It ain't fancy, but then again I've never claimed to be either.

My grandfather, an Italian immigrant, born in 1896 just south of Naples, and someone with whom I shared a wonderfully special relationship during my youth, would say when something got under his craw, "I have to get it out before it burns me up inside!" I can relate oh, so well.

I miss you so much, Grandpa.

I've asked my wife that when I pass, the following is engraved in my remembrance:

While the truth may hurt, if embraced it will definitely set you free.

I do possess a faith of a sort, but I'm not a very religious person. However that which I perceive is more than I am includes a way of being that most religions try to teach amidst their traditions, (which I'm convinced can be counter-productive to those teachings,) and a way that strives to 'take the high road'. This includes embracing and exhibiting the charactaristics of honesty, integrity, generosity, compassion, and love — "and the greatest of these is love."

When I observe something that is disparate with that approach to life, and harmful to others, particularly by those whom we have asked to serve us in public office, I speak up — before it burns me up inside!

I invite you to enjoy, and/or get angered by my comments, and I encourage you to speak up. If you don't get a response, yell louder. If the wind is blowing in your face as you yell, move to a spot where it is not quite so windy, and yell again. Never allow injustice to triumph.

May God bless you all, and keep you safe, healthy and happy.

~ dan