Why? "Your mother is ok"

I remember when my mother died. She had a massive stroke at age 78 and a day later I was elected mayor of Pratt, Kansas. She was living in Arizona at that time, cared for by my sister,Iris. Now being elected mayor was not the biggest thing to ever happen, but I have always hoped that she understood what had happened as she lay in a coma. I know she would have been very proud. In any case she died the next day and my wife and I traveled to Arizona for a small service.

Of course I was distraught at that service and I should premise this with the fact that" my father died when I was 5(train collision). I spent much of my life thinking we are alone. I now know that is not true because of my family. My mother raised 3 children by herself, working 2 jobs. She uprooted us all so I could go to college. She was a great great woman. I give thanks".

I remember the minister approaching me and simply saying, "Your mother is ok." That simple sentence gave me a total feeling of relief. I should tell you that I was raised to go to Church, but I have had a life long conflict with religion. I finally figured it out one day. The all powerful, loving god that I had been brought up to believe in had allowed my father to die. It did not seem right.

My mother was cremated. I carried her ashes on to my flight back and buried them beside my father's grave at Agra, Kansas. Her site is marked by a headstone. In the end, they will be together.

A point that I want to make is my feeling about death

why fear death?

I remember the day when I realized I was going to die someday. I was maybe 10 or so. It hit me very hard. I was literally sick to my stomach for maybe 2 days. I struggled with the idea. finally at that young age(and after talking to no one) I came to a comforting conclusion(not religious). Life and then death is the way of the world. Look at any cemetery. All people face death. the thing is how do you deal with it. You can spend your time, your life worrying about a natural process or you can spend your life living. I am reminded of a story of a priest giving last rites to an 80 year old woman and she was weeping. "Why do you weep" asked the priest. She replied "I have never done anything". Her life had been lifeless. So I say to you do things, go places, take a risk or two. enjoy the moment. You can end this life crying or smiling, it will make no difference at the moment of death. And although I have seen terrible tragedy I will smile.

And when I die, I want you all to know that "I am OK"

Why? looking forward to the new year

Grandson, Jon Shaffer, after enduring two breaks in his right arm, a fragmented cartilage in his right knee, and approximately 6 months of no activity was cleared for sports by Dr. Latz in Kansas City yesterday.

So this will be a special Christmas for us. We want to thank all of you for your support over the past many months and wish an extra special Christmas for you and the very best new year. thanks Blue Thunder and Topeka Capitals. Jon has been in rehab for the past six weeks and will play basketball in January and is really looking forward to baseball in the coming months. Jon's grandfather, Kurt Heaton

From my blog

SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010

Why? Can anyone explain why?

A about three and a half years ago, my grandson(age nine at the time)his brother(age 2) and my daughter found their father dead on the bedroom floor. He had been sick at home for a few days and refused to see a doctor. He had an enlarged heart, pneumonia, was very over weight and a heavy smoker. Now, even though he had the hue of death, his neck felt warm and can you imagine the trauma of the scene, the weeping, the sirens, the medics. Could he somehow still be alive? It turns out that the dog had been laying on his neck for several hours. Of course all this has marred the family for life. My wife and I immediately came to help and have been helping to raise the boys.

As a former coach, one of the first things was to get the oldest boy involved in sports. It turns out he is an exceptional athlete. He has all the tools, speed, quickness, hand eye coordination and heart. He has excelled in tackle football, basketball and baseball

And now for the kicker, While playing on an exceptional 11 and under baseball team this summer, he also went to a three week basketball camp. On the last day of the first week, he went in for the winning shot, The first thing Jon told me was "grandpa, I made the shot", but was knocked to the floor and broke his right arm just an inch from his wrist. what follow is a series of tweets I made concerning that event.

well, 11 year old broke his wrist at basketball camp today. Now no basketball camp, no summer sports camp and no baseball. very tough on him

At least my grandson has a waterproof cast. He will be able to go to the Y and swim. Cast to come off in 4 weeks and completely healed in 6

So our baseball coach tells our 11 year old grandson who has a broken arm, "you can still play". This kid has great speed and he can pinch run by rule for pitchers and catchers. He is excited and looks to pinch run several times a game. Perhaps he will play in the World Series after all.(actually a facebook entry)

incredible, but true, 20 days after a complete break of his right arm, my grandson, age 11, started at second base and went 2-3 at the plate.

