tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45559442329954402662023-11-16T01:13:46.062-06:00Mino Bimaadiziwin: The Good lifeA collection of thoughts about this journey we call life!David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-7809310822402790832013-09-02T18:45:00.001-05:002013-09-02T18:45:18.798-05:00Seven Gifts-AAKODEWIN (Bravery)When we think of bravery, we think of people who do extraordinary things in the midst of great danger. But courage/bravery is a virtue that we should possess each day. <br />
Diamonds are formed from a lump of coal under pressure. When you find one, it is rough looking and not very pretty. That diamond needs to be worked on even more, cut, faceted and polished. There is a Chinese proverb which says, "The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." In other words, we can either be ground into dust or polished like a diamond. Life is difficult. There will be trials. There will be suffering. If you are not strong, it will break you.<br />
This gift was given to us so that we would have the courage to do things even in the most difficult of times. Oftentimes, doing the right thing means going against the grain. It’s being counter cultural.<br />
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I know those who are trying to live a sober life but family and friends make fun of them. Others are trying to walk in a good way, to live their lives different but those around them try and pull them off that new path. It takes courage to stand up and say no.<br />
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Have you allowed life to grind you down into dust or to polish you into a fine diamond? Do you possess the courage to do the right thing? If not, pray that the Creator would give you the courage to do what is right, even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances.David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-65057228061752540282013-08-31T11:11:00.001-05:002013-08-31T11:11:16.308-05:00Seven Gifts-MANAADJITOWAAWIN (Respect)<br />
The third Grandfather offered the gift of MANAADJITOWAAWIN (Respect), so that he would give respect to everyone, all human beings and all things created.<br />
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The term “Respect” is used liberally in “Indian Country.” From early on we are taught to respect our elders, respect the earth, respect our parents….but what does it mean to have respect?<br />
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Is it positional? You have to respect me because I am important!<br />
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Is it earned? Because of an act of bravery, kindness etc. we respect someone for what they have done.<br />
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Is it relational? We respect another person because we know and like them.<br />
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Is it unconditional? We respect another because we all need to coexistence on Mother Earth.<br />
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While we “talk the talk” about respect, do we really “walk the talk” when it comes to respect? Too often we pick and choose who or what we will respect, placing conditions on this gift handed to us by the Grandfathers so that we could live in peace and harmony.<br />
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Respect begins with me. I need to respect myself first! I cannot show respect to others if I do not respect myself. Just as we care for Mother Earth, we need to care for these vessels that carry our spirit. That means balancing mind, body, spirit and emotion. When we respect ourselves, then respecting all human beings and all things created become second nature.<br />
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One final thought-if you need to go around and demand respect, you have neither earned it nor deserve it.<br />
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This week make a conscious effort to respect the world we live in by doing something as simple as picking up litter, respect our elders by visiting a shut in and listening to their stories and respect other people by showing kindness instead of malice.David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-88680815976627424512013-08-30T18:06:00.001-05:002013-08-30T18:06:24.952-05:00Seven Gifts - ZAAGIDWIN (Love)<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Throughout existence, man has fueled his anger and rage with hate. Hate for this world, hate for their neighbor, hate for those different from themselves and yes, even hate of themselves</span><span class="s5">. The Grandfathers gave us the gift of love but what does that mean? I was taught that there are four colors in our medicine wheel-each color representing one of the four races of man. I was also taught that we are all related. The opposite of love is hate. If we are commanded to love one another, why is there so much hate and discord? </span><span class="s5">I think the underlying cause of hate is fear. We fear what we do not know, we fear displacement, </span><span class="s5">we</span><span class="s5"> fear losing our status…</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">It is </span><span class="s5">not easy loving other people, e</span><span class="s5">specially those that we deem unlovable. But the Grandfathers taught us that we are to love one other. In order to love another person, we need to see them as equals to us. That takes both respect and humility on our part.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">If you are having trouble loving someone that the Creator has put in your life, pray that the Creator would not only give you a love for that person but that he would also bless them. It may not happen overnight but the more you pray for another perso</span><span class="s5">n, the more your heart </span><span class="s5">softens and</span><span class="s5">that hate </span><span class="s5">melts</span><span class="s5"> away.</span></span></div>
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David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-10708814752756197742013-08-29T17:43:00.002-05:002013-08-29T17:43:49.323-05:00Seven Gifts-WisdomThe Gifts<br />
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A long, long time ago, the Grandfathers gave the Anishinaabe people seven gifts or teachings in which we were to live our lives by. Those seven gifts were NIBWAAKAAWIN (Wisdom), ZAAGIDWIN (Love), MANAADJITOWAAWIN (Respect), AAKODEWIN (Bravery), GWEKOWAADIZIWIN (Honesty), DIBAADENDIZOWIN (Humility) and DEBWEWIN (Truth). Each of these gifts are interconnected and if we follow these teachings, we are well on our way to living a balanced and holistic life.<br />
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NIBWAAKAAWIN (Wisdom)<br />
Each morning I pray to the Creator, give me the wisdom to know right from wrong and the courage to do what is right. If we possess wisdom, we will make good decisions. <br />
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There was a time, when I was much younger, in which I thought I knew more than I did. Through trial and error, I soon learnt that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. While I would have liked to have made better decisions, those experiences have shaped who I am and what I know today.<br />
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Sadly some people never learn from their mistakes but instead, wallow in their own foolishness. They continue to do the things that got them in trouble in the first place and the end result is often dismal, if not tragic. <br />
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Mark Twain warns, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.” While humorous, there is some truth to what Twain says. We learn wisdom through experience but we can also learn by listening and observing others. If we keep our mouth shut and our ears open, we can learn wisdom.<br />
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While wisdom can be learned, it was also a gift given to us by the Grandfathers. Therefore, if you lack wisdom, pray that the Creator will give you that gift. It is ours for the asking but not for our own edification, but for the people. <br />
<br />David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-34335776345023053542013-08-06T18:44:00.000-05:002013-08-06T18:44:06.534-05:00Sikh Temple Candle Light Vigil “Uplift & Heal”<br />
Last year, my nephew Sammy Rangel developed a relationship with the Sikh community in southeastern Wisconsin after the horrific shooting which claimed six lives. One year later, he played a role in bringing the Native American community to the temple to honor the memory of those who were slain.<br />
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I know many in the Sikh community and have often driven past the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin but I have never stopped. Last night was different. Sammy invited me to participate in the vigil which was planned, so after work I headed for the temple, not knowing what to expect.<br />
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As I pulled into the driveway, I wasn’t prepared for the surge of emotion I would feel as I walked across the parking lot. Tears welled up in my eyes and I fought back the urge to weep. This ground was as hallowed as Sand Creek, Wounded Knee, Sandy Lake and the Trail of Tears. Blood had been needlessly and recklessly shed and I felt the grief that had hung over this place in the aftermath of these shootings.<br />
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I needed a few minutes to compose myself and I knew that I needed to put some asema down on that ground to honor those whose blood was shed. I took a little, went over to the picture memorial, and placed it in front. I said my prayers, gathered my thoughts and joined my friends.<br />
