Hang on! Here we go again!

I’m sitting at my desk watching the floor and was surprised to see a stopgap spending bill (our first Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2012) go down in flames.

The bill would have funded the US government for a few weeks until a larger bill could be drafted. This bill would have funded the government only until November 18, 2011 at an annualized rate of $1.043 trillion, consistent with the level set in the Budget Control Act (which just passed a few months ago and was signed into law by President Obama). This level represents a $1.5% across-the-board cut from FY11 funding.
Personally, this vote should have been one of the easiest votes to take this budget cycle. It is temporary, it funds disaster relief, and it is a reduction in funding from the previous year. However, the legislation failed when Democrats pulled back their support in protest of cuts made to offset disaster aid in the package, and when Tea Party members complained about the overall level of funding in the bill.

The bill included $3.7 billion for disaster relief as part of the overall funding bill. Because Republicans and Democrats have publicly vowed to not add more deficit spending to these bills, House Republicans included $1.5 billion in cuts to a government loan program to help car companies build fuel-efficient vehicles to help pay for the relief funding.

Last week, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Norman Dicks, had backed the same bill but today, he reversed himself under pressure from his caucus, creating a more partisan battleground.

Another sacred cow (see my last post)! The measure failed by a vote of 195-230 and this is just to fund the government until November 18!

I know they will eventually pass something, but I have to believe that pushing the envelope to the last minute - particularly on bills that should pass - is the type of action that helps Congress maintain their 12% approval rating.  

At this rate, the ride to passing a full funding bill, and the implementation of the Super Committee's recommendations on debt reduction, should be a rather bumpy and bruising one!  Hang on - its bound to get worse before it gets better.  

What Did We Expect?

In its first nine months, the 112th Congress has seen lots of debate, tons of posturing, the drawing of lines in the sand. According to a recent Gallop poll, the American people have been watching and have a historically low opinion of what they have seen, giving Congress a 15% approval rating.

According to the polling data, a continually faltering economy, high unemployment, and what the public calls “partisan gridlock” are to blame for these historically low approval ratings. I can wrap my head around the economy, the continually abysmal jobs reports, and the uncertainty that exists within our financial markets as reasons for a disgruntled electorate.

But I must admit, as much as I hate the political bickering, I cannot help but ask myself, “what did we expect?” when we complain about the gridlock?

All summer I heard things like – “why can’t we just get along? The American people sent those officials to DC to work for us! They act like children!”

If you look at with a simplistic set of glasses, all of these statements are easily understood. But it’s not that simple. In 2010, the American electorate overwhelmingly elected a very liberal President. At the same time, districts all across America that supported President Obama, voted for ultra conservative members of Congress. Then we put these folks together in a room and said, go ahead, make nice and do good work for America. Well, I hate to say this, but President Obama’s view of what is good for America is probably different from a new Member of Congress, who was supported by the Tea Party movement, and his or her view of what is good for America.

I honestly believe that the President and the men and women elected to serve in Congress legitimately, sincerely, and passionately come to the table with good intentions. But the last nine months have demonstrated that on matters where the two principle political philosophies clash on their bedrock positions, intense debate will ignite passionate positions and little common ground exists to find compromise.

Even though the pre-summer debate on the Hill was ugly and sometimes nasty, it’s what we asked for. We elected a conservative majority in the House of Representatives, a liberal majority in the U.S. Senate, and a liberal President. What did we honestly expect?

Yet, despite these canyon-like differences in opinion and philosophy, Congress passed a compromise bill on funding the government and avoided a shut-down in March. Congress passed a compromise bill on the Debt Ceiling increase and avoided a default of U.S. debt.

As we head into the fall, we will likely witness an intense and spirited debate on further cuts and the jobs bill. At the end of the day, after what everyone out there will call “politics as usual,” there will most likely be a compromise bill that incorporates some of what each side wanted. It is important to note that numerous non-bedrock bills pass the House and the Senate every day with bipartisan support, but true and honest differences exist on those issues that define intense differences between the two parties.

The system works. It’s not pretty sometimes, but it works. It functions more smoothly when one party holds a majority over the House and the Senate. It functions even smoother when one party controls all branches of government. But the American electorate voted for a clash of ideologies in 2010 and in spite of those clashing philosophies, the system works.

