I have recently received several e-mails concerning new attempts by individuals in this government to control guns in America. There is also an effort by European liberals to get us to sign on to a treaty which is supposed to control the movement of arms between countries thereby arming some very dangerous people. Most conservative groups including the National Rifle Association oppose this treaty. The reason for this opposition is simple. The United States doesn't need or want any European liberal think tank or group looking over our laws or our rights. We will make our own laws based on our Constitution. Let Europe deal with their own laws and their own problems. We have bailed them out at least twice in the last century and now it is time they took care of themselves. If they have a problem with arms passing between countries in Europe, let them deal with it themselves. It is not our problem. Gun rights groups rightly believe that these are just more attempts by liberals both foreign and domestic to disarm America making us far more vulnerable to attacks on our sovereignty from the outside as well as from within our country.
My purpose in this essay is to try to ease some people's minds regarding the Second Amendment. I, like millions of other free citizens of this great country, am armed. I not only see being a gun owner as my right as an American, I see it as an obligation. I am armed in order to protect my family and my property. I am armed in order to render assistance should I be called upon for that assistance. As a free American citizen I am also a tiny part of that militia which would and could be called on at any time to defend this country. We, as a nation, were born out of revolution and we live free because we will have it no other way. With all respect, Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton are just politicians currently on the scene. Politicians appear and they disappear. They work for the citizens of this country for a period of time because we hire them. When their term is up, we will hire someone else. That has been the story since our beginning and will continue to be.
Let us say for example, that these two or any other politicians decided to try and disarm America through new laws or international treaties, etc. Do you really think for a moment that they could? Do you think that the millions of gun owners in America would just turn over their arms because some politician said they should? To coin a phrase, that ain't going to happen. There are probably more guns in America than there are people. For the most part the owners of those guns think like I do. From my cold dead hands is not just a slogan. It is reality. There is a very good reason why countries don't try to invade us. They know there is a gun behind every blade of grass aimed right at them. To be sure there is yet another reason to be armed. We also protect ourselves from our own government in the event that government was to get out of hand. We are obligated by our own Constitution to offer that protection. I take my obligation seriously and you should too.
Every time a Democrat gets elected President, gun sales skyrocket. That is great but at the same time it is a little silly. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans are ever going to disarm America. We have much more to fear from them spending us into oblivion. Both parties.
Politicians both here and abroad need to face a simple reality. American citizens are armed and will continue to be. We will never turn over our guns regardless of which politician says we should. We are not only armed but we are willing at any time to defend our rights and our homeland. Deal with it. Heck, we will even protect the liberals.
Ron Scarbro March 27, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
THE CENSUS...SENSELESS OR SENSIBLE?
(The following was published in the Newsleader on April 8, 2010)
Is the census senseless or sensible? Is there a consensus? Speaking of that, is the opposite of consensus procensus??? But I digress. In the late 1700s our founders felt the need to include in our Constitution the requirement that every ten years we count ourselves. That seems to be a very reasonable requirement. At that time we didn't have the technology that exists today. It was important that we knew exactly how many of us there were and to keep a running tally as we grew. Of course, as with all things government, the devil is in the details.
Our Government today is not content with just knowing how many of us are here, no they want a lot more information. For example what is our national origin? What is our race? How much money do we make? Are we married or are we living in sin? Many more details are being required as we mature and grow from our humble beginnings. It is for you to decide how much information you are willing to give to the government.
Ostensibly they tell us that this is the way they decide how to divvy up the money that we send them each year. It is also how they decide how many Congressional Districts each state has which of course decides how many Representatives each state will have in the Congress. So far so good. Now, however, this is where it starts to get a little sticky.
According to today's interpretation of the Constitutional requirement of a census, everyone who lives in the United States must be counted. That includes prisoners in our jails. That includes homeless people who live on the streets or in homeless shelters. It also, according to the census officials, includes illegal aliens. In other words, people who don't even belong here must be counted along with legitimate citizens. Aside from just being ridiculous, it also has far more serious ramifications. I read a recent report that stated that just in the state of California, if illegals were not included in the census count, California would lose thirty Congressional Districts. What that means, dear friends, is that laws are being passed in our Congress with the help of at least thirty more Californians than should be the case. That means that states like, for example, Minnesota, are being controlled by Californians. Pretty scary, huh? It is not just Minnesota, it is all states. I believe if illegal residents want representation, let them return to their legitimate home for that representation.
