Introduction

We can’t get a job, can’t launch an idea, can’t get out of debt, can’t buy a car or rent an apartment without some form of being “taken to the cleaners”. In fact, I can’t even publish my “book”.

We desperately need to realign our “land of opportunity”.

We need to have an avenue through which we can work on our ideas with enthusiasm. If we’re writing a book, we need to have the confidence that we can get it into the market. If we’re trying to introduce an idea, as entrepreneurs we have to be able to have the hope that it will make it to fruition after we have done our part in its invention. If we’re trying to buy a home, we have to have the trust that we will be met with a trustworthy realtor. If we must have insurance, it would be nice to at least know that our insurance will insure. If we must get employed as convicts, we must know whether convicts are being hired. If we wish to move forward and advance in this country, we must realign the steps so that we can!

We DON’T need someone to give us a job. We DON’T need someone to give us groceries. We DON’T need someone to give us a home. We DON’T need someone to pay our tuition. We DON’T need someone to give us a car. We DON’T need someone to pay our bills. We DON’T need a loan that we won’t need to pay back. We DON’T need a grant. We DON’T need someone’s pity!

We DO need to be motivated. We DO need to be courageous. We DO need confidence. We DO need to realign America so that our country can again be “the land of opportunity”.

My writing alone is my 2012 Presidential Campaign.  I only want your vote if upon reading this blog:

• Your clarity on "the issues" is drastically improved
• I did not waste your time
• You are convinced that I'm qualified
• You will help revive this country while we grow to genuinely live up to our name—UNITED States of America!

This is my answer to "Campaign Reform".  Each entry has to therefore completely convey the problem and solution with substance.  The issues are very easily understood at the basic level, although some require a bit more depth than others.

Campaign Reform is very possible here, but effort is required from all of us.  I have dedicated many years without an income to contribute my very best effort, and am now asking for you to contribute only a few hours.  Aware that this is less than entertaining, I'm compelled to plead for your perseverance to read through this material.  Contingent on your required effort, you will likely share in my hope for the preservation of our American homeland.   

The amazing opportunity that Blogger has provided will allow for this campaign to cost $0.00.  Since you will not have to finance my campaign, you might consider reading further than the point upon which you are no longer entertained; and in retrospect, you might not find it quite so "taxing" on your time or money, for this is my campaign. 

The measure by which you prove to care about my help will determine the degree to which I can!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IT TAKES A TEAM
The Obstacle Course
Time-out America! Huddle!

THE AMERICAN EAGLE SPEAKS
Politics
Presidential Campaigns
Realigning America

THE ECONOMY
The Strong and the Brave!
The American Dream
Spending Habits
The Economy-Issue
The CEO

THE ENVIRONMENT
Waste or Recycle

LIFE
Healthcare
The Little People
The Trees

HOMELAND SECURITY
Commander In Chief
National Security
Terrorism
Humanity
Poverty

THE QUEST FOR LEADERSHIP
Campaign Reform
The State of the Union

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Is there a God?
The little peasant family
What’s really going on?
Floating among the Vultures without a Prayer

About me

The Obstacle Course

I'm an imperfect person who strives to improve.  Any respect I wish to attain from you derives from braving the truth in absolute honesty.  I invite you to come along as I walk you through my life.  Far more than a background check, The Obstacle Course reveals "the good, the bad, and the ugly".  (Click on "About me" to read more.) 

Time Out America! Huddle!

This chapter starts off by addressing the current (2004) President of the United States in his efforts to respond to the 9/11 tragedy, stopping the aggressor and transitioning toward a resolution. Then with a domestic scenario, this chapter explains the obstacles that prevent resolution in a similar dilemma. This chapter then moves into obvious resolution while using common analogies and by expounding on the characteristics that remain only dormant qualities that must be used in domestic and international dialogue if sensible resolution is the goal. Midway through the chapter, a note to the citizens attempts to encourage a sensible assessment of those who step-up as candidates for Office. (Click on title to read more.)

Politics

Entertainment has monopolized our attention. Without noticing, we have lost interest in the united effort that founded, formed, and fought for the noble principles from which admirable strength is possible for any society. Regardless of its size, this country’s noble foundation is strong enough to be admired by all people from every nation on Earth.