incredible, but true 27 days after a complete break of his right arm, my grandson, age 11, went 2-3 at the plate against a 12major team brag

Grandson at 11&under baseball World Series at Saint Louis, Mo. They will play 7 games or so in the next few days. 5 yr old at home with us

After 2 great games my grandson broke his right wrist again on an elliptical trainer at the motel everyone in shock. Parents came to rescue

Sept, 2010

While practicing with the Blue Thunder football team, arm in a cast and hoping to play later in the year, Jon began experiencing severe pain in his right knee. He was diagnosed with a fragmented knee cartilage and was put in a full leg cast for six weeks to see if it would heal on its own. Thankfully he was young enough for this to occur and after 6 weeks of rehab we have arrived at the end of a difficult year.

Someone tell me why?

The answer? Life is tough and you have to be tough. I remind you of my philosophy that I have tried to instill in my grandchildren -

you may beat me, but I am not beaten. I cannot be defeated or beaten by anything or anyone. I will never,ever give in or give up. Even in death I am not defeated.

Why? “it will be ok” coaching following a legend

Early in my coaching career, I was an assistant football coach in Jr. High to a coaching legend. His name was "Red" Wade. A giant of man, six feet six, close to three hundred pounds. He had total control of the kids and did not lose a game in the five years I was assisting. We played some bigger schools and a few small area schools but the results were always the same. We won. When he retired, he was honored as the legend he was and I was named to take his place. I would have no assistant,(saving money) and would coach a squad of forty,all by myself.

I remember my first game, going to South Barber(a smaller, area school) and thinking that maybe I should start the "B" team and take it a little easy on them. We lost 20-0. It was a stunner. But at that level, if you have a true stud(and they did), he can dominate a game on both sides of the ball and he did. Our next game was at a tough school in Hutchinson, Sherman Jr High. We lost 7-0. Following a legend was proving to be impossible, embarrassing and if you didn't know, "even Jr High coaches can develop ulcers".

Now the problem was game three, Dodge City, a much larger school and a state contender every year. What to do, how to get back on track, how to get the team to believe. Well this is what I told the team. "We are going to score on the third play of the game". Now we had a reputation as a running team and what we we going to do was throw passes on the first two plays and on the third play run the "statue of liberty"(the quarterback goes back to throw and reaches back in a throwing position and a running back takes the ball a runs a sweep play}. We had a fast running back, named Kim Dover. I told them every day that Kim would score on the third play. Came game day, I was proved wrong, he scored on the fourth play.

We ran the two pass plays and Kim took the Statue of Liberty 50 yards down the side lines and stepped out of bounds on the five yard line. We scored on the next play, won the game and went on to win all the rest of the games that season. The first person in the dressing room to congratulate me was Red Wade.

Now for the kicker, the night before the game, I could not sleep. I was so worried about the team, my coaching, Dodge City. I has been on my mind all week. Laying there in the dark, following a legend, losing. not even able to score. Horrible indeed, at least from my view. Now what happened that night, I cannot truly explain, but around midnight and in the height of my agony a voice out of nowhere, gently said to me,"It will be ok". No, not in the room itself, but in my mind. Was it God?(I am an agnostic). I like to think it was my father(he died in a head on train collision when I was five years old). In any case I relaxed and fell immediately into a deep sleep. It was a moment I will never forget and now you know the"rest of the story".

Why? Damed if you do, damned if you don't

Imagine, if you will if President Barak Obama had begun his Presidency in an absolute, non-compromising mood with the Republicans. Now remember that the Republican Party has skewed to the right and is dominated by far right pundits. An uncompromising, black president would have made the far left love him and forced the right into a bunker mentality. In other words, "damned if he did".

Obama knew this and he chose a path of reaching out. To me, this means he felt he was President of ALL the people and as such he had to reach out to attempt to include the Far Right in legislative discussions. The Party of No knew if they did not compromise, made every legislative attempt a marathon, or to put it simply, let the country go to hell that they would win the next election cycle. In other words they put party ahead of country. Didn't the far right pundits say, "we want Obama to fail". So Obama was damned if he did seek compromise.