I don't know about you but I for one don't like the fact that legislation concerning the entire country is affected in such a big way by Representatives who shouldn't even be in Congress. When one looks at the condition of California, it doesn't take much imagination to conclude what their Representatives are doing to the rest of the country. Among others California has inflicted people like Barbara Boxer and Nancy Pelosi on us. Is it necessary to go any further?
I am, however, pro census. I understand the need that we be counted. At the same time, though, I am not in favor of counting illegals. They are not Americans. When I say that we should be counted, I mean Americans. Illegal aliens are not a part of we.
Today I am mailing back my census form. My government has already spent untold millions of dollars advertising this requirement and has already far exceeded their budget. This is just the beginning of enforcement of the rules. Who knows how much this is going to cost in the end. Wouldn't it be great if we could just trust the people we elect? Wouldn't it be great if we could just trust the system? Alas, such is not the case and is not likely to be any time soon.
Ron Scarbro March 21, 2010
Is the census senseless or sensible? Is there a consensus? Speaking of that, is the opposite of consensus procensus??? But I digress. In the late 1700s our founders felt the need to include in our Constitution the requirement that every ten years we count ourselves. That seems to be a very reasonable requirement. At that time we didn't have the technology that exists today. It was important that we knew exactly how many of us there were and to keep a running tally as we grew. Of course, as with all things government, the devil is in the details.
Our Government today is not content with just knowing how many of us are here, no they want a lot more information. For example what is our national origin? What is our race? How much money do we make? Are we married or are we living in sin? Many more details are being required as we mature and grow from our humble beginnings. It is for you to decide how much information you are willing to give to the government.
Ostensibly they tell us that this is the way they decide how to divvy up the money that we send them each year. It is also how they decide how many Congressional Districts each state has which of course decides how many Representatives each state will have in the Congress. So far so good. Now, however, this is where it starts to get a little sticky.
According to today's interpretation of the Constitutional requirement of a census, everyone who lives in the United States must be counted. That includes prisoners in our jails. That includes homeless people who live on the streets or in homeless shelters. It also, according to the census officials, includes illegal aliens. In other words, people who don't even belong here must be counted along with legitimate citizens. Aside from just being ridiculous, it also has far more serious ramifications. I read a recent report that stated that just in the state of California, if illegals were not included in the census count, California would lose thirty Congressional Districts. What that means, dear friends, is that laws are being passed in our Congress with the help of at least thirty more Californians than should be the case. That means that states like, for example, Minnesota, are being controlled by Californians. Pretty scary, huh? It is not just Minnesota, it is all states. I believe if illegal residents want representation, let them return to their legitimate home for that representation.
I don't know about you but I for one don't like the fact that legislation concerning the entire country is affected in such a big way by Representatives who shouldn't even be in Congress. When one looks at the condition of California, it doesn't take much imagination to conclude what their Representatives are doing to the rest of the country. Among others California has inflicted people like Barbara Boxer and Nancy Pelosi on us. Is it necessary to go any further?
I am, however, pro census. I understand the need that we be counted. At the same time, though, I am not in favor of counting illegals. They are not Americans. When I say that we should be counted, I mean Americans. Illegal aliens are not a part of we.
Today I am mailing back my census form. My government has already spent untold millions of dollars advertising this requirement and has already far exceeded their budget. This is just the beginning of enforcement of the rules. Who knows how much this is going to cost in the end. Wouldn't it be great if we could just trust the people we elect? Wouldn't it be great if we could just trust the system? Alas, such is not the case and is not likely to be any time soon.
