She Stands for what makes our Country Great – Freedom! Don’t Let Her Down!

July 8, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 17 Comments

(Please Read)

Freedom – the one word recognized by all peoples who arrive and then stay in the United States of America have in common is Freedom. The Statue of Liberty represents this as does the Statue of Liberty Poem, now an important part of our history. Let us not prove her wrong and lessen who we are as Americans and human beings.

New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome’ her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Emma Lazarus. 1848-1887

There is a crisis, thousands of children in peril of their very lives (from Central America, not Mexico) and they are coming to our country for safety and refuge. Are we still the caring land of Freedom? Do we give a damn or are we so into ourselves and our rights, ingrained in our wants and our entitlements that we’ve laid aside our souls. I’m so embarrassed and ashamed that everything seems to be related to money or politics.

Have we forgotten to do what’s right and humane and caring and loving? Have we? Most of our ancestors entered this land for the same reasons as these children. There is no difference. There should be none now and even more than that they are children, for God’s Sake!

Show you care,

~ Penny

For more information about this crisis USA TODAY

The Awesome Diversity of USA – Take Kentucky for example!

June 3, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 10 Comments

Why I love my Country

The diversity of America is really quite amazing . Each state is unique and special within itself. But many of our wonderful states and their residents are struggling. Change needs to happen. In government, fewer politics (and rhetoric) and more action is needed. Right now, there are a handful of states where change may be possible with midterm elections later this year. One of those states is good ol’ bluegrass Kentucky.

There are some important things going on in our country right now, and we women are right there in the mix along with the men. Helping positive change happen isn’t about feminism or equality as much as it is about accepting differences to improve All of our well being. We (everyone) Americans need to be out there making things happen to improve our chances for a better future for ourselves and our children.

Hats off to Kentucky’s Secretary of State, Alison Lundergan Grimes. Not because she’s a Democrat, (I’m a political agnostic, LOL actually what I mean is I am an American first and foremost – which means that sometimes it isn’t about a political party and it’s agenda but about us “We the people”. So wherever positive change is happening, that’s what gets my vote. Whether it be by a Liberal or a Conservative) – and I think most Americans feel the same way.

What’s important to me is having a prosperous country for as many of us as possible. For the hard working: a decent wage. For the families: a home and community to be proud of. For the children: a decent education (that doesn’t cost a fortune) for their future. And a safe place to be – for the elderly and all of us. And it looks like Alison, over there (I’m in Washington) in Kentucky is concerned about those things – and not the money behind many of the current decisions made by our politicians.

It sounds like she’s speaking out and wanting to make a difference in her home state. She’s qualified and has something positive to bring to the mix. I’m rooting for all those just like her, who are standing up and being heard because they believe it’s time to take action, because they care … for their home state and the people (like you and I) of the United States of America. So three cheers and this song is for you Allison!

Keep up the good work! As one American to another, I’m behind you all the way!

A Caring citizen of the U.S.A,

~ Penny

Love – nothing is more important!

November 18, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 46 Comments

My favorite word in the whole vocabulary of all the languages on our planet is Love. It means the same thing no matter where you are. Love is universal. It sums everything up. Just this one word!

It brightens the day, makes the impossible seem possible. The bad – not so bad and is the very foundation that hope rests upon … the one word … LOVE!

I send love to everyone today. It is an especially hard Monday/Tuesday today for many many millions of people on our planet, Both nationally and abroad.

Perhaps, today, we can point a few less fingers, blame a few less people, think not so many petty, selfish or greedy thoughts and instead think about love and loving! I guess news “talk show hosts” are getting paid (now, when they voice their opinions) to say and broadcast petty and mean things and …

Politically speaking (USA), my message to all of you politicians out there is … GROW UP, you are all acting like spoiled children (all parties) instead of responsible, polite and well-mannered individuals. Our government will always have those with varying agendas but NO ONE has to be mean (nasty) during discussions and the manner in which they conduct their public activities.

The three main political parties in this country are Republicans, Independents and Democrats and since acronyms have become so popular please note that the acronym for these three parties is R.I.D., which is how many Americans are starting to feel about you and how you’ve been governing in Congress. so STOP IT!

Do you job. Get it done, but with the dignity and honor that your position deserves. And another thing, Our President is the duly elected President of our United (all of them) States and as such Dignity and Honor should be extended to him as well, or our current political parties are really of no value to us Americans any more. And getting rid of the current political parties (R.I.D.) might be the best way to change things!

Life is too short (yours included) for the behavior I and millions of others witness daily (while nothing is getting done) and ALL AMERICANS ARE SICK OF IT!)

Most especially when now we should be seeing what we can accomplish together as a UNITED States of America (and yes there are 50 states, not one or two or 13) and not the horrible nastiness that we’ve been exposed to.

We need jobs, an improved infrastructure, fairness and equality but mostly we need a HUGE change in attitude and how we conduct ourselves.

We are all of various ethnic, genders and backgrounds (every single one of us) and we are all citizens but when bad weather hits anywhere, then we are reminded that which we should be ALL THE TIME! Human beings in need of love and support and each other – and nothing else is more important than that! Nothing!

