Yesterday was a special day for me. \u00a0Reconnecting with Shayne, and then Dan meant more that I can express here. \u00a0It is a measure who they are and how they give of themselves, but in equal measure, it speaks to something larger.<\/p>\n
On the bus from Albuquerque to Amarillo, I met and spoke with many people. \u00a0Got lots of new words and great stories. \u00a0Then something unusual happened. \u00a0Jason Thomas, a gentleman returning home to Amarillo who I had spoken to during a short stop approached me to ask me why I was doing this. \u00a0The answer directly addresses why my time with Shayne and Dan is so important to me.<\/p>\n
My parents used to have card parties. \u00a0I have clear memories of sitting in an adjacent room, knees pulled up under my chin, and listening to the grownups discuss politics, policies and current events. \u00a0It is important to note, that these memories span years between 1963 and 1968. \u00a0Our country was in turmoil. \u00a0There was rioting in the streets, student protests, and assassinations. \u00a0And while their guests spanned the political spectrum, there was no time that I can recall when these subjects were off limits.<\/p>\n
In 2008, as now, the state of our discourse, the ability for families, friends and community to debate and discuss the issues of our day is at the lowest point in my lifetime. \u00a0And still, it is that ability that is at the heart of everything that our founders intended for our democracy. \u00a0It is why they organized three branches of government, imposed checks and balances and ensured each of us representation. \u00a0They called on all of us, and especially our leadership, to engage with each other.<\/p>\n
So even when one side thinks that Obama is “Adolf Hitler” and the other believes that Romney is a “compass-less mouthpiece” we have it in us to respect and even to admire each other.<\/p>\n
[rtmp3 url=”https:\/\/dl.dropbox.com\/u\/108166614\/Audio2012\/Shayne%20Newbolt.mp3″ title=”Shayne Newbolt”]<\/p>\n
That is why I do this.<\/p>\n
See you in four years Shayne<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
‘You have Adolf Hitler in office’
\nShayne Newbolt Continue reading