Ron Scarbro March 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
BIPARTISANSHIP
Be reasonable, see it my way. That seems to be the theme of the latest attempt at bipartisanship coming out of Washington. We have been treated to a seven hour argument between our employees, (our elected representatives) which accomplished nothing. The meeting was called in a feeble attempt by one party to convince the other party to get on board with their program for so-called health care reform. The whole deal turned out to be a gigantic waste of time and money. It was billed as an opportunity for the two parties to get together for the good of the American people. As it turns out the politicians of both parties care much more about themselves and their political parties than they care about the American people. Is that a surprise to you?
President Obama said at this meeting, and has said on other occasions, that elections matter. Okay, the Democrats have the majority. Pass what legislation you wish. You have the numbers. You have more than enough to pass any bill you deem fit. My question is why haven't you just rammed your legislation through? What are you afraid of? Could it be that recent elections have sent a message? Could it be that you have also read the polls and know that this particular piece of legislation is not popular with a majority of the American people?
The reason Democrats think a certain way is that is the way Democrats think. The same is true for Republicans. They believe the way they do because that is the way Republicans think. I can tell you that in years past and in my lifetime most politicians put the country ahead of their particular prejudices and beliefs. Republicans and Democrats came together many times in the past to accomplish for America. There have been many times when, for the good of the country, party was shelved for America's sake. What is so different about today? Why are some very questionable members of Congress being shielded and protected by the leadership? In the private sector some of them would be at least fired and at best prosecuted. Is it because of party loyalty? Is anybody surprised that Congress has a favorability rating of under ten per cent by the electorate?
Well, elections do matter and guess what? Another election is just around the corner. At this point most experts believe that there will be a wholesale change in the Congress at the next election. Long serving politicians who have had their way for years will be looking for work after November. I think this is going to affect both parties. The reason to me is clear. We the people, the employer of these politicians, are fed up. We are fed up with the bickering and the childish behavior. We are fed up with the bribes and the shady deals. We are fed up with the inability of grown adults to accomplish their jobs.
This one thing is true above all else. We have the opportunity every two years to change the Congress. Senators are elected for a term of six years and many of them face re-evaluation every two years as well. You will notice I said re-evaluation not re-election. That describes the difference between what they want and what we should do. If, like me, you are unhappy with the direction this country is heading, join me at the polls and let's change this mess. As I have said so many times before, the only special interest politicians need to concern themselves with is the American people. Those who cannot, need to find new employment.
Ron Scarbro February 26, 2010
President Obama said at this meeting, and has said on other occasions, that elections matter. Okay, the Democrats have the majority. Pass what legislation you wish. You have the numbers. You have more than enough to pass any bill you deem fit. My question is why haven't you just rammed your legislation through? What are you afraid of? Could it be that recent elections have sent a message? Could it be that you have also read the polls and know that this particular piece of legislation is not popular with a majority of the American people?
The reason Democrats think a certain way is that is the way Democrats think. The same is true for Republicans. They believe the way they do because that is the way Republicans think. I can tell you that in years past and in my lifetime most politicians put the country ahead of their particular prejudices and beliefs. Republicans and Democrats came together many times in the past to accomplish for America. There have been many times when, for the good of the country, party was shelved for America's sake. What is so different about today? Why are some very questionable members of Congress being shielded and protected by the leadership? In the private sector some of them would be at least fired and at best prosecuted. Is it because of party loyalty? Is anybody surprised that Congress has a favorability rating of under ten per cent by the electorate?
Well, elections do matter and guess what? Another election is just around the corner. At this point most experts believe that there will be a wholesale change in the Congress at the next election. Long serving politicians who have had their way for years will be looking for work after November. I think this is going to affect both parties. The reason to me is clear. We the people, the employer of these politicians, are fed up. We are fed up with the bickering and the childish behavior. We are fed up with the bribes and the shady deals. We are fed up with the inability of grown adults to accomplish their jobs.
This one thing is true above all else. We have the opportunity every two years to change the Congress. Senators are elected for a term of six years and many of them face re-evaluation every two years as well. You will notice I said re-evaluation not re-election. That describes the difference between what they want and what we should do. If, like me, you are unhappy with the direction this country is heading, join me at the polls and let's change this mess. As I have said so many times before, the only special interest politicians need to concern themselves with is the American people. Those who cannot, need to find new employment.
