If we were to ask the citizens of the United States a series of questions related to getting at their true feelings, I believe we would find that they do not disagree that we are experiencing global warming in this world. Some just might not fall into line about the reason for it.
Proponents of a "green" ecology tend to ignore historical facts when spinning their alarm stories. There have been several Ice Ages and subsequent meltdowns. I believe I'm not stretching the point too far by saying these meltdowns would be considered global warming.
We Americans have grown rather cynical over the generations because of misinformation that our scientists have provided us. Just think of the science pertaining to healthy bodies. We were to quit butter and red meats. Following that we had to cut out chicken fat. Butter then became better for us than the fake alternatives. We were to use canola or olive oil, preferably the latter. Some other oils are now being suggested. Today, white breads and pastas are no nos. Then we have the poor oppressed onion. God forbid we should eat a sweet one that looks just like a strong and bitter one. Eggs were out but now they're in. I could go on and on, but you have my drift. We are supposed to adjust ourselves continually because science is still basically in it's infancy. What they know for sure one day is hogwash the next. Maybe we should just quit eating altogether.
Now, where the current hogwash is, pertaining to global warming, is the recurring theme that it wouldn't be happening if it weren't for humans dirtying up the planet. Several ice ages and their meltdowns not only call this into question -- but turn it into a downright lie.
The first known ice age was about 2.3 billion years ago. Another biggie was 600 million years ago. Then 450 million and 300 million years ago. Each one lasted twenty to fifty million years. The one we are most familiar with began about two million years ago and lasted until about ten thousand years ago when it began a meltdown that continues to this day. The start of this last ice age coincides with the start of "skillful man", our predecessor.
But, you see, scientists and "greenspeakers" don't believe the common man can think for himself. So, they gloss over the lessons of history and expect us to align ourselves to their way of thinking and their baby science steps.
Is modern man contributing to the ozone holes and global warming? Possibly. But will agonizing over every little infraction of the rules stop global warming? Hardly. We weren't here crapping up the planet when they happened before, were we? And what stopped it then? Even scientists probably don't know that. Perhaps they should consult the creator of the universe. I'll bet He knows.
Now, do we humans need to be worried about other aspects of our environment? You bet we do. We need cleaner air just for easier breathing much less C.O.P.D. We need cleaner fuel. We need to increase the use of wind and solar power. We need to stop dumping sewage and trash into our waterways. We need to do every little thing we possibly can to conserve our fuel and our water resources. We need to recycle, use less and preserve as much as we can.
But don't lie to me again and tell me this global warming is all our fault. We weren't here when a number of the meltdowns happened in the past.
And, oh yes, does the EPA need an additional almost 20 per cent to sit around the office being hateful to those of us who call in with genuine concerns? I don't think so. Ask them what they have done about the smell of burning medical waste and flesh that several of us have reported in my neck of the woods. What they need is to get off their duffs and start doing the jobs they are already being paid to do.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
School Shootings
We've all heard the expression, "different strokes for different folks". This is based on Transactional Analysis, a somewhat popular form of therapy which lends itself well to groups. The statement is based, as well, on theories like those of Rudolph Dreikurs, M.D. who tells of reasons for misbehavior -- need for attention, power struggles, assumed disabilities and revenge.
Let's analyze School Shootings from a psychologist's point of view for a bit. An average child is going to get a lot of attention in the beginning. Parents usually receive them with a great deal of pride and love. But not all children with average needs are born into average or normal situations.
Some children simply are not wanted. Others, though loved, are neglected due to lack of funds, parents working multiple jobs, Moms who spend all their working hours on charities or even parents who spend so much time at church activities that the kids take a back seat. These kids don't get as much attention as they need. Like greasing the squeaky wheel, these parents tend to take a Band-Aid approach to child rearing. They pay attention when there is a problem, but quickly go back to s. o. p. when the status quo is reached. Children of parents like this learn to act up to get attention. They also have a lot of autonomy and power in their homes. A school classroom can threaten this autonomy, causing kids to engage the teacher or other students in power struggles. A teacher who becomes embroiled in such struggles has already lost. The trick is to avoid the confrontation. A power struggle cannot exist without two or more participants. One cannot have one alone.