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Sammy had asked his Uncle’s drum group, Seven Springs, to sing at the memorial. His Uncle Gary allowed me to sit with them and I was honored to be included. I did not know the magnitude of the event going into it and it was larger than I ever thought. Survivors and family members from other mass shootings spoke, a letter was read from the President and the faith community came together to support the Sikh community.<br />
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The most touching part of the memorial service was hearing from the families of those who had died. We were filled with a range of emotions, from sorrow to joy but the one emotion that missing was anger. Forgiveness and peace filled the air. Yes there were some that still grieved but they would not allow that grief to turn to hate.<br />
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When the program was over, I thanked the organizers for allowing me the honor of sharing in their memorial. They invited the community and the community showed up. As I was walking out, I overheard two young men talking.<br />
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“What if…,” one young man said to the other but his friend looked at him and said, “If it did not happen, we would never have met all these people.” Mitakuye oyasin! We are all related.David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-25290695207477992682013-06-11T17:31:00.000-05:002013-06-11T19:33:33.125-05:00A DAY IN THE COUNTRYAfter working on end of the year grades for several hours, my wife was ready to take a break. As a result, we decided to drive “out to the country” to visit the Serendipity Farm-home to Hippie Tom of American Pickers fame.<br />
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I knew (Hippie) Tom over thirty years ago when he was still just Tom. Oh yes, he was eccentric back then, running a pottery shop in Caledonia. He was a friend of my father’s and as I recall, an all-around genuine and talented guy. We jumped in the car at 4:00 pm, set the GPS and were on our way. Hippie Tom had opened his farm up for a four day sale which was to end at 5 pm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSWKtQxNNtPTwXv-tHXK4nSIV0nXhxaJmxbAVNNnNPmD7FnFR1Q9mUykxdMRiDl0zjbA_kdMwpwYyymtP3xopgGB_iZXmsFfLpJXYlw4Hk8TmDz-mDYi06RHELSdr_M8YsNFjbMhoTjU/s1600/Photo+Jun+09%252C+4+55+00+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSWKtQxNNtPTwXv-tHXK4nSIV0nXhxaJmxbAVNNnNPmD7FnFR1Q9mUykxdMRiDl0zjbA_kdMwpwYyymtP3xopgGB_iZXmsFfLpJXYlw4Hk8TmDz-mDYi06RHELSdr_M8YsNFjbMhoTjU/s200/Photo+Jun+09%252C+4+55+00+PM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">We thought we’d catch the tail end of the sale but when we arrived about 4:50 pm, they were in the process of shutting down. We were told that Hippie Tom had retired for the evening but they graciously allowed us to walk around a bit. The first thought that came to my mind was “overwhelming”. There had to be over a dozen buildings and they were all filled, top to bottom, with stuff. The farm had an almost whimsical feel and in a way, you felt like you had been dropped into another world. </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q09CPfMj9eAKxtIB6_J_va-3ylTelGvZV7tvfrLOiOAa3BRk7YQb0OwOWol2HJvtooIhtiuwhJ0BKlzs6lV166OxiKDm805P4JRIhWT5fTL3j3aAZsslCCiBzCHg1C_mp8_pumk-E50/s1600/Photo+Jun+09%252C+4+58+19+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q09CPfMj9eAKxtIB6_J_va-3ylTelGvZV7tvfrLOiOAa3BRk7YQb0OwOWol2HJvtooIhtiuwhJ0BKlzs6lV166OxiKDm805P4JRIhWT5fTL3j3aAZsslCCiBzCHg1C_mp8_pumk-E50/s200/Photo+Jun+09%252C+4+58+19+PM.jpg" width="168" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">"Hippie</span><span style="text-align: justify;">" Amy felt at home as she ran from one building to another. She was mesmerized by the clutter, the bicycle mobile hanging from the trees and the old buildings. She gazed upon the bricks and doors, remembering the time she salvaged the neighbors door from the landfill. When we had our old carriage house torn down, she wanted to salvage each board and if we would have known of Hippie Tom's penchant for collecting, perhaps had found a home for it. Instead, its fate was the same as that door "Hippie" amy once saved-the landfill! However, I soon found out that not all stuff must suffer the same fate if Hippie Tom gets a hold of it first. </span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">We didn’t want to overstay our welcome so we left as quickly as we had come. And then we saw him…Hippie Tom in all his hippiness on the side of the road. I yelled out, “Are you </span><b style="text-align: justify;">THE</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> Hippie Tom?” and he acknowledges he was. I told him we went back over thirty years and I had been looking for him for the past fifteen years. You see my son David II broke one of my parent’s prized jars that (Hippie) Tom had made years ago and we always wanted to replace it with another (Hippie) Tom original.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHcz5onRyE5Sv_Xvqr9_YL9mXt1PZ0vCVc847NyaBz84xemzoiFCvIdI9elprQAhsmmdQfKPVgvT-qRj-S9tmxNjIirJ2lT9Sa5v3E6NKS51Jrd2jtyy6B2_U5-c4W_-HVByHhBz5680/s1600/Photo+Jun+09%252C+5+06+46+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHcz5onRyE5Sv_Xvqr9_YL9mXt1PZ0vCVc847NyaBz84xemzoiFCvIdI9elprQAhsmmdQfKPVgvT-qRj-S9tmxNjIirJ2lT9Sa5v3E6NKS51Jrd2jtyy6B2_U5-c4W_-HVByHhBz5680/s200/Photo+Jun+09%252C+5+06+46+PM.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;">I told Hippie Tom I knew him over thirty years ago (I was in high school at the time) and he looked for a few minutes trying to figure it out. I gave him a hint-mentioning Nichols Motors-and when I told him who my father was, his eyes lit up and a smile came across his face. “Terry! I remember Terry,” he said, “How’s he doing? Boy I can’t believe it…” We chatted for a few minutes and then we were on our way. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Faded Memories</b> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><i>“What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”</i> –Crowfoot </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;"> As we drove through the Village of Waterford we stopped at a little country cemetery where both my
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cousin and a friend from my scouting days were buried. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Forgetting where my cousin had been buried over 25 years ago, we walked through the cemetery, looking for her headstone. I was drawn to the older headstones, many dating to the mid 1800’s. Who were these people buried there? What were there stories? Were they people of means? Were they early settlers to the area? So many questions, so few answers. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Most of the tombstones were faded and worn. Some were toppled over or broke in half. As I walked among these graves, it struck me that we are here for just a moment and then, as hastily as we entered this physical world, we exit it. </span><br />
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As a memorial, our names are engraved upon stone or metal and placed over our remains. Family and friends mourn for a season but in the end, all they are left with are memories, both good and bad. <br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">As I gazed upon these faded markers, names barely legible, I realized that like these headstones that are worn and faded, so become memories of those buried below. And I left wondering if I will be remembered and if so, for how long? Or like these tombstones, will the memories of my life simply fade into eternity…</span>David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-91369961711262153462012-10-12T20:51:00.000-05:002012-10-12T20:51:18.523-05:00LEADERSHIP RACINE BEGINS 15th YEAR<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leadership Racine kicked off its 15<sup>th</sup> class this
past September and as I spoke to the new group of participants, I reflected on
my involvement over the past fifteen years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pGE70DtXeyruVqxZQd-j7raic-SXwBQ0BuSXm_BtxY165b0HfWmhJI1ykUbBIiJgmuUR745iShBtK3O3GkMlDrW9Gi7Pa0YmOMF49KvUWt5DmiDLQOAhk88RdlFMILUIBGjPPrBDhGY/s1600/main_r1_c2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pGE70DtXeyruVqxZQd-j7raic-SXwBQ0BuSXm_BtxY165b0HfWmhJI1ykUbBIiJgmuUR745iShBtK3O3GkMlDrW9Gi7Pa0YmOMF49KvUWt5DmiDLQOAhk88RdlFMILUIBGjPPrBDhGY/s1600/main_r1_c2.gif" /></a>From a participant in that first class to advisory board
chair, I have done everything from schlepping soda to presenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In between I have served on the program and
selection committees, helped revise the program after that first year and
supported the program with my “time, talents and tithes”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over sixteen years ago, a small group of community leaders
began asking the question, “Who would take over when we are no longer
involved.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they sensed their own
mortality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they had grown
tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or quite frankly, they were ready
to pass the baton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever the reason,
they asked the question but didn’t like what they saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no runners coming up from behind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A vision was cast that day and a program was created to meet
the needs of our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Leadership
Racine was placed in the Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC) and
with support of United Way and the Racine Community Foundation, along with
several major corporations, a net was cast to reach the broadest of
audiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diversity was a key goal and
one that was easily met.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDdQWsploNYgwGS4aZhgd2RK_uVCRym6OSJ-8DH77LgKVK-N38iCKNlKeW24A8O15-3MrvuKHzLxbe2A-DAmBl3-_VbjsXJrkxqHc0JR0ZSWkdGji62K0cmKDbnj8V1UerV7bEWskXK4/s1600/scan0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDdQWsploNYgwGS4aZhgd2RK_uVCRym6OSJ-8DH77LgKVK-N38iCKNlKeW24A8O15-3MrvuKHzLxbe2A-DAmBl3-_VbjsXJrkxqHc0JR0ZSWkdGji62K0cmKDbnj8V1UerV7bEWskXK4/s320/scan0010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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What is unique about this next generation of emerging leaders <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>is that they come from all walks of
life-transcending racial and socio-economic barriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They work in the private sector, the public
sector and for non-government organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some own businesses while others still live at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are young and old, rich and poor, black
and white but none of that mattered because they were a part of a shared
experience called Leadership Racine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the past fifteen years, each class has worked together
for nine months, learning about themselves and about others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are taught leadership skills, exposed to
various community leaders and organizations and complete a team project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most importantly, they are united by a
desire to make this community a better place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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As I spoke to the new class this year, I mentioned three
things:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>If they want to see servant leadership in
action, watch Karen Bayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karen Bayer
is the Executive Director of Leadership Racine and has quietly guided the
program from the beginning, mentoring many who have gone through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is part den mother, part task
master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her bell she keeps the day
moving but more often, she quietly leads from behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether its an encouraging word or a hug,
Karen has a way of influencing people and engendering support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>A marker of success for Leadership Racine is the
buy-in from the graduates of the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only is Karen Bayer a servant leader but she is highly
relational.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has benefited the
program immensely over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LR
graduates enjoy working with Karen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
empowers them to lead, encourages them in their strengths and supports them
from behind.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Although Leadership Racine was started by a group of community leaders,
there are only two founding board members still involved with the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bulk of the work is handled by Leadership
Racine alumni who cheerfully serve on the various working committees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, LR grads on the “Program”
committee plan each session and then volunteer their time to assist the day of
that session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In between they meet
monthly to plan and evaluate each session.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Finally if you look around our community, you
will notice that almost every board, committee or commission has at least one,
if not more Leadership Racine alumni serving on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some alumni have run for office, serving as
elected officials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others are appointed
to positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall, there are fresh
faces serving in a leadership capacity and no longer is there that fear that
there is no one to pass that baton to.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That day over sixteen years ago, these community leaders,
many who will remain as icons in the history of Racine, casted a vision and
Leadership Racine was birthed out of a desire to train up a new generation of
leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fifteen years later, that torch
has been successfully passed and a new generation of leaders has emerged within
our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-59409929560144126352012-10-08T18:07:00.000-05:002012-10-08T18:07:33.050-05:00HISTORY MADE AT LAKESHORE STATE PARK-TEACHING LODGE BRINGS HEALING<!--[if !mso]>
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Nine years ago, an Ojibwe grandmother from Canada began
walking around the Great Lakes to raise awareness about water issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armed with a copper pail of water and an
eagle staff, she embarked alone on a journey which took seven years to
complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the water walk progressed,
others joined her along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxild0zBPh9a6iR7Dwc5Pv1FpQU6KTHR15k-5n2485nJJm3ugWV_ZjuyUreSjjbBQZDA3HQfSKPaAOcRvy3lIeaG6ZioNMiy7AfaedxpXZn_TPPWU2aEwP7_DHCEYU1ihrbJgeflGQ-PY/s1600/P1010126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxild0zBPh9a6iR7Dwc5Pv1FpQU6KTHR15k-5n2485nJJm3ugWV_ZjuyUreSjjbBQZDA3HQfSKPaAOcRvy3lIeaG6ZioNMiy7AfaedxpXZn_TPPWU2aEwP7_DHCEYU1ihrbJgeflGQ-PY/s320/P1010126.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was in Milwaukee, however, that a new
dream would take hold. As Josephine
Mandamin looked out over Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee, she had a vision
that a teaching lodge would be erected on the shores of Lake Michigan.</div>
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Her adopted son, Gabriel Peltier, caught that vision and
began soliciting help to make it a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Along the way he encountered resistance, partially due to the difficulty
of articulating what this vision would look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who was it for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How large of an event would it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the purpose?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Having been advised to let others do it, he refused to give
up on this vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Persistently he
called on a handful of people and meetings were held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discussions centered on the purpose of the
lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different people came and
went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More meetings were held and again,
discussions turned to the purpose of the lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wheels were spinning but little traction was gained until late last year
when a new committee was convened and an action plan developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A February retreat in Keshena resulted in the
formation of a “program” for the four days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Progress was being made.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM9Bv8wOQsJ4hFWzDLoMRr8h9fNx_5b47PtnXGhTvUn8CexUoaFtdMN_AnEappi7qZBP02WbIHN-i7VnrDIevCbkrpwJY4Q5BMr1wqBGYvrOyN9D6vLTEwsHUeEA1H2_aiYBldv5bnjk/s1600/20120920_123041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM9Bv8wOQsJ4hFWzDLoMRr8h9fNx_5b47PtnXGhTvUn8CexUoaFtdMN_AnEappi7qZBP02WbIHN-i7VnrDIevCbkrpwJY4Q5BMr1wqBGYvrOyN9D6vLTEwsHUeEA1H2_aiYBldv5bnjk/s320/20120920_123041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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However, challenges remained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The committee was spread out throughout Wisconsin and into Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leadership was fluid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was both good and bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different people stepped up at the
appropriate times but somebody needed to drive the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Illnesses and distance were obstacles that
needed to be overcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Face to face
meetings were difficult to arrange and it was easy to put the event on the back
burner as most committee members were involved with other community events
including the Indian Summer Festival held just two weeks before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As the date of the event drew closer, the vision became much
clearer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roles and responsibilities were
assigned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A schedule was finalized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elders and teachers were invited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And funding was secured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that was left—build the lodge with the
hope that the people would hear the voice of the “Little Boy” dewe'gan (drum) and
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are thankful to the Three
Fires Lodge and Eddie Benton Banai for the teachings about the “Little Boy” and
