"Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters." ― Abraham Lincoln

I am excited for the day that lies before us. It's election day across the fruited plains and I for one am hoping for a great turnout and a great result that will send a message to those who have neglected to hear the voice of the people. Sure, I know that's wishful thinking, but, having that kind of hope is also a part of what sets us apart as a nation. It's Tuesday, November 4, 2014, and many politicians will be sitting on the edge of their chairs or perhaps waiting until the music stops to see if they have a chair left to sit in. Don't get the idea I'm jumping for joy over the people I am supporting. The system is thoroughly corrupted by the influence of power, money, and celebrity along with who knows what else. I do think the analogy of one holding their nose while voting may apply. At the same time, I don't want to sound too pessimistic because we are still privileged to be a very blessed people here in the United States of America. Here in our state the issues have been fairly clear in terms of where folks aligned themselves. We have a choice between what I believe to be the most liberal and left leaning candidates ever to run versus the more conservative or traditional candidates. In the end, each person has to vote their conscience and it's good when the differences are so well spelled out. I do hope you will do your civic duty realizing that ultimately our God is on The Throne over all matters in heaven and earth. Now that is a reassuring thought. Amen.

One of the interesting developments is how the economy statistically appears to be doing better but folks are not buying it. Sadly, we do not always get the straight story on issues like this. If unemployment is under 6%, why isn't everyone jumping for joy? Leave it to the folks across the pond at the BBC to dig down into the numbers and do interviews with people who understand what is going on. Traditionally, the 6% target has always been more or less the indicator that everything was on track. Why is it that in this particular recovery that is not the case? Because of what is reflected in this particular number. This has been an extremely weak recovery, therefore, there remains many underemployed people and part time workers who desire to be full time. Add to this the large number of people who have totally dropped out of the job market altogether and it makes today's less than 6% not very meaningful to the general public. What is the actual number folks are experiencing given all these factors? One financial expert who was previously a governor on the Federal Monetary Board said he believed the more accurate number for measuring people's sentiments is closer to 12% unemployment. Wow! What a disconnect from the 'happy days are here again' song being sung by the current administration. Thank you BBC for helping us Americans understand what is really going on, in our own country.

Aging. That subject gets a lot of attention these days. Some of it is pretty funny. ~ When you get to be my age you no longer have to worry about the life insurance people bugging you. ~ They decided not to put that many candles on your cake. Someone expressed concern that an airplane might mistake it for a runway. ~ I hope the neighbors did not see me trying to place a food order out at our mailbox. ~ George Burns lived to be 100. He said that at my age he still had pimples. ~ Not everyone is buying your description of all your aches and pains as being connected to old sports injuries. ~  The good news is that at my age almost any place will do for a nap. ~ I waited all these years to read all of those books. Too bad I can no longer make out the words. ~ I suppose it's good to know that life is no longer just a pain in the rear because now everything else hurts too. ~ Finally, this one on a joke thread website about the power of prayer: Little Jimmy was shouting out a prayer for his birthday. “Please God, all I want for my birthday is a new X-Box. Thank you.” His mom walked in and said, “Jimmy, why all the shouting? God isn’t deaf.” “I know,” said Jimmy. “But Grandpa is.” Enjoy your day and may God add His blessings to it. Amen.  ....More later.