Chuck's Chat-Welcome to August!

Once upon a time, back in the day, when I was a kid, I remember when, well, we’d been a drinkin’…. As you get older, do you find yourself using phrases like these to preface a story, a remembrance, or a legendary tale? I think it is only natural to reflect upon times of yesteryear, particularly those happy times; perhaps times of less stress, less responsibilities, or less financial burden. Maybe times of happiness, joy, laughter, or carefree times when all seemed right in the world. Conversely, we all have thoughts, memories, and possibly regrets of some not so happy times; times of uncertainty, troubles, or even bad decisions.

Life today is challenging. But, you know what? Life has always been challenging. If you only slept through half of your history classes you’ll recall that over the course of humanity, mankind has encountered, endured, and overcome a multitude of obstacles. Floods, droughts, famine, war, and disease just get us through the Old Testament era. Persecution, inequality, social injustice, political scandals, corruptness, and just plain hate have been around forever, and are ever present today. Yet, here we still are, most of us alive and well, and ever thankful to be here.

My mailbox is full of political poop. I call it that because most of it is negativity designed to make an opponent look bad. It appears that I have to make my voting choice based upon the least bad candidate. Someone once told me that if you point a finger at someone, remember that there are four more pointing back at you.

Nonetheless, our choices this fall, as well as the nearby primary, could greatly determine the future of our current democracy, our freedoms, and our great country. Thankfully, we do have a choice and a say in the matter. There are countries that do not allow such activities, and I, for one, choose not to live that way.

Social media is full of truths, half truths, and downright lies. How do we separate them? This is just my opinion, but you have to decide for yourself “which is right, and which is an illusion.” (Credit to The Moody Blues) Oh, there are “Fact Checkers” along the way to assist you, but I’m not so sure which side of the fence they are on. By the way, that’s another job I’ve added to my list of “Where was that booth at Career Day.”

Be smart.

Be safe.

Stay strong.

God Bless America

Until next month,

Chuck Voelker