Ron Scarbro February 26, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
MONEY FOR HAITI
Some events have occurred recently that have caused me to write this politically incorrect essay concerning Haiti. The first event was a commercial featuring Pres. G. W. Bush and Pres. Clinton asking for money for Haiti because of their devastating earthquake. Clinton, in this ad said we need to give money to Haiti not for them to return to their former status, but instead for them to build a new Haiti that would be better than the one they are replacing. Haiti could become what they want it to be rather than what it was. Apparently the former Haiti was not good enough for the Haitians and they need money so they can have a new country.
The second event was an item I read in today's paper. The article said that Haiti needs latrines because soon the rains will come and disease will overtake the Haitian people and they will die by the thousands. Now for you who don't have the benefit of a military background, a latrine is a toilet. It is usually just a ditch dug to be used as a toilet and then covered up with yet another ditch dug to replace it. When I was in the military latrines were commonly used when our unit went to the field for maneuvers. Digging latrines required nothing more than a few men with shovels and a little bit of labor. They didn't cost anything but labor.
Okay Ron, so what is your problem? What is wrong with a little charity? What is wrong with giving money to these devastated people to rebuild? My answer is, nothing is wrong. I believe in charity. I believe in helping people out. But I have a few questions. Let's say for example that we and the rest of the world give Haiti billions of dollars. Who is going to get the money? Will it be divided up among the Haitians? Haiti has never had any infra-structure and they certainly don't now. Will the money go to contractors who will rebuild the cities and hospitals and homes? Who will supervise the distribution of that money? Where will the money be deposited while waiting for its distribution? How are we going to keep greedy government officials away from it?
I know I sound like a skeptic, but I believe when the smoke clears, regardless of how much money is sent to Haiti, it will still just be a poor country controlled by greedy government types and criminals. The state of living for the Haitian people will be the same or worse in ten years than it is today. You see, it isn't about the money. It's about the people. What Haiti needs and what all these third world countries need is self determination and initiative. They need to take control of their own lives and their futures and build a country that will survive. They need to establish law and order. They need to round up the thugs and criminals and put them in cages. They need to deal with their drug problems. The last thing they need is to be the dependent of any other country or people.
Let's face it. Haiti is a beautiful Caribbean Island with great natural attraction and resources. They could be another Aruba or Dominican Republic. They could prosper with tourist dollars. They are close enough to wealthy countries to be a vacation destination extraordinaire. But they have to get busy and take charge of their own destiny. If they are willing to be wards of the US or any other wealthy nation, they will never be anything but what they have been. We might just as well add them to the role of statehood. Then they could be just another welfare recipient. I know this isn't very politically correct but then I never have been known as such. Haiti, this is your last chance to be anything. Take advantage of it and dig your own latrines.
Ron Scarbro March 7, 2010
The second event was an item I read in today's paper. The article said that Haiti needs latrines because soon the rains will come and disease will overtake the Haitian people and they will die by the thousands. Now for you who don't have the benefit of a military background, a latrine is a toilet. It is usually just a ditch dug to be used as a toilet and then covered up with yet another ditch dug to replace it. When I was in the military latrines were commonly used when our unit went to the field for maneuvers. Digging latrines required nothing more than a few men with shovels and a little bit of labor. They didn't cost anything but labor.
Okay Ron, so what is your problem? What is wrong with a little charity? What is wrong with giving money to these devastated people to rebuild? My answer is, nothing is wrong. I believe in charity. I believe in helping people out. But I have a few questions. Let's say for example that we and the rest of the world give Haiti billions of dollars. Who is going to get the money? Will it be divided up among the Haitians? Haiti has never had any infra-structure and they certainly don't now. Will the money go to contractors who will rebuild the cities and hospitals and homes? Who will supervise the distribution of that money? Where will the money be deposited while waiting for its distribution? How are we going to keep greedy government officials away from it?
