Freedom

Our constitution was written by some pretty smart guys with very good intentions. Several went on to lead our nation as President.

Amendments to the constitution were created to adjust and correct things missed or to adjust as times change. When the nation put our laws in place guns used in these mass killings did not even exist. On the other hand guns currently used for sport and hunting certainly did.

The law of the land said African Americans were 3/5s human. The US Constitution said your mother, wife and daughter could not vote. Society changes, it's grows, emerges with new ideas and offers new solutions.

The founding fathers did not draw a line in the sand, they worked together to create a nation to be proud of. Men and women from all over the world often risk everything to live under our freedoms.

Yesterday an important moment was created in great loss. Now is the time to act as our founding fathers, now is the time for all Americans to sit down and compromise, change laws and make sure our children's rights and lives be but ahead of our personal desires.

Let us write an Amendment on gun control now, together, all of us.

Christmas at Grandma's House!

What was it really all about. I only had one grandmother in my lifetime, my fathers mother. To my eyes she was always old, having silver hair, glasses, old lady black shoes.

I will always remember her house in Brooklyn. I clearly remember the tin ceilings, big black wood burning stove in the kitchen. A little bathroom with some type of gas heater, you could smell the gas.

There was a traditional parlor and her bedroom where she would take me to give me money. It's funny I remember we would gather in the basement, my father and uncles would use wooden horses and a big sheet of wood to make a table. They borrowed chairs from Joe Tari, he owned Tari's Funeral Home. Then my grandma with the help of my aunts and mother would begin the meal.

Big platters of all kinds of Italian meats and cheeses. A special Italian salad, so incredible. Fresh loaves of Italian bread.

Next up was either lasagna or ravioli, it always changed. Then meatballs, sausage, bracholi and other meats covered in gravy.

And it went on and on, all kinds of deserts, pastry, fruits and nuts. Red wines flowed late into the night. Never a bad word was said.

These were the greatest Christmas memories I have. I remember each detail like it was yesterday.

It's funny, with all these thoughts I have zero recollection about gifts? There must have been gifts! I can only assume all these years later the gifts really weren't that important, it was "being a family".

I met my new nephew today!

Welcome to the world Jonathan Robert Spinner.

Your sweet and beautiful no doubt. Rather well behaved for your young age. You were born to loving, kind and responsible parents. You have a big sister and brother who will grow to be your best friends. Surrounded by terrific grandparents and aunts and uncles who love you.

As you grow up many challenges will come your way. Along with your incredible mom and dad I always want you to know I will be there. I want you to be happy, enjoy your childhood and grow up to be a honorable man.

My sincere promise to you is to improve this world all my remaining days to make it better for you and your generation.

Grow strong, be wise and always make life better for all.

My grammar school friend Maureen!

Whether it be Facebook or some other place in cyber space people are making all kinds of new and sometimes very old connections.

I'm still not sure that's such a good thing all the time. I've bumped into colleagues from almost all my 58 years on this planet. Some of this is really just a different method of dialogue others can be a renewal of childhood memories.

Over the past year I've even reconnected with some grammar school chums. I realize we don't really have that much in common anymore but it's fun to go down memory lane. And trust me I have a great memory.

I remember somewhere around the 5th or 6th grade taking a walking detour home with a sweet and very cute girl in my class named Maureen. I still remember she lived on 112th street a bit out of my way, but I walked her home because she was just so kind even as a kid.

After all this time we met again on Facebook it has been enlightening. I never knew she would move away, live in the country, have a pig and some chickens, marry, raise a family and then see her son make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. How did that little girl get so strong? I look at her photos and she still wears that beautiful smile.

Never did I know watching the busy world go by that some 50 years after that walk home from school Maureen would gently re-enter my life as an incredible inspiration.

Just for the record I bet she has no recollection of that walk home.

So now what???

Well finally the election is over.

Yes the people have spoken. You know "the people". Maybe "We the people" rings some bells. I think it's about time these self erected ego maniacs start to realize who exactly sent them to Washington and what is expected of them.

Here's a starting point start listening and stop talking. How about we start simple, adopt a member of the opposite party and agree to have lunch once a month. Could some common everyday relationships help legislators work together?

Remember our government is a reflection of the people. I don't know about you but I'm not a fighter I'm a lover. It's time for a fresh start, or is it time for some old fashion hard work and respect.

Don't ever forget bigger have fallen.

My mentor is no more!

I found out you were gone this week.

Wow what a rush of memories. It was 39 nine years ago when I met you. I rang the bell at 203 main and Connie O'Brady ripped my head off and said you were in 202. That began my strange relationship with the mostly women of NYU's Bursars office.

My job was for only 2 weeks. Just temp. Strangely you took me under your wing. You brought out the best in me. I asked to stay you made it happen. The details are ours but with good and bad you made me who I am.

Hundreds of my employees, friends and family knew who Miss Devanny was.

Just for giggles when I review a memo or letter I can never forget how you made me cry like a baby that day as you changed my every word, thanks by the way I'm a great writer now.

Just know 39 years later everyone I teach I try to teach like you taught me. I loved and respected you always.

A chicken in every pot!

Think about it, Herbert Hoover became president with this slogan. I've given this a lot of thought. With the election right around the corner maybe a catchy slogan would put one of these guys over the top?

You need something universal that everyone likes and can identify with. Pasta? A bowl of pasta on every table? No I don't think that's it, too Italian

A gallon of gas for all? Ugh not everyone drives especially in the big cities.

Eureka I think I've got something here, yes it's universal accepted by old, young, rich, and poor.

I say "a pound of bacon in every pan" yep that's a winner. Ok guys I've given you the ticket to the White House with no negatives!

Where have the leaders gone?

The more I watch this election I keep thinking what's gone wrong here?

Where all those legends we learned about in grammar school as good as they sounded? Has time embellished the real men.

What's the common difference between now and then? MONEY! The system is the same, process the same, basic choices the same.

Money has driven great men and women out of the process. Who are the losers, us the American people. Just my thoughts.