I’m tired of being tired! I am done with the madness. I’ve said the silent majority sits back until there is a breaking point where we revolt. We’ve passed that point. I can’t sit back anymore. The social media platform has become a place where a vocal minority shouts from the darkness. They hide behind the distress they created. A place where good people of all faiths, colors, and sexual preferences fear speaking out against the foolishness of a few.
I don’t care! Cancel me. Call me an old, male, heterosexual bigot. Make fun of my red hair, my freckles, or my light complexion. Say I am overweight, out of touch, or uncaring. Tease me about having faith in a Creator, about loving my family, and about having enjoyed some success. I can take it. I have seen what good people doing remarkable things are being called. The hate is so far from reality it is shocking. Bring it on. I am comfortable with who I am and what those who know me can see in my character.
As the silent majority, we read posts, comments, and criticisms knowing there are no facts to bear the hatred. The gaps in their logic become more profound as we witness their ignorance of premises known to the minds of truth seekers. Not only are names thrown out, but accusations on beliefs and philosophies. Their words of animosity are as childish as the bullies who haunt playgrounds and hallways.
Why has the systemic anything risen to a point where all are guilty regardless of personal history or character? Who will survive the idiocy of critique from the tiny fractions of those who self elect to be judge and jury?
The misanthrope’s fill the media with diatribes using historical figures as their evidence. Unaware of the conditions these early pioneers faced. They dig into the past, not caring about the circumstance as snippets of information are used solely to pile on more division. There is no concern for innocent lives ruined. They hear what they want to hear. Facts don’t matter; people don’t matter; sadly, our country doesn’t matter either.
Our great country has progressed on a world stage correcting ills and building self-reliance. We have pulled people out of poverty while creating a level playing field. We aren’t done, we may never be, but we are moving collectively in the right direction. Our freedom shifts differences to strengths as we work together. It bears the burden of lending a hand and caring for all.
Those who are active in creating division are told we won’t fight back. Guess what. I will! I love our country, am proud of our history, and know that we will make our home an even better place to live by working together.
Two generations and over sixty years separated us, yet I could sense my great grandmother cared for me in my young heart. In her presence, I felt safe, meaningful, and as if she could see into my soul. While I lived 8,000 miles away at her passing, her spirit reached out and brought me comfort in my time of need.
Closer in age, yet separated by vast life experiences, my grandmother’s were my first familiarity with angels living here on earth. Every memory I carry is one of gratitude for their kindness and generosity. Whether dealing with a terminal illness or the ailments age brought to loved ones, they both maintained never-ending love, concerned more for others than themselves.
My first physical touch was that of my mother. While I can’t remember the time, experience now shows it was an introduction to love. As youth, we don’t realize the value of our mother’s adoration. I have never felt anything but respect from my mother. There have been times I didn’t like myself, yet in those dark moments, it is a mother’s care that brings us back into the light. As an adult, I now realize that it was on the back of constant prayer and support of a loving mother that I got a leg up on life.
Being a parent changed my life. There is nothing more daunting than feeling the responsibility for a new life. In that time, it was my wife’s natural ability as a mother where I learned firsthand the connection of her body and soul to her children. Nothing, and I genuinely mean nothing, can stop her from caring for her children. Other things are important and have meaning, but our children have first dubs at her heart when they need her attention.
Grandchildren seem to be the greatest gift from God. Part of that experience is witnessing how my daughters hold a heavenly gaze as they nurture their children. No training, no schooling, no experience, but pure love connects a mother to her children. These young girls and boys are in good hands, surrounded by the nurturing spirit of their mother. I can see the life cycle continue as this gift is handed down, allowing for the growth and development of the next generations.
Lastly, and likely the most important. When you reach an age where you can now look into the eyes of grandchildren, it doesn’t take but a few memorable moments to see how the traits I’ve mentioned above come from the soul. My granddaughters from the very beginning carry the characteristics I’ve participated in my entire life. It brings satisfaction to belief in a Being larger than us, who cares enough to embolden spirits with the protection, love, and guidance of a mother’s care while here on earth.