History will judge Obama as one of our great presidents. He did save the country from depression and achieved a major step toward Universal Health Care. Health care is a right, not a privilege. He took the right road, the correct road. He was after all the President of ALL the people.

Why? I'm making a list and checking it twice

it is like getting seeds to plant. Planting has begun and harvest is not far away.

Why? The politics of fear and the politics of self

The mid term election is upon on us and the politics of fear and self are extraordinarily evident. Let's begin with fear. Why fear? You know, the fight or flight response, the rage of chemical reaction telling you not to stand still, like a deer in the headlights. So I predict a record turnout. The Far Right fears the Left, the Left fears the Far Right. But the real question is why fear itself? The simple answer at all levels is survival. Animals need fear and proper reaction to fear for survival. It is true in politics.

And it all come down to the politics of self(self interest). Yes I am a cynic and I do believe that people act of of self interest. It begins at birth, probably in the womb. The first sound at most births is a cry. And so it begins. A baby's call to attention begins a lifelong adventure of seeking to full fill needs for food, ego, money. This country was founded on the principle of self. You know "no taxation without representation"(representation of SELF).

So the current and for that matter all political fights are rooted in the simple survival instinct. Thankfully there are at least rare occasions where self interest is out weighed by thoughts of the public interest. Read John Kennedy's Profiles in Courage as proof. But in the end fear can cause ugly, very ugly conflicts. Hate is really fear turned upon others. To rise above it is almost unnatural. In an election we should look for candidates that rise above the fray and speak to the true general good for all. But it is difficult and perhaps impossible for the electorate to escape from the clutches of fear and self.

Why? The hiatus is almost over

making a list and checking it twice

Why? Do I keep repeating my core philosophy

The answer is very simple. "We are what we think".

Why? Do my feet feel like I'm walking on egg cartons

It began with a very difficult choice I had to make. So difficult that I could not go to sleep that night. Well maybe a few minutes around 5 a.m. And so it went for 7 days in a row. Somewhere along the line one night I had an entire body heat flash(like a total niacin flush). And the next day, my legs began to itch. One problem was that days 6 and 7 were on the weekend. I finally got into see the doctor. He did not know what was happening to me, but prescribed prednisone and Ambien for sleep(I have taken ambien nightly for the past 7 years).

The itching turned into a burning in my feet. I remember attending the Kansas State vs California game and feeling that my feet were buried in hot sand. By the way, Ambien saved my life because through it all I have been able to sleep.

I was finally was diagnosed with Idiopathic Small Fiber Peripheral Neuropathy. I suffer 24/7 with burning in my feet, lower legs, a bit in my hands and arms and in my face and times in my mouth.

I take 800mg of Gabapentin 3 times a day. It helps about 20%.

I think around 2% of the population has some form of neuropathy. Neuropathy involves the immune system attacking the nervous system. It is a very cruel disease. Mine is idiopathic, meaning that the cause is unknown. It progressed very rapidly and I thought I was dying, but the progression slowed and I am still functioning for example, still playing golf.

You may ask or should ask, how are you able to survive this and the answer is

"you may beat me,but I am not beaten. I cannot be defeated or beaten by anything or anyone. I will never,ever give in or give up. Even in death I am not defeated".

Remember, "we are what we think". I choose to ignore my illness and focus on helping to raise my grandchildren, occasionally play some golf and religiously follow the Kansas State University Wildcats.

Why? Is your adversity really, really bad?

It would be beyond rare if someone faced no adversity in life. But there are degrees of adversity. Compare the denial of luxury to the denial of necessity, the denial of any sort of health care to poorly performed health care, the death of a pet to the death of a family member, the loss of a job to the loss of ability to perform that job, an illness to a terminal illness.

The degrees of adversity are proof that life is not fair and it really all comes down to how we handle adversity. The approach, do we handle it on our own, do we have a support system, someone, family, religion, philosophy? Well,if you have read my blogs, you know my belief,

"you may beat me,but I am not beaten. I cannot be defeated or beaten by anything or anyone. I will never,ever give in or give up. Even in death I am not defeated". But I do not know the source of this thinking. Perhaps it is innate for I am the descendant of homesteaders and have roots of bravery in my heritage. In any case, I pass on my philosophy to my descendants. I shout it for all to hear, sadly some did not and will not or could not hear. Will you?

