Great Idea. Lousy Slogan.

 

"Defund the police” means reallocating or redirecting funding away from the police department to other government agencies funded by the local municipality. That’s it. It’s that simple. Defund does not mean abolish policing."

~Wikiquotes ~

 

I was a career firefighter for over 23 years. I can tell you, first-hand and unequivocally, there is now, and always will be, a need for some level of law enforcement. I can't tell you the number of times I was in situations as a first responder where the need for a brother or sister with training in enforcement was both needed and welcomed. Firefighters and cops are brothers and sisters....... two arms of the same body in the truest sense.

Now, I'll also tell you there were cops I encountered (firefighters, too) who had no business wearing the badge. There are those in every profession who lack the control, compassion, training, brains, or whatever to do the job at hand. But in my opinion, cops (and probably teachers) have it the hardest of all. It's easy to arm-chair quarterback something you see on the news without a clue what happened in real time. Split-second decisions are knee-jerk and based largely on training and muscle memory. And you cannot possibly stand there and criticize those kinds of decisions unless you've been there. I have.

And that, my friends, brings me to the entire "Defund the Police" movement. If you look past the title, you couldn't help but agree this is a great idea. We'll get to that in a moment. But for the love of all things holy, in a time of civil unrest, where all most of us want to do is just move forward in unity, why on earth would you settle on a title that breeds division? Why? Unless you're targeting people who look beyond a title, you'd have to know a movement with this type of heading would bring a violent reaction. It makes me question your motives.

So, let's take a look at where this is intended to go at its core. "Defund the Police" would be more clearly defined as, "Let's Divert Some Police Funding to Areas of Our Communities That Need It Most." And to be clear, it need not come from just police budgets. 

At its very core, this movement simply addresses the need to be fiscally responsible in all areas of government. It is statistically significant to note that communities with higher levels of public involvement have lower crime rates. That, dear friends, is why you get fewer patrols in some areas than others. You can twist this to suggest minority communities have higher crime rates, and that's true. But why? Look deeper. Minority communities tend to have fewer opportunities and resources compared to some others. There are a thousand reasons, including historical racism, that could explain why that is, but instead of having that debate, let's play the "What If" Game.

What if, instead of a million-dollar grant to improve riot gear, you spent that money on a community center? What if you sent 100 minority kids to college or trade school?  What if you funded summer reading programs, housing development and/or cleanup? What if you invested in communities with the highest crime rates instead of spending the money to protect yourselves more against them? Spend it on education. Spend it on community outreach. Spend it on things that bring a community in need into the collective fold. 

Has this been tried before? Sure it has. At least it's been given a haphazard try without full community support. And when it doesn't work in the span of some unrealistic time-frame, we throw up our hands and scream from the rooftops that it didn't work. But it can.

We live in a time of the desire for instant stimulation and results. Defunding the police isn't an overnight solution. It will take years. It will take generations of people coming to a new understanding of what policing should be all about. But truly, wouldn't you prefer it that way? Wouldn't you rather live in a world where police weren't necessary? None of us reading this will likely live long enough to see that come to fruition, but can't we start walking that direction? In the name of those coming after us, can't we try to improve lives for everyone?

Look, and I speak from experience, I want our police to be well-trained, and most of all, safe. They have a thankless, dangerous job, and they deserve our support. But what they deserve even more than that, is for people to invest in their communities and behave in such a way police services aren't needed.......at least not as much.

Be safe, brothers and sisters. We're going to try to make it better for you.

Namaste 

***Authors Note: I fully realize that some of the topics I touched on in this little blurb are far more complex and multi-layered than I can cover in a small space. And I most certainly do not have all the answers. And before we even begin the political backlash, I also fully realize there are a handful on the left who would suggest police be fully defunded. But that's certainly not the majority of those who would support this concept. (And by the way, most of us on the left don't want your guns either. Keep em). If local, state, and federal government can't funnel funds to communities, how about some of the rich corporations? Hell, how about some of the smaller companies? Invest in where you live. And can we please revisit the whole notion of privately owned prisons? I can't help you if you don't see an issue with that concept.***

 

NO LITTERING

 

"We can tell much by what we have already willingly discarded along the pathway of discipleship. It is the only pathway where littering is permissible, even encouraged. In the early stages, the debris left behind includes the grosser sins of commission. Later debris differs; things begin to be discarded which have caused the misuse or underuse of our time and talent." ~ Neal A. Maxwell ~

 

In March of 1993, I began my career as a firefighter for a large metropolitan city. As a recruit class, one of our first assignments was to study the large volumes of Manuals of Procedure. As I recall, there were over a dozen three-ring binders stuffed with rules about what to do.....and what not to do. 

