Being an Adult

As a child we looked forward to becoming an adult. We viewed the future as a time when we could stay up late, not go to school and still know all the answers. A time when no one could tell us what to do or where we could or could not go.

As the years pass, we glance over our shoulder to our youth with envy. Back to a time when the major crisis of the day maybe the upcoming math test not studied for, someone playing a joke at your expense or the heartache of first love. These were earth shaking events, at least in our world then.

Looking back everything seems so simple compared to the complexities of adult life. Growing up brought us all the benefits youth believed and many more disadvantages never though about. There are the joys and trials of working for a living, paying bills and taxes on what we make. Still having people tell us what we can and cannot do or say. There are still the heartaches of love, and we still aren’t sure how to handle them. We still do not have all the answers to our questions and there are even more questions to answer. There also are the lost simple things of youth.

When was the last time you lay on the grass just looking at the sky? Do you still see the wonderful shapes clouds make? At night, can you see the mystery of the stars in the velvet sky? What about poking your nose close to the grass and viewing first hand the micro world living there. Do you still care about a doll or stuffed animal’s feelings? Remember when they were a friend you could tell every secret to and know they would keep them safe? When was the last time you jumped into a pile of raked leaves in autumn or made a snow angel just for fun? The last book you read, did it fill you with ah and wonder? Did it open a whole new world to wander through and explore? What about watching the rain fall down the window pane or snowflakes floating in the sky? Do they still give you enjoyment? Do you still look at trees and plants with the eyes of youth?

These are but a few joys of youth we lose with age. Maybe life as an adult would not be as perplexing if we had not lost the simple things of childhood. Would it harm our maturity to sojourn back to our youth once in a while and practice the simple joys? Maybe, just maybe wisdom can be found there, hidden from the jaded eyes of adulthood. Look past the concrete and steel of the cities surrounding us and see the beauty of the world. Get out some water color paints and become a great artist once more. Walk through your house as an explorer on a distant planet. Did you ever walk through the house holding a mirror to view the ceiling? I did as a youth and remembering that gave me a whole new outlook on life. Try it now and see for yourself. Try to relive something of joy from by-gone years today and everyday. Life will become easier to live. The wisdom of youth is simple, but true.

Life is an adventure to explore and enjoy. Just going to work and back home, over and over again creates a rut. Everyone knows a rut is a grave without the tombstone. Living in a rut is to be, at least, partly dead. Live this life to its fullest and enjoy it, you will not have it forever.

Ed Williams
©

Just a Note

This is just a note to let you know I have not given up on writing. There are times when life just seems to get in the way of what we want to do. Other times it is just the opposite.

As we all know, or should know, we have to take responsibility for our actions. Doing nothing is an action in the form of inaction. Standing by, letting life go on its merry way is inaction. Saying or doing nothing when we see injustice is inaction.

Activism is not always extremism, but it can be. Activism can be positive, yet extremism is most often a detriment. We can see this in our everyday lives and throughout history. When inaction of one meets extremism of another, the extremists will win every time.

We as a people, ALL PEOPLE, need to become activists! We must fight the doldrums of inaction and the excesses of the extremist. The world is a volatile place and getting more so every day.

When we see injustice or extremism taking place, take action to stop it. I am not proposing violence. Action comes in many forms and this is one. If we sit idle while purveyors of an extreme view take action, only destruction will prevail.

They say “Action speaks louder than words” yet many times words are all we need. The pen can be more powerful than the sword.

There is no need to seek out injustice, it is there staring you in the face every day. Look deeply in the mirror and see if you are part of the problem or the solution. What you see may surprise you.

We all can be super heroes and enforce “Truth and justice”. I hope to see you at the league of human beings.

Ed Williams
©

Rights

Are we losing our rights and freedoms? The Virginia state legislature has a bill they wish to elevate to the status of a law. This law would fine an individual for wearing their pants too low and having their underwear show. If this indeed becomes law, is not challenged and struck down in court, we are in trouble.

Do not misunderstand me; I am not a proponent of wearing lewd attire in public. But if this becomes law, it sets a precedent, a benchmark for other such laws. It is just another small step toward George Orwell’s novel “1984” becoming a reality.