An assumed disability can be a child thinking he's not good at math, so doesn't try. Or it can be a child who doesn't put forth effort to find friends because he/she has had no success in previous attempts. With the prevalence of bullying in school and in cyberspace, these kids often fall victims.
And then there is revenge mode. This is where kids get back at parents, teachers, fellow students and even strangers for all the bad things that have happened to them in their young lives. Of course, you can all see that this is where school shooters, adults who go "postal" and office attacks fall into place.
We had our share of bullies back in the fifties when I was in high school, but bullying opportunities were not really so easy to find back then. For one thing, parents were more supportive of classroom teachers. Now, not so much. Every other set of parents is in the classroom telling the teachers how to do their jobs and threatening trouble if teachers discipline their kids. The children catch onto this and show less respect -- and certainly no fear -- to and of the teacher.
Bullying is such a big deal anymore that hardly a week goes by that we don't hear about a new episode in class, on the playground or on the internet. Kids can either internalize the bullying, which causes depression even to the point of suicide, or they can externalize it and strike out at the bullies, the unloving teachers, the busy, distracted parents, the world.
But there is a further factor in the creation of a school shooter or "postal" employee. It is as follows. The average, run of the mill kids -- most of us -- are never going to be heard of outside of their hometowns. They are never going to get their names on the national news, especially the news programs that ignore good behavior and focus on the bad like crime and sudden deaths. Good behavior, even if deemed newsworthy, gets a very small percentage of the sound bites each day.
So, our kids who have received insufficient attention . . . who have learned to engage others in power struggles . . . who have learned they are not as worthy as a straight A student or a prom queen . . . who have reached a stage of utter revenge are now learning weekly that if they shoot up a school or a playground, their names will never be forgotten, perhaps even worldwide. Their names will be repeated often right after the shooting, then on the annual anniversary, at five years, etc., ad nauseam.
Now, keep in mind that the distracted parents, the frustrated teachers, the mean classmates, the prettier, smarter, more likeable children have left this revenge seeker emotionally flawed, if not downright psychotic. Plus, if they shoot up the school they will have the attention they've always craved -- instantaneously. And their names will never be forgotten.
If you were this kid, what would you do?
But how can we take preventive measures? Love and pay attention to our kids. See they get their basic emotional as well as physical needs met. See that they "respect" others. Take off the pressure to be the best at everything. Stop the constant competition. Quit being Tiger Moms. Make sure our schools hire loving and dedicated teachers who help kids fit in and who teach them to treat each other well. Find ways to give kids attention for positive behavior -- all kids, not just the gifted and athletic. Teach them to love and respect each other and their elders. Work with them at their level of learning and understanding. Give them positive feedback for each successive approximation to their learning goals. Be good role models ourselves. Oh, yes, if someone calls the local authorities to report a child as dangerous, get the kid some help. A casual stop by of a team of officers is not sufficient to stave off problems. Recent events show that clearly.
And stop publicizing the ones who commit bad and evil acts. Once we learn how to rear healthy, happy, constructive children, we won't have to worry about gun or knife or terror controls. We won't need them. The problem is not the weapons. The problem is the rearing, the educating and the plain old caring -- for everyone.
Let's analyze School Shootings from a psychologist's point of view for a bit. An average child is going to get a lot of attention in the beginning. Parents usually receive them with a great deal of pride and love. But not all children with average needs are born into average or normal situations.
Some children simply are not wanted. Others, though loved, are neglected due to lack of funds, parents working multiple jobs, Moms who spend all their working hours on charities or even parents who spend so much time at church activities that the kids take a back seat. These kids don't get as much attention as they need. Like greasing the squeaky wheel, these parents tend to take a Band-Aid approach to child rearing. They pay attention when there is a problem, but quickly go back to s. o. p. when the status quo is reached. Children of parents like this learn to act up to get attention. They also have a lot of autonomy and power in their homes. A school classroom can threaten this autonomy, causing kids to engage the teacher or other students in power struggles. A teacher who becomes embroiled in such struggles has already lost. The trick is to avoid the confrontation. A power struggle cannot exist without two or more participants. One cannot have one alone.