At some point, after being assigned to a station more than a year later, I finally mustered the nerve to ask an officer why there were so many rules, many of which seemed like common sense. His response was to the point: "For every rule in those books, whether they be about how to act or what to avoid, there has been a person along the line that acted in a way outside the common good of the department. So, we had to make a rule to spell it out for those to come."

And so it began. And as it turns out, there's little need for a rule unless there's a punishment in place to enforce it. Violate it once and you get an oral reprimand. Violate it twice, a written reprimand. A third time, time off or dismissal. And trust me when I tell you, there were those along the way who made the same "mistake" over and over again until they were no longer employed.

As it turns out, apparently humans living in a civilized society can't be trusted to do the "right" thing. The tricky part is determining precisely what exactly it is that's right or wrong. In simple terms, we can define it as those things that promote the common good. Those on the religious right would want you to believe those things are spelled out in the Bible. Ok, so that's not necessarily a bad place to start, but it also isn't the only place you'll find reference to living a life that's "right." Serving the common good needs to serve ALL those among the common, not just those of one belief set or another.

Which brings me to the sign at the top of the page. Why exactly do we need a reminder in the form of a street sign (which is nothing more than a narrowed-down version of a law) to remind people to do the right thing? It's simple......because many won't. Sure, MOST people will do what's best for the common good. But a few won't, and it's for them the rules are written.

Drive down any highway and you're barraged with signage and warnings, Stop. Yield, Speed Limit, Passing Zone, NO Passing Zone, dotted lines, solid lines, white lines, ad infinitum. And why, precisely, are all these signs necessary? They're necessary, because there are those among us who will drive in such a way that serves their own purpose. The data is indisputable, that driving 100 miles per hour, not wearing a seat belt, passing on a hill or curve, or blasting through an intersection are more dangerous than a "reasonable" speed, yielding at an intersection, etc. And most people will do that without being told. But, a few won't, and those few put us all at risk.

I think you get the picture without quoting law after law after rule after guideline. There are entire libraries full of books containing laws that were written because someone did something less than optimum for the common good. And look, I'm right there with you. It's insane that there are so many rules, and obviously they aren't all about what to do or not do. 

And that, of course, brings me to the recent hoopla about wearing a mask. By definition, we're in the middle a a global pandemic. We can debate all day long about whether Covid-19 is worse than the flu or whatever (it IS, by the way), but it doesn't change the fact that wearing a mask, social distancing, hand-washing, etc, HELP flatten the curve of a virus that has already killed over 270,000 americans alone. Is it foolproof? Good lord, no. But it helps. And we should all be willing to help. 

But, once again, there are those among the population who believe it's a hoax, or it's not that bad, or we should let nature take its course. (To be honest, some days I can completely get behind a Darwinian approach). And since there are some that won't, there are now some "rules" that state we all must. Why? Because an approach that helps the cause is for the common good. It isn't perfect. No law is. How many stories have you heard about someone who survived a car crash because they weren't wearing a seat belt? 

The bottom line is this. Each and every one of us should stand prepared to do what is best for the common good. Quarantine and isolation is grossly inconvenient, and only time will tell if it's part of the answer. But it's a part of the answer we know for now, and we need to be willing to do what is best for our neighbor. It's disheartening to me that we need so many laws and so many punishments in an attempt to enforce them. But until we can ALL be trusted to not murder someone, not rob someone, drive while intoxicated, not pass on a curve, not litter, or......wear a mask, then we'll have rules to, hopefully, minimize the infractions. Because that's what's good for us all.

Wear a mask when appropriate, social distance when appropriate, keep your speed down, and for God's sake....

No Littering!