So it is on this Mother’s Day, I honor women across the globe with gratitude and bewilderment at their ability to care for and develop their children. And more specifically, I thank those women in my life, from my Great Grandma to my sweet Grand Daughters, for being who they are, knowing what they have and will accomplish.
I’m impressed with how quickly a vaccine has been created during our current pandemic. No one can effectively argue that the time we live in provides niceties past generations only dreamt about. It is commonly believed that technology has changed us for the better. Not only is science allowing for advancements in health, but networks connect us with ideas, introduce us to people we may not have met otherwise, and open access to nearly anything we want to experience.
Just today, a friend I met on an Uber ride messaged me asking if a quote her friend used on FaceBook from Jamestown, New York was mine? Oddly, it was to the surprise of both of us. Think with me for a minute about how genuinely unique this is. Two people who have never met are brought together through a friend from Austin, Texas, in a country with over three hundred million people!
Yet earlier, I was listening to a podcast where the guest suggested people from earlier times, if given a chance, wouldn’t trade places with us today. The thought was that while we can navigate the globe, eat fresh food delivered from another land, and order gifts to be delivered in the comfort of our homes. Our lives today are strung between the tension of ever more technology and a personal necessity of less.
When we take the time to settle down from the onslaught of media or the pressures of living in an unusual time, we find comfort in simplicity. Our needs are basic; we can exist and make high-value decisions without the need for anything but the creativity of an uncluttered mind and the thoughtfulness of an unburdened heart.
If you are like me, finding peace is sometimes tricky with all that occupy our lives today. I had an epiphany while listening to my university team’s quarterback in an interview after our game on Saturday. He was asked how our team bounced back after disheartening losses. His answer was this. “So what? Now what?”
When I heard these words, my heart immediately calmed as I thought about the roadblocks that exist when we allow our past to occupy our current. We can’t move forward with all our facilities if we are looking back at what-ifs. We certainly learn from our past but don’t need to remain stuck in the blocks of wondering how things may have been.
The technology of witnessing an interview from across the country has positively impacted my life. I find great peace in a mindset of so what on thinking about the past while looking forward to my now what for the future! I hope that technology can now pass this experience on to you so that you too can enjoy the same gift.
A Christmas stocking was sitting at a bar; he leaned over to a piñata, saying, “There is nothing worse than being stuffed with candy and hung on a mantle.” Put yourself in the piñatas state of mind as he thinks, “Really?!”
As we surf through social media and other socialization methods, we find ourselves masked in self-delusion, believing our perspective is all that matters. These computer environments then attract like-minded people who support us, drawing more into our camp. Add a factor of removing differing views through unfriending, or avoidance and the trench deepens. We find ourselves basking in an imaginary world of bliss where we are views are justified, and others see things as we do.
Yet, we all know politically, that is only half the story. Add the vast differences beyond politics to realize why our social engagement is stressed to the point of causing tension between people who typically find themselves in agreement.
What do we do? I think it is simple. We need to see ourselves as either having a heart of war or one of peace. If you see others with a differing view as inferior or an object, you have a heart of war. Empathy is suppressed, and conflict perpetuates. When we are able to see others as a human with similar trials and joys, goals, and aspirations; we enjoy a heart of peace. We allow for compassion, which reflects on us. It promotes a spirit of understanding. In this environment, we are able to discuss, learn, and grow together. Not one of us is always right, has all that is needed to understand, or is incapable of redirection.
Some of us may need to change the state of our hearts and how we view others. We need to see others as people, like us, with feelings and emotions. Others can have a different and equally valid viewpoint. If we listen to their perspective, we understand their needs. I hope it shocks you, as it does me when I actively listen with indifference at what I can learn.
It is heartwarming to receive a gift, whether expected or not. In our minds, we sense that the giver has taken the time to seek out something we might enjoy. Yet, there is a better feeling, one that touches the depths of our soul; the act of giving.
