From Where I Sit...

Just Because

Sorry if I have not been blogging as much as usual. Recent events in my life have taken me away from my blog. But, today recent events have brought me back.

I have always said that writing this blog is tricky. I have opinions, just like everybody else. I know I have friends and family who don't share my opinions. I try not to offend anyone while, hopefully, entertaining and respecting all.

I had to remind myself recently that just because somebody says something doesn't make it true.

You can call me a jerk, but is it true?

You can say you think I think I'm better than you, but is it true?

I can say Sarah Palin is sham, but is it true?

A man can say the government is a shame, but is it true?

A group can say America is evil, but is it true?

Barbara Streisand can think her fans will lick her feet, but is it true?

Let's start with the guy who decided he had had enough of the government's laws and flew a plane into an IRS building. I read his final note in its entirety. I've heard his type of gripes before. Big Brother is keeping him down with all his rules and taxes. The little guy will always be under the thumb of big government while the fat cats get fatter. Is any of what this man said true? To him, yes. However, I fail to see how a man who can afford a pilot's license and a plane was so much under the thumb of Big Brother. Nobody enjoys paying taxes, but until society figures out a better system, we just have to get use to it and don't try cheating.

Which will bring us to Sarah Palin. I say she is a sham, but am I right? We need to get some things clear on my opinion. THE ONLY reason anybody outside of Alaska even knows who she is, is because former losing presidential candidate, John McCain, picked her to be his running mate in 2008. McCain and the GOP wanted to tap into the Hilary Clinton vibe that was so strong during the election campaign. He struck gold with Sarah Palin. She said what the anti-Obama people wanted to hear. But, is she a sham? I think if people honestly looked at what surrounds her they will see an out of control person being forced on the public despite not having an original thought of her own. I will not say she lacks experience, because I think experience is overrated. Palin is a sham in the respect that she is a serious candidate for president. The GOP will rip her to shreds come the 2012 primaries.

Ok, I gave an opinion of Palin, but is it true? Truthfully, only she knows. The same goes for me when people express their opinion about me. If you think I'm a jerk I have to assume I did something to evoke that opinion. If I know about it, I like to think I'm man enough to stop doing jerky things. Unless it's beef or turkey jerky, I can't get enough of dried salted meats.

Now, if you think I think I'm better than you, we have a problem. When you start putting thoughts into other people's minds you are looking for trouble. I was raised in a middle-class family. I was taught to respect all people. In my life I have been fortunate to meet people from just about every socio economic class that exists. In MY heart I have never felt better than or inferior to anybody. I have looked into the eyes of millionaires and have shared rides with people who were 4 months behind on their rent. I have been in the company of the highly educated and those who are grammar school drop outs. I have shaken the hand of Catholic Cardinals and have had drinks with atheists. The connective thread of all these people is that they also are people, just like me. Who am I to say I am better or worse then anybody. That is the truth that lives within my heart and soul. If anybody tries to say otherwise they are flat out wrong and I demand proof.

I truly love my friends and family. We have great respect for each other and know we can learn from one another. Our society, in my opinion, is too interested in seeing failure and assessing blame. I would like to see people more intent on recognizing problems and seeking solutions. I get tired of people pointing fingers and saying, "It's your fault." How long does it take to realize that solves nothing. When firemen arrive at a burning building they don't try to determine what caused the fire first. They save the people, put out the fire and then try to determine who or what is at fault.

This blog is about truth. Individually, we all have our own truths inside us. If we live an honest life, I believe you'll get an honest life in return. Is it true? God, I hope so.