This morning I heard a Democratic strategist argue that it was "one more inconvenience" to have to show a photo ID in order to vote in this November's election. She pointed out that a voter already has to stand in a line, show a voter registration card which takes time to apply for, review all the options in the voting booth, and now the election board is asking us to prove we are who we say we are! Wow, what an unfair deal for all of us.
Of course, if the voter cherishes the right to vote, and wants the election to be fair, and wants the voters to be citizens of this nation, and don't have some sinister plan to stack the election: why would there be any objection to a photo ID?
After all, you have to show a photo ID to buy a gun, board an airplane, cash a check, and more. This is just one more reason I find it hard to be an independent. One party seems to be looking for corners to cut all the time.
Just state the positions of the candidates; let the voters decide and vote for their choice. But make sure the vote is legitimate. Not too "inconvenient" for me. Have a great life!

The New York Times treats the truth as an inconvenience that they simply have to work around. They repeat the lies over and over until the untruth becomes believable in the minds of those casual news observers. The unfortunate state that this country finds itself, is that most of its citizentry don't keep up with the daily news. An occational sound bite on TV is all we seem to need to satisfy our "up to date" knowledge of current events.
Aiding and abetting the "enemy within" (NY Times), is the TV equivalent: CNN. Could there be a more predgudiced news outlet than the one we are forced to watch in every airport in America? With one sided thinkers like Jack Cafferty and Wolfe Blitzer, the honest, fair and balanced approach is leaping ahead in the ratings, but lagging behind in the battle for fair evaluation of the daily news reports.
The New York Times is a good advertisement sheet, but they have betrayed the public's trust over and over, again with hard news. I have had enough. And I know that the far left media could care less if I have had enough. A top Demoratic strategist made a specific point of that on Fox News this morning. Oh, no, I said Fox News: I must be part of the vast right wing conspiracy.
And, by the way, just because we can't trust CNN and the New York Times, does not mean America doesn't Trust in God. At least, elect reprentatives that think it is OK to read that on our currency. Have a great life!

It's the economy, stupid! That cute politcal sucker punch was so close to being right, and yet so far from a solution, that we remain under in the same economic struggle today as then. The declarative statement gave no answers to an obvious observation. Nice going, stupid!

The question needs an action answer. Here is my answer. I hope it makes sense to you.

The reason any economy (operating within a country contianing natural resourses, climate, population, sound government, and security for its people), fails to prosper is the education of its citizenry. Free enterprise, democracy, with business motivated by profits and investors motivated by the potential dividends promised by well run establishments, is a formula for economic good times.

What would derail such an imprssive economic model? The answer is lack of enough educated workers, innovators, self starters, entrepreneurs, informed venture capitalists, and well thought out laws to encourgage research and investment that will be protected by copyrights and patents that will stand the teste of judicial review.

Think about it. A child growing up without a solid foundation in the early years of school, becomes a child without motivation. A child that is not excited about learning and exploring the vast world that awaits him or her, struggles because studying is boring. Lack of success with grages, exasperates the spiral of a defeated attitude. The child begins to get behind and questions if he or she can make it. One failure leads to another. Many of these kids do not have a good home environment for study. They are not encouraged to excell. The TV is always on. The parents are always too busy to support the learning effort. The child, many times, observes the results of his parents academic failures and concludes that will be his or her fate, as well. An so it goes.

The casualties include desire, dedication, loyalty, pride, discipline, confidence, and the ability to take a chance without fear of failure. The insuing result is a low income adult. And the economy loses out on the multiplier effect created by seeing that person become an inactive consumer. Businesses lose sales and profits. Employees lose jobs and cut back on their spending. Investors move their financial backing elsewhere.

The economy suffers, stupid. The economy made up of too many stupid people suffers. A stupid consumer is an uneducated consumer. A unproductive employee is an under educated worker. A sick economic policy is devised by politicians with isolated interests and self promoting decision making. That is stupid from the "get go".

It is the economy, stupid. But, why? It all starts and is perpetuated by each of our educational training. The answer: schools, teachers, administrators, curriculums, and funding must be a national, state wide, and local priotity. No more lip service.......Git 'er done! Ain't it great! Have a great life

Yesterday, I spoke to a very impressive group of Realtors attending a Leadership Semenar at Clemson's Conference Center, in Clemson, South Carolina. One of the questions asked of me at the end of my address was: "How do you handle criticsm?" Apparently, I look like someone who has had a lot of experience in this area. And, I have! My answer was OK, but not the right one. Here is what I should have said:

The best bet is to anticipate the fact that there is going to be criticism. Not being surprised or blind sided by an unexpected critique that points out our human failings, is the first step in handling those reviews.

The next step is to remember that you are perfect! You are "perfect" in the eyes of the God that created you. He didn't make any mistakes. The fact that we can't explain why someone is blind, deaf, or handicapped in some way, should not lessen our faith in God's plan having a purpose beyond our understanding. You weren't put together late on a Friday afternoon, for God's sake!

You are the exact height and weight that he planned for you to be. He selected your skin color, your smile, your body build. He built in your personality, your logic, your energy level, your walking style, your expressions, your temper, your self control, your compassion, your ability to resolve problems as they inevitably occur in life. The Master Planner designed you to be just who you are. And, who you are is exactly what He wants you to be. Don't argue with the Big Guy!

The fact that you would have made youself differently, does not convert God's miracle creation into a blunder. I know I would have made me better looking, smarter, faster, taller, stronger, wiser, richer. Did I mention better looking? In the first place I am not capable of creating anything as complex as the human body and soul. I can't even assemble one of Santa's toys on Christmas Eve!

Here is the punch line. Criticism, ridicule, unfair gibberish, and second guessing will intercept and interupt our peace of mind many times before we croak.

Anticipate it. Evaluate it. Maybe the critical analysis has some merrit. Then, either correct the mistake or ignore the faultfinder.

One final thought (that I should have said yesterday): Every day, you make time for other people. Now, give yourself the gift of a quiet time and place to remind yourself of your blessings, your potential, your influence, your opportunities, and your limited time on earth to be the best "finished" person that pleases the God that made you just right!

Now, please don't criticize this blog! My advice is harder to practice than it is to offer. Have a great life!

I am proud to be an American! I am proud of my imperfect, yet free country!

