Facing The Insurmountable

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Stella

Okay, I have to say this. The Negative Nellies and Nelsons (on all sides) are dragging me down.

Yes, the government in our country is in a mess. Yes, the National Debt is unsustainable. Yes, there are people who should be removed from office. Yes, the banking system is a mess.  Yes, the swamp needs draining first, or nothing else can be done …. Wait a minute. What does that mean?

Are any of our problems really a surprise? Haven’t we been talking about them for years? Sometimes we need to take action to ameliorate part of the problems, and not expect that all of them will be fixed. Sometimes it’s a partial or a temporary fix. Sometimes we have to pick a target and shoot our best ammunition. Sometimes we have to perform triage.

In the case of the Obamacare Repeal/Replace issue, what is the best plan that we can actually get accomplished? Just because the Ryan plan failed, does that make President Trump or his advisors failures, as I have seen in comment sections lately?

All of us – all American citizens, including the elected officials that we support – are in the same boat. We have situations that exist, and that we have to work with, and can’t change, or (worse) pretend aren’t there. For example, Republicans don’t have 60 votes in the Senate, and their 52 votes are shaky, depending upon the matter at hand. Jeff Sessions was barely confirmed. Think about that for a minute. It took VP Pence to put him over the top. A good man like Jeff Sessions. Do you believe there are 50 votes to repeal the 60 vote threshold in order to repeal Obamacare? I suppose they could try that avenue. If they fail, then what?

There have been times in our country when it looked like all was lost. There have been times when we couldn’t see a way forward. We have been frightened, and depressed, and crestfallen. We have been hungry, and cold, and sick, and tired. Some of us even died, or lost loved ones.

There have been many crises in our history, and Americans have met them, dealt with them, and overcome, time after time, with help from God. Are we the ones who will fail? The ones who will give up?

Is it too much to ask for a bit of optimism? A bit of constructive thinking?

Optimism should never be underestimated.

In just a few years The United States of America will reach its 250th anniversary. George Washington called the American political ideal “The Great Experiment.”  By 2026 will the Great Experiment have ended?

 

This entry was posted in Government, News, Politics, The Culture, Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

125 Responses to Facing The Insurmountable

  1. holly100 says:
    March 28, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Ahhh thank you Stella for this post. Much needed 🙂

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply
  2. auscitizenmom says:
    March 28, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    Good, timely post, Stella.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
  3. jeans2nd says:
    March 28, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    Well said and amen thank you.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  4. kinthenorthwest says:
    March 28, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    I am like you Stella…So tired…The media and many Americans seem to cheer any time Trump fails and Jeer anytime Trump does something good for America.
    I was just coming over to post this comment . For those posting over on other sites have you noticed the new Anti Trump comeback.
    Since we should not tolerate Illegals/Criminals in America, we are now not supposed to tolerate Trump since he is a criminal. Come on give me a f…ing break.
    Look what Obama has turned America into.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  5. hocuspocus13 says:
    March 28, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    If President Trump and his People get anything done in this first year it will be a miracle

    2 things to remember…

    President Trump said he inherited a mess

    And

    Steve Bannon said they were uncovering a lot of corruption

    󾓦

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. G-d&Country says:
    March 28, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    From general discussion comment today:

    View post on imgur.com

    Have a MAGA day!

    Liked by 10 people

    Reply
  7. shiloh1973 says:
    March 28, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    The last two years, I have spent most of my nights and days reading every news site I could find. I tried to fight the good fight for President Trump. I am totally worn out and tired of all the back stabbing and the false news. I am actually at the point where I don’t care about health care or anything else for that matter. I have had it with the mud slinging, the vicious attacks, the BS from both side of congress, and the out and out evil that is our government. I barely listen to any of it anymore and only read maybe two websites a day. This being the one site that renews my soul and I thank all of you.

    Liked by 8 people

    Reply
  9. lovely says:
    March 28, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Even in a swamp there are lilies.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
  10. G-d&Country says:
    March 28, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    Ok, I’m a bad, bad G&C I have to go back to work. Thanks for the youtube info and any other suggestions that may come up. Thank you Stella for this blog, and for your floral pictures, which I also find lovely and calming. Thank you to Stella and all the posters here who have made me feel so welcome, and for all your fun and informative posts. HAVE. TO. GET. WORK . DONE!

