President Obama visits The Rust Belt

Note: I generally abstain from political related blogs. I couldn’t resist with this one.

Last week, I had the misfortune of having both of my vehicles causing distress and breaking down several days apart. My car was already out of commission and my truck was the only option to drive.

On our journey to downtown Mansfield, Ohio; we suddenly heard a clanging sound. I figured my tail pipe had disconnected and was dragging on the ground. Upon reaching our destination on North Main Street we discovered it wasn’t the tail pipe, but the rusted muffler dragging on the pavement.

The ride up Main Street was quite nerve wracking on this particular day because the truck has a slight gas tank leak not far from the muffler. As we all know- sparks and gas are ignitable. Not a particular good problem to have.

After inspecting the situation, my wife entered the Squirrels Den to purchase some chocolate-covered buckeye candy. President Obama had visited the little chocolate shop nearly a week ago after giving a campaign speech on the town square.
  

The President spent a half-hour inside the Squirrels Den; chatting, posing for photos, and signing autographs while tasting and purchasing chocolates for the First Lady and their daughters.

The shop was still excited about their special visit and the owner, LeDonna Secrist and her staff had several stories and photos to share with us.

While my wife picked out the sweet stuff, I inquired to the owner if she had any string to temporary keep the muffler from dragging on the pavement. The owner produced a bag of bungee cords. I took a couple of cords and was able to secure the muffler for our ride home.

LeDonna refused to allow me to pay her for the cords, instead requesting “I pray for her” and return the favor by helping someone else out.

I want to publicly thank LeDonna Secrist for her kind act of graciousness.

During the chat regarding President Obama’s visit, the clerk noted many people giving negative comments. She encountered the same negative situation when she discussed seeing George W. Bush nearly eight years ago at the Renaissance Theater in Mansfield, Ohio.

She noted that she was always taught to respect the office regardless of the party tied to the helm.

I must agree with her. Hate is a terrible fear to spread. How often do you get to meet the man who represents the most powerful free nation in the world?

We should be praying for our leaders.

I understand many people are passionate towards their political party, America and their views. But there is a vast difference between hate and passion.  Let’s not confuse the two emotions.

I am surprised by the lack of respect Republicans and Democrats openly display towards each other in political advertisement and speeches.

The party process and news media have created an “us versus them” mentality which serves to divide Americans by keeping us distracted. It allows those in charge from dealing with the real issues that need to be addressed.

To me, the political party game has only given us the choice of the speed of robbing Peter to pay Paul and the negative results.

It’s the political system (Democrats and Republicans), I have lost faith in.

Politicians must understand they are elected to serve the people, instead of catering to lobbyists.

We should demand accountability, integrity and honesty from all elected officials.

Let’s stop the hate and focus on the opportunity to create change that really matters!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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