I know I sound like a skeptic, but I believe when the smoke clears, regardless of how much money is sent to Haiti, it will still just be a poor country controlled by greedy government types and criminals. The state of living for the Haitian people will be the same or worse in ten years than it is today. You see, it isn't about the money. It's about the people. What Haiti needs and what all these third world countries need is self determination and initiative. They need to take control of their own lives and their futures and build a country that will survive. They need to establish law and order. They need to round up the thugs and criminals and put them in cages. They need to deal with their drug problems. The last thing they need is to be the dependent of any other country or people.
Let's face it. Haiti is a beautiful Caribbean Island with great natural attraction and resources. They could be another Aruba or Dominican Republic. They could prosper with tourist dollars. They are close enough to wealthy countries to be a vacation destination extraordinaire. But they have to get busy and take charge of their own destiny. If they are willing to be wards of the US or any other wealthy nation, they will never be anything but what they have been. We might just as well add them to the role of statehood. Then they could be just another welfare recipient. I know this isn't very politically correct but then I never have been known as such. Haiti, this is your last chance to be anything. Take advantage of it and dig your own latrines.
Ron Scarbro March 7, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
IT COULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN, COULD IT???
I just finished watching a show on the History Channel called "Valkyrie: The plot to kill Hitler". You may recall that a movie was recently released starring Tom Cruise about this event. To refresh your memory a group of German officers decided to assassinate Hitler because they believed that would be the best thing for Germany. They also believed that Hitler was probably insane at best but more probably just evil. The plot ultimately failed and some seven hundred conspirators were rounded up and over two hundred were executed. Just a few months later Hitler took himself out. Being the coward that he was, he couldn't face the wrath of the world. World War II was Germany's second attempt at world domination and her second total failure.
There were other messages in the television show that came through clearly. The first thing that was discussed was the rise of Adolph Hitler. He was a relative unknown who came out of no where with a great oratorical ability and apparently nothing more. He gave rousing speeches promising all things to those who had previously been denied. Jobs, health care, and prosperity. All the German people had to do was pledge total allegiance to him and he would provide. Does any of this sound vaguely familiar?
Of course you know the rest of the story. World War II and Hitler ultimately cost the world fifty million lives. Countries were devastated. Billions were spent to conduct a war that basically was started by one individual. Hitler was responsible to be sure, but what about the German people? Did they have a role? In the end, Germany was also devastated. She was split into four different sectors, basically divided up by her victors. It has taken decades for Germany to return to prosperity and sanity.
In the late 1950s I was in Germany and I tried to communicate with some Germans in an attempt to try and understand what happened and how. I spoke with many citizens who were adults during Hitler's rise and his fall. To a man they all said it wasn't their fault. They were not political. It was those dirty Nazis. They were just trying to survive. They believed it was unfair to hold them accountable for the actions of their elected leader.
In the world today similar things are going on. Iran is an example where the leadership is apparently at odds with its citizens. To hear them talk, it is those dirty religious zealots who run the show who are to blame. It's not the citizens' fault. This thing is certain however, unless someone decides to change the regime in Iran and soon, millions of lives will be at stake. The world is not going to allow Iran to have nuclear capabilities.
There are other examples other than Iran where this is going on as well. So who is at fault? Who should be held responsible for a country's atrocities and war crimes? Are the citizens accountable? When a dictator commits genocide against citizens of their own country or any country because of some perceived difference, are all the citizens responsible for the crime?
My answer is yes. If my President acts with my tacit approval to commit crimes, I am also responsible. Why? Because it would be my duty to stop him. It would be the duty of all the citizens to stop him. We are not allowed the luxury of living our private lives, unaffected, while our government commits genocide, nor is any other country or people.
At the end of World War II then General Dwight D Eisenhower, upon discovering a Nazi death camp and crematorium, required at gun point the citizens of the nearest town to come to the camp, witness the atrocity, and bury the victims. He held that there was no way they could not have known what was going on. They were also guilty of atrocity by their silence. They were guilty because they didn't do anything to try to stop it.
This couldn't happen again, could it? We, as Americans, wouldn't just stand by and let our government do what Hitler did, would we? Would we have the courage to correct the situation? All I can say is God, I hope so.
