Dear Mr. President

White House - Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President,

We awake this morning to discover the accomplishment of an important goal over which many of us have been praying — fervently. I have spoken with many who have watched with jubilation and thankfulness as even the most liberal media outlets in the world acknowledge your victory in the 2024 US Presidential Election. We had feared (and to a degree still do) the possibility of violence in our widely divided nation, and we pray now for your safety and the safety of your family. We also continue to pray for the future—of our country and its leadership, our culture and way of life, our families and their families and our freedoms. Many of us know what has been sacrificed to make these blessings possible, and we expect a collective respect for history. We don’t long for veneration of the shameful occurrences in our past but rather strive for the constructive growth of the nation.

And so now our focus turns to the work set before you and, in recognition of the design of this great nation, us. While the words spoken on the campaign trail are often abandoned as the urgent need for votes wanes, we pray for results based on the objectives you have outlined. In diverse ways, you have spoken to the hopes of literally millions of Americans. These Americans are indeed from diverse backgrounds. You could not have achieved this historic milestone without understanding our worries and addressing our aspirations. And so, from your words, we draw the object of our expectations and prayers.

From the victory given to you, we expect a renewed integrity. Our nation is dramatically divided, and you are in a unique position to address that danger. First, in the tradition of Hippocrates, do no harm. Guard your words so that they are directed toward actions, not inflaming the opponent. You are (or soon will be once again) the President of the United States of America; please act accordingly. Mankind instinctually craves strong leadership, and this yearning presents you with a tremendous opportunity wrapped in a formidable obligation. Robust and effective leadership has never occurred in the form of a dictator or political scoundrel. For our nation to return toward an irreproachable position, our leader must strive to be above reproach. Let your words be seasoned with salt and informed by both knowledge and wisdom. Your opponents are already redoubling their efforts to deceive their audiences and persuade with curses and grotesque hyperbole. Please, don’t roll around in the mud with them.

Secondly, say what you mean and mean what you say. In this age of technology and instant content, speak and work to the fullness of time, not the immediacy of the quip. This country needs to see what it looks like when a man does what he says he will do. It is clear to many Americans that our political system, while the best in the world, carries the nagging weight of human flaws. We are optimistic that, as you have intimated, you plan to address the most serious of those deficits. But we are also hopeful for a man who is meticulous with his words.

History suggests that all great civilizations become so enthralled with their virtue that they slide into decay. Unfortunately, it appears that our nation is not immune from this affliction. It comes in many forms, but for us as Americans, it may be most evident in the menacing polarization of our collective psyche. What do I mean? Maybe it is best exemplified by the examples around us.

Today, Americans pay exorbitant sums to celebrities, those who call themselves journalists (on both ends of the political spectrum) and “influencers.” These sums appear to serve as a bounty through which we can abdicate our personal responsibility to decency. It is not your task to correct these exploits by force or rule, but rather, it is your duty to affect change through example. From the victory given to you, we need a revitalized sense of respect.

We can easily assemble a list of morally reprehensible behaviors espoused by vocal factions within our society. We know these behaviors to be wrong, yet we understand the need to educate and inform gracefully in hopes of securing a more perfect union. In short, while we know right from wrong, out of respect for those souls in the wrong, we strive openly, peacefully, but purposefully for change. We pray that you will be undaunted in your pursuit of a better nation while standing resolutely as our example of respect and integrity.

We also watch for the actions promised from the victory given to you. Those Americans who have provided you with this success have done so with the aspiration of coming achievements. While not all of your support comes from those devoid of ulterior motives, your election would not have been secured without those of us with honest intentions. We are watching anxiously to see that you will work toward making America greater still.

We pray that you will restore law and order to the national agenda. Our hope is that, while America remains a land of opportunity, you will secure the nation and strengthen a responsible system of immigration. Please show this country how to honor those who have sacrificed for its security and prosperity, our veterans. And while we also pray for the preservation of our freedoms, we await your leadership to influence the country away from its lusts — especially its lusts for the murder of the innocent and the destruction of the nuclear family that has long been the foundation of our democracy.

