Molina Leadership Solutions

I heard from a young man this morning who I consider a friend. His name is Joseph Mark. He is a person I would consider and classify as highly intelligent. He is true to the nature that he exhibits. He is a very reasonable young man. He is also thoughtful and serious about his life and those he loves.

I have been thinking all morning about our conversation on here on Facebook. He is a polite young man. I am 60 now so he is a young man to me. He communicates clearly and is sincere with his expressions. Our subject matter was around moving forward post election, and how it appears as some are painting everyone different than them with a broad brush. I think I am guilty of that though I try not to do this.

We all have our positions, passions, values, interests, opinions and perspective on politics. We all want our politicians and political system to represent us and think of us when they are voting for laws, measures, amendments, or otherwise. We want to know and believe we are in their considerations.

My question is, can we all make a conscious choice to move towards each other instead of away from each other no matter who wins the presidency. There are vast differences between both political platforms. There are clear "battle lines" drawn around these in all of society across this nation. There is really no lack of awareness of who is voting for who and maybe why.

Though this young man I mention is a Republican and voting for Trump, I know he is not a racist. I know he is a great, loving Uncle to his nieces and nephews. He teaches them to hunt, fish, building loving relationships with them. He carry's himself in a highly respectable manner. I cannot even say have heard this young man use foul language. He honors his mother and father. He has a beautiful young lady in his life that he will marry soon.

Can we, when this is all over, choose to look at the best in people and remember that, as we rebuild, recover, restore and re-establish relationships? Will we accept that others are allowed to be who they are without our consent and permission? We will accept it is not our place to determine for others what their lives are to look like? Will we make the effort to extend the hand of friendship once again?

I am going to voice my opinions going into the final days of this election process. I hope to express thoughtfully, meaningfully, and reasonably. I have always said "far right" is too far and "far left" is too far. Can we make the effort to find common ground on issues if it is nothing more than respectfully give the other persons the space to hold their positions as we hold to our own?

None know who will be the next President of the United States. Whoever that will be, it will be. I do pledge to all those who hold a different political position than I do, I will do my best to extend to you the benefit of the doubt as to why you believe what you do. I am hopeful that this same courtesy will be extended to me. After all, we will all remain in community with another.

I also want to make a final statement. I do not hate Trump as a person as some have insinuated. If I saw him on the side of the road with a flat tire I would off to help him. If he needed something to eat or drink I would offer it to him. I have several, severe differences of opinion with him and his platform.

No matter who wins the presidency on November 5th, I will be praying for them and their administration as I always have. It doesn't benefit us for our leaders to fail. We would all suffer in so many ways if that were to happen.

Joseph Mark thank you for sharing your hearts and thoughts with me this morning. I look forward to years of kindness and friendship with you.

Several individuals have sent me, heartfelt messages regarding some of my posts. I want to say thank you for allowing me to answer you directly and for not assuming the meaning or intent of my messages. Thank you for not withdrawing your friendship from me due to these differences. Several already have and that is okay. My silence to some was important than my voice.

I will not remain silent anymore on issues and topics important to me. That way no one will respond in shock or incredulousness when I state my perspective.

Have a good day everyone.

For a long time I remained silent on many issues and areas of life and living that I held deeply rooted, thoughts, opinions, expressions, and emotions. Now that I have begun to release these in word format many individuals have become offended. I understand. I should not have been silent that long. I appreciate how this can all seem so sudden. I also realized how much others enjoyed my self imposed silence. I am not "ranting" on my page. What I am doing is laying out what is truly important to me. If it is a position anyone disagrees with, it is okay. I am not sharing my thoughts to deliberately antagonize the reader.

I hope that moving forward, folks can allow me to do me, as much as they may want me to allow them to be who they are. If not though, I am not going to withdraw myself from the conflict. Honestly, I was living in fear of the opinions of others. It is time to stop that foolishness.

As this new change and process unfolds in my life, I am literally walking it out in the moment. I will endeavor to communicate as honestly and directly as possible. But I will not be silent anymore.

I lost my wedding ring. I had my hand hanging out of the drivers side window of my truck after picking Amada up from school. It fell off as I drove down the street. I went up and down walking both sides of the street and middle of it twice. It is nowhere that I could see. This sucks.

please share! I am trying to push attendance for this event! every share helps us!

The xray on my left knee showed no structural damage. The testing revealed a severe ligament strain. I asked for an MRI just to be sure. At 60 years of age I want to make sure there is no soft tissue damage befire I resume running in 3 to 4 weeks. The Portland Marathon is out for this year. They provided me with a very, good orthopedic knee sleeve for support. I can walk without a limp now.

Finished running in the nic of time. Smoke from the fires has moved into out city. It is getting quite thick.

The SCOTUS has become completely corrupted. No matter who the future POTUS is, they now have clear capacity to break the law without any fear of accountability from the people or other governmental bodies. The future President will now have the power of a King. Democratic representation of the the Republic will now be powerless. Under the the term of "Official Act" anything can be executed by the highest elected office in this country.

How did we get here? The nature and construct of this country has been forever changed. It is truly now, a rigged system. "God Bless America" no longer applies. The governmental system of America, our courts, our Justice Department, Judges, to potentially include law enforcement and military, can now be used as a hammer by the will of the POTUS. There is no neutrality that will allow the Constitution to be equally argued and applied.

No one is going to be safe moving forward. Anyone and everyone can become a target without merit. Justice will no longer be blind in the cases it has been. For those that wanted this, congratulations. Those who have, have helped and supported ushering in a criminality that will be untouchable.

I spoke with my son two days ago. He is in a 5 Phase rehabilitation program. He is doing so well he was promoted up to Phase 3. It is such an amazing transformation. He speaks with such clarity and emotional control. I honestly cannot remember the last time I heard him have so much balance in his brain function.

HIs wife is also doing very well. She is working 50 to 60 hours a week as a Flagger. She is working on a Federal job and receiving $30 an hour and more when working overtime. Three months ago she was living in a car with no job, no hope and no thoughts of a future. Now she too is drug and alcohol free, living in a sober living facility and doing very, very well.

I am so proud of the both of them. They are moving forward and working hard. I pray this is the forever change for the both of them.

I am officially registered for the Portland Marathon first weekend in October! Going to be accompanied by my friend Lexie Jones-Ortega of Striding Forward with Lexie! She is a certified running coach and uses her page to raise money for local causes!

Another one of my high school classmates passed away this week. We are losing several a year now. It is that reminder that we only have so much time on this earth. I hope we are all living it to the fullest with the most meaning.