For the last nine months, we have asked men and women with very different viewpoints to fix the major problems in America. But we have also tied their hands with comments like “you’d better not vote for a tax increase,” or “never compromise, stand firm, and just get the job done,” or “I will never support you again if you vote to increase the debt under any circumstance,” or “I know we have a deficit problem, but project x is just too important to cut.” Honestly, what did we expect?

Congress is nothing more than a reflection of us. We send a politically diverse group of people to Washington, set up unrealistic goals and objectives, demand “no-compromise” solutions, attack solutions and ideas on both sides, and demand that “sacred cows” be removed from consideration when trying to find solutions.

Do you agree with your neighbor all the time? If a cell tower is proposed for your neighborhood, does everyone agree with its placement? If you and ten of your friends sat around the table and discussed how to solve the budget deficit, would you all agree on one solution?

In a little over a year, we will go to the polls again. That is our next chance to change the way business is conducted in Washington. To the 85% who look at Congress unfavorably, I have only this to say: What did you expect?

In 2012, make a decision as to which philosophy you support and stick to it. In the meantime, stop whining and welcome to Democracy.

A Day that Changed Us Forever

As I sit here and think about it, I am shocked that it has been ten years since that horrible day that changed everything.  And as I reflect further, it feels just like yesterday.

Just like our recent earthquake, I know we all remember where we were on Sept. 11, 2001.  That day started off quite normal.  Up and out of the house early because I had a breakfast event to attend with my boss.  It was a clear and beautiful fall morning in DC.  As the morning went on, we all became aware of the new national security crisis our country was facing. A not very well known enemy, with what appeared to be minimal budget, was able to breach any security that existed at the time and transform commercial airliners into giant bombs.  At the end of the day, thousands of innocent lives were gone, America’s false sense and expectation of security was shattered, and our economy was thrown into a free fall.

That night, when I finally got home, I attended a memorial service at church that was one of the most moving and emotional services that I have ever attended.  I saw the same look of disorientation and disbelief on every face in that sanctuary.

On September 12, 2001, I drove into the Capitol through blocks of eerily deserted streets.  I saw military airplanes, but no commercial flights in the normally busy 14^th Street Bridge corridor since Reagan National was closed.  There was a “new” security protocol in town and the open streets around the Capitol were being consumed for the new security perimeter that was being redefined as the day went on.  I can't help but think that the Capitol was one of the targets on the 11^th, protected only by the brave men and women who stopped the fourth plane from reaching Washington.  I went to work filled with a passion I have never felt before – a sense of patriotism and purpose.  From that day on, I felt that my work took on a new importance and those who committed these horrific acts would never stop me or my colleagues from the public service we provided.

Over the last ten years later, I have questioned the road we have traveled as a nation.  But some things are undeniable.  I am grateful for those men and women who work so hard every day to keep us all safe and al-Qaeda, as it existed in 2001, is no longer. 

I for one am glad that even in the face of some of the most difficult challenges our nation has addressed, the Congress, President Bush, and now President Obama, recognize the continued importance of funding these efforts.  Immediately after 9-11, we hastily, and perhaps sloppily, launched a defensive anti-terror apparatus constructed from scratch.

However, in spite of some the setbacks and shortfalls associated with this strategy, it worked.  These efforts kept us safe, even though they were some of the most controversial public policy decisions implemented in recent time.

I have always viewed 9-11 as our generation’s Pearl Harbor. However, our enemy is far more complicated and elusive. Our enemy has no home address.  Our response required a different response and different resolve.  As President Bush stated soon after the attacks,

Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations secret even in success.

We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place until there is no refuge or no rest.

And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation in every region now has a decision to make: Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists.

Since 9-11, our collective resolve has paid off.  After 10 years, no major attacks.  We have largely disarmed and defeated what once was Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda.  We have transformed the way we engage our enemy and we have developed the means to continue to pursue them at a decreasing cost.

Along the way, we have made many mistakes, particularly on the international front.  Perhaps the next decade will refocus our energies on repairing these relationships as we move forward in peace, as a global community.