Finally, Mr. President, we draw your attention to a word used repeatedly in this letter — pray. We respect even a government with which we disagree because God has instructed us accordingly. We believe in the power of prayer and the impact of our prayerful efforts on your behalf. We pray without ceasing because of the effect it has. We pray because we know that in the end, One reigns, and His rule will ultimately be in full effect.

And now, we pray again for you, Mr. President. We pray that you will return to office with the highest integrity Americans have seen in many decades. We long for the return of a government worthy of respect and one that is respectful of the right way to achieve a greater good. We look for actions that will return America to a worthy status as a safe nation founded on opportunity within the wholesome rule of law and focused on the common good of all its citizens. In short, we pray for you, Mr. President, and for our great nation.

The Energy of New

Valais Blacknose Sheep at USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show

While the surface-level topic of this article will undoubtedly divulge my ignorance of the subject, the more profound matter is where I focus. Examining the energy of the events around us often reveals much about us and the way we are wired.

During the days of September 28-30, 2023, I tagged along with my wife to attend the USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show in Des Moines, Iowa. Much to my wife’s vexation, we don’t (currently) have any sheep, much less Valais Blacknose sheep. I added the word “currently” because I know this show has set in her a determination that may overwhelm her tendency to accept the status quo quietly. The show was transformational for my wife, and I cannot recall seeing her as happy as when she was kneeling in a cramped pen with several of these fluffy animals.

Billed as the “cutest sheep in the world” (and accurately so), these unique animals originate from the Valais region of Switzerland. Adding to the story, the breed has only been allowed in the US for a few years. I won’t get into the details as to why they were previously barred from immigrating; suffice it to say that it seems to have been a combination of governmental bureaucracy and national ego. But as those barriers begin to fade, these fluffy sheep have taken hold in the US in a big way. That enthusiasm resulted in this, the first US national show specific to Valais Blacknose sheep. And what a show it is!

Having been involved with trade shows and trade show marketing most of my career, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly — and there are some startling degrees of ugly. A trade show of any sort is quite an undertaking; having observed this agriculture show, it is clear that animals raise the difficulty level by a factor of four. But to the attendees, this show was a magical event where wonderful things happened, virtual friends met face-to-face, and progress was made in supporting and promoting a breed new to the States. As I write these very words, I am watching as an exhibitor is walking, booth-to-booth, with a sheep on a leash. It’s been a common sight throughout the show, and the calm demeanor, childlike curiosity, and irresistible appeal of these floofy companions strike me. Yes, there is a steady cacophony of “Baa!” But in talking with Kristina, who lives on a sheep farm in Sweden, they are rarely so talkative when the sheep are at home.

Having been responsible for various aspects of trade shows, I am not so naive to believe that nothing went wrong at this inaugural event. It was hotter than usual, and I suspect several other issues raised questions and maybe even tensions—but none of it was apparent. And I venture to guess that those encountering unexpected challenges were more gracious in pursuing a resolution.

As a sheep-herding neophyte, what impressed me the most was the sheer energy of the show and the unanimous welcome. No, it was nothing like the hyped-up, artificial frenzy of gadget expos and comic book conventions; this was a wholesome gathering of people and businesses. Even the (many) children and teens were missing the devices that typically demand their attention. This show was comprised of individuals, families, farms and commercial enterprises all dedicated to the success of the collective endeavor. An aspect of the excitement was clearly the show’s newness, and maybe the same can be said of the sheep, but as the temperatures rose and the novelty wore off, the excitement never waned.

Competition in agriculture takes on a different slant, and this may be even more accurate when boutique breeds are involved. In every corner of the show, competitors showed themselves to be collaborators – collaborating on best practices, sharing insights, and eagerly contributing to the common good. Make no mistake, for most of the attendees, this is a commercial endeavor, but one that is approached with an unvarnished work ethic, honesty, and a love of the animals – both human and flocking. 

