Is there really an answer to our problems?

I realize much of my writings of late has to do with governor-elect Bobby Jindal. This is not one of them -- although something he said got me thinking.

I was reading the transcript of Jindal's interview with Fox News' Chris Wallace Sunday.

During the interview, Jindal spoke of making things in New Orleans better than they were before Hurricane Katrina hit. "Don't rebuild the failing schools..." Jindal said.

Like many Americans, I saw residents of New Orleans walking down an interstate highway, pleading for help. I saw the thousands gathered at the Superdome, with no idea what to do. My heart broke. This is not the America I wanted to see, nor was it what I believed us to be.

I saw people so dependent on government they didn't know how to act when government was no longer in a position to take care of them. Tragedy struck and they were helpless.

For a time I thought this was limited to a small, poverty-stricken section of The Crescent City. I was wrong.

Recently, I have learned this dependence on government is an epidemic. I have watched first-hand as people were so concerned about their government check, they accused friends of "intercepting the mail." This didn't take place in New Orleans, but in my own hometown in northwest Louisiana.

Please understand, this is completely foreign to me. I have no understanding of this kind of life. I was not raised this way and was not exposed to it very often in life. I cannot say I have ever turned to the government for any type of help - unless you count my VA home loan.

Do I consider those who depend on the government as "lazy" or "evil?" Certainly not. My desire would be to help them out of such dependencies.

I'm a "problem solver" by nature. I like to analyze a situation and come up with a workable solution (or solutions.) In my analysis, there are some large questions:

1) How do you reverse a culture of dependency that spans generations? Cultural change is slow. America (and Americans) did not get to this point overnight.

2) Is "survival of the fittest" an option? This works to some extent in the animal kingdom, but we set ourselves apart by how we care for the weak -- as we should. Every human being has a right to live and to have a purpose on this earth. God did not create any "expendable" people.

3) How you actually help the dependent become more independent? Money obviously isn't the answer. Training only goes so far. Perhaps one key is to answer question #1.

4) How do you address the needs of the disabled? the single parent? the special needs person?

I am a firm believer that we have an obligation to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. I am also a proponent of the saying, "Give someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach someone to fish, feed them for a lifetime."

We have to do two basic things (in my opinion):

1) Somehow inspire those in the culture of dependency to want to "learn to fish." Show them the American Dream is alive and well. Show them how they can come out of this culture and live like no one else - free from the shackles of dependency.

2) Provide the opportunity to learn. God has given each person special gifts and talents. We should identify those in people and provide them the opportunity to turn their gifts and talents into a livelihood.

We cannot force someone to leave this culture. But hopefully, over time, more and more will see the American Dream become a reality. The Bible says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;" - Rev 12-11a. Perhaps we can overcome this culture of dependency through the same methods - as some get hold of this, their testimony would inspire others.

I don't have all the answers - no one does. But I hate to see how dependent we have become on the things and governments of this world. Perhaps we can truly have a "fresh start" in Louisiana. Perhaps the word of our testimony can help others overcome.

If you didn't see Jindal's interview, click here for the transcript. It's a pretty good read.

May the Blog Be With You.

Ethics and Accountability

As Bobby Jindal transitions into the Governor's Mansion, the rumors and questions are flying concerning the Special Session he promised to call to address ethics reform. There are those who wonder if he will adopt the initiatives outlined by Blueprint Louisiana — if he has a broader scope of ethics reform — and what he believes can really be done in a single session?

If the governor-elect were sitting in my office right at this moment, I would encourage him to do one thing that many folks have not talked about with regard to ethics reform: Strengthening the state's public notice laws.

Most folks see "public notices" as those insignificant government "legal ads" run in tiny type, usually in the back of the newspaper, along with the classified ads. Oh, how wrong they are.

Those "tiny ads" represent one of the last true forms of accountability left in local government. The required publication of minutes and other notices in a third-party printed publication provide a permanent record of action taken (or to be taken) by government bodies.

At a time when the actions of public bodies are under continuous scrutiny, public notices provide a forum when those actions are recorded without bias.

The permanent nature of the printed word is key to the accountability factor. Once printed, minutes cannot be changed to suit the desires of an elected official whose political future may be affected by the decision he or she made. No changing votes after the fact.

The use of a third-party official journal provides a check and balance to government. It greatly reduces (if not eliminates) the influence of a government body on the publication of notices. Following the law is not a matter of choice or interpretation - a third party sees to that.

And what about the "small type?" Well, the minimum size of type in a public notice is determined by state law. If state law allowed smaller type, I am sure the size would be even smaller in official journals. Increasing the type size would probably require an act of the state legislature. However, many official journals in Louisiana (including this one) are uploading their public notices to a searchable database on the Internet. There, the size of the type can be anything the reader wishes.

Louisiana has a long way to go in the area of ethics reform, I just hope they strengthen one of the the good things we currently do.

May the Blog Be With You.

That "maniac" attends what church?

