And In This Corner

An Example of True Brotherhood-Gavin and Gage.

David and I watched a show about a small town in Alaska who sponsored boxing matches to help people resolve their differences. I am sure that there was more than a little fund-raising going on too.

When we were growing up, our family possessed two pair of boxing gloves. It didn't happen very often, but if Bev and I fought; Dad would make us come out with the gloves.

My brothers, "The Boys" and several cousins spent a great deal of time out on the lawn during the summers re-enacting all of the famous fights of the Ali and Frazier Era. There were a couple "dancing" matches while one brother would "Dance Like A Butterfly and Sting Like A Bee". A couple knock-outs and more than our share of bloody noses transpired in the cool of the summer evenings.

Just imagine resolving the gridlock on Capitol Hill by having setting up a few boxing matches.

And First in the Ring: Harry, "The Stick" Reid and John, "The Voice" Boehner. The loser of the match is required to Pass A Budget.

2nd in the Ring: Nancy, "Bot-Babe", Pelosi and Barbara, "The Helmet" Boxer. The loser of this match has to reinvent the wheel with a $10.00 Budget. Just so they will learn that practicing thrift is a virtue.

And 3rd in the ring: Jokin Joe, "The Grinner" Biden and John, "Old Man" McCain. The loser of this match will have to retire immediately, no questions asked.

Each time, there is some type of conflict or lack of compromise between our elected officials, the boxing gloves will come out. The terms of the match will always be something that benefits the Real People of America in the way of valid spending cuts!

Something might actually get accomplished if they just had a good old-fashioned slug-fest. I am sure that Sylvester Stallone would volunteer to coach a few senators or representatives.

At the very least, we would get everyone out of their perspective corners to share some real sweat and tears.

Life has become one eternal round of punching and jabbing with words. Everyone has something to say but no one has gotten past the first round of fighting.

Americans should expect to have their elected officials in their corner regardless of party dictates, re-election schedules or political correctness.

What stands between us is not physical. Instead, I would suggest that Pride, Greed, Selfishness and a Stiff Neck has kept us from looking out for each other. Compromise has come to mean, "Let me blackmail or Bully you into seeing things my way."

Misplaced Outrage has been put on the evening news instead of Common Sense and Reason. As human beings, we cannot make everyone feel good about themselves or their lifestyle choices by legislation, movies of the week or talk shows.

Our country has welcomed the weary, the poor and the oppressed for over 200 years. Each of them faced great challenges. Some of them got caught in the crossfire of someone else's greed or prejudice. That doesn't speak for the multitudes who helped each other achieve greatness, prosperity or shelter.

It used to be that if a person said that they were sorry and meant it, life could go on. Apologies need to be heartfelt and with true remorse. No One will ask you too, but go the next step and reconcile with your neighbor or let go of your grudge.

I dedicate the better part of these thoughts to the brave and courageous individuals who gave their lives so that we could be free. Your commitment to our nation's security will always be appreciated.