I am also proud of my heritage. I have been Caucasian for as long as I can remember. I did not "choose" to be white, I simply became Caucasian because my mom and dad are both white. Looking at my situation from a different angle, I did not "choose" to be white because I didn't want to be black. I did not "choose" white over black because I thought white was better, more entitled, or would give me the best chance in life. Dad-gum-it! I simply DID NOT "choose". I had no choice in the matter. Thank God, that He created me and every other black or white Homo sapien perfectly in His eyes. He made no mistakes with any shade of the living. He also made perfect people of other races. I don't know why, nor do I understand the Master Plan. I do have complete faith in His promise that He did it right in every instance. Jeepers, in my little brain, those miracles would be the equivalent of never throwing an incomplete pass; never swinging and missing at the plate; never blowing a lay up; or never having to say "oops".

Here is the thought that won't leave me alone. It is the 4th of July......we are living in a melting pot of freedom loving people. Why do I feel like I have to be careful not to offend someone of a different skin color. Remember, I did not "choose" to be different for any negative reason--neither did my Creator. God makes eternal choices for reasons that are good for each of us. Comprehending and discerning the design, now, that is a little more than we mere mortals will ever master.

Now, back to my daily confusion. When I am talking with a non-whites, I do consciencely weigh my words, and causiously introduce a thought so as not to "say the wrong thing". What's up with that? We are all Americans--proud Americans, most of us. We are all living under the same rules, laws, standards, customs, and edaquate.

I know that the African Americans that I interact with didn't "choose" their skin color, either. Their parents determined that for them, just like mine did. Can't we all understand that none of us "elected" to be one color over another? None of us "rejected" another color option because they felt it was not as good as the one they did "pick". WE, NONE OF US, PICKED"!! We are what we are for good reasons, whether we can explain it or not!

Here is a thought for the Forth.....America will never reach its potential until all of us accept the fact that we were all created perfectly by a loving God that made no mistakes and won't make any in the future. The USA will never reach its apogee until politicians abort the fallacious idea that "total partisanship" where priorities are placed on party power and control, rather than making decisions based on what is best for Americans. After all, exclusive political party partisanship is the political equivalent of racism.

Hold on there, cowboy! This nation has survived two World Wars, rebounded from a great depression, and overcome the home grown terrorism of a group of self serving, mental midgets called the Ku Klux Klan. We will, once again, conquer the hurdles of rising gas prices, fanatic exstremism, anti freedom enemies, and self destruction. Our track record is pretty impressive.

When that time comes, and until it does: Have a great life!

Anyone that has ever competed in sports knows that there are only two emotions to experience after the final outcome is displayed on the scoreboard: depresson and disappointment if you lose, and jubilation if you win.
There is no luke warm feeling if, after preparing and training for your opponent, you have given it your best shot. You are either on top of the world (for the moment) or you are looking up at bottom.

Doctors tell us that people are most vulnerable to drugs or alcohol abuse when they are either celebrating or depressed. Well, after an afternoon or evening of competition, contestants are one (and only one) of the above. The warning to all of us is to be very careful when we are experiencing either of those extreme emotions.

I also can attest to the fact that players and coaches remember certain plays, moments, comments, or games in merciless ways. I think most of us dwell on the losses a lot harder and a lot longer than the big wins.

My explanation for this phenomenon is that when remembering the loss, you always include the idea of "what might have been" if only we had won. When recalling the victory, there is no speculation of what "might" have been. The results of a win are experienced, enjoyed and celebrated.

Some "expert" would probably tell you that "what is done is over and not worth the lamenting". That is one of those pieces of advice that is easily understood and virturally impossible to implement.

However, if you ever master this self control technique, and you are well on your way to "Having a great life!"

As I listen and read the reviews, memories, and eulogies concerning George Carlin, I can't help but observe one thing. I grew up watching Mr. Carlin's comedy and political satire develop into a campaign to "dirty down" the American standards of decency and allowable dialog on the air ways and from entertainment stages all over. Let's review his footprint....

He was born in 1937, and began his comedy career in 1960. He became a regular on the Tonight Show and the Merv Griffin Show. He joined the counterculture and brags about using drugs in the early 1970's. He wins a Grammy in 1971 and is arrested in 1972 disturbing the peace after performing his "Seven Dirty Words You Can't Say on Radio or Television" routine in Milwaukee. In 1975 he hosted Saturday Night Live and and admits he was "loaded on cocaine all week long". He suffered three heart attacks in the '80's and '90's. He wins another Grammy for "Jammin' in New York". He stars in his own TV show in the mid '90's and writes a best selling book about his stand-up comedy material on life, politics, and society. The Kennedy Center announced this week that they are giving Carlin the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. A week later, he dies in a Santa Monica hospital at age 71.

A number of comedians are now praising Carlin's career as a shining example of inspiration to millions of people during his lifetime. Jay Leno, Bill Maher, Bill Hader, Keith Obermann, and others praise his life style and outspoken dialog as important in guiding the thinking of Americans today. How sick is this country? This is a hero? This is why we are what we are? Kevin Smith, director of "Dogma" is quoted: "As he went on, his comedy got darker and darker. On stage, he was cheerleading for genocide and suicide and mass destruction. That was part of his act. Off stage, you never got any of that." The problem is that "on stage" is what the masses heard. When he was talking to friends "off stage", very few heard those words. The damage was done "on stage". Now the damage is simply done.

I choose not to praise this example of values for America as the answer. I choose to point out that his life style and dialog is the problem. Have a great life!

I noticed in the morning news that a Jet Blue Airline flight attendant was "punched" after telling a female passenger that smoking was prohibited on her flight. Was that supposed to be news to anyone?

The response from the "puncher" to the "punchee" was that she was a very "nice" person when she is not drinking alcohol. I know lots of people like that, don't you? So, the obvious next step in the "puncher's" game of life is to sue the people really responsible; it surely wasn't her responsibility!

My advice to the "puncher" is to sue everyone that is responsible for her involuntary "punch" on the kisser of the "punchee".

I say get a good lawyer. Get one that can catch an ambulance without getting winded in the chase. The United States is full of this breed of homo sapiens. The "puncher" will find that finding a bulldog of an attorney is easier than falling off a log. And, that may be another law suit in the making. Those pesky logs need to be taught a lesson, too!

