third in line) should happen almost any day now. Let’s hope that the positive thoughts and well wishes transcend a lot of the negative thoughts and actions around the world, even for just a few minutes.

It was reported last week that we have more people on food stamps and other related food programs than ever before in our nation’s history. I can understand an uptick through the recession but these numbers should be going down as the nation’s economy slowly recovers. Instead they are increasing. I think it should be clear to all that our “War on Poverty” is not working and we need to change strategies.

Locally, I am proud to say that The Marina Foundation efforts to secure an ADA equipped Van for the City of Marina should take a huge step forward on Tuesday night. The City Council will hopefully formally accept the funds and authorize the purchase of the Van itself. We will have a ceremonial presentation of the check to the City soon. If all goes well from here we hope to have the Van here by Labor Day!

Finally, it looks like the two initiatives regarding Ft. Ord have qualified to be on the November ballot for voters to decide on. It should make for a very interesting election and a lot of dialog between the two sides of the issue. Voters should be very aware of what the real issues are as they contemplate their vote. I will dedicate more than one column in the future to this debate but I will make it clear now that I fully support the efforts of the United Veterans Council and the Secure the Promise initiative.

Of course there is one more thought…. Football season is now less than eight weeks away!

More later

The 4th of July

It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating the 4^th of July. What a busy year it has been!

For many, it will be a four day weekend so the usual cautions and words of advice always apply. Use only safe and sane fireworks, use plenty of sunscreen, keep an eye on all the kids and have fun!

That said, it is a time to rejoice in the freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of this wonderful Country. Now, especially with so many issues on the table that seem to be divisive we need to remember and celebrate our right to freedom of speech. Yes I know you may not agree with what someone is saying but they have a right to say it, no matter how offensive it is to you. This is something you cannot control. What you can control is the way you react to it. Rather than condemn or ridicule, acknowledge their point of view and respectfully disagree or simply walk away. Not everything needs to be a confrontation; we have enough of those events in our daily lives.

Unfortunately, one of things that we cannot celebrate is the use of common sense. There are so many things in this world that are counter to us that we don’t know where to start. This being the 4^th of July, we will see all sorts of videos of people doing things without using their own common sense. People will get hurt, others will laugh at the stupidity but no one seems to want to step in and offer some sage advice and common sense. That also goes for everyday situations as well as the overall state of government and politics worldwide.

It seems to me that a few able bodied and intelligent people can find things that they agree on, that they can compromise on and continue to talk about the things they disagree on. It can be done without name calling, back stabbing or threats of retaliation for actions only imagined. This includes the need to be done without a nod to any special interest but rather for the common good of the majority, regardless of the issue or situation.

Of course all of this does tie together. Celebrate your right to express yourself this weekend AND use your own common sense. Discuss those things that hinder moving forward AND re-learn the word compromise. After all, isn’t it the freedom of expression that we celebrate on the 4^th of July?

More later…