A government for modern times.

If one gets the impression that I’m disgusted with American-style politics – well, then you are grasping me correctly. I’d scrap our political system, and start all over. From scratch. Because I don’t want any foul stench remaining. Not even a trace.  I’d go for a totally new constitution. Probably a parliamentary form of government, too. Multiple political parties would be welcome. And encouraged. Especially the kind that steer clear of old style politics. Many of ‘em would be political in name only.  Most likely, there would still be Republicans and Democrats.  But there would be so many parties that there’d never be a solid single party majority. Rather, a coalition of multiple parties.  A blending of vocal minorities.  Forcing lots of give and take. Cooperation. Yes, compromise. Now the two parties stifle each other. It’s 85 percent the fault of unbending, conservative lunatic fringe Republicans. And about 15 percent the fault of too timid progressive Democrats. It adds up to inept, gridlock government. Unfortunately, we Americans are cursed with an ever-bogged-down government. Which may end up destroying a once-promising American nation. Let us recognize the need for dramatic change. Maybe even a revolution. And the creation of a totally new nation. Designed for the modern age. Sure beats what we have -- an archaic 18th century model. –Jim Broede

Give me time. I'll make things work.

Maybe it’s good and all right to be unrealistic. To pursue far-fetched dreams. Believing in the impossible. Maybe that makes me what I am. A romantic idealist, a spiritual free-thinker, a political liberal, a lover, a dreamer. Some may laugh at me. Call me a fool. Full of fantasy.  But hey, I believe in my dreams. Because they often come true. And for the ones that haven’t – well, who’s to say they won’t? Just give me time. I already have the fortitude. Patience, too.   –Jim Broede

Waiting for the great awakening.

As I age, each day becomes more precious. Running out of time. That may be a good thing. Used to be that I could speculate that I had lived only half of my life. Still had plenty of time. But can’t say that any more. I’m 78. In another 78 years, I’ll be long dead. Now if I have 10 years left, that’ll be pushing the odds. Into the optimistic realm Doesn’t bother me. This shortage of time. Because I have today. Another day to love life.  Forever may be a curse. If I had it. Because that would allow me to waste time. I’ve done plenty of that. In my younger days. Until I discovered love. And began to appreciate the life force.  Thing is, I wouldn’t mind having forever. My imagination allows me to think that forever is possible. Of course, not in my present life form. I’d have to evolve. Maybe into full and complete spirit.  For all I know, that’s me. Now. A spirit. Imagining that I’m a physical being. Dreaming. Marking time. Waiting for the great awakening. –Jim Broede

My snowy Paradise.

Snowed in today. Trapped. At home. It’s a nice feeling. I was supposed to travel today. Along the freeway. To take care of business. But Minnesotans have been cautioned. Don’t travel. Unless it’s absolutely necessary. I like that message. Doesn’t stop me from going outdoors. To shovel snow. And breathe exhilarating cool, crisp fresh air. I tell my Italian true love. Connect with me on Skype. ‘I’ll show you a winter wonderland.’  She’s in Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Palm trees. Balmy weather.  Yes, she resides  in Paradise. And so do I – albeit in snowy Minnesota. Really doesn’t matter where. Paradise is everywhere. When one is in love. --Jim Broede

Takes a little bit of believing.

I accept the possibility. And likelihood. That when I die, that’s it. I won’t survive in any other form. That’s the nature of human existence. We have our instant of life. And consciousness. And that’s all. If so, all right. That’s better than never having lived. It’s been fun. A pleasure. A thrill. I can fathom the idea/thought of oblivion. Being obliterated. Like a swatted fly. Here one second. Gone the next.  I don’t lose sleep over it. But nothing stops me from imagining other scenarios. Such as surviving in another life form. As a spirit. In a non-physical dimension. Any and every thing that I’m capable of imagining -- it’s all possible. Just takes a little bit of believing. To go a long way. –Jim Broede

Ripe pickings for the GOP.

Many opponents of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) label it ‘socialism.’ They’ve been brainwashed. Brought up to despise and hate socialism. Without even knowing what socialism is. Some of the same people don’t like black people. Merely because they are black. Without genuinely knowing a black person. They don’t delve into the intricacies and complexities of life. That’s too difficult. Talk to ‘em. I do. It’s apparent. They are ignoramuses. Educated on sound bites. Because they have an attention span of no more than 30 seconds. Little wonder. They are ripe pickings for the Republican Party. –Jim Broede

Imaginary and otherwise.

The greatest gift I ever received. What is it? I’ll tell you. My imagination. Don’t know when I first discovered it. But one thing I know. I keep cultivating my imagination. Without imagination, I’d be nothing. A robot. Going through the motions of life. It’s not good enough to be merely conscious. One also has to imagine. Being in love, for instance. With someone. With life. I want my imagination to know no bounds. If I can’t have something.  I can at least imagine it. Allows me to create. In my mind. In my consciousness. The wonders of life. Imaginary and otherwise. –Jim Broede