Think with me about the joy you feel when you see someone you have acknowledged through kindness by giving of yourself! These feelings are long-lasting and deeply satisfying. In our hearts, we find a joy that has at its core the ability to shift our orientation. The positivity lifts our spirits allowing for an even greater opportunity to give.
We have been through a lot this year. Covid-19 has made the last eleven months feel like the longest year we have lived, and we have a month left! December is a month typically filled with celebrations that emphasize joy.
In this unusual year, the best we can give would be the gift of joy. We can do this on a large scale. If each one of us took it upon ourselves to provide an anonymous gift, it would spread like wildfire through our communities.
Here’s how it works. If I give you a gift, you know I have given and express gratitude toward me. Yet, if you are to receive an anonymous gift—you have no idea who gave it—so your appreciation extends to everyone who could have possibly given. Your heart turns toward others in a way that brings joy to all as they are seen as someone who perhaps could have given. Your light fills the world with joy.
It isn’t lost on me that you enjoyed a prosperous life
surrounded by a supportive family. I also recognize that many in your position
fade into retirement, relishing in their God-given achievements. For these
reasons, I want to thank you personally for choosing the selfless path of
public service. Perhaps more important is what your uncanny strength in
sticking to principle has given our country, particularly in the face of those
with opposing views who relentlessly sought to destroy you.
Thank you, we and future generations will realize the
protections granted by your judicial appointments to District, Federal
Appellate, and the Supreme Court. These women and men will interpret our
Constitution as divinely written rather than set unique patterns for what
modern liberals want the law to say. These experienced professionals will
maintain our religious freedom and ensure our liberties.
Thank you, we and future generations will maintain our
freedom from radical extremism whose mission is to destroy our country. Your
support and enhancement of our military gave those who sacrifice(d) for our
country the satisfaction of knowing we honor them. These women and men now
enjoy updated equipment, better pay, and the care they deserve. Your efforts
have defeated ISIS, persuaded European nations to pay more to NATO,
strengthened allies, limited nuclear bomb proliferation, and reformed Veteran
affairs.
Thank you, we and future generations will appreciate peace
as you walked away from endless wars. You stood with Israel and negotiated
peace in the Middle East. History will prove your actions to be herculean in
that no other leader held the fortitude to stand alone as you did, knowing with
confidence peace could be secured.
Thank you, we and future generations will live in greater
prosperity, security, and happiness because you implemented best practices from
the business community. Your efforts lowered tax burdens, removed excessive regulations, and negotiated
new trade agreements. Politicians haven’t been able to understand what is
natural to you. These economic changes affect ordinary people’s everyday lives,
not just the wealthy. We are better today than before you took office in 2016.
We saw firsthand your determination brought jobs back to America and lowered
unemployment to historical levels, including African-American and Hispanic
workers.
Thank you, we and future generations will live knowing your
time turned the corner to protect unborn babies. You were the first President
to attend the pro-life March for Life in Washington DC personally. Not only
will lives be saved, but healthcare workers can decline participation in
procedures based on conscience or religious conviction.
Thank you, we and future generations will realize an
education best suited for personal needs. You helped by placing leaders in
positions that gave support for expanding programs to develop options for
parents looking for alternatives to traditional public schools.
Thank you, we and future generations will see that we can
find humane solutions to undocumented workers when our country borders are
protected. The first step no other leader could accomplish. As a country, we
can more effectively protect those who are escaping genuine threats and admit people
who will most likely contribute positively to our society. These principles
were lost for nefarious purposes and will once again help build a great nation.
Thank you, we and future generations will no longer be
subject to reliance on foreign countries for energy. It isn’t only about the
pump price; while that is nice, it means our dependence won’t threaten our
national security. Pipelines were approved, and mining was granted following
strict environmental protections. You wisely removed us from accords written by
feel good radical environmentalists that would have increased cost with no
statistical benefit to the environment. These measures saved jobs and
significantly impacted the poor as they pay more as a percentage of income for
fueling needs.