We have all seen those white window decals that people have on their cars. Some have their favorite team logo, while others may tout their child's prowess on a baseball field. They have become the "bumper stickers" of the new millennium.

Our kids' school got into the act last year, and parents throughout our town have a red and blue "G" in their back windows promoting the fact their child (and a lot of their money) goes to Glenbrook.

I have traveled many miles down interstate highways, only to see the "G" on a passing car.

Recently, our church decided to "sell" these type of window decals as a fund raiser for a missions trip. For a mere $10 donation, you can tell the world you attend First Assembly of God.

Several of us jumped at the chance to promote our church on our cars. We love where we worship and want others to know it. Might I add, the decals look superb.

All was quite peachy, until...

I realized on my daily commute to work that not only was my window decal a promotion of my church, but a display of my testimony. No, I don't think going to a particular church will get you to heaven, but displaying that you go to church will cause people to look at you (or your vehicle) differently.

Now, I think twice when I set my cruise control. I not a speed demon by any stretch of the imagination, but you still look at it more closely when you know others are watching (and perhaps judging).

On a lighter note, I told my pastor, "Good thing I don't tell anyone they are 'number one' with my finger anymore."

He laughed and promised to pray for me.

So if you see me and my window decal on Interstate 20 anytime soon, just know that I am a proud member of First Assembly of God and I'm still trying to get deliverance from my lead foot -- haha

May the Blog Be With You

"It's the (Social) Network"

A friend joined myspace today. I joined facebook. I'm really not sure why, but my wife has a facebook, so I thought I should have one too.

This whole social networking thing is a bit odd for me. Granted, millions of people all around the world are connecting in ways that seemed impossible a few years ago. It is all still a little too "out there" for me.

On an unrelated note, I began reading the "Left Behind" series this week. I know. I am probably the only person on the planet who hasn't read them... but back to my original point.

I wonder how the rapture would be seen by the world via myspace and other social networking pages. Would those that were left behind post things on their myspace page to let others know they were OK?

Of course, those left behind are not "OK" - after all, they missed the rapture.

I now see why millions of people have bought and read the books is this series. It is truly a fascinating read. I have taken a break from my nonfiction reading to delve into this series.

Note to self (and others) - Reading business and/or personal growth books at bedtime can cause insomnia. During my reading of "Good to Great" I would like awake for hours mulling over the insights I took in before turning out the light.

That's enough of my book review... who knows? I may get as popular as Oprah with these... probably not.

May The Blog Be With You.

Politics and Prayers

Let's face it. Running for office is a tough endeavor. I have watched a host of candidates walk streets, put up signs, run advertisements, participate in debates and forums, and a host of other things in an effort to be elected to office.

Regardless of which candidate has secured your vote, all must be acknowledged for their efforts this year.

Yesterday, I spoke with Lucy Cooper, a candidate for Police Jury in Bossier Parish. While she and I don't necessarily agree on some things, I have to take my hat off to her for staying in the race, considering what she and her family are currently going through.

Six weeks ago, she and her family welcomed little Michael Landon Cooper into the world. However, since then, Lucy's grandson has fought to stay alive. Through six weeks of complications and three surgeries, the Cooper family has been holding on and holding together.

In my opinion, family is always more important than politics. My heart and my prayers go out to the Cooper family.

May The Blog Be With You.

Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Halo 3

Someone told me that if I included Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, or some of the other "major search engine topics" that more people would visit my site.

So I guess I just did it.

Oh, and why did I mention Halo 3? Because it is a really cool game.

May the Blog Be With You.

Welcome Home

I wasn't prepared to go. I had other things on my mind. Then, the managing editor came into the room. "Can you go cover the troops return from Guam? We're swamped with this political section."

The request threw a monkey wrench into my plans for the morning, but I agreed and went without any sort of fuss.

With my trusty camera in hand, I headed out to Barksdale. I was anxiously awaiting the plane, so I could get my shots and leave. Others were anxiously awaiting for another reason - their loved ones were on board.

Troop rotation has almost become commonplace during the past few years. What once was a big deal, warranting live coverage, now is lucky to get a mention before the weather report.

When I saw the reunited families, I realized how important that moment was to them. For some, that moment will never arrive. War does that. It rips families apart. While some are reunited, those who have paid the ultimate price are not.

Today made me appreciate those who made it back. And it also makes me want to pray for those who are still deployed. I pray for many more happy reunions.

May the Blog Be With You.

Do not blog before you've thought it through

Each morning, I have a 30-minute commute to my office. It is during these times I come up with some of my best blog subjects — usually in response to something reported in the news on the radio.

However, by the time I get to the office I have either:

a) Thought better of putting those thoughts "out there for the world to read."

b) Forgotten whatever brilliant commentary I had in my mind a few minutes earlier.

I think the young lady who posted the video of she and her friends making fun of the situation in Jena might have been better off referring to option "a."

Some things that seem funny or insightful at to one person can really look different to others.

After reading the news accounts of this, I think it was just a mistake. Unfortunately, there are those who will run with this for all it is worth -- (See previous blog about unity).

May The Blog Be With You