Ron Scarbro February 28, 2010
There were other messages in the television show that came through clearly. The first thing that was discussed was the rise of Adolph Hitler. He was a relative unknown who came out of no where with a great oratorical ability and apparently nothing more. He gave rousing speeches promising all things to those who had previously been denied. Jobs, health care, and prosperity. All the German people had to do was pledge total allegiance to him and he would provide. Does any of this sound vaguely familiar?
Of course you know the rest of the story. World War II and Hitler ultimately cost the world fifty million lives. Countries were devastated. Billions were spent to conduct a war that basically was started by one individual. Hitler was responsible to be sure, but what about the German people? Did they have a role? In the end, Germany was also devastated. She was split into four different sectors, basically divided up by her victors. It has taken decades for Germany to return to prosperity and sanity.
In the late 1950s I was in Germany and I tried to communicate with some Germans in an attempt to try and understand what happened and how. I spoke with many citizens who were adults during Hitler's rise and his fall. To a man they all said it wasn't their fault. They were not political. It was those dirty Nazis. They were just trying to survive. They believed it was unfair to hold them accountable for the actions of their elected leader.
In the world today similar things are going on. Iran is an example where the leadership is apparently at odds with its citizens. To hear them talk, it is those dirty religious zealots who run the show who are to blame. It's not the citizens' fault. This thing is certain however, unless someone decides to change the regime in Iran and soon, millions of lives will be at stake. The world is not going to allow Iran to have nuclear capabilities.
There are other examples other than Iran where this is going on as well. So who is at fault? Who should be held responsible for a country's atrocities and war crimes? Are the citizens accountable? When a dictator commits genocide against citizens of their own country or any country because of some perceived difference, are all the citizens responsible for the crime?
My answer is yes. If my President acts with my tacit approval to commit crimes, I am also responsible. Why? Because it would be my duty to stop him. It would be the duty of all the citizens to stop him. We are not allowed the luxury of living our private lives, unaffected, while our government commits genocide, nor is any other country or people.
At the end of World War II then General Dwight D Eisenhower, upon discovering a Nazi death camp and crematorium, required at gun point the citizens of the nearest town to come to the camp, witness the atrocity, and bury the victims. He held that there was no way they could not have known what was going on. They were also guilty of atrocity by their silence. They were guilty because they didn't do anything to try to stop it.
This couldn't happen again, could it? We, as Americans, wouldn't just stand by and let our government do what Hitler did, would we? Would we have the courage to correct the situation? All I can say is God, I hope so.
Ron Scarbro February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
ORGAN DONATION, THE GIFT OF LIFE
(The following was published in the Newsleader on January 29, 2010)
Regular readers of this column may recall that a little over a year ago I reported to you that my son-in-law had suffered total kidney failure. As I write this piece I am in South Carolina visiting Erik and our daughter and grandchildren. He is doing very well considering his circumstance and has learned to deal with dialysis. In fact he is now able to do it at home by himself. Being a relatively young father with two little ones, the hope is that he can soon be a candidate for a kidney transplant. In fact he has an appointment next month for his first consultation for that transplant. We are keeping our fingers crossed.
My purpose in writing today is an unabashed pitch for organ donation. I just looked at my driver's license and confirmed that I am a donor. If you are not, I would like to challenge you to consider it.
Many years ago I remember attending a funeral and looking into the coffin at a dead person. I don't remember who it was, but they were lying peaceably as if they were asleep. Back then we didn't know they were wasting perfectly good organs that could have saved lives. That technology had not been perfected yet. Today it is a different story. Advancements have been and are regularly being made to improve the technology. I recently learned that there are tests being conducted that allow for the transplant of one's organs and at the same time their stem cells, which so far has allowed the recipients not to have to take anti-rejection drugs. The future of organ transplant is bright indeed.
There is one problem however. Every day thousands of otherwise healthy people die without making their wish to donate their organs known. Tens of thousands of otherwise healthy organs are buried with them. What a waste.
