Category: The Liberty Center

As I wait for significant changes to be made to this website, I find it necessary to write, to you, of things that affect my heart and mind. Things that make me want to find out why, or search for deeper truths. With that said, recently someone who has amassed a platform and significant wealth said the following in speaking of the US economy: “I feel like the bottom has to fall out at some point. By the way, I’m hoping for it because one way you get rid of Trump is a crashing economy. So please, bring on the recession.” – “Sorry if that hurts people, but it’s either root for a recession or you lose your democracy.”

Well, the old fear based me, totally recognized all the fear and hate in that statement, as well as, the attempt to instill fear in others. The human part of me, wanted immediately to either be angry or fearful, resentful of a man with money wishing me further into poverty and scaring me into believing that I may lose my way of life. But, the spiritual part of me, instinctively knew I would be alright. It told me to walk away from the fear and hate and try to find some truths.

The first thing I did, was look up the word recession. I wanted to know its meaning, and to know what happens when we are in one. According to Tejvan Pettinger, who is an Economics teacher at Greenes College in Oxford, England, who wrote an article for economicshelp.org, this is what I found: “A recession is a period of negative economic growth. In a recession, we see falling real GDP, falling average incomes and rising unemployment. In a recession, firms will be producing less and therefore will need fewer workers. Also, in a recession, some firms will go out of business causing workers to lose their jobs. People tend to save more, interest rates tend to fall, governments borrow more, and stock markets fall.”  So if the betterment of the human race is the goal, then why would anyone wish this on anyone else?

The next thing I did, was ask my husband what would happen if all the money in the world crashed. He said three words. I already knew what they were, before he even said them. He said “we would survive”. You see some of the benefits of not living in a city, and growing up poor, or middle class for that matter, is that you learn things like: how to grow your own garden, how to catch, gut, and cook a fish, how to kill, gut, and prepare wild game, where to find water, what plants you can eat, the list could be endless. Maybe it is my purpose in future posts to teach others how to do some of these things. I am unsure, I just know I must follow what I feel.

The last thing I did, was rethink that last either/or statement. Why must I either put myself further into poverty or lose my way of life? Why do I need to do either? Then it occurred to me, he used the word democracy, which by the way is interpreted to mean that the majority rules. Then I thought, we were never founded in that way, and are reminded of that when we utter the words of the “Pledge Of Allegiance”; “I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. The difference being, in a Republic, all are supposed to have representation, not just the majority.

Our founders fought for a Constitutional Republic as expressed by Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 1. Here is an excerpt: “After an unequivocal experience of the inefficiency of the subsisting federal government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its consequences nothing less than the existence of the UNION, the safety and welfare of the parts of which it is composed, the fate of an empire in many respects the most interesting in the world. It has been frequently remarked that is seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.”

So as I reflect on all of this, I wonder why I cannot have both; prosperity and good government? I believe, like the founders did, that societies of humans are very capable of establishing good government from reflection and choice, and when they work together anything is possible. However, we must tone down our hate, open our hearts and minds, and allow for divine intervention. I am curious to find out what you believe, or what you feel on the topic, so please join in.

The other day I attended a webinar on personal growth (personal transformation) and received some pretty valuable advice on the topic. However, during the following mornings walk, and lost in thoughts over this webinar, another word came to mind. Along with this word, came thoughts on how it fits in to personal growth. I find that it is a necessity in my life and in all our lives really and something I find lacking in today’s society. That word is compromise. Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary defines it as “to bind by mutual agreement, to adjust or settle by mutual concessions”.

There is something I do in my life, more for someone else than I do for myself, because I love that person and I wish them to live happily. I for sure would do it much less often. But, I compromise and put my complete happiness aside for theirs. Yesterday’s compromise taught me that sometimes we miss the awareness that comes in moments of doing this, that are meant for our personal growth. Because I am becoming more aware of every second, of every minute, of everyday, immediately I recognized what was beneficial to me that was a result of this compromise. I am also becoming keenly aware of the intention behind compromise. Yesterday, my compromise came from a place of love, of making someone else happy, and because of this I was rewarded. So why in today’s society can we not find our way to this word – compromise?

