Sal's Reflections

Discipline is an essential component to the positive formation of every child. Character and responsibility flow from guidelines which enable the child to understand the value of certain behaviors. However,it is never valuable to use shame as a tool to teach children right and wrong. I have met too many adults who still suffer from well intentioned adults who publicly shamed them with thebelief that it would be beneficial for the child. Correction and pointing out the consequences of errant behavior are valid and essential, but creating scar tissue that haunts the child into adulthood is never a wise choice. The acts that cause the shaming are often not so dastardly that they merit the punishment, and even though they are intended to teach shaming does more harm than good.

It now appears that the clown show will continue and the government will be shut down. It is so much easier to posture and take intransigent positions rather that be true leaders. There is no challenge or issue that is of importance to the American people that cannot fins major solutions. However persons cannot give what they do not have, and it is obvious that the majority of the congress and also the administration are inept at employing the will of the people. The populous hungers for positive outcomes and yet all they receive are partisan sound bites. It is time to stand and find ways to alter this stagnant group of misfits.

Bridges continue to rust,school roofs leak,roads are crumbling,soldiers are in danger of not getting paid and essential agencies may be shut down, but the clown show that is Congress stays open. The clowns who have reached the point of caring for no one but themselves will be paid when the government shuts down, but that is only fitting for these Ringling employees who ignore the reality of sixteen million children going to bed hungry each night.As long as they grow in wealth and continue to have lifetime health benefits the show must go on.The sad part is that they believe they are courageous in this government shut down ,when in reality they are a group of non patriots.

Somewhere along the way I heard the expression “Some people lead quiet lives of desperation. “None of us really know what goes on in the lives of people we know and there may be someone who really needs a kind word or positive notice. It is important for me to realize that I have the responsibility to care for those within the network of my family and friends. I may not know which person at this moment needs the care, but regular caring contact is the best way to make sure that no matter what the burden they know that they are not alone.

Senator Cruz ‘s statement about the comparison between opposing politicians and what happened in Munich in the 1930” was outrageous. Throwing around the word Nazi or any other comparison to the Holocaust is more than offensive. We must never forget the horror of that period ,but to use any reference to that era of total depravity in my opinion borders on being sacrilegious. This is not about being politically correct, but rather having a sense of decency that outweighs playing to your audience.

Sixteen million American children experience hunger every day and the Congress” solution to this disgrace is to cut the foot stamp program. In the worst recovery from a recession since the great depression their solution to this national disgrace is beyond imagination. Through the years I have seen the want and misery of poverty, and to punish children in this manner goes against every principle of civic and religious belief. Rewarding Senators and members of the congress with a bloated farm bill while punishing children is beyond the scope of greed.

When challenges like gun violence or government spending are raised it appears that the average citizen can do nothing. However there are many opportunities to make small dents. If you are a non gun owner and know someone who is a gun owner engage the person in a real dialogue. If you can agree on any point that attempts to make things better send a letter with both signatures to the Congress.
If you are a progressive instead of dismissing your family member who is an avid Tea party loyalist see if there can be any agreement on how we can establish millions of jobs and again contact your congress person. Each of us as citizens cannot leave our future in the hands of a government that listens only to the rich and powerful.

Monday can be a down day if we look at all the challenges of the week at the same time. However, if we view it as the beginning of a meaningful first day in the week it can change in tone and intention. So much of what happens is because of the way we anticipate our day.If we get up with the clear idea that it is going to be a rough day and always look forward to the weekend, then we miss the only time that we can influence. It is Monday and my choice is that today some moments to shape my world in the tiniest ways exist. It is the day when I anticipate something terrific will happen to me and those I know.

There are huge challenges and opportunities in America today but we are in a stalemate due to our fractured political system. The common good has given way to partisan politics and the lure of lobby gold. The will of the people is largely ignored while those who go to Washington vote on issues so trivial that they are beyond belief. I always thought a third party was unrealistic ,but in light of the ineptness of the current crowd of cronies I think it may be time .

Everyday of my life I am aware that the one constant reality is friendship. Some I see on a regular basis, and others only cross my path at different intervals. They are my haven for laughter, wisdom and the rock bed belief that who I am and what I do makes a difference. They are the place to go with my worries, failures and occasional triumphs’.I never take them for granted, and wish that everyone in the universe could experience that special joy and peace that only friends can provide.I hope they realize they are now, and will always be treasures beyond measureable value.