Why? Can anyone explain why?

A about three and a half years ago, my grandson(age nine at the time)his brother(age 2) and my daughter found their father dead on the bedroom floor. He had been sick at home for a few days and refused to see a doctor. He had an enlarged heart, pneumonia, was very over weight and a heavy smoker. Now, even though he had the hue of death, his neck felt warm and can you imagine the trauma of the scene, the weeping, the sirens, the medics. Could he somehow still be alive? It turns out that the dog had been laying on his neck for several hours. Of course all this has marred the family for life. My wife and I immediately came to help and have been helping to raise the boys.

As a former coach, one of the first things was to get the oldest boy involved in sports. It turns out he is an exceptional athlete. He has all the tools, speed, quickness, hand eye coordination and heart. He has excelled in tackle football, basketball and baseball

And now for the kicker, While playing on an exceptional 11 and under baseball team this summer, he also went to a three week basketball camp. On the last day of the first week, he went in for the winning shot, making it, but was knocked to the floor and broke his right arm just an inch from his wrist. what follow is a series of tweets I made concerning that event.

well, 11 year old broke his wrist at basketball camp today. Now no basketball camp, no summer sports camp and no baseball. very tough on him

At least my grandson has a waterproof cast. He will be able to go to the Y and swim. Cast to come off in 4 weeks and completely healed in 6

So our baseball coach tells our 11 year old grandson who has a broken arm, "you can still play". This kid has great speed and he can pinch run by rule for pitchers and catchers. He is excited and looks to pinch run several times a game. Perhaps he will play in the World Series after all.(actually a facebook entry)

incredible, but true, 20 days after a complete break of his right arm, my grandson, age 11, started at second base and went 2-3 at the plate.

incredible, but true 27 days after a complete break of his right arm, my grandson, age 11, went 2-3 at the plate against a 12major team brag

Grandson at 11&under baseball World Series at Saint Louis, Mo. They will play 7 games or so in the next few days. 5 yr old at home with us

After 2 great games my grandson broke his right wrist again on an elliptical trainer at the motel everyone in shock. Parents came to rescue

Someone tell me why?

The answer? Life is tough and you have to be tough. I remind you of my philosophy that I have tried to instill in my grandchildren -

you may beat me, but I am not beaten. I cannot be defeated or beaten by anything or anyone. I will never,ever give in or give up. Even in death I am not defeated.

Why? the "new" left vs right

Left vs right, democrat vs republican , liberal vs conservative, non-noble vs noble. This conflict goes back to the beginnings. I call it the haves vs the have nots. It is the rich vs the poor, business owners vs workers and so on. Of course, this is a simplistic view, but generally true.

But, there are splits within the haves and have nots and it does lead to "strange bedfellows". The issue of racism adds a grim flavor to left vs right brew. The left is in general, the poorer 80 percent of the population. And probably 40 to 50 percent of that group consists of laboring white people. Within that group are to be found the teabaggers and other racists groups. What the racist far right conservative haves have done is to successfully court and control those have nots and have orchestrated the current Republican "just say no" campaign to affect the next election cycles. The smear campaign against President Obama is unprecedented, mainly because of new, instant and really uncensored communication methods. The internet is being intensely used to spread complete fabrications concerning Obama and fellow supporters of the have nots(democrats). "If you tell a big lie often enough, it become truth to many".

The left, split by racism, is being neutralized by this campaign and the real question now becomes, Why? is the left unable to mount a "real" counter attack?

Why? fireworks

The fuse is lit. Will we fizzle? You know, don't you that every civilization that has ever existed has fallen. So the question is, will we fall? The present economic, political and even terroristic environment could lead a new "Dark Ages". Imagine. if you will, the loss of electrical power in this country, a successful terrorist attack on our internet system or some biological catastrophe.

What would rule in this country and the answer is firepower. At the extreme, the armed forces would rule. Local militias, gangs, perhaps organized crime could create small kingdoms. On a grander scale, military officers of the highest rank could control entire countries.

How would ordinary people survive under the extreme conditions of a new "Dark Ages". The answer is they would not, could not survive.