Thank you, we and future generations will enjoy property
rights that allow farmers to grow their crops, ranchers to raise their
livestock, and landowners to develop their land by abandoning the “waterways
of the US.” The federal government had seized control of water on private
land. These women and men have proven to preserve the land and maintain healthy
waterways. It is the only way they could continue their operations as they have
done for generations. They default naturally to protection. You were aware of
this and implemented rules easily followed without the costs of hiring professionals
to understand regulations and monitoring.
Thank you, we and future generations will lower the costs of
construction projects. On average, it took four and a half years and as much as
six years to navigate environmental impact studies. These studies could be used
to outlast development rather than make it environmentally sound. Your
guidelines will save costs by streamlining the process. These actions will be a
huge help in building America, which will include failing infrastructures.
Thank you, we and future generations will laugh with you
that you were criticized for colluding with Russia or China. You stood up to
them stealing intellectual properties, participating in espionage, and violating
international copyright laws. You increased our Naval presence in the South
China Sea and asked European nations to increase their defense against
potential Russian invasion. Not the actions of someone beholden to or favorite
of a foreign government.
Thank you, we and future generations will study how you
could respond to a world crisis in protecting us against a novel virus. It was
believed that nearly 2,500,000 lives would be lost in our country alone. To
date, only a fraction have been lost because you restricted travel, mobilized
our military to construct hospitals, persuaded industry to build ventilators,
fast-tracked trials for a vaccine, and quickly passed relief packages. You
shattered an FDA approval record with #OperationWrapSpeed! The previous record
from research to approval was four years; we will have a vaccine within a year
with your help. Unfortunately, the Democrats wanted to make the coronavirus a
political issue. Those of us who don’t hate you understand what miracles you
performed for the world’s individuals and families.
I could go on. Let me finish by saying I am not alone in
these feelings. While I don’t see myself as deplorable, redneck, ugly folk, or
a chump, nor do I see the Doctors, Attorneys, Engineers, Nurses, Miners,
Farmers, Military, and everyday citizens who think as I do. We love you. Words
that aren’t typically uttered to a politician. Yet, they are deserved because you
sacrificed much for us. Know in your heart that we are grateful you choose to
serve and stand by you as you continue to fight for our country.
Our lives are filled to capacity with nearly every waking moment occupied with interpersonal relationships, work, service, and, hopefully, regular physical activity. To stay well-versed in political happenings around us, we need to rely on information sources dedicated to gathering the essence of philosophies who relay the story without bias. We can then make judgments based on our viewpoints.
Not long ago, I remember being a regular observer of Meet the Press. I grew up watching Tim Russert. I can’t say I ever got the feeling he was leading me toward a political view. While I wasn’t as active politically then, I felt he kept me in touch with national political news. I could weave in my own experience with what he shared. When David Gregory became host, I felt a change in portraying bias causing me to watch less frequently. I couldn’t watch ten minutes of Chuck Todd and haven’t observed since he is the host. No matter what or where I hear or read, I ignore it if his opinion is shared. I know he can’t be objective at all.
I sought out other venues, which, to my dismay, was difficult. I like listening to diverse opinions as I gain perspective. Our society is made better when we hear differing views finding areas of common ground. Anderson Cooper was one who I felt was able to bring a unique angle. He is a gay man, comes from the Vanderbilt fortune, suffered the loss of a brother, and had a fact-checker career. I enjoyed many of his 60 Minute series. I knew he held some bias but wanted to hear his perspective. Then, in what he described as “regret,” he went off on hate speech I’ve never heard on broadcast television. I will never respect him, nor will I believe a story he reports on again.
If Brian Williams had to step down for his actions in embarrassment, or Matt Lauer, why is Cooper not being removed from journalism?
The trend is troubling to me! Our country is made better when people can take information and come to their conclusion. I am talking about one media source. What about biased filtering by search engines, social platforms, influencers, and education.
I don’t have the time to spend filtering through what is objective or spun for political gain. I don’t want to be led; I want to sort through unbiased information and come to my conclusion. If that were easier in the past, where do we turn today? A free country relies on the voice of the people.
