Sal's Reflections

There are moments in the American tale when the future looks bleak. I grew up with the inherent belief that the American dream was available to every person in this land. However,that dream is somewhat tarnished by the reality that our government is controlled lock,stock and barrel by lobbyists that though unelected influence the lives negatively of ordinary citizens. They shape laws ,create loopholes and protect only those that pay for their services. The common good is viewed as a fairytale and the almighty dollar is worshipped at the altar of greed. This is not the first time that the wonderful American dream has been stolen by a few, and it will not be the last. However, the magic of this land created by the Founding Fathers is bigger than all who try to use it to their sole advantage. The people will somehow peacefully restore and replenish the reality of the dream that has always eventually risen from the ashes

America has been changed for the better by the courage and resiliency of so many people of color.Many of us were awakened to the legacy of injustice by students sitting at food counters. Rosa Parks opened our eyes by refusing to sit in the back of the bus. John Lewis being severely beaten and almost killed on a bridge while peacefully marching gave evidence to the brutality of racism. I still get chills down my spine when I hear the piercing words of Martin Luther King’s words at the Lincoln memorial. We as a nation have come far, but to believe that we are fully there is somewhat naïve. Racism still exists to some degree, and whenever anyone is not fully free because of any difference the beauty of the American experiment is somewhat diminished. I applaud all those who committed to making the dream come true. Some are known while others will never have their moment in the sunshine of praise. All have helped us become better human beings.

Today is the birthday of my brother Russ.He is seven years older, and many years ago had to put up with me tagging along to many of his daily events. I always looked up to him, and along with my Dad he was someone I admired and wanted to emulate. He was selected in his senior year of high school as ” the person most likely to succeed”. That prediction came true in every aspect of his life. An outstanding ,husband, father family member and friend Russ has enriched the lives of all who are privileged to know him. I wish him the fullness of knowing how deeply he is loved and admired.

The sequel to” Hitler’s Priest ” Thee Cross and the Swastika” will be published in August 2014.It deals with Church’s decisions during the Holocaust as well as attempting to portray the struggles and choices confronting the main characters. My daughter Amy is developing a web site that will convey information about both books as well as related subjects of the time period. Many of you have been more than associates during the publication of the first book, and I will keep you informed of all the current activities in the next few months. You are the backbone of what the work attempts to achieve, and I am ever so grateful for your continued support.

Valentines day like other major holidays can get caught up in the commercial hype, but the basic concept of the day is profound. To love and be loved elevates us to a level of worth that makes life meaningful.The beauty of love is that it ennobles who we are and fills us with the  realization that there is beauty and meaning in our relationships. Love comes in many forms, and is not limited to immediate members of our family,it reaches out to friends and persons from every decade of our life. I think of the Goethe expression which states that” if we experience love we have seen the face of God.”

I am housebound today because of the ongoing snow but realize that many are housebound every day regardless of the weather.They are confined because of illness, infirmity or a host of other reasons beyond their control. Being alone may create the belief that no one cares and their plight is totally ignored.This temporary inclement weather is a perfect opportunity to call, write or e mail someone who would love the opportunity to share some time with me.

Diversity is more than some politically correct flavor of the month. It is the source of growth for all who are open to people of different races,cultures,sexual orientations and political leans and a  host of other categories. Much of what we accrue along the way is not absolute but relative to our environment and interaction with different views enables us to grow as persons. My life has been enriched by so many who were different in their beliefs, culture and traditions. No one has garnered the absolute truth of the human experience, so being exposed to diverse ways of looking at the world is the foundation for real meaning.

Years ago Branch Rickey decided that it was time to integrate the great American game of Baseball.The opposition at every level was vocal and fierce. Owners rebelled.players stated they would not play with a man of color, and some fans shouted racial slurs whenever Jackie Robinson appeared on the field. Rickey refused to budge an inch and his decision was a step forward to civil rights for people of color. It was in essence more than that because it made all citizens look at the inequity of preventing any citizen from their rightful place in society. Rickey’s courage and foresight enabled all of us to come closer to the American ideal. Today another courageous decision is met by opposition from some of the officials in the NFL ,and their dire predictions of what will happen if a gay man participates are remnants of old prejudices that linger on . I applaud Michael Sam’s decision to openly state who he is, and welcome the opportunity for all Americans to take a step closer to the American ideals of freedom and full participation of all of her citizens.

It seems to me that a great deal of time and reflection is spent on”what’s wrong in our lives.”Many would point out that this is reality and that is just the way things are.However, the downside is only part of our experience. and to dwell on only the issues that are on the downside of the ledger is to minimize our perspective. I believe it is also  important to ask”what is good in our lives?”There are for most of us so many blessings that we might take for granted if we never identify them, and realize how they enrich our lives. It is not being pollyanna to identify the upside of our lives.”

There are few presons that don’t carry with them unexamined beliefs that have been part of their lives for a long period of time.” I could never learn another language”,I am clumsy”,I could never speak publicly” and a host of other beliefs that limit what is available. Raise some of these to the conscious level and see if you wish to continue to believe and act according to hese old bromides. If not, I suggest that you replace them in your conscious mind with new beliefs and repeat them each day until they take hold. Those little voices at the back of our brains can adjust to different beliefs that offer new opportunities.