By Ron Scheevel
Preston, MN
With the holidays in the rearview mirror, and the new year ahead, I feel the need to discuss a few things that we can do to make our great nation better.
First, most of us can do a much better job of listening. Someone once said, “If you’re talking, you’re probably not listening very well.” As a result, any alternate ideas are not heard or considered. With all the complex things facing our country, it will take many good ideas to make the necessary improvements.
Next, our leaders must learn to compromise on the difficult problems. I addition, I think there should be “sunset” terms on all new laws and legislation. By that, I mean there needs to be a way to review rules and laws and improve them if needed. Also, get busy and rescind or remove any laws that are outdated or obsolete.
Another thing that annoys me is the way our legal system operates. Somewhere it states that we are all entitled to a fair and speedy trial, if required. While I think most trials are generally fair, I don’t think the speedy part usually applies. It seems most trials I’ve followed drag along for days and weeks. The local courts, county and district usually do a good job settling cases, but when it goes to the appeals or federal courts, things seem to take forever. We can do better
As we progress through this new year, we must remember that this is the greatest country in the world. The opportunities we have are endless and allowed to happen because of our democracy. If we listen, discuss with civility and compromise, I believe there is no issue too complex that we cannot solve together.
A couple more things before I close. In a recent Luke Bryan country song, the chorus goes like this. “I believe most people are good, most mothers should quality for sainthood.” As I’ve lived in this area all my life, the “Old Soldier” has associated with many good people. As we move forward, we should be very thankful for all the good people we are surrounded by.
Even after a tough and contentious election, we must remember that those with opposing views are good people.
As we remember our mothers, the song says, “Most mothers should qualify for sainthood.” How true is that phrase? Most of us were not the “perfect” sons or daughters our parents dreamed of. As I look back on my formative years, I know I wasn’t the perfect child. Someone once said I was raised like a single child although I had an older brother and have an older sister who lives nearby. We don’t tell our mothers and other family members we love them nearly often enough!
Thanks for reading.
God Bless our veterans.
God Bless the USA
The Old Soldier,
Ron Scheevel
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