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
A View from Forbes and Braddock
A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen. – Winston Churchill Updated January 30, 2025 This post was prompted because we are in the primary election season and, yesterday, I saw where the Fern Hollow Bridge near my home fell a hundred feet. I remain amazed and thankful that at 7am on January 28, so few were on this heavily-trafficked structure and all survived. Read more. Reports I’ve heard about why the bridge’s faults weren’t fixed include gas taxes intended for this purpose paid for state police patrols in towns that can’t afford their own law enforcement. Keep in mind, taxes allow governments to provide health and human services, schools, public transportation, our military, courts, community and regional development, parks and recreational spaces, arts events, higher education and research, waste management, etc. Recently, citizens of my county voted to pay higher taxes to improve our public libraries. I suspect most people don’t like paying taxes that buy ‘Pork Barrels,’ Here are Examples. So, when political candidates promise to cut taxes, consider asking: What government services will end? How will schools and community resources improve? Also, will these politicians lower taxes by reducing pork barrel spending? How will Federal perks be affected? As candidates seek our votes, know how our support be repaid? When elected, how will those politicians spend tax dollars to improve the world and grow prosperity. Because of the fear-mongering that saturates some campaigns, consider how candidates feel about Waverly Presbyterian’s green sign [footsteps from the collapsed bridge]. Tax Humor What’s the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist only takes the skin. – Mark Twain I am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is, I could be just as proud for half of the money. – Arthur Godfrey Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today. – — Herman Wouk Congress can raise taxes because it can persuade a sizable fraction of the populace that somebody else will pay. – Milton Friedman Wisdoms Collection 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.
Einstein 17: Opportunities
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein While in the Pacific Northwest, I learned to make flower essences and that some plants have helpful energies. In this belief system: Heartsease provides gentle comfort and solace for a broken heart. Bleeding Hearts vibrations release the pain of broken relationships. Self-Heal is a mint whose name means, “that with which one may cure oneself without the help of a surgeon.” Snapdragons slay harsh and negative speech patterns. One of my most inspiring flowers is the Black-Eyed Susan. With its sun-gold petals radiating from a dark center, this perennial visually and beautifully expresses this week’s Einstein wisdom, that from life’s shadows, brightness can bloom. BTW, this flower discussion is not meant to replace medical advice but to offer fresh insights. As I was taught, flower essences have subtle, gradual and enduring effects. Use should be guided by those with substantial understanding of the practice. Read more about healing with flowers. Blessings & best wishes. Special Days This Week May 18th is No Dirty Dishes Day. Here are ways thesyndromemag suggests avoiding dirty dishes. Eat finger foods over the sink. Pour cereal and milk straight into your mouth. Read more. The 20th is National Be a Millionaire Day, a great time to pretend to be a millionaire or start working to become one. Here are 50 Ways to Become a Millionaire Fast Featured Video Keep in Mind This coming Tuesday is Primary Election day in my County, which means we’re choosing who will decide how we live. This ballot also has a lot of referendums. I recently learned that of the 39 candidates running for the judge, the Bar Association considers some Highly Qualified to decide how our laws are enforced while others are Unqualified. Wherever you vote, keep in mind, anyone can get themselves on ballots then run marketing campaigns with nice slogans and attractive images that can be as misleading as ads promoting the benefits of cigarette smoking in the 1950s. Here are ways to make sure you know who and what you’re voting for: How to Judge a Candidate Vote 411
Einstein #11: Driving in Reverse
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. – Albert Einstein Conservation values the past and how things were once done. Progress requires a different, more expansive future. Conservative and progressive approaches have their places, like checking the rear view mirror while zooming forward. That said, consider the guide for Samurai warriors. The Hagakure teaches, It is said that what is called “the spirit of an age” is something to which one cannot return. That this spirit gradually dissipates is due to the world’s coming to an end. For this reason, although one would like to change today’s world back to the spirit of one hundred years or more ago, it cannot be done. Thus it is important to make the best out of every generation. As this post’s Featured Video shows, we cannot stay where we are. The universe always sails forward, advancing, progressing. Along the way, keep asking questions. ***** Hermitage, Pennsylvania’s Avenue of Flags was created by in 1977. Tom Flynn established the park as a special place for veterans and to remind that freedom isn’t free. A democracy is a government of social equality shaped by the voters. For a democracy to work, voting must be encouraged, effective and easy. The voting changes legislated in Georgia have caused the outcry that includes boycotting companies headquartered in that state. See list. Beyond Georgia, additional situations require progress to make the United States a democracy that’s truly representative and that honors those who’ve sacrificed to make it so. Read more.