Political Zeitgeist

The presidential election season is a'comin'. You can tell without looking at a calendar or clock. Political operatives -- Democrat and Republican, are jousting for the advantage that will produce victory for their respective in 2016. What would be the central issue? Will it be domestic or foreign policy? Will it be economic or social policy? What is the political zeitgeist that will direct the presidential election?

********************************************************************  

Through American history, presidents have been elected as a result of zeitgeist. 

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved the idea of continuity (Franklin Roosevelt). 

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved the idea of strong leadership through period of transition (Harry Truman)

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved victory and idealism (Dwight Eisenhower)

• As a Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in World War II, Dwight Eisenhower personified the euphoria of American victory. 

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved when idealism meets realism (John Kennedy, Richard Nixon)

• The idea of Camelot, Richard Nixon's push for Comprehensive Healthcare, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, the assassination of JFK, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved the idea of trust i.e. in government (Jimmy Carter)

• As a southern Baptist minister, Jimmy Carter inspired trust of the American people after the events, Vietnam War and Watergate.

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved national pride, patriotism (Ronald Reagan)

• Ronald Reagan's humor made the electorate feel good about being an American as well as reminded people of the fact America is capable of overcoming hard times and achieving greatness --- when the country was in malaise. 

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved empathy (Bill Clinton)

• The slogan, "It's the Economy, Stupid" as well as Bill Clinton's egregious interpersonal style highlighted need of the electorate 

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved responsibility (George W. Bush)

• Still today candidates adopt the tagline George Bush introduced, "I'm <candidate's name> and I approved this message." which highlights personal responsibility after the actions of predecessor.

For some presidents the zeitgeist involved collaboration i.e. bipartisanship (Barack Obama)

• Barack Obama gained national attention in 2004 when unity of purpose was highlighted in speech at Democratic National Convention. In 2008, Barack Obama made people feel good about being human and reminded peoples of the fact an individual is capable of overcoming hard times and achieving greatness --- when there was worst financial crisis since Great Depression. In 2012, the issue became a matter of trust i.e. being principled.

        ************************************************************************ 

Now,  in 2016, what will be the deciding factor --- bipartisanship, responsibility, empathy, patriotism, or strong leadership? What would be the central issue --- minimum wage, equality (e.g. women, gay/lesbian), or immigration reform. Will it be domestic or foreign policy? Will it be economic or social policy? Will it it be an integration of everything --- domestic and foreign policy; economic and social policy? 

What is the political zeitgeist that will direct the presidential election?

The American People is looking for someone who has vision for United States of America. Vision is more than a goal. Vision is process plus goal. There is a question/concern whereby a candidate's response would highlight the tactical and strategic understanding of vision for United States of America. A vision that is comprehensive integration of domestic and foreign policy; economic and social policy. Most importantly, a candidate may be shown to be unprincipled if their response is not congruent with their record.

Stay Tuned.

Connectivity

Through wisdom is an house built; and by understanding it is established." --- Proverbs 24:3

Today there's increase discussions about privacy and the use of social media. The larger issue concerns connectivity and understanding. People want to be known, not just names and dates. People are seeking connectivity through understanding; healthy relationships

Understanding is the foundation of  healthy relationships. There are three levels of understanding that provides a solid foundation: Self, God, and Fellow Man.

Understanding Self requires  facing reality --- acknowledging and accepting strengths, weaknesses, failures, and achievements. There's personal responsibility. There's an awareness and knowledge  of personal identity. Genealogy is often viewed as a pursuit of personal identity. Genealogists realize that understanding family history is more than a collection of names and dates, but requires understanding individuals (e.g. hopes and fears). Family stories, pictures, letters, and heirlooms are precious treasures to genealogists.

Understanding God requires humility  --- builds on personal responsibility and recognizes the sovereignty of God. There's no hiding behind ecclesiastical positions, ministries, or any other mundane characteristics.  There's a distinction between worshiping God and religion. Religion is an opiate of the people. When an individual understands God s/he realizes God enables man to deal with the realities of life, not engage in avoidance and denial.