The foundation is so strong that it can take a beating and it won’t crumble. It can only take so much before it takes to crack. Since “everything goes” in this country, we have even managed to change the foundation. We can deceive ourselves by arguing that we are strengthening the foundation; or, we can simply tune-in as to whether our neighbors admire our Constitution or recognize that we don’t. We can easily see whether our example has led them to rewrite their constitution because of the obvious improvement in our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness; or, we can watch as they simply visit this neutral wasteland and help themselves to a taste of our “free for all”. We can demand that others write a constitution for freedom as we preach, speech, and war; or, we can “preach by example” in the pledged allegiance by which we soar.  The real culprit is the fact that we are no longer interested in our Constitution’s strength and simply take it for granted. We are so uninterested that we would rather merely listen to entertainment among patriotic candidates than to require that the foundation be preserved, protected, and defended by the candidates we elect.

Without even noticing what’s happening to our foundation, we applaud any opinion regardless how insulting or delusional by any given theory that comes down the pike. We no longer wish to pledge allegiance to the flag. Instead, in the name of rights, we respect any “citizen’s” wish to pledge allegiance to any flag. New philosophies are welcome and can even trump the principles that formed the very foundation that allows us to jeopardize our freedom. Ambiguity clouds our discernment while division ever so slowly replaces our unity. Ironically, the powerful efforts in the name of patriotism have become the consequence of division, fear, and self-service rather than unity, freedom, and public service.

If we’re interested in our country, we have a chance to reunite and again become one nation under God; but we must be willing to understand where we are before we can hope to know how to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. (Click on title to read more.)

Presidential Campaigns

Have Presidential Campaigns become predictable?

The same issues resurface, and the same old tired arguments take place repeatedly campaign after campaign. The only difference in each passing Election Year is merely the American faces we will watch insulting one another. Obviously, candidates will find it impossible to implement their platforms once elected because of the obstacles and potential that will have neither been addressed nor determined.  (Click on title to read more.) 

Realigning America

Strong leadership is a critical element with respect to preserving, protecting, and defending the Constitution of the United States of America. This commensurate responsibility has requirements. The most critical of which is through commonsense to understand the human being, understand relationships, and understand that the measure of allegiance for such a fine Constitution is the very example we display with each new day.

The most beautiful opportunity on Earth is here in America—the melting pot—whereupon the nobility of every person can be genuinely respected. Such respect extends to humans abroad whose resemblance is represented through the race, gender, age, and creed of citizens here. This land of opportunity is the very best place from which conviction invites unity. A team effort supports the bond that facilitates the pursuit of happiness as far as our example can reach to convey the precise measure of our belief that “everyone is created equal”.

Leadership is obvious when the weak, poor, and unhealthy are improving because the leader believes-in and encourages the citizens to responsibility, dependability, and accountability within a brilliant Constitution that promotes discipline, unity, wisdom, and compassion. Citizens herein can become strong only if our Constitution is honored; and citizens herein will become weak if our Constitution is not honored.  (Click on title to read more.)

The Strong and the Brave!

Who is responsible for the economy?

• Rich People
• Poor People
• Politicians
• CEOs
• People from the City
• People from the Country
• They
• We

I’m sure we agree. Whether you and I are rich, poor, from the city, from the country, a CEO, or a politician, we are collectively responsible for the economy! (click on title to read more)

The American Dream

Addressing The American Dream is only possible if the distinction of two polar opposites is clear—dreams and nightmares. A dream is linked to a good pursuit; a nightmare is linked to a bad pursuit. During nightmares, people are disrespected and get “stepped-on”, whereas dreams are considerate and serene, hence The American Dream.

Reaching to realize a dream is a challenging pursuit of happiness, because it’s much easier to rot than to get rid of the unethical aspects “rotting” one’s dream.  One who gets rid of the “rotten apples” from his mind, heart, and soul experiences the truest meaning of freedom in the pursuit of happiness!  American citizens who have the courage and perseverance to get rid of the “rotten apples” are those who most accurately model The American Dream!

This chapter addresses certain critical tools that will serve to help those of you who are interested in a little assistance in pursuing dreams. Such tools are the mind and the heart. Of course as you read about the mind, you’ll find an interjection regarding very simply the importance of an informed conscience—obvious in every wise and compassionate dream! If you wish to perpetuate a nightmare, this chapter will only give you something to argue about. If you wish to pursue a dream, it just might open some doors.  (Click on title to read more.)

Spending Habits

Our spending habits with credit cards are comparable to the spending habits of our government. In general, American spending habits on an individual level compares to our government’s spending habits on a collective level. Obviously, our personal habits can lead to bankruptcy but are far more detrimental a consequence at the government level.