I suggest the "puncher" should first sue Jet Blue for letting her on the plane in the first place. Then, sue Jack Daniels for making such a tasty, yet addictive brew. Next, sue the bottle manufacturer. Without a well maed container, the liquor would have been all over the "puncher" and not in her. Then, sue the ABC store that sold it to her. And, sue the poor sap behind the counter for everything he owns. He should have been able to size up the babe as a "puncher" candidate right a way. I say that the city, county and state should be sued for giving the liquor store a license to sell this fire water, anyway. Now, sue the road contractor for building a thoroughfare to and from the store. Don't forget to go after the manufacurer of the green lights at Main and Center streets. If they had made only red lights, the "puncher" would still be sitting at the intersection and not punching the "punchee". (This is going to be a slam dunk) What about the label manufacturer. No label, no one would have known what was in the bottle, and a "nice" sober person would not have bought it in the first place.

The next round of lawsuits should include taking the parents and grandparent to court. What did they do? Raise this "puncher" in a barn? Sue the boyfriend, too. We know what he was thinking when he told the "puncher" that one more drink won't hurt you.

The best news here is how actions like these will benefit our economy. It could pull us right out of a recession. Think of all the legal fees that will ultimately find there way back into the money stream via boat manufacturers, vacation home sales people, Rolex retailers, and billboard sales representatives. Everybody wins!

Well, almost everybody, except for society itself. And, oh yes, the "punchee". She loses because she should have kept her mouth shut in the first place! Now shut shut up and pass the good suff--it's party time.

Have a great life!

The good people at Peoples National Bank sponsor a series of recognition awards for elementary school children moving from one milestone in their lives to another: the next grade.

This is a big moment for the boys and girls, as well as their loved ones. I have been lucky enough to join Bart Turner, from the Peoples' Pickens branch, at most of these special memory events. As I spoke and as I sat watching the other presentations, I could not help but project the potential of each of these "human beings" as they awkwardly experienced their early recognition for achievement and hard work.

One recurring thought occupied my visualizations: each one of these "miracles from God" is totally and unmistakenly unique. Each one of them are "one of a kind". And, each one of them is "perfect" in the eyes of their Creator. God made no mistakes with each of us on planet earth. They will remain unique throughout their lives, and as they mature they will learn that all mankind is part of a master plan. A master plan that we can not understand in its entirety, but know by faith that the plan is good--no, better than that, it is "perfect". The fact that we can't explain or comprehend all of lifes ups and downs, does not deminish the majesty of the our Creator.

My hope is that each child graduating to the next grade, and enjoying the celebration with those that love them and care for them now, will also learn to trust in a Power greater than anyone of us.

One final observation: every child searched endlessly to see if their mom, dad, grandma and grandpa, and others made it to share the moment. It meant something special to those young minds. It was very important to "show off" the rewards of their school year. It will be moment that will remain with them for ever. Remember when you had those important flashes in your life? You did not understand their importance at the time, but you did hold those times as benchmarks in your childhood.

There are good days and bad days in all our lives.......those school day recognitions are some of the best days! Have a great life!

One day, we will be looking back on a system of government that had all the promise mankind could endow, but lost its potency because of an immature corporal's guard, who selfishly discouraged the willing visionaries from an eager participation in Democracy's rewards. These self ordained opportunists have done this by mean, unpredictable slanders on the character of good people.

Politics has become a science, when it should have remained the art of negotiation, compromise, and pensive contemplation and sincere consideration of other's points of view. Politics should be revered as a skill, sharpened by the persistent thrashing of ideas, options, and solutions for societies grandiose aspirations. Government was crafted to provide its inhabitants with the greatest achievable quality of life. Preserving that design is the challenge.

We, as a people, should be electing men and women with a passion to set the stage for everyone to have equal opportunities, and a comfortable, understandable access to the tools required to contribute their God given talents.

On the sporting field, the game's outcome is often decided when one of the competitors lets his guard down at just the wrong moment. In life's arduous grind, the same tragic losses will come painfully fast, if we, as a society, let our guard down at this moment. We are all dependent on the actions and anticipations of our brotherhood. If we succumb to the current contaminated conditions required to seek public service, we will soon see the prepared withdraw to safer and happier endeavors. Our nation, states, and cities can not afford to settle for the residue that will fill the vacuum created by the exodus.

Vote! But, first inform yourself with a skeptic ear to anything regurgitated by the loyal opposition.
Have a great life!

Next time you see a shot of Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail, look for the "Hillary Goose".

She has either been coached to do this or she has a nervous twitch that shows its hilarious head EVERY TIME she steps to the podium.....notice that she will shake the appropriate hands on the way up the stage stairs, wave courteously and then--the Hillary Goose! She will turn to the right or left, and her eyes open wide enough to threaten the secure place in their sockets.......her mouth opens with a smile that would make Dr. Seuss proud........and then the upper teeth nip at the lower lip and the Clinton confidence nod engages......an affirmative nod that seems to say: "Oh yea, I'm the one, I'm in charge".......

I think this inevitable, involuntary response is initiated by an electrical shock button being pushed by either Bill Clinton or an off camera Democratic stratagist. The reason I think it might be Bill (with the trigger mechanism in his front pocket) is that his immediate expression is to bite his lower lip with a look of affection for his candidate wife. She is, after all, his ticket back to his old White House stalking grounds.........His facial expression is one of "give her the full dose".

I am probably being too picky, but take a look and tell me, truly, that you can't discount the possibility. Have a great life!

When Hugh Culverhouse reached out to shake my hand and offer me the Head Coaching and Director of Football Operations job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he pulled me close to his barrel chest, and whispered to me: "One piece of advice, Sam, don't trust anyone".

Wow, what a way to start the rebuilding of a team that had been "down" for so long. He was telling me to verify every fact. He was telling me to take every bit of advice with one eye on the possibility that the person giving it, might have an ulterior motive.

I am reminded of that statement every single day. What a lousy commentary on our way of life here in America. Our system of government is the best, most balanced, and forward thinking in the history of the world. Why, then, should we not "trust" anyone.

I think the main reason for such lack of trust is simply our daily experiences. The people we interact with each day, have moved from their God given, childhood innocence and belief in the basic goodness in everyone, to an attitude of "what is this guys angle".

We see deception in advertising, half truths from sales promotions, out and out misreprsentations by people I want to trust, and pure lies from politicians we have elected to represent our feelings and philosophies.