Laws are made to safeguard the public from dangerous acts or elements. The clothes we wear have been made under the standards set by an industry with federal governmental safety features built in. Nowhere in any of these standards is it stated that a garment must be worn in a certain manner, at least not yet.

Our government keeps shredding the very fabric of our freedoms. They have regulations regarding what we put into and on our bodies. At this point, they say it is for safety and in the public interest. But just how far will it go? Will we end up with a real fashion police? Will they make it illegal to wear an “outer garment” under clothes, or an “undergarment” as an outer garment? Would it become against the law to wear a swimsuit as underwear?

We are a constitutional democratic republic. In short, every citizen should have a say in our laws and the way we are governed. Why is it that political action committees and powerful special interest groups have the government ear when the average American does not? The answer is money!

I hate to harp on one group as the problem, but they seem to be at the core. The politically conservative fundamentalist Christians, they control a vast amount of money and political pull. Again, do not misunderstand me, I am not anti-Christian! I am not against any religion, but I do fear fundamentalists of any ilk. Fundamentalists feel threatened by the liberties and ideals others enjoy. They believe they are the only ones who know what is right and what is wrong; everyone else goes through life without a clue. If we allow them to control our government, the United States could end up just like the Muslim nations we are trying to bring into the 21st century. On the other hand, we would not be in other countries to fight for freedom, but to convert and control. So what is the difference between a fundamentalist Muslim and the fundamentalist Christian? They both feel everyone else is wrong and only they are right. They both believe others should be forced to see things their way. They both want to restrict freedoms of speech and self expression. They both want to turn back the hands of time and stop progress.

Many complain about what is on television today, yet the industry is profit driven and will not continue producing programming which is not watched. If the majority of the American public stopped watching this programming, why is it still on the air? The answer is they have not stopped watching it, but have tuned in on a regular basis. So I guess the fundamentalists are wrong that no one is watching these programs and Hollywood is ramming it down our throats.

Once before a fundamentalist group took control of this nation and pushed for a ban on alcohol. We all know the outcome of that debacle. It not only did not solve the problems it was designed to solve, but it created more. Over half a century later we are still feeling the ripple effect of those years.

If we allow a law to be passed dictating the way a garment is to be worn, next they will be telling us what garments are allowed! Can you imagine a ban on tee shirts and jeans? A stringent dress code will not be far behind, just waiting in the wings to be implemented.

We view conservative Muslim nations as backward for forcing all females to wear a burka in public. They see nothing wrong with it as it is part of their fundamentalist religious teachings. Are we to follow them is this fundamental fervor? Will it soon be a crime to show skin uncovered? What about cleavage? What would happen to athletic apparel, or shorts, and swim suits? Will they be only a memory from a distant past? Will we once more be covered from head to toe with clothing set to a standard approved by the ultra conservative fundamentalists ideal?

We have long been a nation whose youth have shown their style by not conforming to the standards of their parents. Are we now going to step backward and deny this very basic freedom? Even the founding fathers shunned a standard of dress in their day. The powdered wig was worn in official and governmental functions, they discarded this rule. Have you ever seen a portrait of Adams, Madison, Jefferson or Franklin sporting a powdered wig?

If we fall prey to this simple law, it could be as a snowball rolling downhill. Soon it could cover a nation with so many rules and regulations even the meals we eat could be dictated to us. The very core of American values lay in the freedom to choose. Do we want a government pushing us around even more than it already does now?

If only the narrow spectrum of fundamentalist values is adhered to, what other freedoms will we lose? Would we be the bastion of freedom the world perceives us to be? The freedom of choice can not be usurped from us without a fight. We have so many rights and freedoms in our every day lives that are taken for granted.

Fighting to gain freedom is only the simple beginning of the battle. The hard part is to keep those freedoms from disappearing because of the (peer) pressure of others. A civilized nation only advances through an open mind to change. Those with closed minds and opinions only hasten the demise of growth. Step back to the medieval years and see what we were and what advances we have made. Would you want to return to those dark days? Forget about freedom, all that is left is work, taxes and death. The litany of crimes could start with not addressing a stranger in the proper format.

With the technology of today, it would be very easy for these reforms to enter and control our lives from waking to sleep, and beyond. Can you imagine the police knocking on your door to arrest you for doing something in the privacy of your home that was no ones business to know about? Would walking around you home in your underwear one day be against the law?

