Archive for Inspiration
Video: The Forgotten Man is a Historical Masterpiece
Posted by: | CommentsTowards the end of last week a friend shared a YouTube video link with me of the painting, “The Forgotten Man”. The video was published on September 7, 2010 and I was fortunate to have been able to view it when it had slightly over 10,000 views. Many things over the past weekend kept me too busy to share the video with you in a more timely manner. I can’t apologize for this since it was a weekend of more action than talk. Since my initial viewing of the video of this masterpiece, the video has found it’s way into the viral video status with over 174,000 videos as of this morning, September 13, 2010. Folks, that is impressive, but it’s not near enough. Every single American needs to see this video so they understand truth to why Jon McNaughton made it.
In the video the artist, Jon McNaughton, explains,
“For a long time I didn’t know if I wanted to paint this picture, because I worried it might be too controversial. But, as an American… I knew I couldn’t be still. I had to do something.”
And, do something is precisely what Jon McNaughton did when he painted “The Forgotten Man“.
Mr. McNaughton continues to explain his decision,
“I wondered if the Presidents of the past could speak to us today, what would they say?”
Personally, I have no doubt the Presidents of the past would be reaching out to Jon and thanking him for taking such a bold step to record a time in American history when Presidents are so quick to sell their country out to corruption and special interests that do not have America’s best interests at heart.
On the McNaughton Art site, Jon explains,
“There is no racial meaning or undertone that the FM is not black. This is not a racial painting; it is about the vanishing of the American dream.
It is not a partisan painting. I take no favoritism of Republicans or Democrats. Both parties are guilty.”
Seth Adam Smith, the videos author, writes,
Against the background of a darkening sky, all of the past Presidents of the United States gather before the White House, as if to commemorate some great event. In the left hand corner of the painting sits a man. That man, with his head bowed appears distraught and hopeless as he contemplates his future. Some of the past Presidents try to console him while looking in the direction of the modern Presidents as if to say, “What have you done?” Many of these modern Presidents, seemingly oblivious to anything other than themselves, appear to be congratulating each other on their great accomplishments. In front of the man, paper trash is blowing in the wind. Crumpled dollar bills, legislative documents, and, like a whisper—the U.S.Constitution beneath the foot of Barack Obama.
The forgotten man, shown front center in the painting, truly shows the frustrations of many American Citizens who are growing more and more frustrated with our politicians and their unwillingness to serve their constituents and their country.
While I was attending FreedomStock in Onawa, Iowa on Saturday 11, 2010, I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Jablonski who owns The Forgotten Man .org who was one of the scheduled speakers for that days memorial event of 9/11. While talking to Michael and his wife I asked them if they had seen the video of Jon McNaughton’s “The Forgotten Man” yet. Neither one of them had seen it yet. I quickly pulled out my computer and loaded up the video and put it in full screen mode for the two of them to see this impressive and accurate portrayal of our Presidents, both past and present. As I watched with them I could see their faces as they were both struck with absolute amazement as to McNaughton’s degree of accuracy in his masterpiece. Was the timing coincidence or was it just meant to be? We’ll never truly know the answer to that question, but I was able to bring two different, and yet very similar, versions of The Forgotten Man together on 9-11.
Please watch and share this historical masterpiece as Jon McNaughton portrays all the American Presidents of past and present in his painting, The Forgotten Man.
Video: Restoring Honor Attendees are Kindest People in DC
Posted by: | CommentsWho were the attendees who came from all points of America to participate in the Restoring Honor rally? They were people of many races. They were people of many faiths. They WERE… the kindest and most well mannered people America has to offer.
I have talked to many people who attended Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor rally in Washington, D.C. on 8/28 of 2010 and heard story after story about the compliments they received from workers around the D.C. metro area. They have told me stories about how clean everyone left the grounds. They talked about seeing people reach down and pick up a small piece of paper, maybe a gum wrapper, as the crowd was leaving in everyone’s attempt to leave the grounds as clean, if not cleaner, than they had found it before the crowd came in.
They were complimented time and time again with words like, “we just love it when you people come to town because you are such nice people.” Even with many of the subway escalators being shut down, my friends saw person after person helping the determined elderly folks walk up the stairs from the subways. The city was not only overwhelmed with people from across America, but the city was overwhelmed with love, inspiration, and kindness like the DC seldom sees. And then there are the many other stories that are being heard on Glenn Beck’s Radio and FOX News programs. Like the one of a white family helping a handicapped black woman around for the entire day as both attended Restoring Honor. The story about a ladies husband who had lost his wallet with their conversation being overheard by another family who so generously gave them $400 to make sure they would be alright only to later to be contacted by the police that someone had found their wallet. To their surprise the wallet had all the cash and credit cards still in it.
I could continue with telling you about the people who attend other events, but I am going to leave this article as one of positive content because I want this to be a time of moving forward and reaching out to those who have lost their feelings of love and kindness for whatever reason.
