The Job Interview

The Job Interview

(by R.P.Edwards)

Presence

Posture

Poise

And grace

Smooth of speech

And shining face

Our eyes were drawn

Emotions too

Then a background check

And, "Nope, not you."

"So, what do you think, ladies and gentlemen?"

The setting: the plush penthouse boardroom of a billion dollar corporation; on the brink of insolvency

"I like him," offered Jacqueline, the silver-haired matron of the group. A carry-over from the buyout two-decades past, she was known for tempering all her decisions with motherly compassion and also known for crocheting mittens during winter board meetings; this pair had white and red stripes.

"Polished, professional, convincing; I think he's just what we need." Reginald, closest to the chair stood during this brief oration and leaned, palms down, on the mahogany table and gazed briefly into the eyes of each as he made his point.

"Seems like the real deal, alright," offered Frederickson, who always seemed to use the phrase at least once, no matter what the topic.

There was a brief interruption as the large, gold-hinged door in the back swung open as Charley, the disheveled "information guy" scurried up to the front and handed the moderator a manila envelope and then, without comment or a slowing step he circled around and back out the still unsettled portal.

A minute later the conductor looked up from the "file" and declared. "No experience, ladies and gentlemen. Good intentions perhaps. Eloquent soliloquy skills, but no appreciable record. (slight pause) I say NO."

"Not again," offered Frederickson. 

"Definitely not," said Reginald, leaning on elbows and hanging his head slightly.

"Hell no," said Jacqueline without taking her eyes off the project. "Our last CEO almost killed this company. We need someone with a track-record."

__________________

Saw the recent debate. I like many of the candidates. ALL in one way or another. BUT, for the next POTUS (President of the United States) it seems to me that a former governor is a must! I like Cruz. I like Rubio. I like Fiorina. I like Trump. I like Carson. But they're ALL candidates for OJT and, we simply don't have time. And, of the talented governors represented; I remain a Huckabee fan.

Having said that, some of the others could still be of service. Cruz: Attorney General. Perhaps a future Supreme Court pick. Carson: Surgeon General. Maybe (reaching back to the lower tier) Lindsey Graham for Secretary of Defense. One of the other governors could fill the VP slot. Others could take on advisory rolls.

Serious business, this. I dearly hope the primary participants (talking about voters) snap out of it. 

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A new Huckabee video is offered. A suggestion for GOP primary voters from the Fake Trio. Enjoy.

 

"

Some distance, please (SDP)

Some distance, please (SDP)

(by R.P.Edwards)

I'll back away

Before it strikes

The lightening from the blue

For mocking God

Is more than odd

Could mean the end

Of you

And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, 

which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not

to give Him glory.

(Revelation 16:9)

The Bill, which honorable Governor, Jerry Brown, recently signed is AB 775, the Reproductive FACT act.

The gist: if you are a 'licensed covered facility," and offer "services" to pregnant women, then you MUST (under penalty of law) also make known (this is the FACT part) that other services are available elsewhere, including abortion. 

The meaning: NOW even crisis pregnancy centers, whose main goal is to steer pregnant women towards birth and life, rather than abortion and death; even THESE must provide the "by-the-way" information that abortion is an option, and here's where to go.  

My initial reaction: "Whoa, you're asking for it. Here you are (California), having endured a horrible drought, and you go out of your way to tell GOD, the one who can change the weather (hello!) to basically stick it."

Of course, I know there are many in The Golden State who are far removed from the "in the year of our Lord" signers of the Constitution. And, giving no credence to the national motto or the deity oft mentioned and implored by Americans past, there is no "fear" associated with doing things that might bring His curse, rather than His blessing.

I get it. 

I dearly hope, however, that there will be a "learning phase" somewhere along the downward spiral that is California. 

AND, since this "whoa!" reaction comes with greater frequency these days, I think the acronym SDP should also take on the meaning "Some distance, please," to save space.

