Video: Understanding Modern Martial Law Under Obama
Dr. James David Manning PhD. speaks about the recent Executive order released by Obama referring to it as Martial Law. Recorded 20 March 2012.
Obama Assumes Dictatorial Powers – Dick Morris TV: Lunch Alert!
House Bill 85 passed on first reading by a voice vote. It would create a state-run government continuity task force, which would study and prepare Wyoming for potential catastrophes, from disruptions in food and energy supplies to a complete meltdown of the federal government.
The task force would look at the feasibility of:
Wyoming issuing its own alternative currency, if needed. And House members approved an amendment Friday by state Rep. Kermit Brown, R-Laramie, to have the task force also examine conditions under which Wyoming would need to implement its own military draft, raise a standing army, and acquire strike aircraft and an aircraft carrier.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. David Miller, R-Riverton, has said he doesn’t anticipate any major crises hitting America anytime soon. But with the national debt exceeding $15 trillion and protest movements growing around the country, Miller said Wyoming — which has a comparatively good economy and sound state finances — needs to make sure it’s protected should any unexpected emergency hit the U.S.
Several House members spoke in favor of the legislation, saying there was no harm in preparing for the worst.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in this room today what would come up here and say that this country is in good shape, that the world is stable and in good shape — because that is clearly not the case,” state Rep. Lorraine Quarberg, R-Thermopolis, said. “To put your head in the sand and think that nothing bad’s going to happen, and that we have no obligation to the citizens of the state of Wyoming to at least have the discussion, is not healthy.”
Wyoming’s Department of Homeland Security already has a statewide crisis management plan, but it doesn’t cover what the state should do in the event of an extreme nationwide political or economic collapse. In recent years, lawmakers in at least six states have introduced legislation to create a state currency, all unsuccessfully.
The task force would include state lawmakers, the director of the Wyoming Department of Homeland Security, the Wyoming attorney general and the Wyoming National Guard’s adjutant general, among others.
The bill must pass two more House votes before it would head to the Senate for consideration. The original bill appropriated $32,000 for the task force, though the Joint Appropriations Committee slashed that number in half earlier this week.
University of Wyoming political science professor Jim King said the potential for a complete unraveling of the U.S. government and economy is “astronomically remote” in the foreseeable future.
But King noted that the federal government set up a Continuity of Government Commission in 2002, of which former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson, R-Wyo., was co-chairman. However, King said he didn’t know of any states that had established a similar board.
Contact capital bureau reporter Jeremy Pelzer at 307-632-1244 or jeremy.pelzer@trib,com
h/t to John Rolls and AJ
Media mocks Wyoming for preparation & 'Doomsday Bill'
Glenn Beck praised the actions of a politician from Wyoming who is bringing something the media has dubbed the 'Doomsday Bill' to the table. Glenn is calling this perhaps one of the most responsible pieces of legislation because it calls for Wyoming to prepare for not only catastrophic natural disasters and terrorist attacks - but also in the event of a financial meltdown. Not surprisingly, the media mocked the bill. Glenn has the audio and reaction.
You can download and read the bill HERE
Brace for Impact and Please Take Some Time to Read This and Watch the GBTV Special
Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 at 5:43 PM EDT
Glenn explained on his Thursday 10.13.11 show on GBTV what you can do to prepare for for economic collapse… or for a natural disaster for that matter. What he believes is that we are approaching very difficult times. (He had Robert Kiyosaki of Rich Dad Poor Dad fame on as a guest last week and Kioysoki believes the same as Beck, just if one can imagine, even more so. He and Donald Trump just wrote a new book called the Midas Touch and in a recent Newsweek article they warned that real unemployment is near depression era levels. And you can go through the list including Gerald Caliente, Bob Livingston etc. etc. are all saying the same thing). This list that he sent to his family and his producers is in raw form and was covered in detail on the show. You can tune in to catch this special for free by signing up for a two week free trial! It IS now available on demand.