Going into the show, I wondered how the regulars would react to a pair of outsiders – one simply giddy over sheep, the other lurking behind, unsure of the “rules.” The reception was overwhelming in the best possible way. These people seemed to genuinely appreciate our interest in what they were doing, even to the point of inviting my wife to spend time with their sheep – that translates to getting into the pen with them and giving good scratches and hugs. Bowing to the idea that we may end up on a small plot of land, tending our flock, I asked a Texas farmer about sheep in the heat. He quickly replied with all the details that I could handle. No question seemed too dumb, no request too outrageous.

In part, it is the contrast that inspired me. I’ve attended shows while controlling budgets in the millions of dollars, only to be treated like an unworthy imposter. Here, I am the imposter. I knew very little coming into the show. I had nothing to spend but now come away enriched, educated and welcomed. I feel like I’ve made friends that actually make a (very) small flock feel manageable, maybe even inspiring.

So why say all of this? Obviously, my takeaways are all over the board, but the lesson for everyone must be noticed. The periods in history when humans have thrived are all clearly marked by a focus on the common good. A cynic may attribute the success of this show to the energy of those things that are new – a first show, a new breed, the chance to meet those in a common toil. While those aspects all contributed to the outcome, none would be significant without a shared goal. The least experienced person here was never told to feel like a victim, and the most successful farmers humbly brushed off praise. The judges were communicative and giving, even teaching late into the evening. Power and politics had no haven — families were strengthened, farms were fortified and knowledge was shared with no motive to control either the subject or student. But, of course, small-farm agriculture in America has pretty much always been like this.

Ordinarily, my lack of knowledge on the subject at hand would lead me to reserve an opinion on the endeavor’s success. However, my status as a novice afforded me the opportunity to observe and listen much more than most others. If one can believe the reactions (both spoken and implied) of the attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and judges, the first Valais Blacknose Sheep Show was an unqualified success.

Placerat Tellus Laoreet

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that Queequeg made, staving about with little else but his hat and boots on to accelerate his toilet somewhat, and particularly to get into his pantaloons as soon as possible. He complied, and then proceeded to wash himself. He then donned his waistcoat, and taking up a piece of hard soap on the wash-stand center table, dipped it into water and commenced lathering his face. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned by the circumstance that after we were all seated at the table. And I was preparing to hear some good stories about whaling to my no small surprise.

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that.

A DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY

Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening.

Cras tristique turpis justo, eu consequat sem adipiscing ut. Donec posuere bibendum metus. Quisque gravida luctus volutpat. Mauris interdum, lectus in dapibus molestie, quam felis sollicitudin mauris, sit amet tempus velit lectus nec lorem. Nullam vel maollis neque. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam vel enim dui. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Sed tincidunt accumsan massa id viverra. Sed sagittis, nisl sit amet imperdiet convallis, nunc tortor consequat tellus, vel molestie neque nulla non ligula. Proin tincidunt tellus ac porta volutpat. Cras mattis congue lacus id bibendum. Mauris ut sodales libero. Maecenas feugiat sit amet enim in accumsan.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that Queequeg made, staving about with little else but his hat and boots on to accelerate his toilet somewhat, and particularly to get into his pantaloons as soon as possible. He complied, and then proceeded to wash himself. He then donned his waistcoat, and taking up a piece of hard soap on the wash-stand center table, dipped it into water and commenced lathering his face. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned by the circumstance that after we were all seated at the table. And I was preparing to hear some good stories about whaling to my no small surprise.

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that.

A DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY

Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. 

Cras tristique turpis justo, eu consequat sem adipiscing ut. Donec posuere bibendum metus. Quisque gravida luctus volutpat. Mauris interdum, lectus in dapibus molestie, quam felis sollicitudin mauris, sit amet tempus velit lectus nec lorem. Nullam vel maollis neque. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam vel enim dui. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Sed tincidunt accumsan massa id viverra. Sed sagittis, nisl sit amet imperdiet convallis, nunc tortor consequat tellus, vel molestie neque nulla non ligula. Proin tincidunt tellus ac porta volutpat. Cras mattis congue lacus id bibendum. Mauris ut sodales libero. Maecenas feugiat sit amet enim in accumsan.