Penny L Howe, 2013

Confucius, Playing Pool … and Other Government Issues!

October 17, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 23 Comments

(Disclaimer, well not really – I am an American, privately I think some of the things that the Republicans are concerned with are valid, I also think that some of the things that the Democrats are concerned with are valid and I go along with some of the concerns of the Independents. But I am speaking here today as just one American to other Americans!)

In the wake of the last couple of weeks (governmentally speaking) Confucius came to mind as I watched the government “close” and then “open” the way you might see a sign on a store. Yesterday we were closed for business, today we are open, tomorrow (a few months) – the sign may say closed again!

As if it were no big thing. If you don’t consider the damage done to our economy in the last few weeks of “closure” approximating 24 billion dollars (but more to come because now consumers are shaky and not in a buying mood, and businesses not in a hiring mood), no big thing; if you don’t consider the damage done to thousands of people affected by the “closure” to their homes and families, if you don’t consider our military who have and are bravely serving our country, hurt by this temporary closure, if you don’t consider the damage done to our country’s fiscal reputation as a leader in the world, if your don’t consider … I could go on for quite a while but you get the point so here is something you might consider …

Confucius and a few of his well-known quotes about people and life:

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.

He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.

and he also said …

“In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.”

This country should be ashamed of not providing for our poor … and sadly, there are more than a few involved in the governing process who should be ashamed of the wealth they have accumulated and the wealthy they work “on behalf of” … at the expense of the poor and the hard working middle class!

And I refer to all the party members, especially those who come in with a private and personal agenda, related to power and money (greed); be they – Democrats – Republicans – Independents or other, consisting of every race, creed and religious belief. Absolute power does corrupt absolutely. And so does money! In fact in this country money speaks louder than anything!

It is a truth or should be understood that no country survives when it is at the expense and well-being of other humans. As in never! History proves this out. Why haven’t we learned this yet?

My recommendations to my fellow Americans: Contact NOW your congressional leaders and members who the majority of you – “voted” for (If you didn’t vote, then “by absentia” you may well have voted for the person you didn’t want in office). And when you email or call, or snail mail to your legislative leaders … say “NO” to more closures. In the next few elections vote in more minorities, because the amazing truth here in this country is – the “minorities” are in the majority! So shouldn’t we have representatives that actually represent us? Do the math!

Vote in those qualified, who will not only represent you (their constituents – which by law they are sworn to represent) but who also have the strength of character to stand up and represent you, not waffle and sit on the sidelines. Regardless of party, there comes a point when you’re not just a Republican, Democrat or affiliated to some other group who “believes a certain way” you are AN AMERICAN! So start doing your job to strongly remind your elected representatives and Senators what they SHOULD BE DOING – THEIR JOB! Keeping our country free!

My reference to the game of “Pool (Billiard)” in the title is an obvious one:

“When playing the game, you may have the cue

but you still can’t play the game with no balls!”

~ Penny L Howe, 2013

If our budgetary concerns don’t get resolved (at least in a direction where all political parties are working together for a resolution) – then the ones who haven’t been doing their job is YOU!

Penny L Howe

We the People, of the United States of America …

October 3, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 23 Comments

… are surely one of the most diverse group of people on this planet. As a result we are also highly innovative and creative due to the rich blending of ideologies, cultural heritages, ancestry, history, language, and so on.

Democracy Isn’t Easy, but it’s worth the Fight!

Of course, this diversity does come with it’s own set of parameters (and problems) regarding our perception of how we view things. Such as the governing of our mighty country and our people (all of us).

The tenets of our country (Declaration of Independence) proclaim loud and clear the very substance of our land that moves our democracy forward (‘lo these many years of alternating strife and prosperity) is the proclaiming and achieving of individual freedoms.

It hasn’t stopped or diminished. Just changed. We have freedom of speech in this country. This means we are a people accustomed to sharing our opinions, of airing our grievances – we aren’t afraid to say them. This in turn, generates (on any given time period) outrage, anger, distention and conversely hope, potential and ultimately, through discourse, resolution.

It is quite the amazing thing, if you think about it. The freedom to express our thoughts on any subject reins supreme. Chaotic, highly uncomfortable, and rife for potentially strong emotions to give rein.

There is never a smoothness to democracy. Being “fair” for everyone just doesn’t happen. But it’s a never ending goal with many balances and counter balances as we work our way to greater understanding and acceptance of changes in our lives.

Fundamentally what drives, (moves) us and our country forward is this exchange of opinions, ideas, concerns and desires. This is what makes our country the greatest on the planet. A heritage that all Americans share in.

And that means we are going to get it wrong, sometimes a lot, but we don’t stop working on getting it right.

Because we all have a “voice” democracy stays permutable, that is to say, a constant work in progress. No easy or permanent “fixing” of the whole.

Democracy isn’t easy. You better want it bad and you better be prepared to weather the storms of differing opinions that may not be your own. Just remember, It’s these differences that lead to change and further growth.