In my initial campaign to run for a County Council seat in Pickens County, I have, unfortunately, found those suggestions to be reality. I pray that our national and local leaders will one day see the real "state of our nation" and correct it from within. The "within" will have to start within ourselves before it spreads to the system that awaits to be purified once again. I pray that I never let myself fall into the traps that some other "politicians" seem to venture. Life is short, and trusting others would make that short life seem more meaningful and significant.

Maybe, trying to trust others one more time, in good faith, and with the cautious awareness of their actions, would be a good start. Maybe, a reevaluation of the "eternal truths" explained in that dust covered Bible on the shelf would be a better (no, the BEST) start. Have a great life!

My mother is now sitting in the place promised and prepared for her in Heaven.....my guess is that God prepared her place close to Him in Heaven so He could feel her approving smile and be assured that His Grace was worth the ultimate price paid by His Son........

I miss her every day.......I remember her influence every day.......I regret not telling her I loved her every day.........I hope and believe she knew that my appreciation for her was a constant emotion during every day........I know she forgave me when I didn't deserve it almost every day......I now understand that her "tough love" hurt her every time, but was good for me in every case.......

I wish I could bring her back for just one day so I could hold her and be held by her one more time........But, I am reminded, every day, that such a wish can not come true today, or any day, here on planet earth.......but thanks to God's Grace, I will one day be able to revisit every moment that I let escape the first time around.

My hope is, if your mom has not gone on to an eternity of peace in Heaven's most cherished place, that you won't let one minute escape while you can still repay her with an in person message of love. Mom, have a great eternal life on the other side!

1. My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done>>"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me religion.>>"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me logic.>>Because I said so,that's why!"

4. My mother taught me irony.>>"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

5. My mother taught me contortionism.>>"Will you look at the dirt on the back of your neck?"

6. My mother taught me the circle of life.>>"I brought you into this world and I can take you out."

7. My mother taught me wisdom.>>"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

8. Have a great life!

At 6:00AM on a foggy Monday and Tuesday in early May,2008, almost 60 Pickens High Blue Flame football players lined up in the new gym to loosen up before another 45 minutes of non-stop drills reduces them to burning muscle and cotton mouth, pre-barf expressions of nearly spent fatigue. It was beautiful!

When the whistle blows to signal the end of the morning grind, there is nothing like teammates circling up with hands clasp, with the Head Coach asking the team to bow their heads in prayer. Then, just as Coach addresses "Dear God", the familiar sound of involuntary vomit rushing to find an escape from the confinds of its pulsating, gastrointestinal confusion. And then the sound of pea soup splashing to the ground just inches away from their partners on the left and right.

Finally, the "Amen"......and a roar of laughter that neither mocks or ridicules, but simply joins in the relief of the moment.

At that instant, it crossed my mind that this group of enthusiastic young athletes, were passing, in some very important ways, from adolescence to adulthood. Boys becoming men. That metamorphosis is one of the miracles of team sports. I have been lucky enough to be a part of that lifestyle for most of my life. My hope is that each of you have tasted its sweetness, as well. Have a great life!

My son, Zak Wyche, who is a coach and teacher at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy is a cyber searcher, big time. He is also a terrific person, father, husband, coach,.....(sorry, I jumped into "proud daddy" mode for a moment).

Some time ago he forwarded an article about the Washington Redskins during the early '70's. I was on those teams and was also mentioned in the article. Being in the right place at the right time, was my good fortune. (The late Paul Brown used to tell me never to use the word "luck" -- always use "good fortune". Good fortune meant you have taken some "luck" and made something good out of it).

Here is the thrust of the article dated November 9, 2006.

The author recalls attending J.E.B. Stuart High School in the Washington, D.C. area between 1970 and 1974. Everyone was enthralled with the Redskins. Three games into the season, the Skins were 3-0 and the team was moving into its new home: Redskin Park in the Virginia suburbs. Ted Marchibroda's son, Teddy, was new to the school. They had just purchased a house near the new facility and the kids became high school "stars" by association.

On Friday's, all the players on the high school team would wear their game jerseys to school. Teddy, who played wide receiver and wore #80 on the school team, wore a real Washington Redskin jersey one Friday! Talk about moving to the head of the class! In the early "70's, you couldn't buy an authentic Redskins jersey--too hard to get.

The author noted that he remembers exactly where he was sitting when Teddy walked into school that day. It was a big deal. The author was in the library, and he saw Teddy walking toward the cafeteria. Teddy was surrounded by an entourage of J.E.B. Stuart's finest, all wanting to touch the "real thing". It was an away jersey, white with burgundy/gold/stripes on the sleeves. The number was 18, backup quarterback Sam Wyche's number. Teddy's smile was priceless. He was a rock star, a movie actor, an athlete, all rolled into one.

The final sentence in the article read this way: "Sigh, I wish I could have touched Wyche's jersey that day in the library......"

The point: As life wanders on, I am constantly reminded of all my "good fortune". And, with that, how awsome the responsibility is that goes with our personal rewards. I hope all of you get a chance to touch your favorite jersey one day.
Have a great life!

After watching the Democratic debate tonight, I have come to one finite conclusion: neither candidate answered the questions that were offered.

End of observations!
Have a great life!

It was a beautiful day in the Spring of 1952, and I was walking through some woods near my house in Atlanta. The day was perfect! Warm, not hot. Dry, not humid. White, puffy clouds dotting the clear blue canvas sky.
As I came to a gentle hillside, I slowly passed through the high grass that was moving ever so slightly back and forth as the wind teased it with near silent nudges. When I got to the end of the meadow, and came to a slow moving, but babbling brook, something unexpected occured.

I heard a deep, authoritative voice speak through the whisper of the wind. The voice instructed me: "Son, reach down into the babbling brook, and fill your pockets full with the smooth stones that have been rounded by years of water passing over them. When your pockets are full, hop across the brook, run through to edge of the woods, and when you get to the other side, reach in your pockets, and pull out the pebbles that you gathered from the waters. When you do, you will be both SAD and GLAD at the same time."

I don't know about you, but when I hear a voice coming from out of nowwhere when I am alone in the woods, I go ahead and do what it says. You never know when it might be the Big Guy Upstairs that I kept hearing about as a child.

So, without hesitation, I did what the voice asked. I filled my pockets with wet pebbles, with a giant splash, jumped almost all the way across the creek, hustled through the wooded area ahead. With heavy breathing as my companion, I reached in my right pocket, and looked with pupils wide open at what I had salvaged.