Beck started out showing pictures of all the world leaders who are warning about the coming collapse now. It was pretty much all of them. They are all saying it in one way or another. That means a Global Economic Collapse... We'll wake up in the 1800's one morning, like it or not. Prepare the best you can while you still can. It could happen any day. If we are lucky it will be a year or two years off, if we are unlucky it could be tomorrow
One thing he didn't add to the list was Bandages and Medicines for humans and animals as well as animal feed (pet food). I added some verbiage in blue that he said in the video (I took notes) that was edited for posting on the site. It's a lot but the important thing is to start somewhere. Buy the B1G1 band-aids the next time they're on sale and stock up. Use coupons and you'll save a lot more. His list was interspersed with lots of preps for your mindset. There are many other lists on the 'net and in books of "stuff" you'll need. I look around and see what I use every day or need in sickness or emergency and buy extra. As for "money" it is now recommended that you have enough gold or sliver to pay your taxes for several years. Your IRA's, Mutuals, Savings and 401k's will be worthless when the dollar tanks. Get out of paper dollars. Pay off your house and car if you can.
I know for some of you that this email is going out to are way on top but I encourage you to at least look at Glenn's list and some of the other information here and ponder the possibility. It might change your mindset. Glenn says he didn't really write it - it just came to him to write (divinely implied). Beck, like Robert Kiyosaki, both say the timing (when this will happen) is often wrong, but their accuracy
Here's the link to Beck’s list online. It is posted below with some updates from my notes and a few highlights and related links.
THE LIST
BUY FARM LAND - (BUY A HOUSE INSTEAD OF RENTING) IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN
ELECTRONICS FREE
APPRENTICESHIPS ARE THE FUTURE.
DISCUSS THE VALUE OF SCHOOL FOR WHAT YOU CAN EARN.
DO NOT LOOK FOR LABELS THEY WILL BECOME MEANINGLESS (YALE, HARVARD…)
FIND OTHER FORMS OF SCHOOL. ON LINE.
TEACH YOUNG CHILDREN NOW THAT COLLEGE IS NOT A GIVEN
DEMAND MERIT FROM SCHOOL AND STUDENT OR PULL YOUR TIME/ $
EDUCATE YOURSELF AT ALL TIMES. ALWAYS READ.
HAVE A HARD COPY OF IMPORTANT BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS
LEARN OLD AND OR LOST PRACTICES.
MENDING/CANNING/FARMING
LEARN TO FIX AN ENGINE
RE-LEARN READING A MAP
KNOW THE NEWS. LIFE CAN CHANGE QUICKLY.
BE ABLE TO DEFEND YOUR POSITIONS BY KNOWING THE OTHER SIDE
TRADITIONS
'PRESERVE’ WHAT IS IMPORTANT. SHED ALL OTHERS. CONSERVE AND
PRESERVE. RECLAIM AND RESTORE. (HAVE PRINTS OF VALUE DOCUMENTS AND PHOTOS)
MONEY
GOLD, FOOD, CIGARETTES, LIQUOR, SUGAR, AMMUNITION, GUNS, SEEDS,
SKILLS (BARTER) KNOWLEDGE
HAVE 30 DAYS CASH ON HAND
BUY A HOUSE
STOP ALL EXCESS SPENDING. BUY QUALITY ONLY. FORGET FASHION ONLY
MEASURE TWICE – CUT ONCE. DO NOT WASTE.
CONSIDER A FUEL EFFICIENT – SUV/TRUCK/CAMPER
CONSIDER SOMETHING PRIOR TO 1979 FIX YOURSELF
LOCATION
LIVE NEAR LIKE MINDED PEOPLE. TEXAS, THE MOUNTAINS OR WHERE GOD STILL PLAYS A ROLE IN REAL LIFE
IF YOU CANNOT MOVE IT MEANS YOU ARE WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE (NO PLACE WILL BE UNTOUCHED) CREATE A NETWORK
BUSINESS/WORK
BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE. BE THE ONE EMPLOYEE NO ONE CAN FIRE
SMALL BIZ – BE THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE NO ONE CAN CANCEL
CONSERVE AND PRESERVE
LEARN FROM THE DEPRESSION
ADVERTISE WHEN NO ONE ELSE IS: CHEVOLET
STAY IN BUSINESS BUT DOWNSIZE AND PRESERVE (ARCH)
HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND CHARITY.