Well, something I read this morning is food for thought. It was the words of Benjamin Franklin in a speech given to George Washington, President of the Convention, on June 28,1787. I found it in a book written by David Barton – Original Intent (The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion). He excerpted it from James Madison, The Papers of James Madison, Henry D Gilpin, editor (Washington DC: Langtree and O’Sullivan, 1840), Vol. II. pp. 984-986, June 28, 1787. I will leave you with additional thoughts after you read the speech. Here it is:

Mr. President:
     The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance and continual reasonings with each other - our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ayes is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom since we have been running about in search of it....
    In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights, to illuminate our understanding? In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
     I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings, that "except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel: we shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.
     I therefore beg leave to move - that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.

My additional thoughts are these, that I do not like the word empire and the feelings the use of the word conjures up in me. Notice, however, I say nothing about the word nations. That is a topic of discussion left for another day. That I too, believe we should humbly apply to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understanding. And that all things are possible, if we can find away to put our egos away in compromise, and add in the spirit of love that exists in each one of us. Any thoughts?

They say in order to heal, we first must admit that we are hurt, that we have a problem, that we are damaged, or that we are diseased. I built this blog in hopes that we could all begin a healing journey. A journey away from the pain, anger and hatred that is so prevalent in today’s society. At this point, I am unsure of the depth of healing that has actually taken place, if any. I have noticed moments in which I have been pulled back into states of confusion, and states of stagnancy. In recent days, however, I am realizing a few things. One, that I must first put my admittance out there in order to completely heal. And two, that healing will not be easy or quick, and that I may have set backs.

So to begin, I am finally admitting to myself and to you that I have been in the matrix for far too long. I do not mean I have been in a pod, needing a pill, or do I? I have begun to recognize, that as things arise in my life, and I search for the truth, I may never know what that is. And that is a very scary place to be. So I must do my best and seek it, but seek it in the light. For I have been in the darkness for far too long. And the darkness loves company, so it uses great powers to try to keep me here. But, I refuse to stay in this place any longer.

What is the matrix?? It is the place where we reside and are taught to fear, to hate, and to envy. The lessons start even when the adults do not know we are learning. When they speak in front of us, when we are but babes, of the things that they fear; leaders of other countries, people of different races, people of different religions, people who speak other languages, people with money and power, etc.. It does not end there, lessons continue in our schools, in our religions, in our governments, and in our countries, when our differences are pointed out and used to divide us. It is easy to fear, that which we do not know, especially if we are trusting someone else to guide us and tell us who the other is. And do not get me started on the media that, because it sells, shows me what they want me to see of any and every bad situation. In our own quest for whatever it may be, money, power, success, we have learned to use these divisions for our own advancements. We even erase history (that which reminds us of places we have been, advancements we have made, and evils we do not want to repeat) in order to keep us in this place. Well, I do not know about you, but I cannot live this way anymore.

Do not get me wrong, I believe there are many that are and have made strides to awakening people like me. I do not think that the masses are evil, just that we somehow lost our way. I started this to get to know you, so that I would not fear you or our differences anymore, so that I would know that you have lived a similar life to mine. On its path, in my writings, my experiences, my meetings with other people, I realize I must unlearn everything I think I know and have been taught, and I must begin anew. So as I exit the matrix I have two desires: to live free and to live a life of love.

With that said, as I take my first steps and begin to let this site evolve into what it needs to be or will become, my first thoughts are these: It matters not your religious affiliation, those of faith, all believe that we have a creator. It is my belief that we are made of his spirit; the spirit of love. That love is the only thing that can calm a fear, that can fill the void of loss, that can bring a community together in joy and laughter, that exudes great power, and that it takes courage, persistence, strength, faith, truth, purity, and innocence to walk in it. So as I proceed, I hope to bring each topic, to you, from its vantage point and hope that you come along and join in.

A couple of weeks ago, with visiting family, I took a trip to a town not to far from where I live. We went to the historic town of Jefferson, Texas. There is some question as to when Jefferson was founded. Some say 1836, some say early 1840s, it for sure was on a map in 1844. It has both a steam train and gas-powered antique locomotive that it uses for reenactments and tours. It was recognized as a river port, so you can take boat tours of either the bayou systems that run through it, or tour nearby Caddo Lake. If you have your own adventurous streak you can also rent kayaks and canoes and delve out on your own. It is chock full of different kinds of restaurants, bed and breakfasts, boutiques, antique stores, general stores, nature areas, historical landmarks, history and other museums, and you can even take a carriage ride on different occasions. I am attaching a few pictures of our excursion to give you a small taste of its charm, and a link to its tourism website in case you get an inkling or desire to visit.  http://visitjeffersontexas.com 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the things that caught my eye and mind in this quaint little town, was a statue or monument. As I stopped to read about its significance, I came along something in its inscription that is on many a monument or statue; the simple sentence “Lest we forget”. Those words and the significance of history have weighed heavy on my mind since – in all aspects; personal, country, and world.

Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary defines history as “a tale or story, a chronological record of significant events usually including an explanation of their causes, a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events”.  It says nothing of whether those stories, those records, or that knowledge is there to remind us of joyous wonderful things or really painful, hurtful things. History is simply put, the past. It is there to remind us of both good and bad, it is there to remind us of who we were and to show us how far we have come, or maybe it is there to remind us of who we want to be or do not want to be.

Without the Great Pyramids, the Colosseum, the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, the records of the existence of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes (both destroyed by earthquakes), and many other world-wide castles, statues and monuments, how would we know where we came from, why we took the paths we took, or where we want to go? History is there to remind us. Now I may not like some things existence, or the reason it was created, or the purpose it served, the fact is, it is there to remind me. To remind me to not do something again, to remind me to be a better person, to remind me to be more inclusive, to remind me of all kinds of things. If I was to erase all or any of it, how will I keep myself from making the same mistakes, how will I know why I am who I am, and how will I know how to create a better way. To take it down to its base, our past, our history, makes each one of us who we are. To remove the things that caused us to endure great pains also will change who we are and where we are going. We do need to remember these things, we do not need to relive them.

“Lest We Forget” – three small words with great meaning and consequence.  Let’s not change or erase history, it is there for a reason. You and I are here because of it. So, if you have a quaint historic town near you, take a casual stroll, choose to remember, if only for a little while. You might just find yourself altering course because of it. Have some history to share, a thought you want to add, whatever it may be, we are always here awaiting your input and awaiting to share your life because we haven’t forgotten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Dr. King,

I recently read the entire speech you gave at Cornell College on October 15, 1962 and find myself wondering if you would be disappointed in today’s society were you still to be living. I also think it is something that everyone should read. I read it not necessarily in the context solely of race relations, but in the context of human relations in general. I found myself questioning, fifty some odd years later, whether or not we truly have integrated and/or whether or not we have kept ourselves segregated and I do not even think I mean racially. There is one quote in particular that stands out to me to still be true today. You said “I’m convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other and they don’t know each other because they don’t communicate with each other, and they don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other”. In sadness I say, I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment, although, I think the separations are far more than race in today’s world and that scares me.

The one quote that comes to my mind, that I have been thinking of daily for some time now, that I missed seeing in your speech, is the last sentence of our Declaration Of Independence “we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor”. As you know many of the signers kept that pledge to each other. I shake my head wondering what happened to us and when. The first person I suppose I will put blame on for the hatred and separations in today’s society is me. Not that I have not loved, whom I could love in my life, as I think I have done that pretty well, including my enemies or those who have done me harm. Rather maybe because I lived in a bubble, as I think we all do, and did not really take the time to see, hear, feel, and understand what was going on outside of it.

You mentioned you loved the idea of democracy, and I might even say the republic instead of democracy, and you also loved, although flawed, America. I am not so sure that many actually even love America today. And this I blame on the two that you said must work together to integrate us; education and legislation. I have not at this point figured out if one has gone to far, and the other not far enough, or neither has gone far enough, or both have gone to far. All I know for sure is both have failed us. Whether it be in the quests for power, greed, ill will, whatever the reason, our governments seek more to control us, than to integrate us. And our education system does not even teach civics anymore, nor the Constitution, or Declaration of Independence. If most Americans do not know where the quotes “that all men are created equal” or “that all men are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights” even come from, never mind what those rights truly are, how are we to integrate and save the America that you loved and that I love. I think you would be mortified if you knew that one thing that they do teach in school is that violence is okay and a means to an end.

You are truly right when you say “poverty and ignorance breed crime whatever the racial group may be”. That is why I not only started to educate myself, but little by little I am standing up as you say good willed people need to do. I am also trying to pass on what I am learning or have learned, no matter the subject or how small an item it may be. It is my promise that I will do what I can to no longer divide, but instead to integrate as fast as I can. Because I too have a dream, that everyone should be equal, that faith should help guide us, and that love for our country and each other, above all else should prevail.