I knew immediately what the voice had meant when he said: "You will be both GLAD and SAD at the same time".

For, you see, when I looked into my cupped hand, no longer was I holding rounded, smooth stones from the moving waters, but, rather, I saw a hand full of diamonds, rubies, and other presious gems. I knew what the lesson of this exercise was. Boy, was I "GLAD" that I had filled my pockets with the stones from the brook, but, man, was I "SAD" that I had not stayed a little longer to fill my pockets even more full of the stones that had, over time, become precious jewels worth my time and effort.

Isn't that just like the winding path life takes for all of us? At some point in each of our lives, we are forced to admit that we would give anything to have had the forsight to know that a kind word from our lips at the right moment would yield a responsive smile that would be worth a presious memory forever. I hope you will take time to fill your pockets with good deeds, extra miles walked, unexpected kindnesses, and nonrefundable generosities. One day, looking back will be priceless! Have a great life!

Why is this not the lead story on every newscast every night! How long have we known that the United States has a vast oil reserve in the Dakota's and Montana. Not a nice little oil well or two, but there may be enough to fill between 175 to 500 billion barrels of recoverable oil in a 200,000 square mile reserve. And, this was initially discovered in 1951!

The USGS did an initial study back in 1999 that estimated 400 billion recoverable barrels were present, but with prices bottoming out at $10 a barrel back then, the report was dismissed because of the higher cost of hoizontal drilling techniques that would be needed.

If America is sitting on top of a massive 200+ billion barrel oil field that could potentially make America energy independent, and it has been know for over 57 years, what and who is behind the delay??

Thanks to new technology, the Bakken Formation in North Dakota could boost America's oil reserves by an incredible 10 times, giving western economies the trump card against OPEC's squeeze on oil supply and making Iranian and Venezuelan threats of disrupted supply irrelevant.

In 2007, a well was drilled in Parshal, N.D., that is expected to yield 700,000 barrels of oil. Marathon Oil is investing $1.5 billion and drilling 300 new wells in what is expected to be one of the greatest booms in oil discovery since oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938. Hess oIL Company is moving their international headquarter to the town of Minot, N.D. in the northwestern part of the state.

The US imported about 14 billion barrels of oil each day in 2007, which means US consumers sent about $340 billion over seas building palaces in Dubai and propping up unfriendly regimes around the world. If 200+ billion barrels of oil at $90 a barrel are recovered in the high plains, the added wealth to the US economy would be $18 Trillion, which would go a long way in stabilizing the US trade deficit and could cut the cost of oil in half in the long run.

Thank God for well educated people that can develop new technologies. Now, let's pray that the politicians don't delay expolation to benefit their personal soviets.
Have a great life!!

Today, Tuesday, April 1, 2008, I did not receive a single "April Fools" joke. Not one falsified emergency; not a hint of a windfall that was coming my way; not even a calculated sting.

I was, however, visited by angels!
As I sat in front of my computer trying to put together a clever handout to let people in Pickens County know that I am running for County Council, I got a phone call from Tampa, Florida. After reintroducing himself, the caller reminded me of the times he called me when I was the Head Coach of the Buccaneers. He was a fan. He was a supportive, loyal fan. I had returned his calls and spent some time with him on the phone. I appreciated what he was trying to say to me and he appreciated my time.

After a pleasant conversation from my Tampa friend, I logged on to the internet to check my E-mails. The first one on the list was from a very close friend from the San Francisco Bay area. We both call each other "Pard", which is short for partner. His real name is Cosmos or Cos to his close friends. He was E-mailing me to say that he thought my entering the Council race was "great". He assured me that I will make a good representative of the people. Pard always seems to find the right words at the right time.

All of us need to have people like these in their lives. They are, in fact, the angels among us. And here is the added ingredient: I was having a bad day. You know, one of those days when you walk all the way to the car before you remember that the keys are on the kitchen counter. One of those days when you Windex the glass door to the porch; put the rags and Windex away and immediately hyper-flex the cartiledge in your nose by at least 90 degrees while hyper-ventilating your entire breathing apparatus when the glass stops your forward motion.

I needed, in the worst way, and at that moment, to hear from those angels on my side in good times and bad times.

The bonus came when I opened the mail after checking the E-mail. And there it was: a letter from a sports writer in Ohio who had promised to send me some cachets that I could sign and use as auction items for charity events. I still get requests for those kind of things, and I am vertually out of shirts, sideline sheets, footballs, etc. The cachets filled the void. Coincidence? I think not!

There ARE angels among us. Our failure is not recognizing them when they come a-callin'.
Have a great life!

On Friday, March 28, 2008, at 6:45 AM, I filed to run for the District III seat on the Pickens, South Carolina County Council.
I joke with friends: "What am I thinking?" This is what I am thinking. I believe I can contribute to the decisions Council makes to improve the life and lifestyle of the people of Pickens county.
I am not a "politician" and don't want to be. Have you seen what happens when a politician is placed in an adult body? No, thank you.

As I remember my studies at Furman, the original intent of elected officials, was for the duly elected to be "representatives" of their constituents. And, that would include constituents that voted for me as well as those that did not.

If elected, the people will expect me to use common sense. They will expect me to be knowledgeable on the issues coming before council. They will expect me to listen to informed opinions. They will expect me to rely on my experience as a former business owner, head coach, assistant coach and player in the NFL. As a graduate with a Business Administration degree from Furman and an MBA from the Moore School of Business at USC, I have been trained to think with a practical and sound fiscal philosophy. They will expect me to draw on my travels, my contacts, and my visions for what might make Pickens an even better place to live.

I promise to do all of the above. I promise to take this opportunity seriously. I promise to finish what I start. I promise to run a positive campaign. I promise to make every effort not to change if the "candidate" becomes the "representative". I do not promise to take a position that will please everyone. I am told that if I make 50% of the people happy and 50% are upset with me, that would make a good Council member. I am shooting for 67%.

Please vote on the June 10th privary. Please vote for me.
Have a great life in God's country (that's Pickens County).

As I sat in church Easter Sunday listening to the story of the life of Jesus and the promise of His life, death and, most importantly, the Resurrection, I could not help but wonder why Christians are not outraged by the lack of respect from the TV, radio, news casts, NCAA National Tournamet, NIT Tournament, and the newspaper coverage at local and national levels. What is going on? Are so stupid as Believers that we can not see the slow, but sure erasing of every reference to God, Jesus, or the Christian way of life.