Smart investments can derive from such a resource, but frivolous spending can cause a catastrophic demise. Should an American citizen overspend and damage his credit, he ruins only his privilege; should America’s Treasury overspend and damage its credit, all citizens are affected.

This chapter will make a comparison on the spending habits of the government with the spending habits of the individual citizen. (Click on title to read more.)

The Economy Issue

What do you plan on doing about the economy?

A typical question in presidential campaigns, is it not? With such high expectation and tough scrutiny from the public, it’s no wonder the responses are ever so clever, since our questions invite deceit.

You see—such a question implies that all the responsibility belongs to the President. Therefore, the candidate compliantly must answer the question in such a way that assures us that he is capable of solving the given issue single-handedly if elected. Conviction is then conveyed to us by impressive professional appearance, flawless vocabulary, and intelligent speeches. This obviously requires clever tactics—very clever!

The three most common approaches are these:

1. Evade the question:  Talk economics; use impressive jargon and numbers.
2. Deflect the question:  Negatively highlight the economy; blame others.
3. Console the citizens:  Promise to create jobs—government jobs—and promise to lower taxes.

The only cooperation for which candidates ask of us citizens is that of our vote. This indirectly portrays self-assurance, which naturally attracts our confidence. Perhaps upon being elected, power might seem to verify conviction; and, with good intention, the optimistic President may very honestly believe that solving the issues is a possible task for his repertoire of skills. When or if understanding improves, the President will be humble enough to admit the truth to us and kindly apologize to the former President and the opponent-candidate(s); or, the intelligent speeches will be delivered thereafter with a heightened degree of cleverness.

As time elapses however, we don’t understand why the issues remain unsolved by the candidate we elected. Rather than surrendering to the fact that our vote was basically naïve, we tend to stand by our vote, hoping our candidate in the Oval Office (who gradually conforms into the mere role as our spokesperson) can defend our vote.

Most of us contribute to this by highlighting the positive in our candidate and blaming the other party. The angry insults get increasingly stronger; and ultimately, since our vote seems to have been a pointless contribution to the ongoing stalemate, we defend our stagnating opinions by a growing hatred for the other party.

Drained by the maze of confusion, we have a tendency to mentally become lazy with the issues at the end of the Election Year as the crowning of the winner takes place at the pinnacle of “success”. We become accustomed to being told what we want to hear because it usually requires nothing of us.

However misguided, insulted, and misled we have allowed ourselves to become, the object of the intellect is truth to which every mind is attracted. But, since we seldom hear much truth, our natural tendency takes over—and that is to disrespect those who tell us anything but the truth. Only candidates who dare tell us the truth can hope to get their fair share of respect.

But come on, it’s basically our fault that we’re deceived. It’s dreadfully obvious that we’re lurking around like vultures waiting to pounce on a candidate who conceals any vulnerability whatsoever. Aware that we’re looking for any opportunity to scrutinize and demoralize, the most unlikely three words from a presidential candidate are “I don’t know”!

Is there any hope? Yes.  But, the biggest challenge is to get the objective attention of the citizens in this country who are likely exhausted by now with all the confusion typical of presidential campaigns.

In the attempt to truthfully answer the question—what do you plan on doing about the economy?—one would have to grammatically rephrase the question in the first-person and proceed with logic to the answer…

What do I plan on doing about the economy? (Click title to read more.)

The Environment

Waste or recycle?

To waste no words, ink, paper, or time, this issue can be completely addressed in less than five seconds, so let’s get right to the point.

Greed is the problem; waste is the consequence; you already guessed the solution.

Healthcare

Health anyone?

How about drugs? How about we talk about drugs? Have you heard about “the war on drugs”? Come on guys—when you want to win a war, you don’t want the one in charge to be a “private”! You want a “general” in charge—someone who has some experience…not some “suit” who fancies himself an expert and doesn’t know the first thing about the subject. You want someone who has “been there, done that”. 

Now then having said that, I’ve got some experience; I didn’t just “experiment with it a little when I was in college”; I actually did some a couple weeks ago, as a matter of fact. I happen to like the stuff—pot to be specific.  (Click on title to read more.)

The Little People

One of the most difficult obstacles I have ever had to accept is my inability to have children. I love kids so much. I have a special place in my heart for those who seem left out—wearing old clothes that are too big or too small with holes and missing pockets and broken zippers—because they remind me of my childhood.