Ask yourself this question. When I die, what good are my organs to me? Where you will be in the after-life won't require them. Doesn't it just make good sense to allow for the donation of those organs and the subsequent life that could be saved? Can you imagine a more perfect gift? You no longer need them and at the same time some young father or mother might find new life. Some child, who might otherwise have no future, could be re-born with prospects of a long and healthy life. We all have heard and read stories of family members who were involved in the donation of a loved one's organs. The stories are uplifting and heart warming to say the least. Can you imagine the feeling a loved one might experience when, at the time of their great loss, their gift of life could make someone else whole? To me there is no greater gift. To me there is no greater love.
Would you consider this today? Look at your driver's license and see if you are a donor. If you aren't, go today and say yes. Yes, I'll give the gift of life. Yes, I'll be an organ donor. The lives that follow you will forever be grateful and the peace that will descend upon your loved ones will be overwhelming. Your own eternal rest will have a peace that could never be known in life. Please do it today.
Ron Scarbro January 20, 2010
Regular readers of this column may recall that a little over a year ago I reported to you that my son-in-law had suffered total kidney failure. As I write this piece I am in South Carolina visiting Erik and our daughter and grandchildren. He is doing very well considering his circumstance and has learned to deal with dialysis. In fact he is now able to do it at home by himself. Being a relatively young father with two little ones, the hope is that he can soon be a candidate for a kidney transplant. In fact he has an appointment next month for his first consultation for that transplant. We are keeping our fingers crossed.
My purpose in writing today is an unabashed pitch for organ donation. I just looked at my driver's license and confirmed that I am a donor. If you are not, I would like to challenge you to consider it.
Many years ago I remember attending a funeral and looking into the coffin at a dead person. I don't remember who it was, but they were lying peaceably as if they were asleep. Back then we didn't know they were wasting perfectly good organs that could have saved lives. That technology had not been perfected yet. Today it is a different story. Advancements have been and are regularly being made to improve the technology. I recently learned that there are tests being conducted that allow for the transplant of one's organs and at the same time their stem cells, which so far has allowed the recipients not to have to take anti-rejection drugs. The future of organ transplant is bright indeed.
There is one problem however. Every day thousands of otherwise healthy people die without making their wish to donate their organs known. Tens of thousands of otherwise healthy organs are buried with them. What a waste.
Ask yourself this question. When I die, what good are my organs to me? Where you will be in the after-life won't require them. Doesn't it just make good sense to allow for the donation of those organs and the subsequent life that could be saved? Can you imagine a more perfect gift? You no longer need them and at the same time some young father or mother might find new life. Some child, who might otherwise have no future, could be re-born with prospects of a long and healthy life. We all have heard and read stories of family members who were involved in the donation of a loved one's organs. The stories are uplifting and heart warming to say the least. Can you imagine the feeling a loved one might experience when, at the time of their great loss, their gift of life could make someone else whole? To me there is no greater gift. To me there is no greater love.
Would you consider this today? Look at your driver's license and see if you are a donor. If you aren't, go today and say yes. Yes, I'll give the gift of life. Yes, I'll be an organ donor. The lives that follow you will forever be grateful and the peace that will descend upon your loved ones will be overwhelming. Your own eternal rest will have a peace that could never be known in life. Please do it today.
Ron Scarbro January 20, 2010
THE ROSE PARADE
(The following was published in the Newsleader on January 22, 2010)
I have had a tradition of watching the Rose Parade for many years. It seems to get better each time I watch. This year was exceptional however. The floats seemed to be more elaborate than ever. The flowers were more beautiful and the artistic use of all things natural was unbelievable. I loved the bands playing the traditional marching music that we all cherish. Even as a child I watched with amazement the pageantry and pomp. I was raised in East Tennessee and the weather was usually cold on January first, not as cold as Minnesota to be sure, but cold none the less. I was always thrilled to see the sunshine in Pasadena, California and how the parade marchers were not bundled up. I hope you got to watch the parade this year.
This column is not necessarily about roses however. No, I want to ask some questions that occurred to me as I watched the spectacle and tradition of the Rose Parade. I was struck by a thought as I watched. I remembered the young terrorist who tried to blow up the airplane over Detroit. Here is a young man with a very privileged upbringing. He was educated in the finest schools in the world. He has been allowed by his wealth to travel. He has seen the best the world has to offer and I suspect he has also seen the poverty as well. And yet with all his privilege, he has become a terrorist killer. What, I asked, caused this kid to suddenly make the decisions he made? What so overwhelmed him that he chose to not only try to kill thousands of innocent people but to kill himself as well? Was it arrogance? Was it religion? Was his life so bereft of simple goodness and compassion that he lost all feeling for humanity?