With a great deal of diligence, I switched TV channels last week and weekend. Not One "special" on commercial TV about the True Meaning of Easter. I noticed several episodes of the "adult cartoon" series that made fun of the notion that the Son of God ever walked on earth. They joked about the idea that a man could die and rise again, and more fun of the fact that He was doing all this to forgive, forever and for all time, the sins of the human race.
Oh, well, as a nation we have sat on our thumbs and watched "God" taken from our currencey, off our government buildings, out of promotions for private enterprises, forbidden in our public schools, and an all out effort to take it out of our Pledge of Allegnce. If any of this were to take place in the Muslim world, there would be hell to pay. Maybe that is what the cost will ultimately be for all of us. Hell for eternity! That is a pretty heavy penalty with no chance of parole.
Have a great life!

Maybe 10 to 15 years ago I happened to upon the Sunday comic section in the paper. I never read the comic section, but, for some reason that I can not explain even today, I did that Sunday morning!
Here is what the BC comic strip by Johnny Hart had for me that morning. (By the way, I was having a bad day, as I remember it. I can't even recall what had me upset, but I needed this message at that moment.)

The strip showed the lead character sitting under a tree writing on some parchment with a quill. The copy read as if he were thinking the words as he was writing them on the parchment:

SHOWDOWN AT THE OKIE DOKIE CHORALE

HE RODE INTO TOWN PACKIN' A COLT AND THE TOWNFOLK CHEERED HIS WAY.....
AND HE STRODE UP BOLD TO THE TEMPLE FOLD WHERE A ROWDY HORDE SWAY......
HE KICKED THEIR CHAIRS, AND SEIZED THEIR WARE'S AND THREW THEM IN THE DIRT! ......
THEN, WHUPPED THEM UP ASIDE THE HEAD, AND GAVE 'EM A TERRIBLE HURT.....
THE LEGAL BROOD , IN A MANNER RUDE, TOOK OFFENSE TO THE THINGS HE SAID, .....
IN A WAY, UNCOUTH, THEY SPURNED HIS TRUTH, AND SOUGHT TO SEE HIM--DEAD! .....
A TRAP OF LIES FOR HIS DEMISE, THEY WOVE--AND THEY DREW HIM IN, .....
THEN, MUCH TO THEIR SURPRISE--HE SHED HIS BLOOD TO CLEANSE THEIR SIN.

Why did I read that particular comic strip on that particular day? That was not my practice! I wonder? Have a great day!

When I was a kid (just a few years ago) I believed that there were a fixed number of "boxes" in my stomach and when they were all filled up, there would be no more room for another bite. That was all the reason I needed to slow down on the veggies to leave plenty of room for desert. Sounded like perfectly sound logic to me at the time.
For those that may be under the same delusion: unlike Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, the boxes theory has never been scientifically proven.
The stomach "boxes" myth led me to a more dangerous possibilities. Could it be that you only have "X" number of times that you can verbalize a word, and after you have used that word or phrase "X" number of times, you won't be able to say it anymore? That, actually, might be a good thing when it comes to politics. Think about it: no more use of the word "change", "experience", "I'm sorry for what I said, but...." and on and on.
As my adolescent years passed by, I carried it one more step: maybe, the brain has the same concept as the stomach and vocal cord.
I had one more thing to worry about: what happens when all the "boxes" in my brain are full? Will I be able to remember the next gem of information that floats by? Well, I am now old enough to confirm that this theory is actually the way it is! I am finding that I am walking from one room to another and arriving in the second room only to wonder why I came in there, in the first place!! The only explanation is that all my "brain boxes" are full. I knew all that studying and memorizing in high school would come back to haunt me. Now I have to admit I may have stayed in good enough condition that I am outliving my "memory box" capacity.

I share this very intimate secret with you in an effort to save you from the same fate. Save yourself! Save enough "stomach boxes" for desert. Save enough "vocal boxes" to say "thank you". Save enough "brain boxes" to remember what is important in your life here on earth and what is promised when eternity begins. Have a great life!

I just called the MasterCard "Questions" number (1-866-419-0881) to report two (2) billing entries that I did not authorize. I had previously called the two companies that charged us for "membership" in a "savings club" for their services. By the way, we have never needed, used or plan to use their service. We have never heard of one of them and the other was the USO funds raising company. We have never been contacted by the USO and still don't know how they got our MasterCard number.
Back to MasterCard. I called MC to report the bogus charges, and got a very nice lady who said she would credit one of the charges and told me to wait two more weeks to see if the "Reservations Reward" outfit would credit us as they had promised me on the phone.
THEN, MASTERCARD HIT ME WITH THIS COMMENT: "Mr. Wyche, while we have you on the phone, would you like to enroll in MC's insurance program to protect you from any hardships in paying your MC bill in the event you become disabled, fired, or spend two or more days in the hospital during any single month? MasterCard will take care of your MC bill in any of these events. Would you like this protection?"
My responce (since no other details were offered)was to ask how much this cost?
She answered: "Oh, the cost is minimal--just 83 cents per $100's billed on your monthly MC invoice."
I said: "You mean that for 83 cents per month times each $100 in billing, MC will pay my MasterCard bill while I am disabled. How long will they continue that?"
She replied in a very matter-of-fact monotone: "For as long as you are out of work, MC WILL PAY YOUR MINIMUM PAYMENT DUE EACH MONTH." She finally had to reveal the gimmick! But, I had to ask the right questions to get the rest of the story.

MC will pay the "Minimum Payment Due", which on my invoices for the last few years has been $16.00 per month! So, here is the deal: if I pay $.83 per $100's invoiced per month, I get up to $16.00 worth of coverage per month for a hospital stay of two days or more. Well, my monthly invoice from MasterCard averages beween $2,500 and $3,500 per month. We put everything on the card in order to rack up the frequent flyer miles credits. Some quick calculations (I graduated High School) discloses that I would be paying MC about $28.00 per month for $16.00 worth of protection. At that rate (losing a difference of $12.00 per month), I would be $144.00 in the hole each year and could never recover it. The higher my monthly MC bill, the higher my "coverage cost"; but, the "coverage amount" would never increase above my MINIMUM PAYMENT DUE--$16.00!!
I called MasterCard to report getting scammed twice in one month. They, very nicely, credited one of the scams and told me to wait two weeks and call them back on the other one. Then, they said, "hey, while we have you on the phone, how 'bout jumping in on one of our scams?" They, of course, are the worst kind of loan sharks at upwards of 30% interest on many of their accounts outstanding.
Buyer Beware! Now, try and "Have a great life!"