his songs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurbMVwm0xBp9IZ-6EjfRB8LfuD7fxjwb-Rg2Q0GEvkyJ79CIPPWHcRDby6Psu4TSEZIY7C-zea_V1ootRch53lz6scpWqnlRZIYjOXefhzdXeyb3z3LfI2ESXvxjyuy5xOukbb8dSBxk/s1600/20120920_160509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurbMVwm0xBp9IZ-6EjfRB8LfuD7fxjwb-Rg2Q0GEvkyJ79CIPPWHcRDby6Psu4TSEZIY7C-zea_V1ootRch53lz6scpWqnlRZIYjOXefhzdXeyb3z3LfI2ESXvxjyuy5xOukbb8dSBxk/s320/20120920_160509.jpg" width="240" /></a>But first, work needed to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pole holes were dug several days before the
lodge was built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would save time
because the lodge had to go up before the sun went down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Wednesday, September 26<sup>th</sup>, a
small group of volunteers began harvesting over 60 lodge poles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day, the sacred fire was started and
a sunrise ceremony was held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I shared
a healing song, I prayed that this lodge would be a place of healing for those
that would come, for the land and for the water. This would be the first lodge ever built on the man-made
island which forms Lakeshore State Park and perhaps the first time a teaching
lodge had gone up in a long time on the Milwaukee shores of Lake Michigan.</div>
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After a quick breakfast, students from the Indian Community School,
along with community volunteers began erecting this 60 foot long lodge on the
shores of Lake Michigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assisted by the
children, asema (tobacco) and nibi (water) was prayerfully put in each hole,
connecting the lodge poles to Mother Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both men and women shared in the work, the poles carefully tied by the
women. By noon, the “ribs” of the teaching lodge were in place and by sun down,
the lodge was complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3A-rNqinVQ0KNkK1mIopJScsOJ-7CoQlszOfd4v85rdC95OGK5daEmy3-060voxJzOU8mzQlhE9Gdw9A-OBJiJVYeNMa4SMZsa3bwxw4v8Bh09IgwTMGu0d8Bb_q1vbhQpHB4SNxUqI/s1600/20120920_162949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3A-rNqinVQ0KNkK1mIopJScsOJ-7CoQlszOfd4v85rdC95OGK5daEmy3-060voxJzOU8mzQlhE9Gdw9A-OBJiJVYeNMa4SMZsa3bwxw4v8Bh09IgwTMGu0d8Bb_q1vbhQpHB4SNxUqI/s320/20120920_162949.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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While the work we did was serious, there were lighter
moments throughout the four days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
such moment occurred as I was sawing one of the braces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, Diane Amour was attempting
to tie the brace to the lodge pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every time I stopped sawing she’d thank me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I thought she was thanking me for sawing
the branch so I’d saw even harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, she was thanking me for stopping because the saw dust was
getting in her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At other times we
had so many helpers that were tripping over each other.</div>
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The next day we stood facing the east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the sun came up, the “Little Boy” was
sounded and we greeted the new day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gabriel Peltier shared his pipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Water and berries were passed around by the women and all partook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Songs were sung and prayers said as the sun
began to warm the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be
the first day of teachings and students from the Indian Community School were
expected to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to
traditional teachings by Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi, Ho Chunk, Menominee and Oneida
elders, games of Lacrosse were planned, as well as a nature walk identifying
plant medicines growing on the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That evening a social was planned featuring singing, drumming and
dancing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdw_FyYve7O3hxWqWAWX2p4vcksYY7wA4_-7hLlalqIEWB7ztlSJ2TsA6kkv4jrLwTDgiOhk3gIt0NDass85W9JmFEDXY6zHJT6SnQ0SkpGC2sXpDl4KocS_IapceNS9d98e4X7DlmWg/s1600/DSC_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdw_FyYve7O3hxWqWAWX2p4vcksYY7wA4_-7hLlalqIEWB7ztlSJ2TsA6kkv4jrLwTDgiOhk3gIt0NDass85W9JmFEDXY6zHJT6SnQ0SkpGC2sXpDl4KocS_IapceNS9d98e4X7DlmWg/s320/DSC_0527.JPG" width="320" /></a>Saturday would prove challenging due to off again, on again
rain and a nearby visit by the President of the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That did not deter the 25-30 people from
showing up at 6 am to greet the new day and the changing of the seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was honored to be asked to lead that
sunrise ceremony and all pipe carriers were invited to put out their sacred
items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Later that morning, we were joined by about 30 students
participating in the Student Conservation Association, a non-profit group whose
mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders.</div>
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As I mentioned, President Obama was scheduled to speak that afternoon
across from the island where we had built the teaching lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This resulted in the access points being
secured, along with the noise from the rally itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we did not allow this to deter us
and in fact, many were hoping the President would see the teaching lodge and
tipi and choose to pay us a visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately
that did not happen but it didn’t stop us from enjoying a feast of turkey, fry
bread and wild rice without him.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span>Finally
the week would come to a close on Sunday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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After an enjoyable elders panel featuring Josephine
Mandamin, Frank <span class="gd">Ettawageshik</span>, Skip Twardosz, Mary Ellen
Baker and Delbert Charging Crow, the lodge was taken down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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While the physical structure was removed and the land
returned to its pristine condition, the memory of that lodge remains etched on
our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Healing did take place over
those four days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The community came
together to share and to learn, friendships were made and in some cases renewed
and plans were made to return to that place where the vision was fulfilled.</div>
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David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-62362617704143792072012-05-04T07:04:00.001-05:002012-05-04T07:04:47.386-05:00Amazing Grace<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JAevhff5C0E?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-14416493890829680032012-05-03T12:34:00.000-05:002012-05-03T12:34:28.499-05:00Artist in REZidence<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
the past five years or so, we have been driving up to White Earth, MN for
various cultural camps including winter story camp, berry camp and ricing
camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At these camps we have learned
about the language, culture, crafts, and the harvesting and processing of
traditional foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have also built
relationships.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG1UHCHQZT1TJRy1tjO2CRUctpvyKz9K9Kj2mnqrabTWs_nJM3Sy689JSRKiibOt9xIYodg__clEPnPQHdkSB8Z675jKCCvYx0IuRWU1u9VAhZQHkUDXjpKhgZl-n5a4P1B7kOtfmHD4/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG1UHCHQZT1TJRy1tjO2CRUctpvyKz9K9Kj2mnqrabTWs_nJM3Sy689JSRKiibOt9xIYodg__clEPnPQHdkSB8Z675jKCCvYx0IuRWU1u9VAhZQHkUDXjpKhgZl-n5a4P1B7kOtfmHD4/s320/DSC_0385.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During
one of those trips, we visited with Anne Dunn, a remarkable storyteller and
author who took us over to meet her daughter, Annie Humphrey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Annie is a singer/songwriter and a recording
artist whose music has been used in movie scores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also found out that she is a visual
artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we met Annie, she was
painting her cupboards, with trees, animals and symbols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also noticed that her tables and chairs
had also been painted.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
got us thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amy is a middle school
teacher and in Wisconsin, Act 31 requires that schools teach <span class="st">about
</span><em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Wisconsin Indians</span></em><span class="st"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">' </i></span><em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">History</span></em><span class="st"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>and Culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As music teacher, how could she integrate
what she had been learning at these camps into the curriculum?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the long drive back to Wisconsin, we would
bounce ideas off of each other and one idea was to have an “Artist in
Residence” program and the perfect person would be Annie Humphrey.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
