Voting
Don’t let the truth get in the way of making a deal. [Or, gathering votes.] — American Greed [here’s the program] Succeed and Soar exists to encourage lives lived well. These posts avoid politics. Because current campaign advertisements have spooked me worse than the movie Silence of The Lambs, I ask, Why: Aren’t people who would lead uniting us behind positive, uplifting goals? Must we learn about candidates through advertising, which can mis-lead? [Example: Ads in the 1950’s said cigarettes were healthy when tobacco companies new better.] Can’t people who would govern begin with strong backgrounds in community service? Is the press and news media handling elections like the Kentucky Derby, the Masters Tournament or the Superbowl? Shouldn’t the 4th Estate provide verified information and insights instead of point spreads? I believe, as Abraham Lincoln said, the United States is currently Earth’s best hope of creating a second Eden, when we address what Condoleezza Rice called our “birth defect,” slavery and disenfranchisement in their various forms. To become a country that’s a shining example of human potential: Ramsey Solutions says, “Vote Wisely: Demand Honesty and Integrity.” Here’s how. The point is: How can we expect people who will cheat and lie to win elections be good leaders? Some misleading, mean-spirited ads I’ve seen should disqualify those candidates. Scientific American offers these ways to be a better voter: Vote with an eye toward the common good Broaden news and information sources Read more Consider insisting that 2024 local, state and federal candidates demonstrate they can unite us in making our communities and country tops in advancing justice, freedom, living wages, quality housing, excellent education and outstanding health care for all Aren’t these goals that can bring us together? Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. More Thoughts on Voting Vote and encourage others because: One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. — Plato, Greek Philosopher It isn’t about who is the majority in Congress. It’s about, are people educated and enfranchised and resourced enough to participate in the government that purports to be of the people, by the people, for the people? We’re missing the people part—and not because people don’t care, but because we’re not doing our job as a country, as a culture, to make democracy work. — America Ferrera, Actress and Political Activist Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote. — George Jean Nathan, American Drama Critic and Magazine Editor Reviewed May 4, 2024
Earth’s Best Hope 3: Heaven
As a man thinks, so he is. — Proverbs 23:7 An easy way to defeat others is to get them fighting among themselves. In this way, an enemy never risks casualties or expense. All that’s required to destroy a group, a community, a country, even a family, is bickering that alienates. Some form of fear is often the fuel [False Evidence Appearing Real]. The Second Amendment says well-regulated militias could arm themselves to preserve freedom. That language has been re-interpreted so that Americans can easily buy military-style weapons and kill other Americans. Did you know that there were fourteen mass shootings during the Fourth of July weekend? Thirteen weren’t widely reported because the national news couldn’t cover them all. Washington Post [Seems no outsiders need to attack US anymore.] Shouldn’t child bearing be a topic that brings US together? As stated in Succeed and Soar’s “Seek Quality Life” Post, wouldn’t We the people be better off focusing on birthing babies who are well cared for, educated and can flourish? Shouldn’t We The People require that leaders unite US in making this country [with its extraordinary diversity] what Abraham Lincoln called, “the last best hope of earth?” How can the epidemic outbreaks of hate-speech, fear-mongering, stingy, intolerant, boorish behavior be cured so that We the people realize Lincoln’s vision of US as a second Eden? Individually, in your own life, create a little heaven on Earth. Perform a heroic deed daily [a random act of kindness] Be generous and encouraging Create beauty Seek uplifting people and experiences Cultivate wholesome, healthy environments Continue learning Pause, allow several days of self nurturing and refreshment each month Be honest and fair Insist that those who govern US lead by these examples Remember, What you believe and focus on becomes your reality. – Michael McMillan Our focus is our future, and what we focus on will multiply. — David DeNotaris Succeed and Soar! Succeed and Soar Galleries The inspiring and beautiful work in these Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here Thanks for your support! NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
Peace
We will have to want peace, want it enough to pay for it, before it becomes an accepted rule. Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt’s words really resonate on this anniversary of the World Trade Center attack, one of so many in human history. Think of Pearl Harbor. Think of Germany’s Gypsy, Homosexual, Jewish Holocaust. Think of the decimation of this hemisphere’s first people. A 100,000 year war waged by our species now leaves us without another. See How Neanderthals and Humans Battled. Also see The Neanderthals War. While wars between humans have been brief by comparison, the longest include: The 781-year-long Christian invasion of the Iberian Peninsula The 681-year-long Greco-Roman vs. Persian [Iran] battles The 675-year-long Byzantine-Bulgarian wars in the Balkans The 602 years, five months, one week and four days of the Christian Crusades Here’s More Whew! Mrs. Roosevelt believed, ”The basis of world peace is the teaching which runs through almost all the great religions of the world. Love thy neighbor as thyself.” And some have also, historically advocated the conquest and killing of those viewed as different. Eleanor Roosevelt asked, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?” Personal peace is a start. What if more and more: Resisted guilt. Didn’t compare themselves to others. Challenged their ‘musts’ and converted ‘shoulds’ to ‘coulds.’ Took breaks from the hustle-bustle and visited tranquil places. See More Ways to Find Peace of Mind and Inner Calm. Predator-Prey is Earth’s MO [Modus Operandi, Method of Operating]. All animals and some plants kill other living things to live. That said, here’s a thought [illustrated in part by playing the original Super Mario]: What if Earth’s kill-or-be-killed conditions are a kind of test, a puzzle? What if a blissful after life is the reward for figuring out how to create on Earth all that’s promised in heaven, Eden, Paradise? What if Earth is, as some suggest, Purgatory where failure-flunking requires a re-do? Here’s another question: What price would you pay for more peace? Succeed and Soar! Remember September 11 is also “Make Your Bed Day” September 12 is Grandparents Day September 15 is International Day of Democracy September 17 is National Constitution Day Image by pikepicture Eleanor’s Insights Collection Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here