Now that the Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont primary votes have been counted and the caucus meetings dismissed, the reality of what politics in the good 'ol USA has become is crystal clear. Negative ads and dirty tricks are eventually going to surface in all national elections as the results become more and more predictable.
With the Clinton's in the fight, you can bet that all decent people involved in the election process are in harms way. I have never felt the fear that the candidates must experience, but when Bill and Hillary declare war on all who oppose them, watch out!
It is such a sad commentary on the "American way" that I worry that the moral and ethical results will ripple to the next generations without any checks. The rush to place a woman or African American in the White House is kicking the rules of common sence aside in an effort to win at any cost.
Here is the other aspect that scares me: this campaign has gone on so long that many Americans have grown tired of the rhetoric and are starting to turn off the discussion of the issues. The result of this apathy is exactly what the career politician and strategist have hoped for: sound bites and misinformation spewed from the politacal machines that want to "serve" the American people. CHANGE is the operative word: let's CHANGE this part of the evolution of our American system. Have a great life.

The other day, some early Spring cleaning netted a framed poem written as a school assignment by my daughter, Kerry. She was a student at Wyoming High School in Cincinnati. Jane and I were so impressed by the effort that we had it framed and put away in a closet for 18 years! (there's humor and regret in that comment)
We uncovered it and I share it with you as an example of Kerry's youthful insight and as proof of our exemplary parental training.
The poem, written in 1990 is called "Two Cats" ------

Two cats reside at my house,
One eats "nine lives",
The other eats a mouse,
Both cats wandered into our house about the same day.
Two speeeding vehicles drove by,
And threw them away.
One was frivolous, and smelled kind of musty.
He had a golden brown color,
So we called him Rusty.
The other feline was black,
And was tossed from a bus.
We keep him outside,
And he answers to Gus.
Now, Rusty and Gus,
Live together without a fight,
Shouldn't this be a tip to us,
As to what is proper, is right?
Two critters of a different color,
Of a different start.
What if we, too,
Could accept each other, without predjudice,
Wouldn't that be smart?

Kerry got a grade of 80 ---- with a note from the teacher: "The writing is a little rough, but the moral is apt."
Ok, Kerry, after re-reading this, you are back in the will. Have a great life!

My grandson, Sam, won his third National Championship of the 2008 season this past weekend, when he captured the First Place title at the Liberty Nationals in Kansas City, Missouri. Congrats, Sam, you are a real winner!!

Sam previously won the Dixie Nationals in Atlanta and the Northeast Nationals in Penn. There are five National meets each year and by winning the Liberty Nationals plus his two other victories in 2008, Sam has be presented the highest award in the sport. Only one wrestler in the nation is given the trophy with Atlas sitting at the top.
We are so proud of Sam and his father, Zak, who is his coach as well as his example. Zak was a very strong high school wrestler, and is currently the head wrestling coach at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.
We know they will carry the title and responsibilities that go with it, with pride and character. Yea!!!

I have never heard this part of the story of the resurrection explained so clearly.
This is not original with me, but may be the the most important "blog" that will ever appear on "Today with Sam".

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this--I am ashamed of myself!
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the linen napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the rest of the grave clothes.

THE BIBLE TAKES AN ENTIRE VERSE TO TELL US THAT THE NAPKIN WAS NEATLY FOLDED, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved.
She said: "They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put Him!" Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then, Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, but the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded neatly, and lying to the side.

IS THAT IMPORTANT? ABSOLUTELY!

In order to understand the significance of the folded linen napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished his meal. The servant would not dare touch that table until the master had finished eating.
If the master rose from the table, wiped his fingers and mouth, and cleaned his beard, and then wadded up the napkin and tossed it onto the table, the servant would then know to clear the table. For, in those days, the wadded napkin meant: "I'm done."
But, if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin neatly, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because...........
The folded napkin meant: "I'm coming back."
HE'S COMING BACK!

The more I witness the democratic exercise of primary elections and positioning to be each party's Presidential candidate, the more I ask myself: "On what basis do I make my choice?"
I have decided to come at this most important verdict by asking myself what I would do if I were President. How would I handle the illegal immigration issue; the tax system; continuing the Bush tax initiatives; the Middle East; the war on terror; the economy; health care; frivolous legal actions; ethics in politics and business; social security; line item vetoes; wasteful spending by our childlike congress; defense; et al.
After listing a few (certainly, not all) of the issues that must be immediately addressed without any political correctness or spin, I quickly realized that none of them can be solved with a sound bite answer. The solutions are complicated. They are real. They affect people's quality of life. Some of the solutions will not be popular. All of the findings must be fair. No decision should be made with the intent of repaying a political favor.
I guess if I were President I would hope that I would make every decision with the wisdom that comes with "common sense". I would want to be the President that, in the final analysis, does what is best for America, Americans, and with no alterior motive other that what is RIGHT!
Now, which one of these candidates do I think would do the same thing? Let me listen, study and think about that. We, as a nation, can not make a mistake at this time in history. Have great life!

January 5, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia my mom popped out a baby destined to wear size 14 shoes, bound for travels all over the country thanks to life in the NFL, and, yet, have a brother that would be twice the athlete in every sport.
As I sit here in Pickens, South Carolina, on January 5, 2008, I am forced to contemplate all that life has served up for me in my short 63 years.
I have watched two political parties criticize each others slightest move. I have seen judges abuse their power to be fair and impartial, and substitutes personal agendas at the expense of the innocent and poorly represented. I have seen inches make a difference in sports; prejudices make a difference in fair shakes in all walks of life. I have watched Herculean efforts change the course of history in societies all over the world.
The most revealing observation on this day is the realization of how short our time on planet earth really is. When time is short, each measure of that time should be treated as most precious.
Life does not affort us the luxury of running up and down the starting line--we all need to come out of the blocks when the starters pistol fires. The race is short, but the race remains a marathon at the same time.
Have a great life! Don't stop after "have a good day"!