Namaste,

Matt

A PUBLIC APOLOGY

“Proper apologies have three parts: 1) What I did was wrong. 2) I feel bad that I hurt you. 3) How do I make this better?” – Randy Pausch

I've always been better at expressing what I have to say with the written word. When I try speaking what's on my mind, the words come out jumbled and I repeat myself. I often miss the mark. So, for a start, this is my attempt at correcting some recent wrongs.

When a friend called me out on my recent state of mind, I tossed his opinion aside. When another friend mentioned my posts have been "edgy," I filed that away, as well. But when my daughter, whom I love and respect very much, called me out on how my confrontational attitude was outside my usual mantra and, in fact, hurtful, I had to dig way back to my days in Al Anon and examine my part. And I do, indeed, play a big part in my recent behavior. In fact, it's all mine to own.

Things have been strange in 2020, have they not? It became easy for me to get caught up in the hype about politics, Covid-19, masks, religion, and, well, everything. My opinion is important and it should be heard! (Add sarcasm).

But here's the thing. For quite some time, I've actually tried to live by a "Peace, Love, Joy, and Harmony" code. It isn't always easy, but it's a code that means everything to me. I've been living outside that code, and to those of you who have been hurt by my behavior, I humbly apologize.

My daughter put it beautifully. "If what you're truly preaching is tolerance and acceptance, then you'd better be able to model those behaviors throughout all experiences." Boom! That was a serious wake-up call, and I had it coming. My beliefs really aren't a secret. I believe in equal rights for all sexes, religions, races, creeds, and politics. I believe that freedom is difficult, but it truly means everyone has a right to their opinion, whether I agree with it or not. My job is not to sway your way of thinking. My job is to accept it, embrace it, and perhaps learn from it. It most definitely is NOT to ridicule you for it.

I'm passionate about my beliefs. But just because I believe it, it doesn't make it true....or right. It just makes it true and right for me. That's all that matters. 

All that said, an apology means little without an action to follow, so here goes:

1. I will scan my social media page for confrontational and hurtful material, and delete it. 

2. I will filter future postings through the "Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?" guideline.

3. When I see material that is contrary to my personal beliefs, I'll try better to understand.

What we all need is to come to a better understanding of each other. I may not currently understand why you like Trump, believe in a particular religion, or like beets. But I can at least be open to the possibility of seeing your point of view. I can't do that with a closed mind and steadfastly holding onto the position that my way is the right way. I'll do better. 

So, to my friends, I apologize if anything I've posted or said hurt you or made you uncomfortable. To my daughter, thank you for the courage to speak your mind and call me out on behavior outside of what I preach. You're a rock star and I love you.

Let's take a stab at a better understanding of each other. If we stick with it, I'll bet we find middle ground we can all live with. It's not easy, but we can do it. We have to, actually, or the hate will tear us apart.

Namaste,

Matt

A College Collage

"Some people get an education without going to college. The rest get it after they get out."

 

~ Mark Twain ~

 

Just over 36 years ago, I crossed the stage at the University of Nebraska to receive my diploma: A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. With only one exception, I remember almost nothing of the formulas and theories I learned about business. Seemingly, I went to college for nothing. But I didn't. I learned one priceless thing no one has ever been able to take from me. I learned how to "learn."

 

In increasing regularity, I see posts on social media addressing the value of careers like welding, plumbing, construction, electrical work, etc. "You don't need to go into debt and get a college degree to make a living,!" they scream. And I completely agree. These careers, jobs, and life-skills are beyond valuable in a civilized world. We need people who are willing to do these highly skilled, important jobs. They certainly don't require the enormous cost of "higher" education. But they should. Hear me out.

High school did nothing.......nothing, to prepare me for the world that waited for me outside the walls of my small town high school. Part of that was my fault. But the greater weight falls directly on the shoulders of our current school system. And, in almost every case, that isn't the teacher's or administrator's faults. It's a multi-dimensional issue that will likely not be solved in my lifetime. High School was an indoctrination and nothing more. 

College was different and this is why. The moment I set foot on the campus of an institution of higher learning, I was exposed to a plethora of differing world views. Different cultures. Different races. Different political, religious, and economic ideals. As I immersed myself in university, I was forced to hear, and at least consider, a multitude of ideas different than my own. I was forced, if you will, to finally ask the most important question of all, "Why?"