I like to give presents to my nieces and nephews; but I have felt a bit of pain and emptiness during Christmas because I cannot experience the joy of giving quite as much as those of you who have children of your own.

I have always found it difficult to understand how someone could choose to terminate a pregnancy. I do understand, however, that predicaments such as rape, incest, expense, or youth are tough obstacles for pregnant women; but there are so many good options out there that can make it lots easier for the mommy, and the daddy. Granted, although I have made many tough decisions, I have not encountered the difficulties some women have faced with unexpected pregnancies during such challenges. (Click on title to read more.)

Commander In Chief

On that horrible day of September eleven, the shocking pain confused me. Though just an ordinary citizen, I immediately placed myself in the President’s shoes as I often try to relate while thinking "what would I do?" (Click on title to read more.)

National Security

In order to get to the bottom of this issue, we have to ask ourselves:  What’s really going on? Why do we have a security problem? Are the “security guards” not doing their job? Or, do we put too much on their plate and miss the greatest opportunity?

What opportunity?

Well, what’s the reason for all the fear between countries? Do we just want answers or do we want the truth? If we’re brave enough and if we can still recognize that freedom and fear are polar opposites, the truth can reveal that we hold the solution for National Security!

Freedom is the home for nothing but the truth! Can we handle the truth? Or, are we too proud? Although pride is obviously delicate, I refuse to believe that we’re too frail for the truth, because I know this is the home of the free and the brave! If we are brave enough, courage can help us “swallow our pride” and we can address the real issue!

We have only two options: we can build our case and defend our freedom with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; or, we can continue to miss the opportunity and shirk responsibility by insisting that it’s the republicans’ fault, it’s the democrats’ fault, it’s the President’s fault, it’s al Qaeda’s fault, or it’s a conspiracy.

That’s right! Any theory so long as it sounds intelligently plausible can make sense to the gullible and to the coward in each and every one of us. Every human being has strengths and weaknesses. To believe someone is “gonna get you” is a common tendency in each human being at one point or another—especially when overmedicated or on “meth”! Even if threats are made, one has only two options: surrender to such weakness or show some responsible backbone!

If we want to really get a handle on this issue, we have to bring it closer to home and discuss it at the grassroots. If we want to understand big subjects like National Security, we cannot only focus on what they are doing and what they must do as though you and I have nothing to do with it. Rather, we have to be honest about ourselves to the extent of how we go about establishing our relationships right down to “the love-connection”—the key to this issue!

Oh yes, it’s going to take some real courage! Honesty is not always easy. Are you sure you want to keep reading? Can you handle the truth? If it’s any consolation, they say “the truth will set you free”! Come on my courageous American brothers and sisters, who’s brave? Who wants to go first?  (Click on title to read more.)

Terrorism

As we look back into history regarding the behavior of man, human beings would beat-up one another to defend their selves and loved ones. This determined a mentality known as survival of the fittest. Human beings used their fists, rocks, knives, bow-n-arrows and eventually pistols back in the days of the “Cowboys and Indians”. We look back at those times as we recall how savage the human race was back then. Well, we now use guns and bombs. Are we replacing the word savage with sophistication? Are we not becoming in fact more savage as we dismiss respect for human life?

It is irresponsible to merely say "peace"; we must proactively advance in peace. We can only do so by truly wanting to learn about one another without prejudice regarding nationality, race, creed, ethnicity, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Do we want to love one another or do we want to hate one another? Are we more concerned with correcting others, or are we truly focused on correcting ourselves? Regardless of where we live or what country we are from, whatever our collective resolve regarding that question will determine what our grandchildren will inherit. Do we care about our grandchildren? That is the question!!!  (Click on title to read more.)

Humanity

Are we fearfully expecting that terrorist aggressors will antagonize us because we fail to initiate and establish worthy relationships? Among all the religions, philosophies, wars, books, time, geography, and history, surely we have learned at least a little about humanity! Is the strongest country in the world shirking responsibility and joining the “holy wars” we tend to snob in the name of humanity?

US presidents have the responsibility to defend the Constitution of the United States of America! Most presidents have done that…as a matter of fact, I honestly believe that all presidents have done that—“to the best of their ability”—but their “inbox” has been clearly full of backlog from many decades. Obviously, it’s a natural tendency, therefore, to blame the sitting president when things go wrong and when an immediate remedy isn’t effective or backfires.

