The Definition of Friendship, in three parts.

This was prepared for times when people express to me that they're breaking off relations with one of their friends. When this happens it's usually time for a little self-reflection. That said, I offer the following: 

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..
Part 1
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need You have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
Guidance and support, To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be..
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an End.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
Fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Part 2
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has
Come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
Part 3
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional Foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
Relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life,
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Why Democracy Is Public: The American Dream Beats the Nightmare

This is a bit of a long read but worth it as the author describes what America is all about....see if you don't agree.

http://www.truth-out.org/why-democracy-public-american-dream-beats-nightmare/1311952058

The Same Mistakes, Over and Over Again. Why?

I think back to my youth and the Vietnam War. How that it is so similar to what is going on in America these days. I guess we're doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over particularly when corporations make huge money from these wars. Add to that the number of useless deaths of fine young American men and women and this all becomes a no-brainer. The late George Carlin described war as "young men dying for old men's real estate". Which is pretty close to the truth. Why are wars necessary? Because of ideology?

A time has come to stop and take a look at where we've been to get an idea of where we're going. If we don't we're doomed to repeat the same bad ideas over and over again. That said, I invite you to listen to Dr. Martin Luther King's speech about Vietnam, give April 4, 1967 at the Riverside Church in New York. Watch and you'll discover we're re-living the late '60's and the difference is that there's NO draft, hence no youth movement to end the wars. Somehow, we need to mobilize our youth into caring about their future instead of caring if the new Transformers movie is a hit or not.

Watch the video then tell me what you think.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3zwcQlWsPU&feature=player_embedded#at=18