Understanding Fellow Man  --- requires listening, active listening. There are many people including self-professed Christians who do not listen to fellow man, unconditionally and without judgment. Listening is a skill. Theologically speaking, listening may be liken unto breaking fallow ground. In other words, the heart of man is being prepared to receive the word of God. Patience is required to be effective listener.



Further Reading


Isaiah 9:6 ---  "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Matthew 13:1-23   --- The Parable of the Sower and Seed

Romans 10:17  --- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Video  ---  Amazing Grace

Manasseh

Manasseh is the firstborn of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brethren and became high official in Egypt. The name, Manasseh refers to the act of forgetting. Forgetting in Hebrew refers to an active taking away of something. The antonym of forgetting is remembering which refers to bringing something close.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." 

--- Phillippians 3:13

This scripture is usually referred to when encouraging inner healing from past events. However, often there is not only an incomplete understanding, but often misapplication of this scripture. Many people believe that 'forgetting those things which are behind" means you never discuss or even think about the hurtful past. There are many people who are struggling today with deep-rooted issues. There are ongoing attempts to 'forget' the pain. Often the attempts are manifested through alcoholism, abusive or turbulent relationships (e.g. family, friends, workplace), over-compensation, and inordinate need or quest for power/control to name few examples.


Man may be delivered from a situation but may not be healed thereby unable to forget or let go of the past. When a person let go of the past s/he is able discuss it freely. The experience becomes a testimony.

"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;&nbspAnd patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. --- Romans 5:3-5  

 A testimony is given unto the glory of God, not to gain favor among men. A testimony provides understanding that cannot be obtained via books and  it's not merely quoting scriptures or delivering speeches, sermons, and platitudes. Many people have experiences but few have allowed God to transform the experiences to testimonies. For example, a person may be delivered from drug, alcohol abuse, or abusive domestic relationships. A testimony develops as a person deals with the issues surrounding the situation. When a person develops a testimony s/he understands God as a counselor; understands his-/herself more completely and assumes responsibility for actions; and able to understand others more fully. Carnal minded people don't understand and do reject testimonies because it reflects an intimate relationship with God. 

"I'm a Living Testimony"

The soul's adversary doesn't care whether a person has experiences, but fights to prevent development of a testimony. A testimony is a witness that God is Sovereign and that Jesus, the expressed character of God is Life.

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony"  --- Revelations 12:11

It's time for people to take the stand and be a witness for the Lord God to declare their testimony, "Jesus Christ, the expressed character of God, is the Resurrection i.e. able to bring forth Life from death-like situations.

It's time for the blessings of Manasseh to be made known unto all men.

Further Reflection

Living Epistle --- II Corinthians 3:1-3

Knowing Christ --- Phillippians 3:7-14

Carnal-minded  --- Romans 8:7

Understanding spiritual things --- I Corinthians 2:1-14

Complete Prosperity  --- III John 1:2

Family Prayer

            We already know and agree that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Therefore, I’m asking you to touch and agree w/ me in spirit and truth while we use the power/authority that the Lord God have already given to us to speak life to a situation of death.

“Lord God, you are our father and we are coming to you for deliverance and strength as we stand together for the purpose of unity. You have allowed us to be together now not by accident or chance but because you know all of our faults, gifts, talents, and character traits. We recognize your will is for us to use our differences to work together in harmony for your purpose. As we read and speak these words, please allow your Spirit to provide all things that pertain to life and godliness to each member of the Family, today and always.”