An assumed disability can be a child thinking he's not good at math, so doesn't try. Or it can be a child who doesn't put forth effort to find friends because he/she has had no success in previous attempts. With the prevalence of bullying in school and in cyberspace, these kids often fall victims.
And then there is revenge mode. This is where kids get back at parents, teachers, fellow students and even strangers for all the bad things that have happened to them in their young lives. Of course, you can all see that this is where school shooters, adults who go "postal" and office attacks fall into place.
We had our share of bullies back in the fifties when I was in high school, but bullying opportunities were not really so easy to find back then. For one thing, parents were more supportive of classroom teachers. Now, not so much. Every other set of parents is in the classroom telling the teachers how to do their jobs and threatening trouble if teachers discipline their kids. The children catch onto this and show less respect -- and certainly no fear -- to and of the teacher.
Bullying is such a big deal anymore that hardly a week goes by that we don't hear about a new episode in class, on the playground or on the internet. Kids can either internalize the bullying, which causes depression even to the point of suicide, or they can externalize it and strike out at the bullies, the unloving teachers, the busy, distracted parents, the world.
But there is a further factor in the creation of a school shooter or "postal" employee. It is as follows. The average, run of the mill kids -- most of us -- are never going to be heard of outside of their hometowns. They are never going to get their names on the national news, especially the news programs that ignore good behavior and focus on the bad like crime and sudden deaths. Good behavior, even if deemed newsworthy, gets a very small percentage of the sound bites each day.
So, our kids who have received insufficient attention . . . who have learned to engage others in power struggles . . . who have learned they are not as worthy as a straight A student or a prom queen . . . who have reached a stage of utter revenge are now learning weekly that if they shoot up a school or a playground, their names will never be forgotten, perhaps even worldwide. Their names will be repeated often right after the shooting, then on the annual anniversary, at five years, etc., ad nauseam.
Now, keep in mind that the distracted parents, the frustrated teachers, the mean classmates, the prettier, smarter, more likeable children have left this revenge seeker emotionally flawed, if not downright psychotic. Plus, if they shoot up the school they will have the attention they've always craved -- instantaneously. And their names will never be forgotten.
If you were this kid, what would you do?
But how can we take preventive measures? Love and pay attention to our kids. See they get their basic emotional as well as physical needs met. See that they "respect" others. Take off the pressure to be the best at everything. Stop the constant competition. Quit being Tiger Moms. Make sure our schools hire loving and dedicated teachers who help kids fit in and who teach them to treat each other well. Find ways to give kids attention for positive behavior -- all kids, not just the gifted and athletic. Teach them to love and respect each other and their elders. Work with them at their level of learning and understanding. Give them positive feedback for each successive approximation to their learning goals. Be good role models ourselves. Oh, yes, if someone calls the local authorities to report a child as dangerous, get the kid some help. A casual stop by of a team of officers is not sufficient to stave off problems. Recent events show that clearly.
And stop publicizing the ones who commit bad and evil acts. Once we learn how to rear healthy, happy, constructive children, we won't have to worry about gun or knife or terror controls. We won't need them. The problem is not the weapons. The problem is the rearing, the educating and the plain old caring -- for everyone.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
You Can Do It Too!
The other day, I figured out that I have now been on my own -- head of household, so to speak -- for thirty-seven years. During this time I have had no wage earner other than myself. ( I had $225 per month child support for two years, 7 months). I've had no human protector. There has been no human partner to help me deal with disappointment or grief or even happiness. All of my decisions, right or wrong, are mine. There is nobody else to blame for my mistakes and nobody to share my joys.
So, you are on the pity pot, you say? Quite the contrary! I have survived being alone. I've had my children, of course, but the parent-child relationship is based on the needs of the child, not the adult.
Sometimes, I feel like my pitcher -- of love, resourcefulness, power of thought -- has run dry and there is nobody to turn on the tap and fill it back up. Yet, those who have developed dependencies on me, whether family or friends, keep coming back to exact the last drop from the pitcher.
How have I survived? Well, certainly not without a strong belief in God, in Jesus and in a better life. These beliefs have made me strong.
If there are widows, single mothers, singles or divorcees (even men alone) out there facing a mountain of woe, remember me. I have survived thirty-seven years of holding the fort. You can do it, too.
