“It is sad to live in a country so divided, when each of its people woke up under the same sunshine that I did.” Josh, my friend, the fisherman, the fisherman poet.

Josh ~ you expressing that so elegantly points to the care inside you and the care that you are putting out for us to see and to ponder and hopefully put to use.

Josh wrote that on a FaceBook post a couple of days ago. I was so taken to see it there amoung so much FB craziness, my own included. It was there so short and sweet like a perfect heart rock on the perfect randomness of the beach. Thank you Josh.

If I could, I would like to comment on your concern. One of the roles that I see older folks, as in me, playing is the guy that says don’t panic we have been here before. And not only before once or twice but many times. I have seen it with my own eyes and I need to say that it will be OK, steady on your course and don’t get disturbed or disrupted by the political weather at the moment.

We are early in the election process when the craziest of ideas of both parties are talked about with straight faces and put out to see what we think. As monthes go by both parties inevitably move towards the center of the political spectrum to capture those voters in the center that they both need if they are to win. So, all the rancor that is apparent right now is a result of this dynamic. And so at a certain point both parties will be trying to buy our affections with chocolates and flowers.

In other words the water is choppy right now. But we have been having orderly elections for over two hundred years now and I don’t see any reason for this one to be any different. My own take is that it would be helpful if we treated those who think differently than ourselves, when these political contests get everything all heated up, as opponents and not enemies. Save the enemy thing for when we really need it which is fortunately not very often.

I really love it to hang out with the fishermen. They are akin to ranchers, farmers and loggers who are close to the natural resources, the natural world. close to dirt, sweat and real life concerns. So much of our thinking these days seems to come from the big city of CEO’s, lawyers, Indian chiefs and entertainment personalities.

Josh, study up on Harry Truman, the president when I was learning to crawl. He was a no BS guy, just Harry, refreshing.

Have to go, love you all of both parties, Felipe.