“Where there is debt, let there increase. Where there is poverty, let there be prosperity. Where there is lack, let there be sufficiency. Where there is weakness, let there be strength. Where there is doubt, let there be faith. Where there is sickness, let there be health and healing. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is denial, let there be recognition, confirmation, and acceptance. Where there is fear and insecurity, let there be confidence. Where there is rejection, let there be acceptance. Where there is abandonment, neglect, and negligence, let there be diligence and responsibility. Where there is estrangement, let there be reconciliation. Where there is blame, let there be forgiveness. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is depression, let there be joy. Where there is despair, let there be hope and optimism. Where there is apathy and slothfulness, let there be energy and enthusiasm. Where there is negativity, criticism, and pessimism, let there be praise, admiration, and commendation. Where there is condemnation, guilt, and shame, let there be virtue and honor. Where there is frustration and anxiety, let there be assurance, comfort, patience, and support. Where there is hurt, let there be pleasure. Where there is discontent, let there be satisfaction. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is carelessness, recklessness, and unruliness, let there be caution and order. Where there is wanton-ness, let there be compassion, discipline, and purity. Where there is a lie and deception, let there be truth and honesty. Where there be discord and gossip, let there be encouragement and edification. Where there is hate, let there be love. Where there is secrecy and manipulation, let there be integrity, revelation, and respect. Where there is a curse, let there be a blessing. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is envy and jealousy, let there be trust and kindness. Where there is anger, resentment, and bitterness, let there be cooperation and unity. Where there is intimidation and retaliation, let there be justice. Where there is stubborn-ness, let there be flexibility. Where there is aggression and violence, let there be peace. Where there is confusion and uncertainty, let there be knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Where there is pride and arrogance, let there be humility. Where there is rebellion, let there be obedience. Where there is self-righteousness, let there be recognition of the sovereignty of God. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is complacency and stagnation, let there be action and revival. Where there is bondage, let there be freedom. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Lord God, again we acknowledge that we are together at this point in time not by chance or accident. You have allowed us to be together now, not by accident or chance but because you know all of our faults, gifts, talents, character traits. We recognize your will is for us to use our differences to work together in harmony for your purpose.  We realize that we are your ministers or servants to do your will. We recognize that your will is for us to act as one man of leadership/ Therefore, we have a clear understanding of your words, “He who would be the greatest among you must be servant of all.”

“Lord God let not these words read and spoken be in vain. Let them go forth towards all members of the Family. Show forth your excellence in and through each of us. We thank you for our deliverance. Help us to maintain it. Amen”

Family Torchbearer

Family Excellence requires Torchbearers

Torchbearers involves responsibility; Moving from doubt, complacency/stagnation, and weakness; Moving forward through faith, work, and determination.

Light of Love

Showing unconditional positive regard towards everyone without partiality.

Family Genealogist Challenge Name at least 50 individuals who are displaying/have displayed the ‘Light of Love’.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Flame of Respect

Recognizing that everyone is equally esteemed (important) before the Creator without partiality.

Family Genealogist Challenge Name at least 50 Individuals who cultivates/have cultivated the Flame of Respect.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.




Torch of Unity
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit [of God] in the bond of peace."

Family Genealogist Challenge Name at least 50 individuals who bears the Torch of Unity of the Spirit [of God] in the bond of peace.


*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family History: It’s not a Trivial Pursuit!

In Pursuit Of Excellence

Develop a stronger sense of family

Bridge the gap between generations

Share special time with your loved ones

Make history come alive

Create opportunity for lifelong learning

Encourage organizational, planning, communication, logic,

problem-solving, and presentation skills

******************************************

Now here’s a story of a lovely lady who met a very handsome man. One day they decided to marry and start the McElroy-Randolph Family...  

1. What is the name of this couple, the patriarch and matriarch of our family?

2. What date did they marry? What Location (city, state)?


Family Genealogist Challenge: Name the children according to birth order, with birth dates; and location (city, state) of their birth.

1. Who are Emily and Isaac McElroy?
Name their children according to birth order, with birthdates; and location (city, state) of their birth. 

Family Genealogist Challenge 

1. What is the maiden name of Emily? 
2. What is the maiden name of Ida? 
3. Name the siblings of Joshua Randolph.
4. Name the siblings of Isaac McElroy.