So, you are on the pity pot, you say? Quite the contrary! I have survived being alone. I've had my children, of course, but the parent-child relationship is based on the needs of the child, not the adult.
Sometimes, I feel like my pitcher -- of love, resourcefulness, power of thought -- has run dry and there is nobody to turn on the tap and fill it back up. Yet, those who have developed dependencies on me, whether family or friends, keep coming back to exact the last drop from the pitcher.
How have I survived? Well, certainly not without a strong belief in God, in Jesus and in a better life. These beliefs have made me strong.
If there are widows, single mothers, singles or divorcees (even men alone) out there facing a mountain of woe, remember me. I have survived thirty-seven years of holding the fort. You can do it, too.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Developing Relationships
I once heard a well-known family therapist use his own family as an example for teaching.
Per him, his mother was a very difficult person. There could be no discussion of problems or negotiations about a situation. Nobody could even imply that she was slightly imperfect. Her view was always the correct one.
His father, on the surface, always came off like the bad guy. It was after the therapist reached adulthood that he began to realize his father hadn't had it so easy himself.
How can anyone express his or her wishes to someone who always sees himself/herself as right, even perfect? The essence of a good relationship, especially a marriage, depends on all individuals being able to say "When you behave that way, it makes me feel . . .". If an individual can never discuss issues, no progress can be made.
Though this therapist worked with families, the need to negotiate and to see our own flaws is crucial to all of our relationships in the home, at work, in society. Everyone must be able to express their feelings with the full attention and cooperation of the other individual. If not, the relationship has little chance.
Per him, his mother was a very difficult person. There could be no discussion of problems or negotiations about a situation. Nobody could even imply that she was slightly imperfect. Her view was always the correct one.
His father, on the surface, always came off like the bad guy. It was after the therapist reached adulthood that he began to realize his father hadn't had it so easy himself.
How can anyone express his or her wishes to someone who always sees himself/herself as right, even perfect? The essence of a good relationship, especially a marriage, depends on all individuals being able to say "When you behave that way, it makes me feel . . .". If an individual can never discuss issues, no progress can be made.
Though this therapist worked with families, the need to negotiate and to see our own flaws is crucial to all of our relationships in the home, at work, in society. Everyone must be able to express their feelings with the full attention and cooperation of the other individual. If not, the relationship has little chance.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Prima Donna Trash Collectors
Have you ever noticed how everyone acts like they are prima donnas or divas these days even if they can't dance or sing?
In our neck of the woods we have prima donna trash collectors. They have designer lists of what they will or will not pick up. All trash must be in plastic bags that are not set out at the curb before a regulation time. All trash cans must have lids (they frequently don't). Sticks and branches can't be longer than a particular size and must be tied together in bundles. God forbid you should be caught with only one regulation length stick. If you don't have something to tie it to, it will just sit there until h e double hockey sticks freezes over. Or, you could disguise it with a plastic bag.
Appliances will not be picked up. They may not stand outside while you figure out what to do with them. And, if the neighborhood used furniture store doesn't pick them up at the appointed time, you can be subjected to a fine up to a thousand dollars.
Now, when recycling went into effect, the results were mind boggling. We will take plastic, but not glass. Don't put Styrofoam in your bin. But isn't that a plastic? Some will take newspapers, but none of the colored pages. Some will take magazines but others say hold the slicks.
Metal scrapping is so lucrative that police recently arrested a shirtless man trying to steal copper from the top of a school. But woe to us if we put metal in our recycling bin.
We are considered environmental gremlins if we include chemicals, paints or batteries in our sacks. We are expected to pay $15.50 per month for trash pickup and still drive out to the hinterlands to get rid of this trash. And now the EPA wants 19 1/2 % more to save our planet.
There's no doubt that there is much we can do to preserve the landfills of our world. And I don't quarrel with the thought that some of us don't do enough. But haven't we gotten a little carried away?
Are your sure, for instance, that our sins of environmental pollution are what is causing the artic meltdown? If you are, then how do you explain the meltdown of the glaciers? Were there millions to billions of people driving cars, dumping batteries, spewing smoke and leaking runoff then?
It's trash for Pete's sake. Pick it up already, that's what we are paying you to do. And you should sort the stuff yourselves. Your companies are the ones who are going to earn the bucks when you sell it at the other end.