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
    • The Tundra PA says:
      March 29, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl! Balance in all things, G&C. So glad you are hanging out here, check in periodically, ok?

      Like

      Reply
  11. shiloh1973 says:
    March 28, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    OK, I have just read the straw that breaks this camels back! I live in a very conservative county in Washington State. Our Sheriff came out publicly in full support of gun rights, so I thought we were ok here. Today he just posted on FB about a “scary” incident at a local school. Two you (as in grade school) students were caught (God Forbid) playing with a clear, broken soft gun at recess. The school went into lockdown, alerts were sent to parents and the cops responded post haste. Give me a friggin break! I’m sure he will not like my response. The last line of my response was “Gee, thanks for making a mountain out of a molehill”

    Liked by 2 people

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    • auscitizenmom says:
      March 28, 2017 at 6:48 pm

      No criticism, but what is a “clear, broken soft gun”?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • shiloh1973 says:
        March 28, 2017 at 6:53 pm

        It is a toy gun that cannot shoot bullets of any kind. It was also made of clear plastic, so obviously was not a real gun. It also did not work as it was broken. In other words a 1000 times less threatening than any toy gun we played with as kids.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        • Wooly Phlox says:
          March 28, 2017 at 7:17 pm

          Basically they make a lot of very realistic looking weapons that only fire soft rubber/foam pellets, instead of cold, hard lead. Lots of people play live action role playing games in the woods and stuff, like laser-tag all those years ago, or Paintball more recently.

          Airsoft looks real as they can possibly make it, which has made cops shoot users of foam pellet shooting guns, because that is their priority when they see something pointed at them that looks like a real threat.

          How Stupid America is becoming, and the rate at which it is, cannot be underestimated.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          • shiloh1973 says:
            March 28, 2017 at 7:57 pm

            This one was clear plastic and broken. It even had the orange tip on it. It was basically a kids toy as purchased. Not a mock Ar or Glock. It was a toy!

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  13. merlintobie says:
    March 28, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    President Trump says not to worry. So don’t. #TrustTrump

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Menagerie says:
    March 28, 2017 at 7:26 pm

    My father in law used to occasionally refer to sins against hope. Surely to give in to despair is such a thing. To give up is to be without faith and hope.

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply
  15. nyetneetot says:
    March 28, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    I don’t mean to come across as a negative Nellie or Nelson, but I am fat.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  16. Wooly Phlox says:
    March 28, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    If anyone feels the spirit, and the need to pray, I am facing a difficult decision.

    Wow, I actually found that.

    I just received the three Bobby McFerrrin albums I ordered today.

    Heh. Robert Sr. is his daddy.

    So awesome. There are very few recordings of Bobby’s dad.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Wooly Phlox says:
      March 28, 2017 at 8:31 pm

      That’s actually the first video of Robert Sr, that I’ve ever found.

      I’m verklempt.

      Like

      Reply
    • auscitizenmom says:
      March 28, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      I pray for you every night.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
    • Wooly Phlox says:
      March 28, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      Former Bossman (and everyone else in the restaurant) wants me back.

      And it feels like running back to the old plantation, massa!

      I could do it, too. Just gotta tell Bossman what’s up. I ain’t Kunta Kinte like I was for nine years, I’m just the guy that can do dishes like a pro, and prep, and fix your broke-a** plumbing.

      Current job, which I love greatly, and whose people Iove greatly, offers me, now, about 20 hours a week. I could work both. I could work ten kitchens in this town, and dominate Dish and Prep, and be bored. But I don’t want to be Toby any more.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
      • lovely says:
        March 28, 2017 at 8:48 pm

        Is he offering you more money? Does he value you? Has he learned anything? Is it good for your soul?

        Liked by 3 people

        Reply
        • Wooly Phlox says:
          March 28, 2017 at 8:54 pm

          Imagine working for a Last Name. Anyone with this Last Name can tell you what to do. Five of them. Even a 7 year old boy. “Yessir!” He was born 2 years after I was hired.