vision was cast but there were several hurdles to overcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would the program look like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could we raise the money to make this a
reality?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could schedules be
coordinated?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would there be enough time
to complete the goals?</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRPxaoNZrmdI_YEQCt7dggB46KHHj2xHzbO7YTqiELY2svDkhqzt2CQOrZE8dmZLWJyaFVttGhynC-CmaHzHjX0lcVPl4bH-jXCq2PAjuzyD2A7ceshRgkodCs7gqYFYKokJwPLT4u5M/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRPxaoNZrmdI_YEQCt7dggB46KHHj2xHzbO7YTqiELY2svDkhqzt2CQOrZE8dmZLWJyaFVttGhynC-CmaHzHjX0lcVPl4bH-jXCq2PAjuzyD2A7ceshRgkodCs7gqYFYKokJwPLT4u5M/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through
community networking, the vision started becoming reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were encouraged to write a grant to the
Racine Arts Council and to our delight, we were given the largest grant for
that cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although a partnership with
another community organization fell through, the Racine YMCA stepped in, along
with the Kiwanis of Racine and the Golden Rondelle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last
week, Annie Humphrey spent a week in Racine, working with the middle schools
students at Starbuck Middle School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
goals for the week were to educated students about Native American culture and
music, complete a mural with the art students, compose a song with the choir
students and to debut the song during a concert featuring the students.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One
week ago today, we were running from early morning until late at night and
wondering<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if we were going to accomplish
our goals but Annie, Amy and the students accomplished this and more.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DvPhZDQaf40IOrNGbd6TrM1GWYjXXzINPgPcyhYTQIhew5s0xxP2pEeEixrN4jjZlIka2LamKusX3emt6XLZCeEw7Vxkqp3kfMbs7g6f5vmj9Vt1Zfh7PSa5ef2XufKxClhKehxQVBg/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DvPhZDQaf40IOrNGbd6TrM1GWYjXXzINPgPcyhYTQIhew5s0xxP2pEeEixrN4jjZlIka2LamKusX3emt6XLZCeEw7Vxkqp3kfMbs7g6f5vmj9Vt1Zfh7PSa5ef2XufKxClhKehxQVBg/s320/DSC_0371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Annie
enjoyed meeting the students!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked
Amy if she could speak to her enrichment class (like a study hall).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she found out a student played the
violin she invited him to accompany the choir at the end of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She discovered a girl in the general music
was a natural at playing the flute and invited her to “join the band”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHXYDXCcYkuXB0D5QYAHD696xTFCyWCbdNL_sxEJZQ9tRlAZpEwjBGsTbwXQu0KqTioWHfMgsBQyKk9GrMseyWO_BiX-7AtwoXs6hvz-5WrmPyUoNlJkAt2oH3BQWCOfv66ijYmEroJU/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHXYDXCcYkuXB0D5QYAHD696xTFCyWCbdNL_sxEJZQ9tRlAZpEwjBGsTbwXQu0KqTioWHfMgsBQyKk9GrMseyWO_BiX-7AtwoXs6hvz-5WrmPyUoNlJkAt2oH3BQWCOfv66ijYmEroJU/s320/DSC_0100.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
impressed me most was watching this woman from the reservation engaging all the
students, regardless of their ethnic or socio-economic background and in
return, seeing how the students embraced her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was a natural in drawing out their hidden talents and they responded
to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end, many wished that
they had more time with Annie and she herself remarked that she was exhausted
because the kids always wanted more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
she also said she wouldn’t have it any other way because she enjoyed giving.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While
the highlight of the week was supposed to be the unveiling of the mural and the
performance of the song that Annie and the students composed, I think it
actually was the lives that were touched and the relationships that were
built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
we packed up after the concert, Annie went over to the chalkboard and began
writing, “I just wanted to tell you what a great week I spent here with all of
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be Good, Be Strong, and always Be
Brave. Love, Annie”</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73ppUiVex81dFDzsbLzsSrYVIuobOhvH5C1MwdW76hk8hcw_Eg4R5nzo-CU-sgLoLOrBJ8J_qnLzHaD7D5sXKc7j5EzMGHx-QRFnUhHnJAmkf-LRuCjZPmCFV5dZHRdnKbg8tj_t1oYk/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73ppUiVex81dFDzsbLzsSrYVIuobOhvH5C1MwdW76hk8hcw_Eg4R5nzo-CU-sgLoLOrBJ8J_qnLzHaD7D5sXKc7j5EzMGHx-QRFnUhHnJAmkf-LRuCjZPmCFV5dZHRdnKbg8tj_t1oYk/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<![endif]-->David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-14139363425707078842011-06-29T21:09:00.000-05:002011-06-29T21:09:04.260-05:00Plastic Shaman<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">Prior to 1978, it was illegal to practice “ceremonial and traditional rites” in the United States, a country that had made the freedom of religion a major tenet of their existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many practices were driven under ground and to this day, there are still some that are hesitant to share their knowledge with others-especially outsiders.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think this is compounded even more by those in the majority culture who co-opt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Native American teachings and take them as their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has gotten so bad that some leading elders have banned non-Native Americans from attending ceremonies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t blame them for taking this approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 500 years we were told that it was illegal to practice our traditional ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that wasn’t bad enough, once it was legal, new agers stole and sold our traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of seeking out their own teachings, they try and find something mystical in ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Worse yet, armed with a little knowledge, they appoint themselves as authorities on everything Indian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some set up sweat lodges and refer to themselves as shamans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly I have seen people offer to do ceremonies for a fee while advertising their services.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most traditional people I know do not refer to themselves as shamans or medicine men, do not charge for ceremonies and will not advertise their services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most our humble and downplay what they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, they do not push people to the extreme.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never been in a sweat lodge in which the facilitator wouldn’t let someone leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact they often are watching out for those who are in there for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They check on participants and ask how everyone is holding up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These ceremonies are not about endurance nor are they meant to invoke some esoteric experience in the participant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, it is a place where you go pray for others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes it can be renewing for the participant but the focus should be on the needs of others, not what you can get or gain from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was deathly ill, my friend Skip and a group of friends gathered in the middle of winter at the lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put aside their own comfort to pray for me, not unlike the Christian principle of fasting in which you neglect the physical needs of the body in order seek God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t about them or what they could get from the experience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have often joked that we could put out a shingle and make a lot of money pedaling ceremonies to new agers willing to pay big money to participate in a “traditional Native American ceremony”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could issue membership cards and sell plastic rattles, beads and other paraphernalia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I could never do that because it is simply wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In 2009, the eyes of the world were turned to Sedona, AZ as word spread that three people had died and many more injured in a sweat lodge ceremony gone bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James Arthur Ray, a new age guru and self help author had charged participants $10,000 to push themselves to the limit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The capstone was this “sweat lodge” ceremony in which he ignored the pleas of help from those concerned about the erratic breathing of several participants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others were dragged out vomiting and continued his two hour ceremony even while others tended to the sick.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After looking at the pictures of the sweat lodge and watching the video accounts, there was so much wrong with what took place-from charging participants to the type of covering used on this “lodge”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Ray had no authority to conduct these ceremonies nor does it appear the training to do so.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week, justice was served when Ray was convicted of three counts of negligent homicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately there will still be plastic shaman out there who will continue to pedal their wares to unsuspecting and gullible people seeking a real experience but instead finding themselves led down the road to perdition.</div>David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-58340417591875250302011-06-14T19:48:00.000-05:002011-06-14T19:48:30.395-05:00More Musings....1. My daughter graduated on Sunday June 5th. I had to sit on the bleachers for 3 hours. I asked my son if I could pay him not to attend graduation next year. He asked, “How much?” I said name your price….<br />