As I sit here letting my 'one week old' new left hip heal, I can't help but observe a few things:
I was assured that by replacing my left hip, I could reduce my golf handicap by three strokes--it is working......yesterday I told people my handicap was 14, and today I have been telling them that it is 11.....
Christmas Day seems quieter than it did when I was a kid.....people seem to smile more on this day than the day before and the day after......life truly is cruel to older people--the body parts seem to form a line called "planned obsolescence"......last Monday, I had my left hip replaced and have decided to replace all my body parts,one by one......the doctor told me I could wait to replace my brain last (it seems to have had the least use over the years, according to doc)......I am actively looking for another doctor.....the older I get, the more observant I get......the older I get, the more forgetful I get......the older I get, the more observant I get--wait, did I just say that?........the older I get, the more I appreciate the warm feeling of peace that surprises all of us when we are prepared to be surprised.....grandchildren are true angels sent by God to reassure us that our life was not lived in vain......Have a very Merry Christmas, but don't stop at the end of the day, have a great life!

I am a volunteer coach at Pickens High School in Pickens, S.C. Like thousands of volunteer coaches around the country, I am not on salary, but just enjoy the time with the 16 to 18 year old young men during one of the most important times in their lives. Next up for them is college, military, or the work force. Following that is the search for a life's work, a family, hopefully, a voter and someone who is ready to be a "volunteer coach" at a local school near you. The classroom is crucial, but the time in a team setting, working and sweating to the limit to achieve a win, may be the more realistic rehearsal for real life experiences. If you get the opportunity, give the "vol" thing a chance: it might change your life as well as some other unpredictable human being. Have a great life!

CNN, in all their charlatan full dress, have challenged anyone running for political office for expressing their Christian belief that there might be something to the idea that Christmas is the annual testimonial to the birth of the Son of God. It is written in the Bible for God's sake!
Wolfe Blitzer had the audacity to criticize Mike Huckabee's initial Christmas wish via TV. Wolfe called it an outrage that a political figure (you know, the people elected to lead us, represent us, and have the morals and common sense to do what they think is best for the American populous)would ware his Christian beliefs on his sleeve. I wish more politicians, teachers, professors, University Presidents, coaches, parents, pastors, electricians, dentists, cab drivers, sales clerks, (well, you get the idea) would wear their Christianity where others could see it in plain view. Think that would make the world a better or worse place to inhabit?
It is Christmas! Mark it with a red letter; hold jubilees; hallow the event; kill the fatted calf; sound the fanfair; blow the trumpet; beat the drum; fire the salute; dress ship; high five, and make sure everyone has a good line of sight to your sleeve.
Have a good life!

My mom passed away a few years ago......I didn't spend enough time with her, and certainly did not call her enough to make my life and her's more full.
I found something in her Bible, and I read it often to remind myself what kind of lady she was and to remind me of what kind of man I must be. It is a poem named:

"THE DIFFERENCE"

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task, "Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered. He answered,
"You didn't ask."
I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn't show me. He said: "You didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock, God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."
I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

The most endearing truths in life are generally very simple to understand. Why don't we accept the understanding? Our liberal establishment hasn't banned God from our thinking, yet. They are still looking for a judge willing to make such a ruling. Pray for the strength to be strong in the face of that assault! Have a great life!

Don't you wish the retail giants would be straight with the average consumer? (That would be you and me)
After all, we are the reason their free enterprise business is able to exist! I am sitting here trying to avoid the Christmas rush (holiday rush still starts with lower case letters in my world--we are not celebrating the birth of some soul named "holiday")
Back to the subject at hand: every sale item I research, has a catch to it. For example, you must initiate or already use a Circuit City credit card to get the 18 month 0% interest. You must purchase a minimum amount to get the best discounts. Is that not discriminating against those that can't afford the high ticket items? Or, you must be a member of AARP to get your 10% discount on wheelchairs, walking canes and adult diaper products. Of course, if you have a high school ID card, you can get a 20% discount. Am I crazy, or did I miss something in marketing class at Furman?
Please, just tell us what the "deal" is! Except for "fair trade" items, you are unilaterally deciding the "regular price" and telling us what % discount is with the holiday, no Christmas sale. So, why put us through the same ordeal we must endure when we visit the average car dealership. Just be straight with us; and oh yes, have a happy holiday. Once you know the feeling of being totally honest with your customer/people, you will also learn the meaning of having a Merry Christmas!! Now, drop the need for THE FINE PRINT, would you. Have a great life!

Last Saturday I drove to Greenville, S.C., to hear, and see Mike Huckabee. I have done a lot of research into the Republican and Democratic candidates. Governor Huckabee impressed and inspired me the most. I know he has been in politics as well as behind a pulpit, but he seems to honor "common sense" more than any of the other "politicians". Could it be that we finally have someone who will be a "representative" of the people, and not a "politician" intent on preserving their power by preserving their position? I know politics and political savvy is important to get things done in our governmental system, but he appears to be someone wanting to "represent" the people who voted for him as well as the folks who cast a vote elsewhere. I keep hearing him use a phrase declaring that he does not want to argue or combat someone's point of view, but rather try to find a way to work out the best solultion to the never ending crossroads this country faces every hour and every day.
When all the spinning is cleared, what we, as Americans, can best hope for is an honest man or woman with strong moral values and a solid dose of common sense in his or her decision making. In this election, I think that man is Mike Huckabee. As a nation, we cannot affort to be wrong on this one! Have a great life!

At this time of year many people, organizations and companies are expressing the true meaning of Christmas. The most impacting way of acknowledging the life of the Son of God at His birth is for us to love one another and share that love in every way we can.
This week an example of that spirit was expressed in a much needed way. The fine people at Kearns Business Solutions arranged for the office of Meals on Wheels of Pickens County to have a much needed copy machine.
This second mile walked by Kearns may seem like a small ripple in the ocean of human needs; but they will never know the full extent of their sharing. Hundreds if shut-in in Pickens County depend on Meals on Wheels for a warm meal, a loving smile, and the warmth that comes from knowing someone cares. The special person that travels daily to the homes of these shut-in, is simply the closest link those immoble folks have to the army of givers that help make those deliveries work. Now, KEARNS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS is a daily cog in the wheel that is Meals on Wheels of Pickens County. Thank you, Kearnes! You're the best. Have a great life!