In our neck of the woods we have prima donna trash collectors. They have designer lists of what they will or will not pick up. All trash must be in plastic bags that are not set out at the curb before a regulation time. All trash cans must have lids (they frequently don't). Sticks and branches can't be longer than a particular size and must be tied together in bundles. God forbid you should be caught with only one regulation length stick. If you don't have something to tie it to, it will just sit there until h e double hockey sticks freezes over. Or, you could disguise it with a plastic bag.
Appliances will not be picked up. They may not stand outside while you figure out what to do with them. And, if the neighborhood used furniture store doesn't pick them up at the appointed time, you can be subjected to a fine up to a thousand dollars.
Now, when recycling went into effect, the results were mind boggling. We will take plastic, but not glass. Don't put Styrofoam in your bin. But isn't that a plastic? Some will take newspapers, but none of the colored pages. Some will take magazines but others say hold the slicks.
Metal scrapping is so lucrative that police recently arrested a shirtless man trying to steal copper from the top of a school. But woe to us if we put metal in our recycling bin.
We are considered environmental gremlins if we include chemicals, paints or batteries in our sacks. We are expected to pay $15.50 per month for trash pickup and still drive out to the hinterlands to get rid of this trash. And now the EPA wants 19 1/2 % more to save our planet.
There's no doubt that there is much we can do to preserve the landfills of our world. And I don't quarrel with the thought that some of us don't do enough. But haven't we gotten a little carried away?
Are your sure, for instance, that our sins of environmental pollution are what is causing the artic meltdown? If you are, then how do you explain the meltdown of the glaciers? Were there millions to billions of people driving cars, dumping batteries, spewing smoke and leaking runoff then?
It's trash for Pete's sake. Pick it up already, that's what we are paying you to do. And you should sort the stuff yourselves. Your companies are the ones who are going to earn the bucks when you sell it at the other end.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
How Can I Write About A Good Day?
I once read a piece by Irma Bombeck about someone who had told her that in writing humor she didn't have to work very hard. Bad idea! She proceeded to tell the person about how easy it is to think up something funny in the midst of a day when everything is going wrong -- say, if your kids are home from school sick, the car is in the shop, your mother-in-law is in the hospital. We've all had days when everything is going wrong. Irma Bombeck had to think up funny stuff anyway.
So, why am I thinking of this now? After I'd written two pieces for Issues, neither one of which I liked, I thought of turning to humor. At first that sounded good. Then, I realized I was thinking of humor for Devotes as well, but how can I wring humor from the Bible?
I was back to doing issues for Issues, but aside from the two pieces I'd already abandoned, I didn't have any issues I wanted to address right now. The weather is beautiful, the grass is cut, the baby bird that keeps coming back to the nest is learning to fly a little. I just don't feel like rocking the boat.
Back to the thought of humor. A no go.
Then there is where to go with Devotes again. My gut tells me Jesus wants me to do love -- but I've already done that more than once. God seems to be referring me to prophesy, but that will take a lot of study. So where does that leave me? With Irma Bombeck.
And, of course, I can tell all the Mothers of the world that I hope they had a Happy Mother's Day. May God bless and keep you -- and shower you with love and humor.
So, why am I thinking of this now? After I'd written two pieces for Issues, neither one of which I liked, I thought of turning to humor. At first that sounded good. Then, I realized I was thinking of humor for Devotes as well, but how can I wring humor from the Bible?
I was back to doing issues for Issues, but aside from the two pieces I'd already abandoned, I didn't have any issues I wanted to address right now. The weather is beautiful, the grass is cut, the baby bird that keeps coming back to the nest is learning to fly a little. I just don't feel like rocking the boat.
Back to the thought of humor. A no go.
Then there is where to go with Devotes again. My gut tells me Jesus wants me to do love -- but I've already done that more than once. God seems to be referring me to prophesy, but that will take a lot of study. So where does that leave me? With Irma Bombeck.
And, of course, I can tell all the Mothers of the world that I hope they had a Happy Mother's Day. May God bless and keep you -- and shower you with love and humor.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
No Money Accepted
I have received a few e-mails attempting to give me (or my devotional program) money. Much as most of us could use extra cash in this day and age, my ministry through these blogs is free. I receive no money for the work that I do here.
