Always a Jackass!!

I am a lifelong Democrat. It always was, with both my parent’s families staunch Democrats, especially since the Kennedy name became so widely known in the early 60’s when I was a wee lad. So much was made of John F. in my house as a child, I remember plates with both Kennedy brothers being proudly displayed in my Irish (mother’s) mother’s home, those good Irish-Catholic boys, destined for sainthood in that home, once they were martyred. And in my Grandparents home, those two died for all our sins, so aligned were they with the Lord Jesus and all that was good, Irish, and American. Their murders were daggers into the hearts of Irish, and Catholics, especially JFK’s. I recall the nuns crying that November 22nd when it was announced to the world, I remember seeing nuns crying, sobbing, a sight simply incredible as I never knew they could cry, or do much more than teach and discipline us. I was 7 years old, and just about that weekend to find out that I was very allergic to poison ivy, especially when rubbed all over my body as I’d done on a dare. I could barely see through my swollen eyelids as Oswald died from a gunman on live TV, me at home from church because of the poison ivy idiocy. That was the beginning of TV ruling our lives, as we watched the funeral events together, one mourning nation, one grieving mass all seeing that salute from little John-John and sobbing as one at the incredible loss.
I grew to work for RFK, and then HHH, and then I just voted for the Democrats, whoever they were, until I voted for Ralph Nader in 2000, feeling neither other candidates cared about me, both parties sold to highest bidders, but still I am a Democrat to the core. I think that so called “Liberals” are more compassionate towards the poor and disenfranchised. Sure, hard work and diligent effort is required to succeed, as it always was, but a prosperous people must care for the less fortunate, even if some cheat the system, even if some fall into the cracks. We must care for our fellow people, and this earth that we inhabit, and I have found that Democrats at their core, despite their own recent greed and selfishness in selling themselves to corruptive forces, are committed to helping the poor and raising the most people up. So I am with them. A Democrat. And still proud of it!

Doing lists...

The man who wrote the book “100 things to do before you Die” died Aug. 17 from head injuries caused by a fall in his home, a young man of 47 years who had the wisdom and the presence to understand that this moment is all there is, so live it fully and with purpose. "He didn't have enough days, but he lived them like he should have," a friend said. He was able to see or travel to about half of the places on his list, his friends and family said. The photo of him showed a happy smiling man eager to embrace life.
At age 52 I have to say that I’ve done a lot of my list, at least the one with personal goals met or situations encountered. Like I’ve been on TV, or hosted a radio show. But I’ve also fathered and helped raise 3 now adult children, all college graduates and thriving in health and life. That is something to have on a list of things to do in life, so I add that to climbing to the torch of Miss Liberty.
There is a certain reflective propensity that comes with aging, not that I’ve ever been accused of being shallow. But as the years have turned to 50’s in particular, and my hair is more gray than brunette, the changes become more apparent, and events that were so real just yesterday are suddenly 40 years ago like the summer of 1968 when RFK and MLK were killed. Just yesterday, but over 40 years ago. Wow. See? Reflective moment, as the 40 years perspective and wisdom and experiences subsequent to that long ago summer kick in and I am flooded with thoughts, feelings, but eventually acceptance. Because that’s what I’ve taken to most after all these years breathing, that accepting life is going to flow with me or without me, and I am blessed to add my color, my tone to this never ending weave, given today, right now, only that real.
Given that view, I guess I’ve done a million things on my list, and will do one more now by saving this and posting it. Write a blog. Done.