I can't speak for you, but the answer for me was almost always the same. Why was I a Methodist? Why did I have conservative political views? Why this? Why that? The answer? "Because that's what I've always been told." Or....."That's what I was taught." College afforded me the opportunity to face that question head-on at every turn. It taught me to read every newspaper article, watch every news channel, and listen to every preacher, politician, and teacher with a critical eye or ear. There was a bit of truth in everything; And a bit of untruth. I had to find the answers for myself. And so I did.

College changed my worldview. And that is why I believe everyone should have the opportunity to attend an institution of higher learning. Still want to pursue a career as an electrician? By all means, do that. Holy Mary, that career pays well. But see about changing your worldview first. 

"But everyone can't afford college!" you say. And I get it. I do. You'll have to take my word for me on this one. The cost of attending university is ridiculously expensive, but the investment is well worth the cost. And there are ways. There are hundreds of ways to fund college. Will it leave you in debt? Most likely. Will it change your life and the lives around you? That I can guarantee you.

You don't have to be an A student or a Rhodes Scholar. You'll get way more back than you spend. I do realize that it's becoming increasingly difficult to gain acceptance to many colleges. Not much you can do about that, except apply yourself more in high school. Please. I didn't even know how to tie my shoes in high school. By the time you realize how important college preparation is, it's too late.

So, here's my suggestion for an alternative. Travel. Visit other countries if you can. Learn about their history. Delve into their failures and successes. Visit other states. Check out historical landmarks. Or.....for the love of God, at least leave the town you were raised in long enough to hear different music. Is it going to be expensive? Of course it is. Is it worth it? Not only is it worth it, it's vital to our human existence.

Look, there isn't one single thing wrong with growing up and staying in the village/town/city where you were raised. In fact, in many cases I think it's noble. I know of a few people from where I went to high school that stuck around and now carry the torch for a variety of civic services that need done. I applaud them. I envy them, even. But of the ones I can think of, they all ventured off to examine their worldview before they returned. It's important.

So, I've rambled on about all that to say this. You have to ask yourself why. You a conservative? A liberal? Christian? Muslim? Trump supporter? Hate the thought of universal health care? Ok. I'll listen. But I'll only listen if you can honestly answer the question, "Why?" Because if you come at me with anything that resembles, "Because I've always believed that way," or, "My parents taught me this way or that," or even, "We've always done it this way or that," then I'm probably through listening.  Maybe your parents did teach you something and after careful examination it rung true with your spirit. That's awesome! But until you've done that, you're operating under a code of ignorance, and you can fix that.

It's important. As a species, we must examine each other's worldviews if we're ever going to have a prayer of finding common ground. It isn't just "us vs. them." It's all of us...together. And each and every person, city, state, country, and continent play a part in how the pieces of the puzzle all fall together. Be whatever or whoever you want to be, but find out for yourself what or who that is. You have to dig deeper. We all do.

Consider each and every belief you harbor, and ask yourself the question that needs asked about them all. 

Why?

 

 

 

 

Evolutionary, My Dear Watson

"Every generation hopes for a better life for their children than what they had. Then when they get it, they complain about their entitlement."

~ Matthew Leatherwood ~ 

Shortly before I retired from a large metropolitan fire department, I attended an Officer Enrichment Seminar. It was designed to help officers like me become better, well, officers. At one point our group was addressed by a Battalion Chief who began to tell us how challenged we would be at the station by new recruits that were raised as Millennials. He told us how lazy they would be and how they lacked work ethic.

Because I knew I was close to retirement with little to lose, I raised my hand to address the chief. And I began to explain to him that the problem with Millennials wasn't them. It was us. I don't know who he'd been around, but the vast majority of Millennials, Gen Xers, Gen Yers, or whatever that I've encountered are some of the most evolved young people I've ever known. So I told him, after years of tradition and history in a service that often does things "because we've always done them that way," there was, at last, a generation of people brave enough to finally ask, "Why?" And not only that, they were smart enough to suggest a better way. 

Now, I'm going to ask you to think big. No. No. Bigger. Nope. MUCH bigger. Step out of your box of American or even Earthling, and think about things from a perspective that involves our universe. We are stardust on a speck of cosmic mud that is hardly a pin prick on the map of a universe that is one of thousands of universes. And, all of those universes are expanding at an exponential rate. We are completely insignificant. And.....completely unique and special at the same time. We're evolving. We have to evolve. 