Yes, we must always defend! However, let’s proactively elevate the level of our responsible example! Before the attacks and after the smoke settles, we have an opportunity to establish genuine, meaningful, and prosperous relationships. Failing to do so will perpetuate the “blame-game” against the sitting President throughout America’s existence.  (Click on title to read more.)

Poverty

In neighboring countries, many people are suffering from abject poverty; they have absolutely no food. It’s a bit violent to passively allow our neighbors to die of hunger and disease when we are so strong and rich. Surely, we can nurture them back to health and inspire them to dream so that some day they may fulfill their own dreams.

Remember back in the 80’s when that beautiful song “We are the world” was popular? It was written and performed by many talented musicians. That song served to raise lots of money to feed many in need. It was an awesome effort; they paved the way for us.

Now, it’s up to us to take the next step. Let’s demonstrate to the world that we can love by giving and can think by encouraging the poor. Let’s “stand together as one” by caring.

The only alibi for dependence is substandard health due to the lack of food in real poverty. People in countries such as Uganda and Ethiopia are in desperate need of help. In the midst of such desperation, wise compassionate leadership can implement and manage an effective resolution.

Nurturing such neighbors is responsible; but the failure to follow through with proper guidance toward healthy independence is irresponsible and merely perpetuates the disease.  (Click on title to read more.)

Campaign Reform

Every four years the “United” States of America engages in a verbal war. The mission is always the same—attack the President! The “M O” (modus operandi) is to make him out to be a fool. To “fight for position”, the candidate’s finest chance is a sitting President who is already considered a fool. To reach the Oval Office—the pinnacle of American success—the current-day candidate must prove to know how to fight, divide, and conquer with the demeanor of serenity and the charisma of diplomacy.

Initially, the arguing candidates are among those who are registered with the opposite side of the President’s party. With polished diplomacy, the best-case scenario is to deem the President a failure, because an admirable President is obviously a candidate’s worst nightmare. As for the candidates who are registered with the same party as the President, well, whether to endorse him as a real hero or tactically betray him as a real loser depends on the general consensus regarding how charismatic, popular, or cool. When that’s settled, the arguing candidates from each party will lock and load the mind with slanderous anger, diplomatically scan the sector, and ambiguously fire at will!

The weapons for this verbal war are “the issues”—the same issues—Election Year after Election Year. Given the obvious persistence, one can’t deny the morale with which the candidates fight, because each candidate has a “new and improved” idea for healthcare, taxes, security, education, economics, the environment, et cetera. Using the issues as missiles, the party’s audience determines which of its candidates can best insult the sitting President. This establishes staying-power for the General Election and thereby qualifies the decision on one who can tirelessly serve as the better President. As the General Election draws near, the President’s only chance for a second term is to prove himself a successful “patriot missile”!

The young voter is naïvely convinced that “the issues” are becoming clearer as popularity grows for any aspiring candidate coming down the pike with a good idea. But as the voter grows in age, the only thing that’s clear is the obvious confusion. The young naïve voter who has grown in age has hopefully grown also in understanding, as she tries to convey her thoughts to you in this book.  (Click on title to read more.)

The State Of The Union

How strong is the State of the Union?

It all depends on how strong the collective determination is to improve the state of our team. If you’re as willing as I am, the State of the Union will certainly be strong!

The President alone does not determine the State of the Union. Rather, the collective citizens are equally responsible for the state we’re in at any given time. Obviously, therefore, if I become President, the State of the Union cannot be determined merely by how eloquently written, how well rehearsed, and how confidently I deliver the State of the Union Address.

You see, it’s not about how well I do as President; it’s about how well we as a collective nation do as a united team. I don’t want to be the “owner” of America; I’d rather like to play the position of “quarterback” in a team effort much like that which was displayed by the 2003 and 2004 NFL Superbowl champions—the Patriots! (What an appropriate name for such a team that can clearly imply the obvious for a country whose citizens can soar with some of that kind of teamwork!)

I don’t want to be on the sidelines telling you what to do, nor do I want to be a star doing all the work. Rather, I want to contribute my all as a member within a star team.

Side note:  It’s important to know, however, that American citizens cannot make up the rules as we go and simultaneously maintain adherence to the Constitution. Would it not be just as foolish for a football team to make up the rules while competing in an official game? The coach’s wisdom is not determined by the whims of the players. Rather, the coach’s adherence to the rulebook conveys to the smart athlete that the rules are the guidelines—not unlike the citizens’ adherence to our country’s Constitution. (Click on title to read more.)