So I am here to tell you. Keep your allegiance to the great democratic experiment that is America, but "keep you power dry". Why? You may need it. (ok, just my imagination running a bit wild)

Why? In the slow cooker Legacy

Yes this new recipe for Why? is in the slow cooker and it will be delicious. have patience.

Well, why do we need a legacy? Why do we want to leave something behind? To begin, we are are part of a legacy. The legacy of the Greeks, democracy; the Romans, law; England and the Glorious Revolution of 1688(go ahead and Google); The American Revolution; The Civil War, the New Deal; the defeat of the Axis; I love Harry Truman; the Promise of Kennedy; walking on the moon; the Great Communicator(figure it out); the civil rights movement; 9-11; on and on. It is a great legacy of freedom and the struggle to achieve it and keep it. With that legacy that was forged in many cases in blood comes an awesome responsibility - to maintain it for the following generations. Legacy has to be taught, learned and appreciated. So in the end we cannot and should not leave behind what was. The value of that legacy in incalculable.

why? this blog

well in truth, with a basis in survival instinct, I am sort of forced to think I am somewhat interesting, have a bit of insight and some wisdom. I challenge you to read it all and you will learn something. I do appreciate my mind and I know I may lose some or all of it someday. No matter, I am glad to have had life, some experiences wonderful some horrible, but life is what we make of it and I remind you you may beat me,but I am not beaten. I cannot be defeated or beaten by anything or anyone. I will never,ever give in or give up. Even in death I am not defeated.

repeat why? me

Why me?

Well this is an age old question. I'm sorry to say but it may be construed a sort of whining. Let us see if true in my case. When I was 4 years and 7 months old, my father(age 38) was killed in a head on collision between two trains. How could that happen you ask? It occurred in late January of 1945 at 2 A.M. in morning in Eastern Colorado. Human error caused the train collision. They were traveling at high speed around a curve. My father was in the front engine. He jumped and was crushed by a rail car. I remember a white, unopened casket. My father had been a grade school Principal and a Boy Scout Master. He went to the railroad in 1944. He wanted to be of greater value in the war effort. The white casket says a lot.

My poor mother was left to raise 3 children by herself. She worked at two jobs. When I reached age 18, she uprooted us all so I could go to college. I do remember my mother saying that the railroad gave my her a $3000 death benefit(probably about $60000 in today's money). In my mind that was a crime. In any case my mother raised three children by herself. She was a great women and I give thanks.

Why? do I like Robert Kennedy

Just what should our role be in this world? Can we actually make a difference? Here is a Robert Kennedy quote that explains it all. It gives us all hope.

"Few will have the greatness to bend history; but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and in the total of all these acts will be written the history of this generation...It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is thus shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." Day of Affirmation Address, University of Capetown, South Africa, June 6, 1966.

Why? the far right and left are similar

Ok, I like Dylan Ratigan and I really dislike Glen Beck. Beck is the classic example of a rabble rouser, a demagogue, a charlatan, a tub thumper etc. But listening to Ratigan today, I realized he has Glen Beck elements. Railing against the banks and the bailout, against Wall Street, against Congress. Hmm, tonal inflections, well at least a bit. I wonder where we would be if Herbert Hoover had been president the past few years? and the answer is?

Why? Tea Baggers Mulling

I am currently in the state of mulling. won't be long. Well the issues seem complex, but in most cases have great simplicity.

Tea Baggers. They believe they have a precedent in the Boston Tea Party. You know, "no taxation without representation", no voting rights etc. Doesn't seem to fit, but the American "right to protest" does fit. I believe the basic problem for the "baggers" is the changing hue of America. If you have a racial bias and many people do no matter what their hue then somewhere deep inside and for some on the very surface is a fear of loss of place. White people are rapidly becoming a minority in this country. But make no mistake, an organized minority can rule in a democracy. The far right , ultra conservative wing of the Republican Party has done rather well in recent years, until the rise of Barak Obama. He of course represents a variety of hues and thus represents the future and the racial fears have been stirred as never before.