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2. I spent $89 at the gas station and $70 at the grocery store. Neither clerk said “thank you” but instead gave me a “have a good one.” For that much money I should at least get a thank you….<br />
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3. Somebody suggested I tell my wife I am going to take her somewhere “expensive” and then drive her to the gas station where $100 gets you a tank of gas and a slurpee….<br />
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4. Hats off or should I say caps off to all the recent graduates. My daughter couldn’t wait to graduate. I told her I am proud of her, room and board is due on the 1st of the month-welcome to adulthood…<br />
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5. Last week saw a couple of days that were unbearably hot. When it gets this hot, people take risks they shouldn’t. Word of advice, don’t swim in Lake Michigan if there are no lifeguards present. And to the bicyclist I almost hit because you ran a red light, if you are on a bike, you still need to follow the rules of the road. You almost ended up as my hood ornament-next time you might not be so lucky…<br />
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6. Wisconsin Emergency Management observed “Heat Awareness” day last Thursday. On Wednesday it was 95 degrees, Thursday it was 50 degrees. Somehow I think we should have observed it the day before…<br />
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7. Speaking of “Heat Awareness” day, my buddy said his dogs were celebrating it also (I’m not gonna go there)…<br />
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8. Speaking of “heat”, Rep. Wiener is sure living up to his name. I was surprised that liberal talk show host Ed Schulz was calling for Wiener’s resignation based on his lack of character. Nice to see someone from the left stand up for integrity and character. Ed Schulz called it like it is-no matter how "good" you may be at defending your cause-it's all about character and Wiener has a serious deficit in that department.David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-33918962027658089832011-06-13T19:06:00.001-05:002011-06-14T19:49:15.347-05:00A Tribute to a Friend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This past week was “bittersweet”. <br />
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Last Sunday afternoon (June 5th) we watched our daughter walk across the stage at Horlick High School as she received her diploma. We saw many of these “kids” grow into adults over the past four years and that afternoon they spoke of the opportunities that awaited them. They were ready to take the world by storm and follow their dreams, where ever they may lead.<br />
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We were the same way. To naïve to know any better, we were willing to take risks. You couldn’t tell us no because we knew we could do whatever we set out to do. And as we plotted our life course, it was going to be smooth sailing all the way. Go to college, start a career making $100,000, get married, raise a family, retire, travel and then die peacefully in our sleep.<br />
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The funny thing is-life has a way of taking us down that bumpy, curvy road instead of the straight, smooth one we intended to travel.<br />
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I still remember naively exchanging wedding vows with Amy. We were young and dumb. We had this perfect picture painted and we didn’t understand why this married couple chuckled at the vows we wrote. But reality sets in and there is a reason that you agree to stay together “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.”<br />
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Late last year, my friend Dick Bayer found out that a tumor on his brain was cancerous. At 64, Dick was in the second half of his life. He had embarked on a second career as the Veteran Service Officer for Racine County (a job I thought was tailor made for him), his grand children were reaching adulthood and I am sure his thoughts were turning to the day that he would retire to spend the rest of his days with his wife Karen.<br />
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Instead his world was turned upside down, overnight, as this once healthy man would face months of medical challenges related to both the progression of the cancer and the treatment he would receive. Most people would be scared and I am sure there was a part of Dick that was, but Dick wasn’t “most people.”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen_qwHWmKNP3ix4LxmnD_4Q2wBDyQHx1NzhWxScUkJAlDEnnLxID19KvI5kSgY0-Moh41VztiTcC2iknW_prqRMeTw6_ngPe-H5r7eAAaux0YYDHSgwS-tqYYoTh2DCbGiQL_yG_6Jxo/s1600/m_tHGbxABzxenbKwMi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen_qwHWmKNP3ix4LxmnD_4Q2wBDyQHx1NzhWxScUkJAlDEnnLxID19KvI5kSgY0-Moh41VztiTcC2iknW_prqRMeTw6_ngPe-H5r7eAAaux0YYDHSgwS-tqYYoTh2DCbGiQL_yG_6Jxo/s200/m_tHGbxABzxenbKwMi.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Dick Bayer was a man of faith and going into this battle, he knew that his God could very well heal him or that his God could call him home. In so many words, Dick was comfortable with that. If he was healed, it would be a testimony and if he died, it would be his gain because he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, where he was going. Dick knew that this world was not his home but that he was just passing through. That reassurance drove everything that Dick did, including how he coped with this horrific disease.<br />
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Six years ago, I almost died from a severe case of pancreatitis. I spent 28 days in ICU and 38 days in the hospital. My recovery took nearly a year and that experience has profoundly impacted my life to this day. Dick and his wife prayed for me and when I came out of ICU and was coherent, Dick came and sat with me, offering words of encouragement. <br />
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I mention that because the first time I saw Dick after he began his treatments, we spoke about the future. In so many words, Dick implied that I knew what it was like to stand at death’s door and to be ok with either outcome. When they wheeled me into ICU, I didn’t know if I was ever going home but I was at peace with whatever happened. In the days that followed, my wife was faced with losing her husband of 14 years and though she struggled, she also found a peace that “transcends all understanding.” As we left that day, I told Dick, either way you win. He knew what I meant.<br />
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That Sunday afternoon we watched our daughter graduate but Sunday evening we said goodbye to an old friend. I don’t know why but this was the hardest funeral I have ever attended. I wasn’t as close to Dick as I could have been. Life gets in the way. But I respected Dick. <br />
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Usually I am not at a loss for words, but on Sunday night I had a hard time expressing my thoughts when asked to record a video of recollections for the family. Perhaps it was surreal waiting in line to greet the family and then seeing my friend laying there for the first time. It became real-he was gone.<br />
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But Monday was a different story as I attended the celebration of Dick’s life. Songs were sung, stories were told, family members shared and the pastor gave the most unique eulogy I think I have ever heard-he began by talking about Racine’s greatest inventors and businessmen-men who we would deem as great men. And then he put Dick in that same group as he relayed his stories about Dick.<br />
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For just a moment, we were given a glimpse inside the private life of Dick Bayer and the funny thing is-he wasn’t much different than I had pictured him to be. With Dick, what you saw was what you got-in a good way. He had a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin. He was always smiling. He was a man of integrity. He was a man of faith. He was tender hearted. He was a compassionate warrior and a servant leader. He was the real deal!<br />
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Both Dick and his wife Karen are relational. They mentored married couples. They served their church. They genuinely cared about people. Dick was a role model-the type of person you could look up to. He made you feel appreciated. He listened. He encouraged. He was supportive. He stood by his wife’s side and supported her career as the Executive Director of Leadership Racine and he supported his church through good times and bad. As I told his pastor, Dick never had roast pastor for lunch on Sunday afternoons.<br />