Is there a God?

Not a mere genius, movie-star, rock-star, or such things that we can erect as idols like money, sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll, not a mere such idol nor even a prophet, but a master mind, an epitomizing heart, an infinite soul, master of all physics and beyond, not something created but a creator. 

Is there a God?  If there is such a being...

• Does it, she, or he think and care?
• Is it possible to connect with the creator by reason and intelligence—science?
• Or can we understand intelligence only if the connection is by faith?

If we were created, were we designed to gain any knowledge of our creator? And, if the connection is possible by faith, we must have been created with the capacity for faith. If we are too stubborn to connect with faith and if the creator still cares, we must have been created with the capacity for understanding. We might be able to discern whether the creator cares, if we can believe through faith or at least understand something about him, her, or it.

Is there a creator? That is the question! What is the answer?  (Click on title to read more.)

The Little Peasant Family

Well, we know God is brilliant and powerful, but is that all we know about God? If that were the case, we would be so terrified by such a being that we would fearfully question his motives, his plan, and his disposition. We would wonder what he thinks about the living creatures here on this planet and whether he cares about us and, if so, why and how much?

Well, before getting into that, I’d like to share with you some hopeful stories on a human level through amazing human beings who have given me some real hope toward the significance of mankind in God’s plan.

You have likely had the pleasure of knowing some amazing human beings at the caliber of genius, wisdom, and superhuman ability. You may have been awestruck by at least a few human beings whose courage seems to elevate our understanding of the laws of nature…perhaps a selfless man (like Nikolai Tesla) whose keen understanding of electricity extends to the brightness of a star; an iron will driven-up through the most arduous of sports by a conditioned cyclist whose seven victories were accomplished after surviving cancer; an eighty-year-old dad who would pole-vault to cross a river while irrigating just to put bread on the table; or perhaps a typical mom who would sooner fight an alligator than to let him continue chomping on her son.

I’m quite sure you have met some amazing human beings; there are lots of them! Usually, one doesn’t have to look much further than the sacrifices made by dear ole mom and dad. Being a typical stubborn kid, I didn’t place too much merit on my mom and dad’s advice because they could have been rich, but they chose to live such a humble life instead. They ate cheap food and their idea of a good time was going to church, and their friends were all poor. There was this one such family in particular, who could do no wrong…  (Click on title to read more.)

What's really going on?

It has taken me more than a quarter of a century to figure this one out. Now that I have, I want to tell everyone who doesn’t already know. Brace yourself! You may be in for a surprise!

If I were to write a doctoral thesis against the Catholic Church, I would start by…first, I would decide whether to write it as a personal experience of mine or as someone else’s hypothetical experience, say of Susie or of Jake. I would then decide on a thesis statement such as: People have left the Catholic Church because… Then, I would decide on a plan of steps and schedules for experiencing, learning, and writing.

If I were to write a doctoral dissertation against the Catholic Church, it would go something like this... (Click on title to read more.)

Floating among the Vultures w/o a Prayer

I can only expect for you to respect me if I respect you. Proof of my respect can only derive from telling you the truth. If I misrepresent myself with a pretentious façade, I will warrant your disrespect. Only by telling you the truth can I hope for your respect. I’m nothing special, as you will soon find out if you haven’t already. The only thing special about me is that I love you enough to tell you the truth. I’m further convinced of this by having read this chapter repeatedly because I know within my heart that you are getting the worst of me, which is the very best I can offer—the truth.

I will have been dishonest if I were elected to lead this country unless I tell you “the good, the bad, and the ugly”. Therefore, it’s important that I tell you of my beliefs from which I have betrayed God along my gradual drift from innocence. This will be the most difficult thing I will ever do, but upon doing so, I will have done everything I can to extend to you my heart regardless how strong or weak, accepted or rejected. I can only expect you to know just how far I’ve strayed by telling you where my conscience finds its home, and how God’s amazing grace has saved a wretch like me!

Within this chapter, I intend to randomly tell how the strength of the Sacraments have become obvious to me as I retrospectively recognize just how lost I had been. The more lost I was, the weaker I’d become. Oh but I had an alibi; “I’m only human!” was the weak fuel by which my freewill aimlessly drove my disobedience further and further from my conscience along my clueless pursuit of happiness. (Click on title to read more.)