Total control of a population begins with small steps. You can look to the past and see how one law leads to another, to another and to yet another. Laws can be used to not only protect, but oppress. Look to the layer of laws this nation placed on slavery and the final outcome. To this day we are still fighting that injustice.

How long will it be before these simple laws oppress everyone and not just a chosen few? Will we end up with a secret police to whisk people away in the dark of night, never to be seen or heard from again? Will you be next to lose even more of your freedoms because you don’t think just as the governing powers?

How far will we let these people go before we say stop? Will it then be too late? All journeys start with a single, simple step.

Ed Williams
©

A Box of Candy – 7 February 2005

Today is one of those days when history is a hodgepodge. Every turn is a surprise, like in the movie “Forest Gump”, a box of Chocolates.

We start our trek through time with Sir Thomas More in 1478. This was a man for all reasons. In 2000 he was proclaimed the patron saint of politicians by Pope John Paul II. He has to be a saint; he lost his head for Henry the VIII.

In 1804 the farmer’s friend was born, John Deere. Everyone has seen the green machines which bear his name. Just a few years later, 1812, Charles Dickens saw the light of day for the first time. To this day he is a beacon to the literary world. 1817 greeted another man worth noting, Frederick Douglass. His life is worthy of the telling and retelling. A man owned by another, yet rose to a height he never dreamed possible in his day. Next we have Laura Ingalls Wilder, in 1867. We all have seen “Little House on the Prairie” at least once.

In 1883 James Hubert Blake entered the world. Eubie Blake as the world of music knew him; gave us greats such as “Shuffle Along” and “I’m Just Wild about Harry”. Just two years later, in 1885 Sinclair Lewis entered the realm of the living. Who can forget books like “Arrowsmith” and “Elmer Gantry”?

In 1962 Oklahoma greeted one of modern Country music’s greats, Garth Brooks. Even if you are not into that genre of the music world, you have heard of him.

In 1795 the 11th amendment to the constitution was ratified. “The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state.”

1904 saw the Baltimore fire destroy more than 1500 structures. Carter G. Woodson started “Black History Week” in 1926. The week has evolved into a month of learning and understanding. 1964 saw the Beatles on American soil for the first time. In 1971 the women of Switzerland were finally granted suffrage. I’d say it was a little behind the times, but at least they got it.

1974 the island of Grenada gained independence from Great Britain. If you remember, we had to go in and keep it free a short time later. In 1978 New England was under a snow storm which dumped 50 inches of the white stuff in some areas. 1986 saw “Baby Doc” Duvalier leave Haiti. Even after he left, the country is still in trouble. 1988 saw snow in Louisiana, 1 to 4 inches blanketed the state in white.

In 1990 the Soviet Union decided to allow other political parties to run for office and vie for power. The beginning of the downfall to the communistic death gripe they had on the country. 1991, we are back to Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was sworn in as the first democratically elected president to the nation. That didn’t end their problems.

On a personal note, in 1999 my wife, Cathy Williams retired from the United States Air Force Reserves. She had spent over twenty years in the military, either on active duty or in the reserve forces. This is not to say she left the service of our nation, only that she is not in uniform any more. To this day she still works for the readiness of our military on a daily basis.

As with any day, today has a history worth looking into. Some things are just interesting, while others, we may learn from and try not to repeat. In order for history to teach us anything, we must know what it is.

Have a good Monday.

Ed Williams
©

February 4, 2005

It is Friday and the beginning of the weekend. Today is also one of those interesting days in history. This is another ‘cluster day’, a day of firsts, beginnings and fights. Most of the events and births mentioned here, you will know right off, but others may be a little less well know to the public. Do yourself a favor and look them up, you will be surprised at what you find out.

We will start out with a man few of you will know, but need to thank for your freedom. Thaddeus Kosciusko, a polish general and freedom fighter was born in 1746. Fernand Léger, born 1881, a cubist painter who has reproductions of his murals in the U.N. Charles Lindbergh in 1902, everyone knows about “Lucky Lindy”, his flight and heartache, but there is much more to the man. There is Rosa Parks in 1913, a lady with a will who helped spark the beginning of racial equality in America. Then there is Dan Quayle, born 1947. He was vice president under George H.W. Bush, but will forever be remembered for his attacks on Hollywood. That became a real knock down, drag out fight. Speaking of fighting brings us to Oscar De La Hoya born in 1973. Just from these few births, you can see how they tie together in a cluster. A freedom fighter, fighting the standard of others, fighting gravity, and just plan fighting.