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He was faithful. His Christian faith encompassed everything he did. He lived it 24/7 and it shaped who he was. He saw his work with the veterans, not just as a job, but as a ministry. He didn’t need to preach because his life was a living testimony of his faith and his actions spoke louder than words. He walked the talk! He trusted his God to provide and when looking for a job, he told his support group to watch-God would provide. Though I don’t have time to go into it now, there were several twists and turns leading to his last position but it was evident God’s hand was in it.<br />
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He was a compassionate warrior, a veteran who cared about other veterans. He was a man who stood up to injustice. He marched in Washington and was a card carrying member of the NAACP. He adopted a Vietnamese family, becoming a surrogate father to the children after their own father passed away. And he was loved by his children and his grandchildren.<br />
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And he was a servant leader-whether greeting at church or serving on the church board, Dick would often be found serving others behind the scenes-shunning the limelight that so many others crave. <br />
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As we celebrated Dick’s life, we laughed and cried but in the end we knew, all was well….<br />
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That doesn’t take away the void left in our hearts - we still mourn the loss of this man we knew and respected but we are left with the hope that we will see him again.<br />
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During his illness I prayed for Dick. Like so many I prayed for a miracle, knowing that God could heal him. I begged and pleaded. But I also knew that God is sovereign and that he sees the entire picture where as we see just one small part of it. If we truly believe that we are all connected in some way, Dick’s life and his death have meaning and that one day we will see how all of our struggles and trials fit together to bring about God’s purpose in this life and beyond.<br />
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About a week before Dick left us, I was praying for him when a Chris Tomlin song – I Will Rise - came on and the words spoke to my heart:<br />
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There's a peace I've come to know<br />
Though my heart and flesh may fail<br />
There's an anchor for my soul<br />
I can say "It is well"<br />
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That was Dick, his heart and flesh were failing but he was able to say “it is well” because he could see that the finish line was in sight and that the race he was running was almost over.<br />
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But it is the refrain that gave me reassurance as Tomlin sang:<br />
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And I will rise when He calls my name<br />
No more sorrow, no more pain<br />
I will rise on eagles' wings<br />
Before my God fall on my knees<br />
And rise, I will rise<br />
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That was the promise that Dick held onto, no more sorrow, no more pain…<br />
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On Wednesday, June 1st-Dick Bayer’s name was called and he rose before his God, finishing the race that was set before him. And as he crossed that finish line, he heard these words- “Well done thy good and faithful servant! Welcome home.”<br />
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In our Ojibwa language we have no word for goodbye. Instead we say “Gigawabamin” or simply stated, “See you later.” Sunday and Monday were not goodbye in the truest sense-because I know that one day I will see my friend again. As I touched the coffin one last time, I said to Dick, see you later my friend, see you later….David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-52035567300869079832011-04-16T16:56:00.001-05:002013-11-07T16:45:28.767-06:00The Mob on Leadership<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Donald Philips has made his mark writing leadership books - Lincoln on Leadership, The Founding Fathers on Leadership, US Coast Guard on Leadership and Martin Luther Ling Jr. on Leadership. Instead of lecturing the reader, Philip’s is known for using the person’s own words, quoting extensive excerpts from letters, speeches, anecdotes and jokes to highlight the lessons he is conveying. The books are insightful and offer practical lessons on leadership.</span></h2>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This week the New York Times reported on a New York trial in which Joseph “Big Joey” Massino, longtime head of the Bonanno Crime family turned government witness to avoid the death penalty or in his own words perhaps “see the light at the end of the tunnel”, testified against Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano, his successor. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You just gotta love these nicknames</i>.</span></strong></h2>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Massino used some colorful anecdotes to describe life in the mob and lessons he taught underlings and it got me to thinking about a whole new series of leadership books – The Godfather on Leadership, The Mob on Leadership, Tony Montana on Leadership and of course Massino on Leadership.</span></strong></h2>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Lesson 1: It takes all kinda meat to make a good sauce.</span></strong></h2>
</span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Massino, a onetime restaurateur and catering consultant, testified that “you need workers — it takes all kinds of meat to make a good sauce.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">”</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Lesson learned-diversity is good. Utilize the strengths of the people around you. If a football team was made up of all quarterbacks there would be no one to catch the football. And like a good spaghetti sauce, the flavors need to meld in order to enhance the sauce. Whadda’ they say? There is no “I” in team. We all work towards the common good of the organization. And like <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">America</place></country-region>, the melting pot philosophy means that the social fabric of our nation is enriched by the melding of cultures. Life would be pretty boring if we were all alike.</span></strong></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Lesson 2: Stay between the raindrops.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">In 2000, Massino closed down the social clubs that mobsters would frequent. “Stay between the raindrops,” Mr. Massino said, explaining his thinking. “Less exposure.”</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">While <personname w:st="on">John</personname> “The Dapper Don” Gotti liked the limelight, Massino shunned it. How does this apply to the rest of us? Go about your job, do it well but don’t toot your own horn. When you stick your neck out, people take shots (no pun intended). While some may see this as an abdication in leadership it really isn’t. Leadership is about influence, not popularity. Remember that servant leaders shun the limelight while quietly going about their business.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Lesson 3: A leader is physically fit</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">In an episode of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Simpsons</i>, Homer infiltrates the mob as a government informant but Homer ends up befriending Fat Tony instead. When Fat Tony dies of a heart attack, his cousin Fit Tony takes over. However, he soon lets himself go and morphs into Fat Fit Tony. If Fat Tony would have taken care of himself, perhaps he would have made better decision and in all likihood, would not have died prematurely of a heart attack.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Massino testified, “You never talk in a club, you never talk in a car, you never talk on a cell phone, you never talk on a phone, you never talk in your house.” Instead, Massino preferred “so called walk-talks”, where two or more crime figures would carry on a roving conversation as they strolled the streets.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I think he was on to something here. If Fat Tony would have had more “walk-talks” maybe he would have burned a few more calories and lived to see another day. A leader should live a balanced life and exercise should be a part of that. A fit leader has more stamina and energy and in the long run, probably more effective.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I look forward to reading some more of Massino’s anecdotes. If they are good, I might just consider penning that book. In the meantime, I gotta get back to that pot of sauce simmering on the backburner...</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h2>
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David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-34233051603409484732011-03-07T19:52:00.001-06:002011-03-07T20:12:14.493-06:00A Lack of Civility?I recently came across this post and wanted to share it. The gist of the article is that there needs to be Rules of Civil Political Disagreement. Over the past twenty five years or so of both political activism and elective office, I have seen the "good, bad and ugly" when it comes to public discourse. The worst tend to be annoymous commenters to blog posts who lose nothing by calling people names that I doubt they'd say to the persons face. Any way-here it is....what do you think?<br />