As I ponder and reflect upon 9-11, I will remember the events of that day, the accomplishments of the Bush and Obama administrations, the resolve of the American people, and the response from the rest of the world.  As President Bush stated in September 2001,

America will never forget the sounds of our national anthem playing at Buckingham Palace, on the streets of Paris and at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

We will not forget South Korean children gathering to pray outside our embassy in Seoul, or the prayers of sympathy offered at a mosque in Cairo.

We will not forget moments of silence and days of mourning in Australia and Africa and Latin America.

In light of the facts surrounding 9-11, the gravity of the destruction of life and property, the surprise attack, the nature of the enemy, and the relentless attempts to cause more harm to innocent people, I cannot help but conclude that we have been largely successful.  But we have a great deal more to accomplish. We continue to rebuild, we show resolve, and we remain vigilant. 

On this special anniversary, I reflect on the brave men and women who have fought on my behalf and paid the ultimate sacrifice to make this world a safer place for me and my children. 

I hope we never forget these events, but move forward in a positive way.  Most of all, I pray for all the lives that changed forever ten years ago and pray that we as a people – a collective global people – can one day live to the fullest potential that God intended for all of us, peacefully and with respect for one another. 

Transitions

Life is full of transitions. For our family, this seems to be a season of transitions – and I am sure we are not alone. The good news is that our transitions are exciting, they are good transitions, the type you want to happen – but, sometimes it seems that they are the most difficult ones to deal with.

All three of our children are experiencing concurrent transitions…the oldest, Michael, our 21 year old, is exploring graduate school options as he plans to enter his senior year. As we discussed options over the last few weeks during his abbreviated summer recess, I was impressed with the young man he was becoming and that his mother and I always knew he would be – a confident, well-spoken and focused individual who is on the brink of beginning a new phase in his life. As he left today to head off to his summer job in one of his favorite places – Montreat, North Carolina – it struck me that he is at that point in his life where we might only get to see him for short visits. That’s certainly one of the more “difficult” transitions I mentioned above.

As I digested that, I thought of our 18 year old who is preparing to enter college in a few months. For those of you who know Thomas, you know that he is a passionate, dynamic, and well rounded young man. He has an amazing array of interests and he never has a problem with trying something new – unless it involves mashed potatoes or fish. He seems ready to transition to the next chapter in his life, but things will be drastically different in our house once he moves to his first dorm room. Just like when Michael moved out three years ago, it will be a transition and will take some time to address the new “normal” in our home.

We will miss Thomas and his sense of humor, his wit and his personality, which fills any room that he enters. But, just as we absorb Thomas’ move, our family will be dealing with one more transition when Catherine, our youngest, enters high school. The last few years have been a tremendous period of growth for her as we have watched our little girl blossom into a self-assured, poised, and determined young lady. She is one of the most talented people I know and I cannot wait to see what the next few years have in store for her.

As I thought about these transitions, my mind wandered to duplo towers; lego cities; city park visits; lacrosse, soccer, basketball, football, baseball, and volleyball games; fencing and wrestling competitions; plays, piano recitals, choir concerts, band performances, and orchestra concerts; and all of the Scouting activities. And of course, “baby cow” (an inside reference).

Reflecting on these transitions, and the ones that I know are on the horizon, helped me realize the unequivocal blessings that is each one of these amazing people that God has entrusted to me and my wife. I realize that my job as a parent is to help shepherd and guide, to teach and support, and to love my children no matter what. I also know that each one of them was brought into our lives for a reason. As cliché as it sounds, over the years, I think they taught me more than I taught them. They have taught me how to be a father, how to love unconditionally, how to step outside my comfort zone, enjoy a simply conversation, and so much more.

The lyrics from “For Good” from Wicked came to mind - “…we are led to those who help us most to grow…but I know I’m who I am today because I [know them…]. I do believe I have been changed for the better.”

So, in the midst of reflecting on the transitions we are undergoing or about to undergo, I am reminded of the blessings that each transition brings. I am not sure that the transitions will get easier to deal with over time, but I know that with each transition associated with these three wonderful people, I have been changed for the better.