BE GEORGE BAILEY
SPIT YOURSELF OUT OF THE SYSTEM. TURN UPSIDE DOWN NOW
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART IS
DO BUSINESS IN SYMBIOTIC WAYS – WE NEED EACH OTHER
DO NOT TRY TO PUT OTHERS OUT OF BUSINESS, LET THEM DO IT.
GIMBLES VS MACYS EXAMPLE
NEVER BE THE SMARTEST MAN IN THE ROOM
TAKE CARE OF YOUR EMPLOYEES THE BEST YOU CAN.
TAKE LESS AND GIVE MORE
READ FRANKLIN AND WASHINGTON
LIFE
DO NOT PLAN YOUR LIFE AND THEN MOVE. PLAN, LISTEN AND OBEY
PRACTICE AT LEAST FRANKLINS AMERICAN RELIGION
SERVE
HONOR ALL OF YOUR OBLIGATIONS
PRESERVE – FOOD, TIME, MONEY, ENERGY
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE BASICS. VALUES/PRINCIPLES
DO WITH LESS NOW. WILL BE LESS OF A SHOCK IF IT COMES LATER
SERVE/SHARE
JOIN A 9.12 GROUP. LINK ON LINE. EXCHANGE PHONE #’S AND LOCATIONS
HAVE A MEETING PLACE ESTABLISHED FOR FAMILY AND OR FRIENDS
READ THE BIBLE DAILY
HAVE A GUN (AND AMMO) AND KNOW HOW TO SHOOT IT. (LEARN ABOUT ALTERNATE WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AS WELL)
RESOLVE THOSE ISSUES THAT ARE HOLDING YOU BACK (WE ALL HAVE THEM)
STOP ALL BEHAVIOR THAT DOES NOT EXPAND YOU OR OTHERS INTO GOOD
MAKE AMENDS FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
FIND PEACE AND GET TO WORK
TEACH CHILDREN WORK ETHIC
TOLERATE NOTHING THAT YOU FEEL IS WRONG BY REMAINING SILENT
LET YOUR CHILDREN SEE YOU STAND (FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND YOU BELIEVE IN)
BE HONORABLE IN “ALL” OF YOUR DEALINGS
UNDERSTAND THAT ANGER IS A PART OF LIFE BUT NEVER FEED IT
THE FIRST LOOK IS NOT A PROBLEM. IT IS THE SECOND LOOK.
NEVER BE THE BEST MAN/WOMAN IN THE ROOM.
BE HAPPY AND OPTIMISTIC. LIFE WILL GO ON. MAKE PLANS FOR THE
FUTURE. GET MARRIED. HAVE CHILDREN.
SING SONGS… PASS ON YOUR STORIES AND TRADITIONS
Life as we have known it is changing… has already changed in many ways and will continuing changing. America’s golden years are past and won’t be returning in our life times!