Neither am I able to help the individuals who write and ask for financial assistance. I am a retiree who writes because that is who and what I am and have been since high school. I live on a shoestring budget.
I hope that my three blogs are of benefit to others. Much as I get discouraged sometimes, I believe that enough people read them to make my efforts worthwhile.
My blogs are as follows:
louhough.BlogSpot.com This is a political blog. Many of my readers might disagree with my positions, yet I pray that they find a new way of interpreting and understanding their own political beliefs. Personally, I tend toward being a liberal Democrat. Yet, surprisingly, I occasionally agree with Republicans, such as in matters concerning the right to bear arms. I strongly believe that we should improve our public schools and see that they are controlled at the national level. That way we can be more sure that all students are presented similar materials and have equal opportunities to learn. I believe that we should continue to support education at the highest level we can afford. These children are the future for ourselves as well as later generations.
lousissues.BlogSpot.com This is a place where I vent my hurts, angers, observations and knowledge to anyone who feels they can learn and benefit from the work. If I offend others with my interpretations of their behaviors, I consider it poetic justice for them offending us. As President Truman once said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." If you don't want others criticizing you, don't make waves in their lives. It is time we demand that others treat us with the same dignity and respect that they expect and demand of us.
lousdevotes.BlogSpot.com These devotionals are often based on life events. They are meant to give others my spin on the world as interpreted by Bible passages and/or things I have learned from living seventy-five years.
I believe that each of us can learn from each other. I believe strongly in God. I've had experiences that some would consider ridiculous, yet I know they are real because I have lived them. I have survived much.
Many of my beliefs are based on the Golden Rule and on my strong feeling that neither government nor religious preferences should ever interfere with individual rights. Government and organized religions are meant to help masses of people be better organized and more considerate of each other. They are supposed to help us survive, not interfere with our quality of life. I seldom hear a liberal or conservative in either group who does not use his position to bully others into his/her own way of thinking.
I hope each individual who reads my work finds help, entertainment or becomes introduced to new perspectives. My point of view is presented from the Main Street perspective. That is how I started my political blog.
Neither am I able to help the individuals who write and ask for financial assistance. I am a retiree who writes because that is who and what I am and have been since high school. I live on a shoestring budget.
I hope that my three blogs are of benefit to others. Much as I get discouraged sometimes, I believe that enough people read them to make my efforts worthwhile.
My blogs are as follows:
louhough.BlogSpot.com This is a political blog. Many of my readers might disagree with my positions, yet I pray that they find a new way of interpreting and understanding their own political beliefs. Personally, I tend toward being a liberal Democrat. Yet, surprisingly, I occasionally agree with Republicans, such as in matters concerning the right to bear arms. I strongly believe that we should improve our public schools and see that they are controlled at the national level. That way we can be more sure that all students are presented similar materials and have equal opportunities to learn. I believe that we should continue to support education at the highest level we can afford. These children are the future for ourselves as well as later generations.
lousissues.BlogSpot.com This is a place where I vent my hurts, angers, observations and knowledge to anyone who feels they can learn and benefit from the work. If I offend others with my interpretations of their behaviors, I consider it poetic justice for them offending us. As President Truman once said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." If you don't want others criticizing you, don't make waves in their lives. It is time we demand that others treat us with the same dignity and respect that they expect and demand of us.
lousdevotes.BlogSpot.com These devotionals are often based on life events. They are meant to give others my spin on the world as interpreted by Bible passages and/or things I have learned from living seventy-five years.
I believe that each of us can learn from each other. I believe strongly in God. I've had experiences that some would consider ridiculous, yet I know they are real because I have lived them. I have survived much.
Many of my beliefs are based on the Golden Rule and on my strong feeling that neither government nor religious preferences should ever interfere with individual rights. Government and organized religions are meant to help masses of people be better organized and more considerate of each other. They are supposed to help us survive, not interfere with our quality of life. I seldom hear a liberal or conservative in either group who does not use his position to bully others into his/her own way of thinking.
I hope each individual who reads my work finds help, entertainment or becomes introduced to new perspectives. My point of view is presented from the Main Street perspective. That is how I started my political blog.
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