The Story that Wasn't Covered at West Springfield High

As I went to bed on Thursday evening, the night before the second annual Relay for Life of Springfield Burke, I was surprised that area journalists saw fit to report on a senior prank that got out of control rather quickly at the high school hosting the Relay for Life of Springfield Burke.  I found myself researching the meaning of journalism and/or news.  The definitions of these words are:  

jour·nal·ism/Noun

1.    the profession or practice of reporting about, photographing, or editing news stories for one of the mass media

2.    newspapers and magazines collectively; the press

3.    the material published in a newspaper, magazine, etc: this is badly written journalism

4.    news reports presented factually without analysis

news/Noun

1.   Newly received or noteworthy information, esp. about recent or important events.

Then I tried to listen to the reports again - several seniors at West Springfield High School thought it would be great fun to engage in a food fight in the cafeteria.  Unfortunately, this prank went too far, the event soon spiraled out of control, some students were injured and a fire alarm was pulled that disturbed the entire student body.  The principal and administration took care of the situation and vowed that those responsible would be punished accordingly.  Sounds like the school had a problem; they intervened, stopped the event, and planned on dealing with those involved in an appropriate manner.

For some reason, the news world decided that this was the most important thing happening in our region on Thursday so they assigned teams of professional journalists to cover the story.  They reported it on the news that night, but that wasn’t enough.  They showed up again on Friday – the day of Relay.

As we set up for the second and largest Relay event held at West Springfield High School, we saw three television van towers erected to cover the “food fight of 2011.”  We encouraged the stations to visit the rear of the school to check out Relay, but as the day went on, the media on site saw fit to only cover the flying food story from the previous day.

Only one local newspaper joined us at the West Springfield High School track to come see what was going on….

And what they saw was nearly 1,100 people brought together with one common goal – to fight cancer.  There were young people and adults walking the West Springfield High track from 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM to raise awareness, hope and resources to fight back against cancer.  That reporter also saw well over 500 West Springfield High students and their friends walking the track and raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Finally, that local journalist saw numerous student volunteers dedicating their Friday night and Saturday morning contributing hundreds of hours to help volunteer to make the 2011 Relay for Life of Springfield Burke a major success.

But the other professional journalists, the ones with the television towers up at the front of the school’s parking lot, stayed there and waited to get some additional comments and “news” items to report on the flying food incident.

I am not sure why the food fight got so much attention. Especially when so many students who were doing such an amazing thing for our community just a few short feet away from these “journalists” received no coverage at all.

The students I had the honor and privilege to work with on Friday night helped our Relay Committee all year long.  They provided talent throughout the night of Relay to help entertain the 1,000 participants.  They were the volunteers that helped set up, register, provide logistical support, and coordinated the multitude of activities that went on all night long.  And, they were some of the Team Captains that went to Team Captain meetings since January, provided input, and helped to raise awareness and resources to fight cancer. 

When it was all said and done, the 2011 Relay for Life of Springfield Burke raised over $142,000 and hosted 1,100 participants. 

I am baffled that someone actually decided that the food fight was more noteworthy information the public needed to know rather than covering the amazing thing 1,100 people can do when a community of students, adults, and cancer survivors, can do when they come together for a single purpose.

I’m no journalist, but to me that was the real story at West Springfield High School this weekend and I think the journalists missed out on an amazing opportunity to cover an amazing story that was literally right under their noses.

The Craziest Rollercoaster ever built…

Each and everyone of us have ups and downs in life, that’s part of being human and it's something we can’t change. We all know too well the emotional rollercoaster we ride when life throws us a single unexpected curve ball, and it's even worse when we get hit with a series of them.

Sometimes the only way to get through those more challenging times is to just hang on and know that the ride will soon get back to the starting point and allow us a breather. Yet, with all its turns and ups and downs, and as bad as it seems to feel down and unhappy, it's important to remember that without these dips and twists of life itself, we wouldn’t be able to appreciate the highs in life, or indeed have the motivation to reach for these highs in the first place.


Unfortunately, it’s human nature to look at all the things that are missing in your life. It is our main way of thinking. To help get through the bad times, one strategy that works for me is to change my way of thinking from “what am I missing in my life?” to “what am I blessed with.”

As simplistic as that sounds, it works. Changing your perspective is sometimes all we need to ride the rollercoaster we call life.