Family Genealogist Challenge    

Who is ‘Uncle See’? Who is ‘Snake Hips’? Who is ‘Reesie Cup’?
Who is ‘Uncle Butch’? Who is ‘Uncle Botchie’? Who is ‘Partner’?
Who is ‘Sister’? Who is ‘Uncle Nip’? Who is ‘Uncle Jake’?
Who is ‘Ole Mother Goose’? Who is ‘Gene-o’?
Who is ‘Good Man’? Who is ‘Thumb’? Who is ‘Papa White’?
Who is ‘Big Mac’ Who is ‘Ike’? Who is ‘Rae, Rae’?

Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 individuals under the age of 18.
Name at least 25 individuals between the ages 18- 40.
Name at least 25 individuals between ages of 35-60.
Name at least 25 individuals over the age of 60.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 individuals born 1960-1980 who have obtained a high school diploma.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge 

Name at least 25 individuals born 1960-1980 who have obtained college degrees.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge

1. Name at least 2 individuals who have achieved the scholastic honor of salutatorian and/or valedictorian of their high school.
2. Name the person who worked for the Lieutenant Governor/Governor of Kentucky.
3. Name the person who worked for an Indianapolis mayor.
4. Who was a participant in a beauty pageant?
5. Who was homecoming queen in high school?

Family Genealogist Challenge

1. Name at least 25 individuals who have developed/managed a business.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 people who have served/serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Name each individual’s branch of service, years of service, and current rank or rank upon discharge.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

 Family Genealogist Challenge 

Name at least 25 people who plays/played a musical instrument. 

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

 Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 people who participates/participated in high school sports. 

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

 Family Genealogist Challenge

1. “Rise Peter, Slay and Eat” was a common phrase quoted by this person.
2. Who regularly asked the question, “Has anyone ever told you I love you today?”
3. The John H. Randolph loved the song/ballad, ‘John Henry’. Recite the lyrics and/or sing the song, ‘John Henry’. Explain the story of John Henry and how it applies to the Family's pursuit of excellence.

Web of Deceit

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive."

The controversy involving Mitt Romney and his employment at Bain is the proverbial game-changer in election politics. Individuals, on both sides of issue, seems to be effectively asserting their positions based on perception of the facts.

The controversy is a relevant and serious issue. What is the truth? What is the basis of Mitt Romney's arguement?

An interesting fact is the severance agreement from Bain that was finalized in 2002 and retroactive to 1999.

At first glance, it seems when Romney signed the oft-mentioned SEC documents, it may have been legal, initially. Furthermore, Romney's propensity to have it both ways seems to have resulted in all of his words and actions being in direct contradiction to each other.

Significance of Romney's Pattern of Obfuscation ---

• Calls attention to the 2002 gubernatorial race and the MA Ballot Law Commission hearing thereby presenting legitimate questions about the legitmacy of Romney's gubernatorial candidacy/election.
• Calls attention to 2012 Wisconsin primary and the legitimacy of its results.
• Calls attention to allegations  regarding the legitmacy of results in other 2012 Republican primaries 
• Makes it more likely that the 2012 Republican Party National Convention may be brokered or contested.

The controversy seems to involve more than inconsistency and lies. The issue seems to include multiple incidents of fraud, perjury, and de-legitimization of the U.S. electoral process. Indeed, what has transpired is about more than employment tenure at a company. This controversy involves actions that may be regarded by historians as having potential to be a bane of U.S. democracy.



Mitt Romney needs to provide answers to legitimate questions in a straight forward manner.

Further Reading

Forum Post: Romney Tax Returns '98-'01 -- Perjury, Fraud & the Mass. Ballot Law Commission

Romney's 2002 Testimony and Romney's Evasiveness

Mitt Romney Bain Capital Document Lists Him As 'Managing Member' In 2002

Account of Romney's Bain departure has evolved

Romney admits he lied about MA residency

Tools for Justice

Forbes: Romney Needs to Answer 35 Questions

Video: Romney Needs to Answer 35 Questions