Below is a segment from Glenn Beck’s FOX News program which aired 8-31-2010 that tells of just some of the many acts of kindness found before, during, and after the Restoring Honor rally.
Was Restoring Honor Geese Flying in V Formation an Act of God?
Posted by: | CommentsThis odd anomaly of a flying V formation of geese as they fly over the Washington, D.C. reflecting pool will be highly debated for years. This fly-over took place just seconds before Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor rally was set to begin.
The debate that will follow? Was this an act of God that caused these geese to fly in a nearly perfect V formation when all efforts to get a military fly-over and efforts to get a Color Guard presentation to the event had failed? As a person who just doesn’t believe in coincidence, I can’t help to draw my own conclusions of this but I’ll let you be your own judge. Just keep in mind that the event was not based on politics like many had predicted without ANY supporting evidence. Instead it was based on faith. Restoring Honor was an event focused of faith, hope, and charity no matter what others might say about it.
At about the 60 second point in the following video you will see this impressive display of Geese flying in a near perfect V formation over the reflecting pool in a direction from the Washington Monument towards the Lincoln Memorial, where the Restoring Honor stage was set up. Once again, you be the judge and feel free to share your comments below.
I Have A Dream by Kurtis Reminds Us What America is All About
Posted by: | CommentsIn the tradition of Charlie Daniels, the band known as Kurtis explodes on the scene with the straight forward, plainly country song , I Have A Dream.
A gutsy, no punches pulled song that is touching many a red, white, and blue heart. Simplistically written, with an unmistakably country sound and perfect harmonizing vocals, it is one that gets you tapping your foot, clapping your hands and saying hell yeah. I Have a Dream’s message is simple, America needs to take care of America.
I Have a Dream by Kurtis
In a phone interview with Shawn Rhem (lead Guitar/vocals), Shawn shared his thoughts on the song. “This song was came to be after hearing so many other songs like Shutting Detroit Down and Red, White, and Pink Slip Blues. I was talking to Eric, who helped me write it, and said, ‘those songs are great, but they are missing the chance to inspire people. We need to do that. ’ It took us six months to get it right but I think the message is clear.”
Kurtis , whom consists of Brian Curtis, Shawn Rhem, Luckey, John Rodrig, and Bill Gregory are out of Nashville, TN and are currently in the Tennessee state finals for the Colgate Country Showdown, Americas Largest Country Music Competition. With a true country/southern rock flavor that shines in their songs such as In the Right Now and Tattoo, one can be sure to be hearing a lot more about this band.
I asked Shawn, “do you see music as playing a vital role in changing peoples view of the happenings in the country?” “I would like to see it,” Shawn said, “but I have gotten mixed reactions from the music industry about I Have a Dream. They love it but are afraid of it, often cautioning us about making a political statement. I applaud artist like John Rich, Charlie Daniels, Trace Adkins and others that are not afraid to take a stand for what they believe in, we just don’t have the resources to do it the way they can. We are playing this song live, and the fans really love it, but radio play would be awesome.”
In sharing how I Have a Dream came to be, Shawn remembers hitting a roadblock in writing. “We had some gigs in Japan, and on the flight, Eric and I decided, to pass the time, we would get back to work writing the bridge to the song. As we flew over the Rockies, the sight was beautiful. With that backdrop, the bridge just flowed out.”
I also had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Curtis, (lead Vocals), who echoed Shawn’s take of the song. “I Have a Dream is inspirational and the response is phenomenal. What really touches us all is when we play it live, the number of Military personnel that come up to us and say ‘Wow! I really loved that song!’ Many ask if we would do a USO tour and if we were ever given the opportunity, we sure would.”
When asked his view point on whether music played a role in today’s political environment, Brian quickly said “Yes. Music reaches people. I view music as a reflection of what is happening today. Right now. Whether on a personal level or global, music is like a journal of life. With I Have A Dream, we are reflecting where America is at, not by grandstanding, but rather reminding people where we came from.” “Do you think it is working?” I asked. Brian replied “Yes it is! We have been contacted by many people about the song.” Kurtis is in the studio now working on a full studio version of I Have a Dream that in Brian’s words will “blow your mind”. The acoustic version will still be available even after the studio version is released.
I asked Shawn “In closing, if you could address congress or the President today, what is the one thing you would say?” “It is time to listen to the people!” said Shawn. “But more importantly I would tell the American People to use their voice, go vote. Research the hot button issues of today like health care and immigration for example. Develop your own opinions, party lines aside and get out to the polls. Let your voice be heard. Remember that our government works for us, that is what the founders of this great country intended.”
Members of Congress, Mr. President, and the American people, I have a song I think you need to hear.
For more information on Kurtis, please visit:
Lewis Schaeffer Continues to Stun Real Americans
Posted by: | CommentsLewis Schaeffer Continues to Stun Real Americans as he continues to sing a variety of proud patriotic songs Tea Party’s and others.