Yes, He can

(by R.P.Edwards)

God can change the weather

For those who bow and pray

But, saying we don't need Him

Well, enjoy your dusty day

****

 

The 5,500

The 5,500

(by R.P.Edwards)

The 5,500

Fodder for fiends

Though less would seem best

To those with the dream

But evil is hungry

And cunning

And grows

And weakness perceived

Will embolden our foes

You could see it coming; if "seeing" did not involve the prism of ideology, that is. 

Anyway, in hindsight (again, for those whose sight was/is leftwardly skewed), the "force" should have been at least double what it was before the remnants were hastily withdrawn to avoid total annihilation. 

The factors had been many; massive numbers, traitors in the ranks (not "ours," but theirs, the "theirs" we were supposedly helping) some advanced weapons supplied by menacing foreign entities, and a unifying religious-born motivation that equated murder...with martyrdom. And, oh yes, a striking when the calendar said it's "not" the time for war.

Yes, numbers have a voice. And the few left on the wall (as well trained and capable as they were) spoke...weakness.

____________

The president, to his credit, has announced that there will be, eventually (more for now and the near future) a contingent of 5,500 American military folk left in Afghanistan to help the fledgling government. For those who are pleased (and there are many) their nearly universal desire is that the force...would be bigger. True, it's larger than the President's earlier intentions (and that's good!) but too little, is too little. Time will surely tell, and I dearly hope my opening "fantasy" is just that.

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Cubs vs Cardinals

Cubs vs Cardinals 2015

(by R.P.Edwards)

The bear and the bird

A battle absurd

Except in the realm of play

With bats and with balls

And with those who give all

The finest are on display

For the Cards it's old hat

The playoffs, all that

But the Cubbies are hungry and lean

So let the aces throw heat

As the champions meet

And the kids wear their jerseys...and dream

I grew up a Yankee fan. 

Born and raised in New England my allegiance was SUPPOSED to be to Bean Town's BoSox but, perhaps since we were closer to the Big Apple or, more likely, because I saw the ancient movies concerning the legends (Gehrig and Ruth) and we got a clearer signal from New York and I was therefore privy to the musings of long-time broadcaster and baseball Hall of Famer, Phil Rizzuto, well, anyway...I was a Yankee fan.

Four decades later I find myself in a similar situation. Living in lower Illinois (some say "southern" but I'm sure others from a certain CITY up north may think otherwise), Ahem, anyway, as a citizen of the Land of Lincoln I'm supposed to root for the Chicago Cubs but, like many in this region our natural inclination is to peer through the Arch to look favorably on the St Louis Cardinals. And, the Red Birds have not disappointed. Time after time they make the playoffs and, on occasion, they bring home the Flag-festooned World Series trophy.

However...HOWEVER, for this time only I'm going to wish the Windy City's Cubbies a tentative "I hope you make it" as they face the Cardinals on their way to hopefully end the "over a hundred year" World Series drought. Why? Well, sympathy of course, but its more for the local Cub fans that are in my circle. Oh, they are ever passionate and faithful! Year, after year, after disappointing year. And now, with a team that actually has the potential...they are ecstatic but, I perceive, also a little fearful of being hurt yet again.

So, Cardinals and Cubbies! play your hearts out! And, for the reasons mentioned above, I hope THIS time the boys in blue prevail. However, I'd like it to come down to the last inning of the last game in a tied series where winner takes all. And then, with the last out and with the exuberant realization that the dream is still alive let us all, friend and foe alike, stand to our feet and exclaim, using one of the catchphrases of BOTH Phil Rizzuto AND former long-time Cubs broadcaster, Harry Caray, ""HOLY COW!!!" 

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The Glare of Truth

The Glare

(by R.P.Edwards)

Forty-five seconds

A silent glare

At shameful nations

Who just don't care

They speak of peace

While inviting war

Just like their fathers

Did before

Forty-five seconds of silence. A long time for we who are so used to occupying every waking moment with some kind of outside stimuli; especially from our damnable devices. It was tough. But tough...is needed.

The prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, was in the process of explaining how the Iranian deal (which many celebrate) is nothing more than a replay of the cowardly ignorance that led to the horrendous Nazi doings of 70 years past. A false peace. A baseless hope. But...it's worse than that. At least the Hitlerites pretended to cooperate. The Iranian leadership, on the other hand, continues to openly state as one of their goals...the annihilation of Israel. And the rest of the world (including WE, their supposed ally) do next to nothing. 

Honestly, this is disturbing beyond words. To see the coming events and to know that America could, AND SHOULD, lead the world in the dismantling of the threat that is Iran. But, our leadership seems oblivious and, shockingly, an EQUALLY oblivious populace may elect another of the same type, just a short time from now.

Let me conclude by saying, as before, I'm not worried about Israel. Ultimately the God of Abraham will see to their preservation. He is not obligated, however, to save the eagle. 

Following is the snippet from the Prime Minister's speech: 

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Dr Ben Carson and Fried Bologna

Fried Bologna

(by R.P.Edwards)

Fried bologna

In the pan

Forget your bacon!

Forget your spam!

Forget your sausage!

Patties! links!

Ignore their comments

And what they thinks!

It's comfort food!

A round delight!

The craving hit you

in the night

So grab the package!

Pull the slice!

It's fried bologna!

Really nice

:)

And so, Presidential candidate, Dr Ben Carson, said, in essence, that he didn't want a devout Muslim in the White House. Why? Because their allegiance to the Koran, the Hadith and Sharia law would supersede their allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. 

Not really that controversial (although some try and make it so). Look around. "See" for yourself the fruit born of those who closely adhere to the "prophet's" teaching. Observe the societal conditions of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, etc. And we want that here? Obviously not.

But, let's pause a moment for a minor study in perspective. Concerning Dr Carson; it is my understanding that he is a "devout" Christian. As one myself I take that to mean that his "faith" is hardly superficial. He, no doubt, is keenly aware of scripture's admonition to--love your enemies; pray for your persecutors, do good,  respect authority; defend the helpless; recognize the life in the womb and God's definition of marriage--and on and on. You see, the good doctor's "belief" molds HIS behavior, and he might naturally expect others who proclaim another faith to be as serious as he.

On the other hand: there are many (including quite a number in the media) who often view Christianity as a garnish; an add on; a placating name-drop. Thus, many who claim to follow the Savior, prove, by their actions, that they haven't a clue. And some, by their actions, prove that their hand placement on the Bible meant virtually nothing.

And as far as the "fried bologna" goes; my youngest wanted it for breakfast. Simple fare. And, might I add, Dr Carson's unpolished tendency to tell the truth; this too is another kind of comfort food.

****

The Hug

The Hug

(by R.P.Edwards)

A gentle holding

Brief and sweet

When words and eyes

Are incomplete

To show the love

When loved ones meet

When paths are crossed

And paused to greet 

It was unsolicited, but oh so welcome. The beautiful child--an angelic face with long blond hair flowing behind--darted to my arms from a jumble of strangers and then...she was gone.

It was Saturday morning and, as I sometimes do, I went to our local abortion clinic to add my presence to the others already battling from the sidewalk for the lives of the children being carried to the government sanctioned slaughter. There was much going on this day: singing, praying, speaking, and some shouting; all in the hopes of opening a mother's eyes (father's too) to see the preciousness of the life they carried. Nevertheless, most marched in and surrendered their offspring to the cruelest destruction. 

But, midst the huddling on the edges (there were visitors from out of town this day) there was a young lady who, just a few years prior, was a passenger in the womb of a woman whose initial thought...was to remove this inconvenience. Long story short: the ministry present that day (and this) not only persuaded the birth-mother to NOT kill the child; but they also adopted the baby as their own. It was this child, years later, that gave this writer a hug. 

Oh, abortion is a monstrous act! Murder on its face, but so shrouded by the tempter's lies as to convince many that small humans...are not human at all. And, like the evil of slavery before it, there is an inevitable reaping that must attend a nation laden with the blood of the innocent millions. But, for now, at least one has survived the abortionist's claws. And, who knows, perhaps with her hopeful maturing this nation may yet come to the place of repentance and delay the justice that is so richly deserved.

www.smallvictoriesusa.com

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