Knights of the Air and Sea

On Memorial Day I reflect about loved ones gone and the ultimate sacrifice of our honored Veterans who died in the elusive cause of freedom and protection of their people as a community. War is horrible. And while I remain a temperate pacifist, I actually agree with Grant and Sherman that if war is necessary, then it should be total war to end the horror as soon as possible. I want none of that gentlemanly, organized slaughter where we line up across a field and take shots at the other side under European rules of "civilization.". Now we have the option of ending human life on our planet. And that has tempered the world to avoid all-out war. Yet, one day it could all end by the action of enough crazed people. It will take more than one to push enough nuclear buttons for the full effect of global annihilation.

Having contemplated the absolute horror of war and potential global destruction we see the necessity of avoiding that total war at all costs. Yet, I still find in my heart a human need to respect and honor those who served in the cause or at least the genuine and sincere intent of protection of the lives and the ideals of the people with whom they are united in the community of a nation.

A Real Prophet

Last Friday was one of the few LDS Scout meetings after which I didn't have to stay and put away the chairs. But then it was in a fancy hotel in San Diego. My wife was attending the Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America. The only official event I attended was the Friday afternoon LDS reception with President Thomas S. Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Also there were Sisters Wixom and Stevens of the Primary and the entire Young Mens Presidency, Presidents Beck, Gibson, and Ochoa.

Left to right: Sister Wixom, President Monson, Presidents Beck, Gibson, and Ochoa
in front of Scout Chorus, San Diego, CA, May 27, 2011

Republicans Need Better Candidates (and California Dreaming)

Daniels out. Pawlenty officially in. Daniels is out apparently because he and his family simply did not want the scrutiny and constant criticism. He and his wife have had some difficulties which really shouldn't be anyone's business, but it is. And here I am on a visit to California where the recent Governator proves that point. Maybe Pawlenty is in because he is so boring there is nothing to worry about.

Christie still swears he's not going to run. Same for Jeb Bush. (If  you ever saw the movie "W," which was really pretty good and even somewhat sympathetic to ol' W, there was a theme there that the "wrong brother" became president).

Republicans Need Better Issues

Sure, the economy and deficit need to be addressed. I'm just not sure how to trust the party of "deficits don't matter.*" But moving on from those challenging and controversial issues which are certainly enough for a healthy political debate in the upcoming campaign - as in "Where are the jobs, Congress?" I would like to propose that the Republicans come up with some better issues, or at least better arguments.

No. 1. End the silliness about Obama being a socialist. He's proved in the past couple of years that he is rather moderate in the main-stream of American politics. The more they make noise with the socialist/fascist/communist/Kenyan/Muslim business - none of which is true, they make others wonder if there's not something else about this historically unique president that troubles them. Or they just may fall into the "stupid" trap like the donald just did.

Zion in Alegrete, not just Pocatello

I'm probably going to get in trouble with a lot of people from southeastern Idaho on this one. But I want to emphasize a point that I believe the Gospel of Christ is about basic principles that require no advanced level of sophistication in religious belief or practice.

When I came back to the States after my LDS mission in Brazil, my parents had moved from Wyoming to Pocatello, Idaho. And as strange as it may seem, that was a real step up. (Now I'm in trouble with all my friends from Wyoming - but you'll have to remember that most of my growing up years were in the Seattle suburbs. And I still have trouble understanding the Intermountain West.)

Sarah Palin Fair and Balanced

A friend with Alaskan connections referred me to a very good article by Joshua Green from the Atlantic. My friend said that it is very accurate as to how Alaskans thought of her before the 2008 campaign and how she is perceived now. What I really liked about this article was the even-handed treatment supporting my philosophy that there is good and bad in everybody. I admit I've been a little harsh on her, but I have my reasons.

Osmonds Save Utah!

OK. Probably over the top and rather late as I wasn't paying attention and I missed this one. But for the record, I will take whatever victories I can get, however incremental, that move us away from extreme conservatism. This is in the right direction. The good people of South Jordan in Republican convention elected Aaron Osmond to fill the State Senate seat vacated by everybody's favorite anti-gay, old grouch, Chris Buttars.