Check the the Tea Bagger rallies, they appear to be 100% white. And this is proof of their intent and believe it is intended. Racial fear can it be overcome? Yes, the great mixed hue hope is Barak Obama, but I must tell you I go on line every day with slight apprehension. Can he survive? Another question

Why? Mitch Holthus

Mitch, Mabel Leonard -

Why? Ask Why? repeat for Mitch Holthus

I remember 58 years ago very well. Well in truth not that well, but I do remember Mabel Leonard, my 7th grade teacher. She was probably in her 50s, gray hair and on the surface nothing extraordinary. But I remember distinctly the feeling of excitement in learning. It was the questions. I remember she asked questions to teach. It captured me. I became eager to learn. it was a life lesson. Years later when it came my turn to teach I always used questions. Have you ever seen an entire classroom on the edge of their seats, all focused, all paying close attention, all eager to join in. I have, all the time, through using questions. The greatest questioner of all was Socrates. It is very simple, questions engage the brain, they stimulate the brain. By the way there are no bad questions, no how shall I say-"less than smart questions" You see when you ask questions, you foster questions. the excitement of learning is contagious and FUN! Mitch, I'm a Smith Center graduate(1958) and taught in Pratt for 38 years

another repeat why? left vs right

left vs right, democrat vs republican , liberal vs conservative, non-noble vs noble. This conflict goes back to the beginning. I call it the haves vs the have nots. It is the rich vs the poor, business owners vs workers and so on.

Today's liberals are now calling themselves progressives because the word liberal has been attacked for so long by the haves. Today's haves are very noble-like, check out the castles that some people live in. well not literally castles, but literally mansions.

So what is the real issue? If the haves are richer and thus much more powerful, how can the have nots get anything. Of course the answer is through democracy. The have nots greatly outnumber the haves and currently the democrats are seeking a greater share of the wealth through government. Is that wrong?

I find the Kennedy family interesting. They are a part of the new rich or new nobility and have had a long standing empathy with the have nots. They believe as many do that the rich have an obligation to their fellow man.

I believe that government can both hurt and help people. People do need help but they will also take advantage. Historically the haves have ruled, but violent revolutions and later peaceful revolution through the voting booth have allowed the have nots access to becoming a have.

In the end the haves fear democracy and seek to control it and would kill it if they could. Long live democracy! If it lasts long enough it may kill itself. I hope not. Why?

why? repeat a blog

It is very simple. To me,some things are worth repeating.

Why? drill for oil

Well, it is the economy stupid( sorry this the same as a "curse" word to my 5 year old grandson) I think for the most part Obama and his team have done well in navigating through the great storms in Washington. Imagine if you will, If President Obama had, from the git go pushed, hard for a liberal agenda. I mean who has really been guilty of dividing the country. History will judge it was not Barack Obama.

The economy is fragile. A small oil boom on the East Coast will bolster jobs. In the end we will have to rehab and are beginning to rehab the economy based on alternative energy(you do understand why the sun was worshipped by ancient civilizations don't you?) ah,another question

repeat why? am I angry

I'm mulling it over, in fact I'm all a twitter about it. It is percolating and will be served hot soon Oh! the therapeutic effects of blogging.

OK, cynical but true, anger can be exploding self-interest. By the many accounts, actions, and an election, this anger is beyond simmering. Can you imagine destroying houses to keep property values up in Michigan. Do you feel your personal worth has greatly declined. Is there a future for the grandchildren? This country needs "fireside chats". Instead we get political fear mongering We get orchestrated lies. I won't mention the source, because it is stooping to a low level, but "if you tell a big lie long enough, people will believe it". This has been happening.Can the masses in democracy be swayed by lies, half lies and out of context truth all funded by big business. Of course they can, advertising and politics are evidence.

In truth, Congress is pretty much controlled by big business and the health care mess proves it. Examples, Senator Joe Lieberman is owned by the insurance companies and the campaign of hate and fear is the umbrella of corporations and sword of the Far Right. Can this floundering ship be righted. Well, sadly there are no liberal Republicans left. well, there is one, me. I believe less government is usually better than more. I believe in general that capitalism is the best system. You know "build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door" means the greed of people can produce a better life for all. But unregulated capitalism leads to monopoly and depression. We need more banking regulation and a national health care system period. This country is and has been polarized on purpose. The rich are using a magnet of fear to draw voters to their cause of preservation of wealth. If you know this and speak this there is still a chance. This country needs many Senators and Representatives with a true "Profile in Courage".