Whether you believe in the biblical Adam and Eve, or the Big Bang, life on this planet has been evolving from the beginning. It's been evolving for billions upon billions of years. Human life as we know it has been evolving for about the last ten thousand years or so. The only span of that you can be acutely aware of is the last 100 years, or so. Just think how far things have progressed in the last 100 years. Now imagine the next 100.

But, finally, to my point. Each and every generation since the beginning of man has hoped for a better, easier, more satisfying life for their children. And each generation has basically succeeded at doing exactly that. Once achieved, each generation then calls the next one soft, or lazy, or entitled. My great-grandparents likely thought my grandparents were soft because they had a cover on their wagon. My grandparents scoffed at my parents because they had a car, or black and white television. My parents were amazed I had a car, went to college, etc. And now my generation whines about kids today and their technology. "They should go outside and play more!' we scream. 

Now, I'm not saying it isn't good for anyone to get some fresh air, but stick with me here. This generation is different, and each generation after is going to evolve at an exponential rate. My youngest daughter, clearly in the Millennialish category was never all that crazy about talking on the phone. "We don't do that," she'd say. "We text."  And so it begins.

Faculty at MIT have developed a thingamajig that converts brainwaves to electricity and allows you to manipulate electronic devices with just a thought. It currently only recognizes about 100 english words, but before long thinking is all that will be required to change the channel on your TV, make a phone call, drive your car, and yes, even communicate from one person to the next. Verbal communication is on its way out. 10 years? 100 years? 1000? I don't know, but it's happening.

What about cursive writing? Oh my god, how we cry about how kids can't write or read cursive. My question to you is this. "So what?" Kids and young adults don't need to read and write in cursive. It's outdated and archaic. It's being replaced by something way more efficient, and the fact you're reading this blog is evidence of it. You're just angry that YOU had to learn it. Language and communication are evolving. 

Kids today don't go outside and play as much. Is that sad? Sure, sort of. But it's only sad because that's what I did as a kid, and I loved it. But today's kids are prepping their brain for much bigger things. I don't even know how to play a video game, but can you imagine a better way to prepare your brain for the advances to come than to "plug in?" 

Change is hard, but things are changing and they're changing fast. Every alien movie ever produced imagined an alien species void of things like verbal communication, written word, or even sex as we know it today. It's where every generation is heading. If you don't believe me, do some reading about Quantum Physics or String/Wave Theory. You don't have to understand the math to understand the implications. Even Einstein could barely fathom where we're heading.

Now, it's completely plausible that we won't survive as a species long enough for all this evolution to come to fruition. That's a very long topic for a whole other time. In the meantime, by all means, make your kids get some air, but let them have their electronics and gadgets, too. It's where we're heading, and it's necessary for them to survive. Don't keep them locked in the 1950's and 60's. Help them thrive in a future that's evolving exponentially. You don't have to like it. But it's necessary.

It's evolutionary.

Let Me Stay

“Love, it never dies. It never goes away, it never fades, so long as you hang on to it. Love can make you immortal”
― Gayle Forman

Let me stay, 

Just one more day.

Let me see who I can help today.

A loving touch,

A gentle hand.

Let me search throughout the land.

Let me stay,

Just one more day,

To help someone along their way.

A hungry child,

a lonely heart.

Let me give them a new start.

Let me stay,

I beg of you.

Please, let me stay, 

To start anew.

Let me stay, 

Just one more day.

One more sunrise,

One more chance at play.

A lot to ask,

By chance at best.

If I can stay,

I'll help the rest.

Please, if you can,

Please, let me stay.

Just let me stay,

Just one more day.

~ Matthew Leatherwood ~

   

In All Fairness

“Equality is not a concept. It's not something we should be striving for. It's a necessity. Equality is like gravity. We need it to stand on this earth as men and women, and the misogyny that is in every culture is not a true part of the human condition. It is life out of balance, and that imbalance is sucking something out of the soul of every man and woman who's confronted with it. We need equality. Kinda now.”
― Joss Whedon 

When I was attending college at the University of Nebraska, an Economics professor assigned Looking Backward, by Edward Bellamy as required reading. In this novel with economic undertones, a man with insomnia wakes from his basement sleep quarters to find his house burned down around him and he was left undiscovered for many years. 