As I look to the future, fearing our President may be defeated, I am comforted knowing his supporters are optimistic by nature. We will move on with fans rooted in goodness, knowing that hard times bring experience. We will find ways to pursue happiness. We don’t turn to endless protests but seek the silver lining in every opportunity. We understand our values will prove out over time. Patience will be our virtue as it has been over the centuries of progression we have realized as a free people.
Our President was inspired and divinely granted an opportunity to fill our courts with conservative justices. These men and women will be effective in upholding the law rather than expanding the social will of small groups who hope to destroy our country.
Socialism and other extreme ideologies will not have an audience in the Senate. The experienced, conservative leadership was reelected and enjoys an excellent broad base representing a diverse group of citizens across the country.
The moderate Democrats have realized we aren’t the people the media has portrayed. Congress will be evenly split, with many democrats admitting they can’t survive by promoting ideals of the far-left vocal minority.
Respect for the media may never recover. Americans are tired of misinformation. They will retreat from the bias and find new resources to gather information.
Trump will be unrestricted. For those who believe our President didn’t hold back, wait until he opens fire on those parts of government we have never seen. He alone, through his Twitter account, will continue to advocate for transparency in our county.
If we have felt Biden doesn’t have the strength to lead, wait until his party, in their civil war, fights for their version of the future democrat party. Harris isn’t respected; she isn’t even liked in her party. She couldn’t gain traction as an inter-party candidate. She will weigh down on the administration as she panders to or promotes activists.
Fortunately, I see a lot of good that will come from this election. We may concentrate on the President; it hurts! We loved him. We knew the good he was doing and what was left undone. And it isn’t over.
The silver lining I see is bright and filled with opportunity. Keep the faith, hold onto hope, and know our covenant land will prevail.
As I seek public office, my sense of community deepens in
meeting with the residents of District 46. I have knocked on countless doors
and made late-night calls. In every circumstance, I have gained a greater
appreciation of our community. Collectively, we are diverse and unique in many
ways, yet share similar hopes and ideals.
I sense that our greatest desire is to live peacefully in
the safety of our homes and neighborhoods. We care about our environment
wanting clean air, water, and wish to protect our critical lands. No matter our
age, we want each child to receive a quality education. We love the outdoors,
seeking ways to ensure adequate parks and recreation so individuals and
families can build memories as we maintain active lifestyles. Employment is
important, wanting diversity in opportunity so that job satisfaction is
achievable and our children can find meaningful work. We understand the
necessity for government taxing but expect the burden to be limited to
essential services providing for needs the open market can’t achieve alone.
I share these ideals, having benefited from living in Utah
nearly my entire life where these qualities have existed. Through experiencing
the joys of being a grandparent, my sense of duty is magnified, and I carry a
burning desire to lend my experience in service so that we can pass our Utah
traditions on to the next generations.
It is a critical time in our history; we need strong,
experienced, and capable leaders who can match their life experiences with their
constituents’ desires. I support our police, firefighters and hold faith in our
justice system. I advocate for equality,
knowing we learn from our past. That we aren’t perfect, but our founders
believed we could form a more perfect Union. I have found solutions to
difficult problems; we need to clean our air, but never learn how those running
may help. For example, I will advocate for less reliance on vehicle
traffic—improving PM 2.5 particulate disruption, which is the cause of heart
and lung disease and frustrates those who have difficulty breathing. I have
preserved over 60,000 acres of critical land and am just beginning. By building
a healthy economy, we are better able to fund education and provide the
individual needs for satisfactory employment. Having run various business
ventures, I know the value of limited government and how a healthy economy
creates opportunity. I served eight years leading the state parks board and
understand how we can maintain our enjoyment of our great outdoors while
protecting the delicacy of nature.
My support is vast and diverse. I sincerely appreciate those individuals and groups who are out actively working on my behalf. Should I be blessed with my community’s confidence, I will serve with my heart by listening to and advocating for our needs. It is our time to enjoy the benefits of a representative who mirrors our ideals and can advocate effectively. I ask for your vote.