Luctus Volutpat

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that Queequeg made, staving about with little else but his hat and boots on to accelerate his toilet somewhat, and particularly to get into his pantaloons as soon as possible. He complied, and then proceeded to wash himself. He then donned his waistcoat, and taking up a piece of hard soap on the wash-stand center table, dipped it into water and commenced lathering his face. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned by the circumstance that after we were all seated at the table. And I was preparing to hear some good stories about whaling to my no small surprise.

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that.

A DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY

Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. 

Cras tristique turpis justo, eu consequat sem adipiscing ut. Donec posuere bibendum metus. Quisque gravida luctus volutpat. Mauris interdum, lectus in dapibus molestie, quam felis sollicitudin mauris, sit amet tempus velit lectus nec lorem. Nullam vel maollis neque. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam vel enim dui. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Sed tincidunt accumsan massa id viverra. Sed sagittis, nisl sit amet imperdiet convallis, nunc tortor consequat tellus, vel molestie neque nulla non ligula. Proin tincidunt tellus ac porta volutpat. Cras mattis congue lacus id bibendum. Mauris ut sodales libero. Maecenas feugiat sit amet enim in accumsan.

Suspendisse blandit ligula turpis, ac convallis risus fermentum non. Duis vestibulum quis quam vel accumsan. Nunc a vulputate lectus. Vestibulum eleifend nisl sed massa sagittis vestibulum. Vestibulum pretium blandit tellus, sodales volutpat sapien varius vel. Phasellus tristique cursus erat, a placerat tellus laoreet eget. Fusce vitae dui sit amet lacus rutrum convallis. Vivamus sit amet lectus venenatis est rhoncus interdum a vitae velit.

Suspendisse blandit ligula turpis, ac convallis risus fermentum non. Duis vestibulum quis quam vel accumsan. Nunc a vulputate lectus. Vestibulum eleifend nisl sed massa sagittis vestibulum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque quis eros lobortis, vestibulum turpis ac, pulvinar odio. Praesent vulputate a elit ac mollis. In sit amet ipsum turpis. Pellentesque venenatis, libero vel euismod lobortis, mi metus luctus augue, eget dapibus elit nisi eu massa. Phasellus sollicitudin nisl posuere nibh ultricies, et fringilla dui gravida. Donec iaculis adipiscing neque, non congue massa euismod quis. Etiam interdum dolor sit amet justo vulputate, non mollis velit venenatis. Morbi eu nunc nunc. Phasellus lacus magna, dapibus vitae pellentesque sit amet, venenatis ac purus. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec volutpat bibendum diam eget posuere. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Aliquam adipiscing pretium tortor, eget pretium nulla ullamcorper id. Nullam ac nunc at lectus elementum vestibulum sit amet vitae dui. Donec ut gravida lorem.

Cras tristique turpis justo, eu consequat sem adipiscing ut. Donec posuere bibendum metus. Quisque gravida luctus volutpat. Mauris interdum, lectus in dapibus molestie, quam felis sollicitudin mauris, sit amet tempus velit lectus nec lorem. Nullam vel mollis neque. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam vel enim dui. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Sed tincidunt accumsan massa id viverra. Sed sagittis, nisl sit amet imperdiet convallis, nunc tortor consequat tellus, vel molestie neque nulla non ligula. Proin tincidunt tellus ac porta volutpat. Cras mattis congue lacus id bibendum. Mauris ut sodales libero. Maecenas feugiat sit amet enim in accumsan.

Fringilla Dui Gravida

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that Queequeg made, staving about with little else but his hat and boots on to accelerate his toilet somewhat, and particularly to get into his pantaloons as soon as possible. He complied, and then proceeded to wash himself. He then donned his waistcoat, and taking up a piece of hard soap on the wash-stand center table, dipped it into water and commenced lathering his face. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned by the circumstance that after we were all seated at the table. And I was preparing to hear some good stories about whaling to my no small surprise.

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that.

A DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY

Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. 