See: Check List For Hard Times
110 BARTER ITEMS
1.Coffee 2.Sugar 3.Salt 4.Pepper 5.Hard candy 6.Paperback Bibles 7.Kitchen Matches 8.Needles and sewing items 9.Nylon cord 10.Duct tape 11.Cigarettes 12.Pencils, paper,note pads 13.Toilet paper 14.Tooth paste 15.Soap 16.Rubbing alcohol 17.Peroxide 18.Aspirin 19.Baking soda 20.tooth brushes 21.Reading glasses 22.Liquor 23.Socks 24.Tarps 25.Tools for gardening 26.Condoms 27.Wooden matches 28.Skills 29.Hand Tools 30.Boyscout Manual 31.22.LR ammunition32.12-gauge shot shells 33.Water Filters 34.Firewood 35.Coleman Fuel 36.Knives 37.Manual Can Openers 38.Vegetable Oil (for cooking) 39.Lighter Fluid 40.Charcoal 41.Diapers 42.Washboard 43.Vitamins 44.Tampons 45.Thermal Underwear 46.Aluminum Foil 47.Garbage Bags 48.Paper Towels49.Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) 50.Clothes Pins 51.Fishing Line 52.Fish Hooks 53.First Aid Kits 54.Batteries 55.Spices 56.Solar Calculators 57.Belts 58.Flashlights 59.Lightsticks 60.Garbage Cans 61.Dental Floss 63. Clothesline 64.Mosquito Repellent 65.Duct Tape 66.Rope67.Candles 68.Sewing Supplies 69.Non Scented Bleach 70.Canning Jars and Lids 71.Knives 72.Sharpening Stones 73.Bicycle Tire Tubes 74.Bicycle Chains 75.Air Pump (don’t trade the pump trade the air) 78.Board Games 79.Playing Cards 80.Mousetraps 81.Baby Wipes 82.Razors 83.Tang 84.Gloves 85.Underwear 86.Glue 89.Broad Brim Hats 90.Files 91.Pad-Locks 92.Laundry Detergent 93.Kerosene 94.Tea95.Axes 96.Slingshots 97.Binoculars 98.Disposable Lighters 99.Magnesium fire starters 100.Plastic sheeting 101.Over The Counter Medications102. Suncreen 103. Sunglasses 104.Paperback Books 105.Pet Collars, Leashes or Harnesses 106.Food Items 107.Plastic Containers of all sizes 108.Toilet Paper 109.Survival Manuals 110. Small Toys
Water Tips:
You can still find good used (food grade) 55 gallon plastic blue drums (cheep) for water storage. Just remember to clean it out real good before you fill them and remember to put the 1/3 cup regular bleach in it before you cap it up. This will store for 6 months or longer. Remember to have plenty of small (2 gallon) plastic buckets to retrieve water from lakes and pour into the (5 gallon buckets with lids) that you already have sitting in your pull kiddy wagon. That way when you run out-- you are good go a long distance for water if you have too... And you can use the buckets to flush your toilets when the power goes out...
12-Months of Prepping, One Month at a Time
Personal Preparedness, The Leibowitz Society, Coming Collapse and how long things will last…
FEMA: Include Pets in Your Preparedness
Handwriting on Wall: Texas Walmart Posts Food Shortage Signs in Store Window
Survival and Self-Sufficiency Tips
Go to www.gbtv.com sign up for free trial today and watch THURS 10/13 NOW! FIRST half HOUR if NOTHING ELSE… You must see Jesse Jackson call for Obama to go around Congress and Obama joke about!
Going around Congress and Ruling by Executive Order and Edicts! THIS IS NO JOKE!!!
Related:
Well… We All Knew This Was Coming: EXECUTIVE DICTATORSHIP POWERS
And How About the Natural Disaster Predictions – Click here to read the time sensitive predictions made on the fate of the US in 2012... - Worth the Watch (It is an ad but the explanation that comes with it, is interesting!)
Frightening!! DOJ: Feds Can Tell Church WHO Its Ministers Will Be
The Stethoscope – Watch Video: You Will Be Pleasantly Surprised
Video: ‘Rollover’ Movie (1981), predicts frightening worldwide currency crisis!
Video: Wal-mart admits to a National food shortage
Older:
July 28, 2011
2011 ~ WAL MART WARNING ~ *Expect Higher Food Price's August & September* ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Mh_1mwQ3k&feature=player_embedded
July 22, 2011
Suburban preppers HUGE stockpile of food
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKS6Kj6MgSI&feature=player_embedded
March 27, 2011
Glenn Beck: Prepare For What is Coming - Food Prices on the Rise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMrokh7jBT8&feature=player_embedded
March 27, 2011
Massive Food Shortage 2011 - FOX NEWS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NJfjpu5oAU&feature=player_embedded
Dec. 30, 2010
Economic Collapse Survival Checklist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUJJDnciips&feature=player_embedded
Nov 9, 2010
Glenn Beck-Food Prices Will Rise 700% to 1000% or more in 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee_VFGMnpKo&feature=player_embedded
Sept 23, 2010
MORE AMERICANS LIVING IN RV'S, DUMPING HUMAN WASTE 9-23-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ONi97srqdQ&feature=player_embedded
Sept 23, 2010
Prepare SHTF Beginning 2011 ! Wake Up Everyone , Get Ready !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SDO1QZzpqQ&feature=player_embedded
Sept. 22, 2010
DONALD TRUMP: "RICH PEOPLE ARE LEAVING THE COUNTRY" 9-22-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKHyLNvZwpI&feature=player_embedded
August 1, 2010
The Coming Economic Implosion - It's a Set-Up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7QWA0g6vXM&feature=player_embedded
One of the best things you can do to help your budget, be prepared and gain a level of freedom is growing your own food.