Here are some thoughts that may explain some of this nonsense. I believe that he and people of his ilk have no concept of life. They could never appreciate the simple beauty of a parade. They could never understand music or poetry. They could never grasp the concept of art. They are so involved with themselves that they cannot understand that other people and their views have just as much right to life as they. The radical blood thirsty killers who have chosen to be our enemies are living in a fantasy world that will soon come crashing down all around them. Individually their miserable little lives will end in horrible fashion. Whether they kill themselves or whether we kill them, they will die in devastating ways. Eventually this whole radical Middle Eastern problem will end and it will not end as the leaders of that movement see it. No it will end in the total destruction of their way of life and thousands of otherwise innocent people will die with them. It is sad but also I believe inevitable.
So how does this all pertain to the Rose Parade? Americans and other free peoples have traditions of life. Our country was shaped by our willingness to appreciate and accept differences in people and in thought. The Rose Parade is made up of many cultures and diverse people sharing their concept of music and beauty with the rest of the world. The result is a thing of beauty. By contrast, the radicals who choose to be our enemy have a tradition of death and despair. They have no tolerance for any view except their own. Their result will be their annihilation. Given the choice, I prefer our way.
Ron Scarbro January 15, 2010
I have had a tradition of watching the Rose Parade for many years. It seems to get better each time I watch. This year was exceptional however. The floats seemed to be more elaborate than ever. The flowers were more beautiful and the artistic use of all things natural was unbelievable. I loved the bands playing the traditional marching music that we all cherish. Even as a child I watched with amazement the pageantry and pomp. I was raised in East Tennessee and the weather was usually cold on January first, not as cold as Minnesota to be sure, but cold none the less. I was always thrilled to see the sunshine in Pasadena, California and how the parade marchers were not bundled up. I hope you got to watch the parade this year.
This column is not necessarily about roses however. No, I want to ask some questions that occurred to me as I watched the spectacle and tradition of the Rose Parade. I was struck by a thought as I watched. I remembered the young terrorist who tried to blow up the airplane over Detroit. Here is a young man with a very privileged upbringing. He was educated in the finest schools in the world. He has been allowed by his wealth to travel. He has seen the best the world has to offer and I suspect he has also seen the poverty as well. And yet with all his privilege, he has become a terrorist killer. What, I asked, caused this kid to suddenly make the decisions he made? What so overwhelmed him that he chose to not only try to kill thousands of innocent people but to kill himself as well? Was it arrogance? Was it religion? Was his life so bereft of simple goodness and compassion that he lost all feeling for humanity?
Here are some thoughts that may explain some of this nonsense. I believe that he and people of his ilk have no concept of life. They could never appreciate the simple beauty of a parade. They could never understand music or poetry. They could never grasp the concept of art. They are so involved with themselves that they cannot understand that other people and their views have just as much right to life as they. The radical blood thirsty killers who have chosen to be our enemies are living in a fantasy world that will soon come crashing down all around them. Individually their miserable little lives will end in horrible fashion. Whether they kill themselves or whether we kill them, they will die in devastating ways. Eventually this whole radical Middle Eastern problem will end and it will not end as the leaders of that movement see it. No it will end in the total destruction of their way of life and thousands of otherwise innocent people will die with them. It is sad but also I believe inevitable.
So how does this all pertain to the Rose Parade? Americans and other free peoples have traditions of life. Our country was shaped by our willingness to appreciate and accept differences in people and in thought. The Rose Parade is made up of many cultures and diverse people sharing their concept of music and beauty with the rest of the world. The result is a thing of beauty. By contrast, the radicals who choose to be our enemy have a tradition of death and despair. They have no tolerance for any view except their own. Their result will be their annihilation. Given the choice, I prefer our way.
Ron Scarbro January 15, 2010
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