Cras tristique turpis justo, eu consequat sem adipiscing ut. Donec posuere bibendum metus. Quisque gravida luctus volutpat. Mauris interdum, lectus in dapibus molestie, quam felis sollicitudin mauris, sit amet tempus velit lectus nec lorem. Nullam vel maollis neque. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam vel enim dui. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Sed tincidunt accumsan massa id viverra. Sed sagittis, nisl sit amet imperdiet convallis, nunc tortor consequat tellus, vel molestie neque nulla non ligula. Proin tincidunt tellus ac porta volutpat. Cras mattis congue lacus id bibendum. Mauris ut sodales libero. Maecenas feugiat sit amet enim in accumsan.

Suspendisse blandit ligula turpis, ac convallis risus fermentum non. Duis vestibulum quis quam vel accumsan. Nunc a vulputate lectus. Vestibulum eleifend nisl sed massa sagittis vestibulum.

Suspendisse blandit ligula turpis, ac convallis risus fermentum non. Duis vestibulum quis quam vel accumsan. Nunc a vulputate lectus. Vestibulum eleifend nisl sed massa sagittis vestibulum. Vestibulum pretium blandit tellus, sodales volutpat sapien varius vel. Phasellus tristique cursus erat, a placerat tellus laoreet eget. Fusce vitae dui sit amet lacus rutrum convallis. Vivamus sit amet lectus venenatis est rhoncus interdum a vitae velit.

Nunc a vulputate lectus

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that Queequeg made, staving about with little else but his hat and boots on to accelerate his toilet somewhat, and particularly to get into his pantaloons as soon as possible. He complied, and then proceeded to wash himself. He then donned his waistcoat, and taking up a piece of hard soap on the wash-stand center table, dipped it into water and commenced lathering his face. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned by the circumstance that after we were all seated at the table. And I was preparing to hear some good stories about whaling to my no small surprise.

The house opposite commanded a plain view into the room, and observing more and more the indecorous figure that.

A DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY

Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Expenses as material breeding insisted building to in. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. Thing do taste on we manor. Him had wound use found hoped of distrusts immediate enjoyment. These reflections just here are occasioned. Where he kept his razor, when lo and behold, he takes the harpoon. Continual so distrusts pronounce by unwilling listening. 

Cras tristique turpis justo, eu consequat sem adipiscing ut. Donec posuere bibendum metus. Quisque gravida luctus volutpat. Mauris interdum, lectus in dapibus molestie, quam felis sollicitudin mauris, sit amet tempus velit lectus nec lorem. Nullam vel maollis neque. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam vel enim dui. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Sed tincidunt accumsan massa id viverra. Sed sagittis, nisl sit amet imperdiet convallis, nunc tortor consequat tellus, vel molestie neque nulla non ligula. Proin tincidunt tellus ac porta volutpat. Cras mattis congue lacus id bibendum. Mauris ut sodales libero. Maecenas feugiat sit amet enim in accumsan.

Suspendisse blandit ligula turpis, ac convallis risus fermentum non. Duis vestibulum quis quam vel accumsan. Nunc a vulputate lectus. Vestibulum eleifend nisl sed massa sagittis vestibulum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque quis eros lobortis, vestibulum turpis ac, pulvinar odio. Praesent vulputate a elit ac mollis. In sit amet ipsum turpis. Pellentesque venenatis, libero vel euismod lobortis, mi metus luctus augue, eget dapibus elit nisi eu massa. Phasellus sollicitudin nisl posuere nibh ultricies, et fringilla dui gravida. Donec iaculis adipiscing neque, non congue massa euismod quis. Etiam interdum dolor sit amet justo vulputate, non mollis velit venenatis. Morbi eu nunc nunc. Phasellus lacus magna, dapibus vitae pellentesque sit amet, venenatis ac purus. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Donec volutpat bibendum diam eget posuere. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Aliquam adipiscing pretium tortor, eget pretium nulla ullamcorper id. Nullam ac nunc at lectus elementum vestibulum sit amet vitae dui. Donec ut gravida lorem.