          As I said. Difficult decision. On call for 9 years. 24/7.

          And yet, I need the hours.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          • Wooly Phlox says:
            March 28, 2017 at 8:57 pm

            Spent Thanksgiving at his house, or his dad’s or his brother’s, 8 times in 9 years.

            Playing the part of Toby.

            Like

            Reply
          • lovely says:
            March 28, 2017 at 9:06 pm

            Can you get more hours at your new job? You said you could work anywhere so maybe someplace else? I don’t know Wooly it is your world.

            Wish I could be more helpful.

            Prayers for discernment.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
        • Wooly Phlox says:
          March 28, 2017 at 9:00 pm

          Last question: Yes.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          • Wooly Phlox says:
            March 28, 2017 at 9:02 pm

            One out of four. Man, oh man.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
          • lovely says:
            March 29, 2017 at 10:32 am

            Is he offering you more money? Does he value you? Has he learned anything? Is it good for your soul?

            You said that the only question that you could answer yes to was “Is it good for your soul?” It is good to remember that just because something is difficult, a chance to build character and humble yourself doesn’t mean that it necessarily always “good for your soul.”

            Christ did not live a life of perpetual flagellation he enjoyed the company of his mother and earthly father, his disciples, he was happy to see Lazarus emerge from the tomb, he enjoyed the beauty of creation and the taste of fish fresh of the fire, he laughed and he loved.

            Please don’t mistake perpetual subjugation of your will and not being valued as a person as good for your soul. We are a soul surrounded by flesh and bones with a mind and a heart that needs the nourishment of knowing that we are valued as human beings.

            The word was made Flesh not only to save us but also to experience us.

            Liked by 2 people

            Reply
      • Wooly Phlox says:
        March 28, 2017 at 8:50 pm

        There is nothing insurmountable.

        Didn’t you folks see the video of actual humans flying with wingsuits yesterday?

        Nothing is impossible.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        • Menagerie says:
          March 29, 2017 at 10:00 am

          True. But sometimes we choose not to surmount those problems. We each have to decide which path we want to take, which path we need to take. They are often not the same one.

          It seems obvious to most here who have read your history with this man which choice you have already made in your head and heart. At least from your comments.

          I’ll be praying for you. Prudence and fortitude.

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply
      • auscitizenmom says:
        March 28, 2017 at 9:19 pm

        You’re in demand. You are worth MORE MONEY. Your decision should be made on which job makes you the most happy, and which offer comes closer to what you are worth with your expertise and work ethic.

        Liked by 6 people

        Reply
        • stella says:
          March 29, 2017 at 10:06 am

          What she said. You won’t value yourself as much working for someone who doesn’t value you.

          ADD: I decided not to continue working on a contract basis for my former employer for just this reason. They (my boss) didn’t offer me the money I was worth, and only offered me work that was the crap work that I hated (but that part is personal preference.) The work wasn’t unimportant, just crappy.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          • joshua says:
            March 29, 2017 at 5:05 pm

            when you work around crappy people, some of the stink is bound to stick to you too. change of pace, change of locations, change of companions, change of diet, change of jobs….but if you do the same ole stuff with the same ole expectations the same ole way, you are going to feel pretty much crazy all the time….best of luck…you alone have THE POWER of reality for yourself.

            Liked by 2 people

            Reply
  17. kinthenorthwest says:
    March 28, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    To all of the Survivors here on Stellas Place and Next Door…

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  18. lovely says:
    March 28, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    Speaking of books and art, this is what some talented used book store employees do in their down time.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  19. lovely says:
    March 28, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    And a positive Nelson, one of Willie’s new songs has been released but I can’t find it on YouTube yet so I hope this link works.

    From Willie’s soon to be released album “God’s Problem Child”

    [video src="https://secure-h264-aws.vevo.com/v3/h264/2017/03/USSM21700284/e22b3f4e-6da5-40cf-af65-d102baf70347/ussm21700284_high_1280x720_h264_2000_aac_128.mp4" /]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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