Yes, You Can Survive The Coming Economic Nightmare – One Family In California Grows 6,000 Pounds Of Produce On Just 1/10th Of An Acre If you work hard and get prepared, you can survive the economic nightmare that is coming. All over the United States and around the world there are millions of people that are learning how to become more self-sufficient. For example, there is one family that is actually producing 6000 pounds of produce on just 1/10th of an acre right in the middle of Pasadena, California. In fact, they grow so much food that they are able...
Yes, You Can Survive The Coming Economic Nightmare – One Family In California Grows 6,000 Pounds Of Produce On Just 1/10th Of An Acre
If you are not already growing your own food, now is a great time to get started. According to The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the global price of food rose 2.2% during the month of February to a new all-time record high. In fact, this was the third month in a row that the global price of food has set a new record.
2.2% may not sound like a lot, but if the global price of food were to increase by that amount every single month during 2011 by the end of the year the global price of food will have gone up by 26.4%.
26.4% food inflation is something that is very, very serious - especially in those areas of the world where millions are already teetering on the brink of starvation.
As I have written about previously, the world is on the verge of a major food crisis. The price of corn has increased by 33 percent just since December, and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. corn reserves will dropto a 15 year low by the end of 2011. Many other agricultural commodities are also in short supply and are experiencing significant increases in price.
So now is a great time to try to become more self-sufficient.
After all, do you really want to eat the garbage they sell you in the stores anyway? Today, virtually all corn and virtually all soy has been genetically-modified, and more "frankenfoods" are being approved by the government all the time.
But it isn't just genetic modification that we need to be concerned about. The reality of the situation is that most of the food that we buy is complete and total garbage. The next time you go to the grocery store just take a few moments and read some of the labels of the products that you are buying. The truth is that our foods are absolutely loaded with chemicals, poisons and toxins.
Those that learn to grow their own food will end up a lot more healthy in the long run.
But food is not the only area where we should be striving for self-sufficiency. Water is being called "the oil of the 21st century" and already some very significant shortages are being reported in many areas of the United States.
In fact, some cities have already started to turn toilet water into tap water. Fortunately this is not a widespread thing in the United States yet, but a number of localities are now seriously considering going to such a system.
Would you want to drink your own recycled toilet water in the future?
If not, perhaps now would be a great time to learn how to become more self-sufficient when it comes to water.
Even now, most localities are dumping massive amounts of fluoride and other toxic chemicals into our drinking water. The tap water in most cities is so absolutely disgusting that it is a wonder that anyone is still willing to drink it.
In any event, the key is not to focus on the problems once you realize the truth. Instead, the key is to focus on the solutions.
That is what one family in Pasadena, California is doing. As mentioned above, they are producing a whopping 6,000 pounds of produce each year on just 1/10th of an acre....
sn't what that family is doing absolutely amazing?
Well, you can do it too.
For most Americans, the coming financial apocalypse is going to absolutely blindside them.
But that does not have to happen to you. You know what is coming. You have time to get prepared.
As I have written about previously, there are many other ways that you can start becoming more self-sufficient.
If you are currently dependent on a job, you can start developing alternate sources of income on the side.
If you are enslaved to the banks, you can reduce your expenses and start paying down debt.
If you have never had any self-defense training, now is a great time to get started.