Thank you for having your dream and being a pioneer. You are missed by many.

With Love,

Laura Standrowicz

Dr. Martin Luther King’s visit to Cornell College

 

 

As Veteran’s Day rapidly approaches and we prepare to honor those among us that have chosen to serve, I would like us to give a little more consideration to those that survived the atrocity of war. My life has taught me that most war is about power and money. I am no expert on the subject, so like any other topic I will remain open-minded to other’s views. I want to refocus my attention, however, back on those who serve whom we all say we support. I question do we really? or to what extent do we? I know we on the most personal of levels, each support those that have served in our own families. Is that enough though? Do we ever really stop to think about the damage that is done to those who serve in war and survive. Sure we recognize those with lost limbs and other physical damage. Do we consider those whose damage is internal both physically and/or mentally? What greater damage can there be than to have locked away memories in part of the brain in hopes to not remember, not relive, and certainly not have to justify.

Some would say they knew what they were getting into, or what the risks were. Did they? or do they really? Oh sure they realize that there is a possibility that they could lose their lives. I would think that is why they are taught to rely on each other, so as to prevent that from happening. I cannot fathom though, that they even remotely think about some of the things they will be asked to do and the effects of what doing these acts would bring. Sure they are told that guy is a bad guy. How do they know that to be true? Do they consider that a person on the other side is thinking or being told the same thing about them? What happens when children are involved? I cannot help but hope like every other that one day there will be peace on Earth. Until then I will continue to weep for humanity as we allow governments around the world to use us as pawns in their quest for this power and money.

For those in my country, before we start blaming one side or the other for being the party of war mongers, think about this; In my lifetime, under every president, there have been conflicts somewhere that we have gotten involved in. Also factual is that there were nearly as many Democrats as there were Republicans in these years. There actually would have been equal amounts had one not been forced to resign his position. So guess what, an ugly truth war is an equal opportunist. No one has been better than the other in this instance, they are all guilty, and they all have caused damage to a faction of society that I myself really need to think more about.

With all that said, I made a promise, to a family I care deeply about, to bring attention to a battle they are fighting. You see a member of the family is fighting to survive an illness caused by exposure to open burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have learned that there are many others fighting similar battles; both soldiers and military contractors. This is a reason why I mentioned earlier that I am not sure, that the brave men and women that volunteer to serve, really do know what they are getting into. As I, myself, am in the midst of doing my homework on the subject, I will let you know some of what I have found and also attach links.

I have not read the book written by Joseph Hickman “The Burn Pits – The Poisoning of American Soldiers” as I find myself needing to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for it. I have read, however, a book review written by H. Patricia Hynes; a retired environmental engineer and professor of environmental health in which she says the following:

“They are called “this generation’s agent orange”. The open fire pits operated on over 230 US Military bases across Iraq and Afghanistan during our wars there. Every kind of waste: plastics, batteries, old ordnance, asbestos, pesticide containers, tires, biomedical, chemical and nuclear waste; dead animals, human feces, body parts, and corpses were incinerated in them.”

Imagine if you would, that your job was to watch and maintain these fires, or that you were in constant close proximity to them. Now also imagine that you have to fight a battle to survive the cancer you received from its inhalation. Above is just a snippet of her review, but you can find Ms Hynes complete book review at http://truthdig.com. You can also learn more about the burn pit topic at the following website: http://www.burnpits360.org or check out The Burn Pits Documentary-Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/burnpitsdocumentary/. Yes there is a documentary, that people are trying to get into cinemas, to make America aware of what is happening to these men and women. If you, like me, want to do your part, maybe you can help bring the film to a cinema near you. It will not be an easy watch I am sure. The name of the movie is “Delay, Deny, Hope You Die – How America Poisoned Its Soldiers”.

I want to say thank you for taking the time to check out what is happening with today’s veterans and for learning more about the burn pits. Those of us who have never served may never know what the battle is that any one of them may face. So if possible, let’s try to show our veterans a little more love this Veterans Day and every day for that matter. And Let’s not forget to thank them wholeheartedly for the freedoms that we enjoy because they chose to serve and pay prices we could never possibly imagine. If we can help, lets help.