Part II of the "Changing America" series. See my disclaimer in the introductory article.

The system of representatives just isn't working anymore.

I'm not saying we shouldn't have representatives in Congress; rather, ...<< MORE >>

Part I of the "Changing America" series. See my disclaimer in the introductory article.

The two-party system just isn't working anymore.

We need something different. Never mind "Change We Can Believe ...<< MORE >>

This is the introductory article of the "Changing America" series.

I plan on writing a few pieces on points that I believe would help create a better America. I think some things need to change in how we conduct ourselves. As of August, 2009 I notice that a lot of folks don't trust the politicians in Washington, DC. While that's nothing new, the frustration felt by many is very evident, more so than I remember seeing in decades. The pieces will be about ideas & suggestions. Perhaps we should implement them, perhaps not. Even if they become ideas in a cyber brainstorming session that are thrown out, at least we could get the ball rolling.

Disclaimer: My thoughts and writings in no way suggest, demand, or imply that the United States should cease to exist, change its political system, suffer a violent revolution, or be overthrown. The United States of America should & must remain a democracy. I believe in my country. I am a patriot. I am proud to be a veteran of the United States Navy. I was willing to lay down my life for my country; I'm still willing to do so, if the need arises. I am merely exercising my 1st Amendment right and expressing my thoughts & views. Reform in our government is possible, if and only if the people of these United States deem it necessary, as this should always remain a government for, of, and by the people.

I began to write some pieces on "Greed & Gullibility: The Undoing of America." Those were (and were going to be) pure rants. If they were all completed, they probably wouldn't have been helpful. There are better ways of expressing disappointment than spewing anger in such a vehement fashion.

I'm not sure how many I will write or even when I will write them. As you can tell, I'm not very good at blogging, if your definition of a blogger is someone who writes incessantly—or, at least, on a semi-regular basis. [I keep reminding myself that it's about quality, not quantity.] Hopefully, my musings will cause you to think and perhaps even start some discussion. It would be nice to be a positive influence or catalyst.

“Everything that happens to you makes you stronger” isn't really true.  It is what you choose to learn from everything that makes you the person you are today.

Every situation presents us with a choice: what will you do with this?

• Will you learn from this experience, as difficult as it may be, to grow and become a better & stronger person?
   – or –
• Will you assume the victim role, become bitter, and forever blame everyone & everything around you for your life?

Everyone is tested; not everyone learns.

At the time of this writing (November, 2008), our country is in a downward economic spiral. Our government has promised and beginning to distribute a $700B bailout to the financial ...<< MORE >>