There are hundreds of practical ways that you can begin preparing for the coming economic nightmare right now. Just putting up some solar panels or starting a "victory garden" would be a great first step for many people.
The key is to stop fretting about things so much and to start taking action.
We have now entered a time in human history that is going to be extremely unstable, but that doesn't mean that we have to live in fear.
If you are new to all this and have no idea how to start becoming more self-sufficient, there are a lot of great websites out there that can help you out. Some of the most popular ones are Prepper.Org, American Preppers Network and The Suburban Prepper.
But it doesn't have to be complicated. Just start to take action. Your family is going to need food, water, energy and shelter when the economy collapses. Begin preparing now so that you will have those things when you need them.
Video: Homegrown Revolution Trailer: Premiers Wild & Scenic Film Festival Jan 9-11 - Trailer
Video: HOMEGROWN REVOLUTION - Radical Change Taking Root - 10 mins
Video: Micro Farm "GROW" Backyard Farm
**If you have weather issues… consider a greenhouse.
The Hidden Dangers of Your Home-Grown Veggies
Audio: GB WARNS OF CATASTROPHIC EVENT & NEEDING TO STOCKPILE FOOD
In 1948, 2 percent of Americans said they had "no religion." By 2008, 12 percent of Americans said that.
THE FACTS.
THE FUTURE.
THE FIGHT TO FIX AMERICA - BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
In the words of Harvard economist Niall Ferguson, the United States is “an empire on the edge of chaos.” Why? Glenn Beck thinks the answer is pretty simple: Because we’ve turned our backs on the Constitution.
Yes, our country is financially broke, but that’s just a side effect of our broken spirit, our broken faith in government, the broken promises by our leaders, and a broken political system that has centralized power at the expense of individual rights.
There is a lot of work ahead, but we can’t move forward until we first understand how we got here. Starting with the American Revolution, Glenn takes readers on an express train through 234 years of history, culminating with the Great Recession and the bipartisan recklessness of Presidents Bush and Obama. It’s the history lesson we all wished we’d had in school. (Did you know, for example, that FDR once made a key New Deal policy decision based on his lucky number?)
Along the way, you’ll see how everything you thought you knew about the political parties is a lie, how Democrats and Republicans alike used to fight for minimum government and maximum freedom, and how both parties have been taken over by a cancer called “progressivism.” By the end, you’ll understand why no president, no congress and no court can fix this problem alone. Looking toward them for answers is like looking toward the ocean for drinking water— it looks promising, but the end result is catastrophic.
After revealing the trail of lies that brought us here, Broke exposes the truth about what we’re really facing. Most people have seen pieces of the puzzle, but very few have ever seen the whole picture—and for very good reason: Our leaders have done everything in their power to hide it. If Americans understood how dire things really are, they would be demanding radical reform right now. Despite the rhetoric, that’s not the kind of change our politicians really believe in.
Finally, Broke provides the hope that comes with knowing the truth. Once you see what we’re really up against, it’s much easier to develop a realistic plan. To fix ourselves financially, Glenn argues, we have to fix ourselves first. That means some serious introspection and, ultimately, a series of actions that will unite all Americans around the concept of shared sacrifice. After all, this generation may not be asked to storm beaches, but we are being asked to do something just as critical to preserving freedom.
Packed with great stories from history, chalkboard-style teachable moments, custom illustrations, and Glenn Beck’s trademark combination of entertainment and enlightenment, Broke makes the case that when you’re traveling in the wrong direction, slight course corrections won’t cut it—you need to take drastic action. Through a return to individual rights, an uncompromising adherence to the Constitution, and a complete rethinking about the role of government in a free society, Glenn exposes the idea of “transformation” for the progressive smokescreen that it is, and instead builds a compelling case that restoration is the only way forward.
Broke: The Plan to Restore Our Trust, Truth and Treasure
On Thursday, December 2nd, Glenn Beck brings his latest book to life on stage and on silver screens nationwide for the timely event, Broke - Restarting the Engine of America. More...