Right now we Americans and the entire planet are watching our democracy in action, perhaps at it’s worse but perhaps also at it’s best. As for us, we the people … be concerned – it’s important. Voice your opinion – it’s important, be engaged – it’s important, but never, ever stop being proud of being an American, of your Country, your home, your people. It’s yours and mine.

Thank you,

~ Penny

I’m just one American – A letter to the President of our great country, USA!

October 2, 2013October 2, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 39 Comments

“Dear Mr. President Obama,

This is Penny, yes one of your constituents. I’m having a problem right now, along with most of us other 300 million citizens.

I’m just one American out here in Washington state … but I’m worried. I’m hoping you can help me understand what’s going on.

As I was taught (in school) about the governing process (in our democratic country), our wise founding fathers set up a counter system of checks and balances to make sure that each branch could (if needs be) check the actions of others. This was done to insure that no part of the government had too much power.

And as I understand it, each of our elected representative’s main job is …

DEFINITION OF Elected Representatives (Senators, Congressmen): Those individuals voted to REPRESENT their local constituents (me and others)

… to help (the duly elected (voted for) TWICE President of the U.S.A. – that’s you) GOVERN our country.

“So WHY, Mr. President is one tiny group of Elected Representatives (see definition up above) in fact one person in particular … holding our Government and the people of the Great United States of America hostage?

Usurping his own elected position by carrying out his own private agenda at the wishes of a very few other people. And doing this at the expense of the American people – BY STOPPING THE GOVERNING PROCESS ITSELF!

Please, answer me. I need an answer. More to the point, I need you the chosen leader of this country to figure out what to do! Soon!”

Thank you,

Very troubled in Washington,

Penny L Howe

(Just Penny’s “two cents” worth here)

… and yes I am fully cognizant and aware (politically) of what’s ‘actually’ going on, how it happened, and why. I am being focused with my letter to the President to create (hopefully) a stronger message! I love my country and fellow Americans (all of you) very much, Thanks, Penny

To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to …

August 12, 2013 / Penny L Howe / 23 Comments

… Today?

Is it the ‘you’ that you’ve decided to be just for today? The one who is watching popular opinions.

The one who is waiting to decide how they feel about a thing depending on how it is trending, or even worse how someone else is spinning a story, turning an event into something else all together, where you don’t have the true facts but you aren’t inclined to put forth any additional effort to suss out the truth of the matter?

Are you the ‘you’ that feels insecure because of what life has handed to you and you’re not sure what to do with about it?

Or are you the you who is standing up and being affirmative about what’s going on in your life and your world.

You don’t need to grab a sign and race out down the street proclaiming the injustice of things (that would be cool though), but you can have an informed view.

You can care, you can voice an opinion and … (wait for it) … if so inclined … actually make some small little change in your life by stepping out of your own comfort zone into the real world of things and … make a small positive difference.

Beginning with how you view things.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to be a bystander, to make judgement calls on others who are out there, at least trying to do good things (Even if they get it wrong, or fail or fall short of expectations – they’re still out there – aren’t they?).

And thought this does seems to be an era of finger-pointing, judgement taking people (which achieves absolutely nothing of positive value and is having disastrous effects), a helping hand would go a whole lot further!

So who am I speaking to … today, which one are you … I’d like to know?

~ Penny

I Believe in “We the People”

October 12, 2012 / Penny L Howe / 25 Comments

Okay one more time here!

A little over a week ago I wrote about how I felt about being an American and the importance of voting, The American Coin of Freedom . But I left something out, the most important thing, so I’m correcting that omission with this post.

Our country was founded on the principles and beliefs that each person should have the right to live their lives in a responsible but free way. It was so important that the Preamble to the United States Constitution (one of the most important documents for freedom on the planet) begins with these three words…

We The People…

I believe in those three words: “We the people“. I believe in WE with all my heart and soul – gut wrenchingly so!

I believe that “We” are the legacy of freedom’s yesterdays and the dreams and hopes of tomorrow’s successes, not just for this country but for the whole planet!

I believe that “We” are the watchers of our countries caretakers. It is our job, our responsibility as “We” the people to keep an eye on those whom we freely elect to help run our great country.

I believe there is a whole world out there (our brothers and sisters – also our legacy from the past) ‘watching’ “WE the people” – being inspired by what we do right and disappointed, sometimes hurt and angry by what we do wrong, but still looking to us with hope and promise.

They wait to see how “We” will be today. What decisions “We” the people will make and how “They” will be influenced by our decisions.

I believe in “We the people” because “We” choose freedom and are strong and loving when called upon to be so.

I believe in “We the people” because I know when our collective voice needs to be heard … it is heard around the world.

And so I will say simply what I forgot to say a week ago.

I believe in WE “the people” of this – our great nation!

Every single one of us. This means each of you. Every single one, no exceptions…I believe in you, my American sisters and brothers.

And I have a strong enough faith to know WE will continue on…perhaps stumbling along the way but still …being free, being strong and being Americans…this I believe with all my heart!

Thank you!

Please vote!

If you choose to reblog this I will be very honored!
Penny