And now thankfully with the passage of the Health Care Bill, the country is reaping what the courageous have sown. POSTED ByKURT HEATON AT 10:29 PM 0 COMMENTS

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repeat why? am I angry

I'm mulling it over, in fact I'm all a twitter about it. It is percolating and will be served hot soon Oh! the therapeutic effects of blogging.

OK, cynical but true, anger can be exploding self-interest. By the many accounts, actions, and an election, this anger is beyond simmering. Can you imagine destroying houses to keep property values up in Michigan. Do you feel your personal worth has greatly declined. Is there a future for the grandchildren? This country needs "fireside chats". Instead we get political fear mongering We get orchestrated lies. I won't mention the source, because it is stooping to a low level, but "if you tell a big lie long enough, people will believe it". This has been happening.Can the masses in democracy be swayed by lies, half lies and out of context truth all funded by big business. Of course they can, advertising and politics are evidence.

In truth, Congress is pretty much controlled by big business and the health care mess proves it. Examples, Senator Joe Lieberman is owned by the insurance companies and the campaign of hate and fear is the umbrella of corporations and sword of the Far Right. Can this floundering ship be righted. Well, sadly there are no liberal Republicans left. well, there is one, me. I believe less government is usually better than more. I believe in general that capitalism is the best system. You know "build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door" means the greed of people can produce a better life for all. But unregulated capitalism leads to monopoly and depression. We need more banking regulation and a national health care system period. This country is and has been polarized on purpose. The rich are using a magnet of fear to draw voters to their cause of preservation of wealth. If you know this and speak this there is still a chance. This country needs many Senators and Representatives with a true "Profile in Courage".

And now thankfully with the passage of the Health Care Bill, the country is reaping what the courageous have sowed. POSTED ByKURT HEATON AT 10:29 PM 0 COMMENTS

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repeat Why? The Agony of Defeat

Well as I age, not so gracefully by the way, I am pondering the role of sports. I have either gotten into or supported my grandchildren in sports. But why? and I know not all people are physically involved in sports but many are mentally attached. I think in the end sports are all about life and death. Note things like "live to fight another day", "sudden death playoff". Of course it all comes down to the life and death struggle. The "thrill of victory" is an affirmation of life, of living, of surviving. The "agony of defeat" is in the losing(the loss of life). Of course sports help develop that mental aspect of survival. We practice hard, play hard and that is transferred to the life we live. Thus the value of sports is in helping us prepare to face and defeat adversity(even death). In the end, if you have given your best in sport or life then to put it simply, everything is OK(at the moment of defeat or death)

I remind you of my philosophy - you may beat me,but I am not beaten. I cannot be defeated or beaten by anything or anyone. I will never,ever give in or give up. Even in death I am not defeated.

Why? I believe in Kansas State

http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/college-basketball/gpc-video-we-believe-103047

Why? Ask Why? repeat for Mitch Holthus

I remember 58 years ago very well. Well in truth not that well, but I do remember Mabel Leonard, my 7th grade teacher. She was probably in her 50s, gray hair and on the surface nothing extraordinary. But I remember distinctly the feeling of excitement in learning. It was the questions. I remember she asked questions to teach. It captured me. I became eager to learn. it was a life lesson. Years later when it came my turn to teach I always used questions. Have you ever seen an entire classroom on the edge of their seats, all focused, all paying close attention, all eager to join in. I have, all the time, through using questions. The greatest questioner of all was Socrates. It is very simple, questions engage the brain, they stimulate the brain. By the way there are no bad questions, no how shall I say-"less than smart questions" You see when you ask questions, you foster questions. the excitement of learning is contagious and FUN!

Why? is Brett Favre still playing, well perhaps still playing

I think the simplest answer is that he is still a kid at heart, a forty-two year old kid. That in its self is pretty amazing. The kid in us is usually slowly pushed out by the rigors of life. However if you are able to get into a business that still has elements of a game, namely the NFL and survive for a couple of decades and still have great ability then you stand alone as the great Brett Favre. I saw him on Leno the other night. He has a glint in his eyes, an impish look and singing "pants on the ground" after the Dallas game. He is truly one of the lucky ones in this life and I wish him well.