PLEASE SILENCE MY PLAYER TO THE RIGHT

>>>

>>>>

In order to spare you a long diatribe, I will use terms in this post which may resonate as cliche. They are the culmination of many experiences and eye opening lessons.

I received an email, that apparently has made its rounds for some time. I hate to admit it, but it made cry to the point of sobs. For during the last three years I have come to realize that character and the Golden Rule so many of us were raised on are both absent in our government and are suffocating under our society that desires only to achieve and acquire. Now while achievement in itself can be quite good, it becomes troublesome when it is sought after regardless of method or consequence. As our economy has soured (which will grow much, much worse as OPTION ARM loans begin to reset) we are beginning to see a lot of politcal CYA on both sides of the aisle.Why? Because lobbyist rule our politicians and the people are merely hurdles to be manipulated.  

...

I also spend a great deal of time among familes with special needs children and our business brings us to many people who face unexpected harships (like the cancer and foreclosure). The recurring comments and treatment they receive from both the business and daily world make me physically ill. I am left wondering things like, what causes people pursue greed?. Why are people so angry and hostile with special needs children and their families? Surprisingly it is very common. Maybe it boils down to being driven by fear and insecurity.

 ....

Character.....sigh.... Where has it gone? Perhaps my idealism of our nation's founding is just that - idealism. Perhaps the principled character was never really there the way we think it was, but I like to think it is something we are capable of. Seeing the people in this video reminded me there are people out there who see the bigger picture. I have to think God had the same reaction I did to this "this dad gets it." 

The email contained the following: (Thanks for making my morning Sondra and for always being someone of tremendous character and a dear, dear friend!)

The son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon

with me?'.  The father who, despite having a  heart condition, says 'Yes'.  

They went on to complete the marathon  together.  Father and son

went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to

 his son's request of going through the race  together. One day, the

son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the  Ironman together.'  

To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

For  those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever.   The

 race  encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer)

 ocean swim,  followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and

ending with a 26.2  mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together.

 SILENCE MY PLAYER ON THE RIGHT