What this man discovered was that, while in a deep sleep, society had changed...... a lot. He awoke to a modernized society; a society governed by pure socialism. So while you're bashing me as a "libtard, socialist, bleeding heart," let me explain to you what Socialism actually is.....and what it is not.

In his novel, Bellamy describes an economy and society free from worry, crime, war, poverty, hunger, etc. Everyone, regardless of job or status, makes exactly the same amount of money per year in the form of "credits." Doctors, lawyers, cooks, dishwashers, construction workers, ad infinitum, all make exactly the same salary. What you choose to DO with your salary is entirely up to you. You can live in a big house, drive fancy cars, take lavish vacations: it doesn't matter. Oh, and you if you accidentally overspend your credits, you can get an advance on a future year's wages. 

Sounds beautiful, doesn't it? Well, to be fair, the human condition (mainly greed) won't allow for this type of economy. We all strive to desire more and we think working harder, or smarter, or whatever will get us "more." And truthfully, I can see where this type of setup would speak to our inherent laziness as humans. What's the incentive? 

So, let's be clear. Let's be fair. I'm not a socialist. It simply won't work. It's a shame, but it won't. Capitalism, on the other hand, seems to work for a bit, but you can bet we'll collapse under its weight eventually. Wanting to provide affordable health insurance, wanting to feed those that are hungry, and wanting to provide safe haven to those seeking asylum, is not socialism. It's caring.

Let's discuss immigration for a moment, you know, just to be fair. We have to start thinking outside the "'Merica!" box for a bit if we're going to survive as a species. We're humans, not Americans. But I've covered that in other posts. 

The "Wall" is a bad idea. It won't help, for a number of reasons. For starters, most illegal immigration occurs in places other than our southern border. It happens in the air, by sea, and to the north. Just like spending billions per year on a drug war we can't win, building a wall doesn't address the issue at all. Illegal immigration isn't the giant mess you think it is. It's what you've been programmed to believe.

A very small fraction of those that enter "our" country are criminals: drug dealers, murderers, rapists, terrorists. The vast majority of our major crimes are committed by white male citizens of these United States. It doesn't come from the outside. Think immigration drains our system? It's hardly a blip on the radar. Out-of-status immigrants don't qualify for any government programs and it is heavily screened and scrutinized. There are some exceptions where immigrant children are concerned, but it's a number you'll never feel.

And before you bash immigrants (who do actually fuel our economy in a number of ways by paying different taxes and buying goods), by saying they're "taking our jobs," remember two things. Immigrants aren't taking your jobs. Automation is. And for every immigrant who gets a job in the U.S., it's an American company who hires them illegally. 

And to be fair, perhaps we should talk about the notion of drug testing people on welfare. It's a ridiculous notion you wouldn't support if you did the math. Most people on welfare are A: already employed in a job that doesn't provide a living wage. B: white, and drug free. Welfare and "food stamps" are the most highly scrutinized programs there are. It's difficult to qualify. Just like the drug war, drug testing welfare recipients would be an huge expenditure to police a program that doesn't need policed in that way. 

Let's tackle the Trump issue, just to be fair. I don't need to write an entire page of adjectives to describe him. I don't blame him. I blame you....and me. We put him there. We either didn't go to the polls or we did and didn't bring enough people with us. We put him there, but we can get him out, too......if we hurry. 

In the midterm elections in Texas, only 12% of the eligible Hispanic and Black vote turned out to actually cast a ballot. The very people most affected by a conservative platform didn't show up to make their voices heard. Are they lazy? No. They've been beaten back culturally for generations and they believe their voice doesn't matter. We have to change that. Everyone counts. 

It seems to me I could ramble on and on about the concept of fairness and there just wouldn't be enough space in all the internet to cover it. Like many other entries in the past, I'm begging you to do your homework. Don't look to the news. Look to your soul to do the right thing for all humanity. Our situation is reaching Critical Mass, and if we don't change our collective consciousness, and soon, we can pull up a chair next to the dinosaurs. 

Just be fair