By Ari Bussel Saturday, February 13, 2010 - CFP
The future is anchored in the past. Growth is fed by family values, honesty, integrity and always stepping back to look at the bigger picture, putting oneself in the shoes of another, asking: Am I behaving the way I would want to be treated? A momentary immense anger can dissipate into nothing if we only evaluate the situation and ask ourselves: Why are we angry? What is it we are fighting? Is it worth our energy and emotions?
Life is a blessing. I sometimes buy a lottery ticket, when the jackpot is enormous. My mother says that one only needs one winning ticket, so I do not buy more than one. I persuade myself a few cents of that dollar go to our schools, although this is not even a lukewarm excuse for indulging a lottery ticket. Then I have the feeling that the ticket I bought is the winning one. The following morning I will only have to drive and claim the winning jackpot.
I wake the next morning, before knowing if I won the jackpot, and I seem to be negotiating with myself: What will I do with all the money left after Uncle Sam takes his share?
Time and time again my discussion turns out the same way: I start thinking, what am I missing today? Will I eat out more often? Will I fly in a higher class of service or stay at better hotels? Will this make any difference? Will I be a stronger, smarter, better person? Without fail, I always conclude that I am blessed beyond realization. Yes, it will obviously be nice to have a disgustingly large amount of money in my bank account. Will the tellers treat me differently? They will not – we already have a very good relationship – they can do nothing and I stopped expecting. Will I be able to do anything faster, more efficiently or differently? Probably not. Will I be protected against a bank failure? Not over the Federal limits.
So I continue in my chess game with myself, moving yet another piece – with a lot of money, much good can be done. To which the other side immediately moves its own piece, reminding me what I already know: Throwing a lot of good money into something is never the solution. On the contrary, the easier the money flows in, the lesser the appreciation, and the effectiveness of each additional dollar is often dramatically reduced. We think we are owed, we deserve what we have and get and we forget to be good human beings.
We all know the saying that a person cannot take his bank account with him to the after life, nor can she take her jewelry or art collection. I have known many very wealthy individuals who suddenly became old, ill or very old, and could not control basic activities. They become dependent on others. They lost their independence. Did the money make much of a difference? It allowed them care around the clock, hired helped and better accommodations. But the dignity only remains when you are treated as a human being, as a friend, as someone special. None of this can be bought by money. It is earned, coming as a result of remembering to be a good human being throughout your life. Only then do others remember, treat you as you once were, not the shadow you have become.
More recently we were taught another lesson: Even those with immense wealth can lose it. The stock market crashes, Madoff’s Ponzi scheme sees the light of day, an investment bank goes under, and the list goes on and on. Often with no control over life’s unexpected turns, one can find oneself with what one knew to be secure wealth dissipating and nothing remaining (in the good case) or debt replacing the previous positive balances.
I live a simple life, and when the market crashed I did not lose my pants since I did not gamble in the marketplace before. Unlike many others, who would go early every morning to trade, I did not. I thus did not make enormous amounts of money (any in fact), nor did I lose any. I was risk-averse, or simply did not have the money to play around. Life was not boring – before or after the crash.
I live a simple life, and I often find beauty in things that others view mundane. A smile at a time I am hurting. An extended hand when I can use help. I am surrounded by friends who act exactly that way, giving without any pretense or expectation. I can trust them and not be afraid because I know that ulterior motives, egos, personalities or considerations do not enter the equation. When they call and ask me if I can join them in an hour, I do not ask why they didn’t call sooner. I take what I get and give thanks. I am delighted to be extended the opportunity in the first place. When they tell me they are about to move, I show up to help.
Friends. Friendship. Trust. Honesty. Do we always behave the way we would expect others to behave toward us? As I attempt to cross the street, ten seconds remaining, a lady in a Mercedes and a blue placard turns left into the cross walk. She could have waited another few seconds (not to mention she is required to do so by law). Instead she was angry with me. How dare I interrupt her drive! At another crosswalk, someone almost ran me over, although those who have seen me know that I am quite tall and cannot be missed.