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<div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>The Rules of Civil Political Disagreement</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;">In a recent Facebook exchange, the </span><a href="http://www.collinscenter.org/" title="blocked::http://www.collinscenter.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.collinscenter.org/">Collins Center’s</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Tony Carvajal and I were bemoaning the lack of civility in modern political discourse. I suggested that what’s needed now is a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmond_Hoyle" title="blocked::http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmond_Hoyle"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmond_Hoyle">Hoyle’s</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> for Civility that outlines what’s fair and what scores below the belt.<br />
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I invite everyone who is tired of the current climate of rhetorical distortion and hate politics to weigh in and suggest what the Rules of Civil Political Disagreement should be. Here are a few thoughts to get us started:<br />
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1. Attack the position, not the person.<br />
2. Don’t raise a charge without </span><a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/27/mischief-ballot-silly-season-upon-us/" title="blocked::http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/27/mischief-ballot-silly-season-upon-us/"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/oct/27/mischief-ballot-silly-season-upon-us/">proof</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.<br />
3. Don’t attack someone’s family.<br />
4. </span><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502443_162-4531309-502443.html" title="blocked::http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502443_162-4531309-502443.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502443_162-4531309-502443.html">Don’t label</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, ie. by suggesting someone is only taking a position because he is in the pocket of a nefarious influence, such as a lobbyist, insider or “special interest” or is himself a closeted evildoer, such as a liberal, socialist, communist, religious fanatic, gun nut or tree-hugger.<br />
5. Don’t turn an alleged behavior into a </span><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6165489/Barack-Obama-health-care-speech-Republican-calls-president-a-liar.html" title="blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6165489/Barack-Obama-health-care-speech-Republican-calls-president-a-liar.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6165489/Barack-Obama-health-care-speech-Republican-calls-president-a-liar.html">character flaw</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">. As I frequently remind my children, you can say your brother lied but you cannot call him a liar. This suggests he is so accomplished at the vile behavior as to be defined by it.<br />
6. Never incite </span><a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/03/24/palin-gun-imagery-attack-democrats/" title="blocked::http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/03/24/palin-gun-imagery-attack-democrats/"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/03/24/palin-gun-imagery-attack-democrats/">violence</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.<br />
7. Don’t question motives. Let the facts speak for themselves (but make sure the facts are correct.)<br />
8. Avoid </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/17/justice-department-accuses-republicans-weak-terrorism/" title="blocked::http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/17/justice-department-accuses-republicans-weak-terrorism/"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/17/justice-department-accuses-republicans-weak-terrorism/">straw man arguments</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, ie. because you disagree with Obamacare, you don’t care if people have no health insurance OR if you question defense spending you are against national security.<br />
9. Avoid ad hominem attacks, that is raising an irrelevant fact about a person to discredit an argument, ie. what do you expect from a </span><a href="http://www.jeffgreene.com/news/item/2010-07-desperate-career-politician-kendrick-meek-launches-new-false-negative-ad-2" title="blocked::http://www.jeffgreene.com/news/item/2010-07-desperate-career-politician-kendrick-meek-launches-new-false-negative-ad-2"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.jeffgreene.com/news/item/2010-07-desperate-career-politician-kendrick-meek-launches-new-false-negative-ad-2">career politician</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">?<br />
10. Under no circumstances call someone a </span><a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/omg-msnbc-host-who-called-beck-a-nazi-attacks-beck-for-nazi-rhetoric/" title="blocked::http://www.theblaze.com/stories/omg-msnbc-host-who-called-beck-a-nazi-attacks-beck-for-nazi-rhetoric/"><span style="font-family: Arial;" title="blocked::http://www.theblaze.com/stories/omg-msnbc-host-who-called-beck-a-nazi-attacks-beck-for-nazi-rhetoric/">Nazi</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
<div></div><div><span class="708260817-07032011"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>RonSachs Communications</strong></span></span></div><div><span class="708260817-07032011"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://ronsachs.wufoo.com/forms/the-rules-of-civil-political-disagreement/" title="blocked::https://ronsachs.wufoo.com/forms/the-rules-of-civil-political-disagreement/">https://ronsachs.wufoo.com/forms/the-rules-of-civil-political-disagreement/</a></span></span></div></div></div>David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-47322323498682182212010-12-21T17:29:00.000-06:002010-12-21T17:29:09.178-06:00Does anyone say "thank you" anymore?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Does anyone say thank you anymore?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Whether it’s the gas station, grocery store or McDonalds, I have noticed that fewer clerks and sales associates say “Thank you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I am lucky, I may get a “have a good one” but often times I just get my change and am sent on my way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Having worked in retail and customer service type positions since I was fourteen, I have always thanked people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck, I once thanked a cop after he gave me a ticket-perhaps it was an automatic response to receiving something-but nonetheless you get the idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lately I have taken it upon myself to say “you’re welcome” after I receive my change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oops the clerk never said “thank you” but then again they seem oblivious to their oversight.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Which leads me to ask-are people just that ungrateful or are they ignorant of common manners like saying “please and thank you” and holding doors open?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I correct my children when I observe them commit these “oversights” but then again, it is not just young people that fail to appreciate a customers investment in their place of business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we expect young people to know how to conduct themselves if their parents don’t do so?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Perhaps those who fail to say thank you feel that they are being taken advantage of by their employer but taking it out on the customer only hurts the employee in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the business suffers - it’s usually the employee who becomes expendable not the owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if that owner is some national conglomerate good luck in sending that message!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I work hard for money and it would be nice to hear that my business is appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the flip side, if I get good service, it is incumbent that I too thank that person for the service that I received.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Thanking someone is a common courtesy that we all should be in the habit of doing.</div>David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-10785800940118316472010-12-18T10:44:00.001-06:002010-12-18T10:50:35.209-06:00Merry Christmas & Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_lfH4gU-ksgWQEeCZWD5CouHQhbK8ADGxffhWvqpJbItqrQIxXi5Y4rLi6cpmFkf4DMQLUKDEctMKkiPz9pF8kV5i48QRrkq2FrapXoHlfhi7l2rdVh32TIfTtYSKZFnMIPgnEbTCMI/s1600/2010+xmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="height: 669px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 1341px;"><img border="0" height="196" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_lfH4gU-ksgWQEeCZWD5CouHQhbK8ADGxffhWvqpJbItqrQIxXi5Y4rLi6cpmFkf4DMQLUKDEctMKkiPz9pF8kV5i48QRrkq2FrapXoHlfhi7l2rdVh32TIfTtYSKZFnMIPgnEbTCMI/s400/2010+xmas+card.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Annual Christmas Card-Picture taken in St. Louis, MO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555944232995440266.post-67100813274982822412010-12-08T21:08:00.000-06:002010-12-08T21:08:45.246-06:00WelcomeAniin! Welcome to my blog.<br />
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For some time, friends have been encouraging me to write a blog so I finally relented. Though this forum, I hope to share an assortment of thoughts- sometimes personal, sometimes random and hopefully always thought provoking. Topics may include leadership, politics and culture. So sit back, enjoy and stop by often.David Maackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451730932443053789noreply@blogger.com0