Events today include: in 1783 – England proclaimed an end to the war with America; we were a new nation under development. 1787 – Shay’s rebellion was defeated, 1789 - George Washington and John Adams elected to lead this young nation. In 1861 the Confederate States of America was formed by a delegation of six southern states in Montgomery Alabama. A nation divided. With the world at war, in 1941 the U.S.O. was formed to help our servicemen and women. In 1945, the “Big Three” met for the Yalta conference. This conference helped to set the ending of World War II and how the world would look for years to come. In 1948 Ceylon, a British holding became independent, now called Sri Lanka.

I will stop there, but you can see the firsts and beginnings. There are many more events and births worth looking at, but it is Friday and I want to keep this one short. T.G.I.F.

Ed Williams
©

Just a note

As you all know, our beloved Federal government collects income tax from us all year long. We have until the 15th of April to file our return. Why not go to www.irs.gov today and get it done now? You can use the e-file and get it done for free. No need to let the government keep your money any longer that you have to. I can see waiting if you have to pay more, otherwise there is no need to wait.

By the way, this is only legal because of the 16 amendment to the constitution and it was ratified by the states February 3, 1913. The only states to reject it were Connecticut, Rhode Island and Utah. Now, how does that make you fell about the state you live in?


Ed Williams
©

2 February 2005 – Groundhog Day

Ever wonder just what Groundhog Day is all about? As if the sight of a shadow by a rodent can really foretell the future of the weather. Is this day anything more than a whimsical fancy? Or does it give us a glimpse into our past.

The second day of February has become a day of fun and games, a celebration if you will, for jokes, parties and general frivolity. But as with all holidays and celebrations, there are ancient roots buried deep in the origins. These origins have a very profound and serious impact on the people of the time. As with almost everything in early civilizations, the day had to deal with agriculture. This day; no matter what it is called, falls at the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This is the time when the ground preparations of spring plantings began. It all circled around the cycle of the seasons and pagan beliefs. Around the profound metaphor of the earth being a mother to plant with seeds to bring forth new life. Later, many of these beliefs were incorporated into the Christian religion as Candlemas.

Candlemas is a unique celebration tying many elements together into a neat package, both pagan and Christian beliefs. It can be said Candlemas is the start of the New Year, a time to clean out the old and start the new. In medieval times, this was when the Christmas celebration decorations were removed, the hearth cleaned and a new fire put in the fireplace. The local priest would bless candle to light the homes of morals. It was also the time to contemplate the coming year; when ideas and goals were discussed, written down and planned for. If this sounds like New Years resolutions, it is. This is also the time for rededication to a goal; to welcome a new member to the family, the healing of old wounds and much, much more.

As the name, Candlemas indicates, all the celebrations have one element in the foreground, fire/light. Just how do fire, light and a groundhog tie together? That is a question with many twists and turns to the answer. It ties together traditions of many cultures and superstitions.

According to the old English saying:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

From Germany:

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until May.
For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day,
So far will the sun shine before May.

In Germany, they use a woodchuck, which is called a groundhog here in the United States.

And from America:

If the sun shines on Groundhog Day;
Half the fuel and half the hay.

As Groundhog Day seems to be a time for lifting up the spirits from the winter doldrums, it has been a day when many entertainers were born. This follows with the tradition of welcoming a new member to the family and lighting the home. It also has to do with luck and timing.

Furthermore, what better timing than for the President of the United States to give his ‘state of the union speech’? That follows with the Candlemas’ traditions of rededication and resolutions.

So Groundhog Day may indeed be a fun day, but there are deeper underlying elements we deal with, yet didn’t realize.

Just a note of trivia for you: In many movies and books you have seen them refer to the President as POTUS. Have you ever wondered why? It is an acronym for President Of The United States.

Have a nice day and enjoy six more weeks of winter.

Ed Williams
©