Earlier this week we were invited to hear a foreign diplomat speak at a Church. We braved the hour drive each way and arrived an hour early due to security considerations. We decided to precede the event with lunch. Although there are many restaurants in this upscale neighborhood, we chose the Bookstore and Café at the Church. Since they hosted the event, we wanted to reciprocate and spend some money there as well.
When I walked in, I felt I had gone back in time. My mother often remarks nostalgically about life in America some decades ago. Things were simpler and people were nicer. Neighbors extended a hand, kept an eye on the kids when you rushed your wife in labor to the hospital. Bringing over a cake or inviting the neighbor for barbeque – were commonplace. People were not in a rush as they are today. Life was quieter, no air-conditioning, one car, one black and white TV, one telephone line. Things were not disposable (from diapers to furniture to spouses). They stayed together, as my parents for almost 50 years now.
People used to walk, there was appreciation of our Country, Flag, Pledge of Allegiance. Challenges were plenty, but people found the time to be with their kids, to travel and see this great country. People connected with their maker, and attendance at a Church (or for us at a Synagogue) was a regular family event.
There was no sense of entitlement. Instead, there was personal responsibility. You had to work hard and make your way in life. You studied (and worked at the same time, yes, no one paid for school), you raised your kids and did not give them everything they saw in the window front. You were responsible for your actions, for raising a family, for doing something extra – for another person, at Church, for the community or your Country.
As we stepped into the Café I recalled my mother’s nostalgia. We stood and debated our order. Not only were we greeted with a smile and a thanks (think about it – someone happy you are there to bring business!) he even helped us make our choices. Changes? Not a problem! Please be seated, we will bring the food to the table. Remember the days when full service at a gas station did not cost more, and you were greeted with a smile?
Once we were unafraid someone would steal our wallet or our identity, if we left the car unlocked, the front door ajar – all these simple things, conveniences of life that brighten our day, one less thing to worry about.
As we converged on the registration tables, people did not shove others aside, or rush ahead in line. Somehow everyone managed to present a picture ID, get registered, receive a nametag and proceed to the next line. Inside, past the security check, sitting did not cause a rancor: whether you were seated in one table or another, you still saw the stage, could hear the speaker and find good company around you.
I am smiling as I am thinking of gala dinners here in Beverly Hills for various non-profit organizations. I do not want to sit next to her, my wife cannot sit here when my mistress is in the next table or why are they sitting two feet closer than we are? Did we not pay enough? This petty bickering is all too familiar to event organizers. And who is complaining? Sadly, it is usually those extremely rich and spoiled.
The simple things in life – not one pastor argued about seating arrangements. On the contrary, they stood up and introduced themselves, shaking the hands of those around the table. Everyone in the audience was equally as important as everyone else. Then they said a prayer, a blessing, giving thanks.
It was a pleasure to be reminded that if we expect little, we may find much. We can discover hidden treasures not measured in dollars, the size or weight of jewelry, or the brand name printed on the handbag, the tie or the coat. Indeed, I may not be walking in a $500 pair of shoes or wearing a $200 tie, but I still can walk and find a tie I like. I am surrounded with family and friends, we appreciate the health we are given, enjoy the ability to see the sunrise in the morning, smell the citrus trees blossoming, feel the abundant rain unlike previous winters in Los Angeles and smile with happiness filling us inside and out.
Celebrate life! You will discover there is always so much to enjoy and be grateful for.
Sometimes, especially those of us who were given both the blessing and the burden of really seeing what is going on around us, need to remember that life is a blessing and a gift and that in-between “the fight” and getting prepared for the worst while hoping for the best we must be reminded not to forget to live! Enjoy the special moments when they come along: take a few moments to smell the flowers or watch the sunrise or sunset each day; enjoy the family and friends that you are fighting so hard to save the future of America for; watch the Olympics even if they are on NBC and cheer for the USA, the underdogs, our great neighbors the Canadians or an athlete from the Country of your ancestry; and fight on out of love and purpose, not fear or necessity. The more you take part in life, the more opportunity you will have to share what you know and have learned!! Ask Marion~