At a recent Douglas County Tea Party Event in early June, 2010, Lewis stood in line with others to ask Herman Cain a question and instead decided to sing what was originally recognized as the second verse to the National Anthem and was later correctly identified as the last stanza. Little did anyone expect that the video, which was recorded by the husband and wife team identifying themselves as secularstupidest, would go into viral status virtually overnight.
Tea Party Member Stuns Crowd!
In the week that followed, Lewis, the singing Marine, was featured on FOX news a couple of times and quickly booked by others for additional performances around the country. Horse Pens 40 Park, owned by Howard Shultz, was quick to book Lewis for their July 3rd family event where Lewis will be singing for the park attendees. Details can be found in the events area of a facebook fan page set up for Lewis.
Mr. Schaeffer will also be performing and attending an event in Des Moines, Iowa on July 4th from 6PM-8PM on the West side of the Capitol.
Recently Lewis entertained a candid interview with the family of, secularstupidest, where Lewis really reveals who he is as revealed in the following statements by, secularstupidest:
On a Sunday afternoon I took the drive, with two of my daughters, to Douglas County, GA, to spend some time with Lewis. He was funny, sincere, thoughtful, and remarkably transparent. I asked him many questions, heard the remarkable story of his journey from tragedy to peace, and was profoundly blessed to experience the spiritual power of his native, rare talent. He is able, with no mechanical props and no preparation, to use the greatest of all instruments, the human voice, with raw beauty I have never experienced.
Many assumptions have been made about Lewis, the marine who stunned a tea party crowd, and, thanks to the web, massive numbers of people across the world, with his intense rendition of our national anthem’s fourth verse. The three minute video has been, in its own right, something of a cultural crucible, provoking wildly divergent reactions and assumptions about Lewis, the Tea Party movement in general, the relationship between religion and politics, and more. With Almost 10,000 comments made on the video, it that many have formed hasty and inadequate assumptions of Lewis and the Tea Party.
Secularstupidest also states,
I’ve been involved with the Tea Party movement since the beginning and, as far as I remember, Lewis is the most devout Christian I’ve met. The fact is, the Tea Party movement is not and never has been about establishing any religion into our political system. But neither is it hostile to religious expression among citizens in or out of political office. The Douglas County Tea Party, the day Lewis first sang, was probably 97% free of explicit religious content, not because they were politically correct, but because they provided a platform from which all types of expression could freely flow, and the speakers said what they wanted to say. It is not freedom, if religious speech is censored.
See Lewis’ interview in the video below and enjoy getting to know the great man that he truly is.
To add to this, Lewis also entertained the family with his singing of the song, “Statue of Liberty” as seen below.
Our soldier for Sanity
Posted by: | Comments- Often a writer or blogger will find a worthy comment left behind that has a better view, with better skills, and better style within their messages.
- For all the world and in tribute to Scott Brown on Election Eve, I present:
Bradman
Our soldier for Sanity
The folks atop our nations hill,
have long ignored our peoples will.
So we found a simple man to teach you,
ignore his words… and we’ll impeach you.
You see, we’ve tried so very hard to reach you;
We’ve begged, implored and then beseeched you.
Our revolt is now within your sight,
you seem surprised, it ain’t just from the right.You choose to hide behind locked door,
Our frustrated voices you ignore.
Your twisted views so needed change,
our man Scott Brown will rearrange.
We feel our man can represent,
and then our message will be sent.
Though we know we’ve only got one shot,
we’ve placed our hopes, and dreams in Scott.For we know D.C. must reconnect,
we demand the “peoples will” reflect.
So we’ll send our man, Brown, to the hill,
and deliver there a bitter pill.
For your unjust arrogance infects our pride,
but, “we the people” choose not to hide.
We choose now not to be ignored;
we’ll insure the balance soon restored.Most will doubt our efforts fate,
for the challenge faced is oh, so, great.
But fear ye not! Our will is strong,
and the shield of liberty never wrong.
We’ll send our soldier with protection,
against the strength of your insane infection.
For your politics has brought us naught but pain,
So solidly, “our House” we must regain.Your views, your bills, most need repealin’,
and the patriots of Massachusetts have a feelin’;
That they, are now our peoples voice,
to hold our will, and make that choice.
Your arrogance claims “it’s a Kennedys seat”.
We do not agree, let us please repeat…
The peoples revolt is now in sight,
we’re patriots all, and we’re here to fight.So keep hiding behind your chamber doors,
keep ignoring all our peoples roars.
On one nineteen we have planned our invade,
it’s a matter of honor for our brigade.
The voiceless masses will soon appear,
with a thunderous roar we’ll take your ear.
Our soldier Scott will lead the charge,
up to the hill, our masses large.So please permit, that we introduce you,
to a man we challenge now to teach you.
You need only call him “Mr. Brown”,
for you see, he’s from an average town.But please don’t think that he’s the last,
for our newest mission’s, a “supporting cast”;
And soon, our great nations pride will able…
…many more Scott Browns amid your table.Please share!Go Scott !!
Bradman – 2010?
