As I ponder the paucity of intellectual rigor in the public square and the manifold degrees of separation between media reality and the unvarnished truth, I come to a startling conclusion.

The conflict in our nation is not between Democrat and Republican, Conservative and Liberal or even Progressive and Traditional franchises. All of these parties have legitimate points of debate and genuine issues that must be addressed.

The real issue is the war within the American soul – and even more pointedly, in the soul of each American.

Are we listening to the deep, reasonate voice of conscience and making decisions for the greater good of our community and future, or are we merely going with today’s hedonistic flow of “feel good now” and shun the consequences?

Are we ready to consider new ways of resolving real issues in a considerate and deliberate manner, or do we simply dismiss any contrary opinion and research as invalid because it is contrary to our ideology?

Do we have an appreciation for our history and the hope it can engender, or do we dismiss the past and randomly amble to an uncertain future?

Parents, is the character and integrity of your children of paramount importance, or do your egos demand so much stroking that you work impossible hours?

Adult children, are you going to remain a victim of your parent’s inadequacies or decide to be people of faith, focus and follow-through, choosing a better future and forgiving your parents’ past errors?

Please vote! Please keep (with civility) arguing your politcal agendas…but take a moment and ponder the war within and consider the higher ideals, the “First Things” that have always renewed the human spirit.

America’s soul is found in the soul of each American – it is our choice…

In the old Hippocratic Oath, one of the key lines is, “First, do no harm.” As a thoughtful voter, it is increasingly difficult to get excited about the B-grade drama being played out on all levels.

Do I vote for a veteran I do not trust who champions freedom to destroy embryonic life or a silver spoon scion who refuses to protect our borders?

Do I help place in the White House a husband and wife who “think globally” at the expense of national interests or someone mismanaging our war on terror?

Do I elect someone ready to tax me for increased government inefficiency or a man beholden to large economic interests?

The list could go on…

I will remeber Hippocrates and choose life and vote for the incumbent and pray that he will actually do something to correct our terrible economic and immigration imbalances. The alternative is a brave new world I find even more discouraging.

I promise to be more cheerful next time!

My new book is out: The Power of Faithful Focus

The current election season is in full swing and the “spin doctors” are hard at work explaining the explanations of their candidates.

As a historian (who is allowed to dwell in any century at any time!), I know that there are no “good ol’ days.” I do long, however, for the spirit of Harry Truman to alight on our politicians so that we can at least enjoy some honest, plain-spoken words.

What was Senator Kerry’s real record in Vietnam? Do we invalidate the word of over 200 soldiers close to the scene?

What are the oil interests close to Dick Cheney? And why is the Bush administration so hesitant to confront the Saudis about their support of terrorism?

Why is Bill Cosby vilified for criticizing bad parenting among African Americans? What happened to the ethics of Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King?

Why are so many of the vocal advocates of “traditional values”living a lie with their personal affairs?

How can the United Nations condemn Israel for a protective fence while they turn a blind eye to Islamofascist terrorism and Sudanese enslavement of non-Muslims?

Why do we condone total disrespect for the rule of law and allow unfettered illegal immigation from Mexico and keep honest applicants from other nations waiting years for a visa?

Why do we promote gas-guzzling SUV’s and offer a pittance of support for fuel-cell and other alternatives to auto fuel?

These are some questions for a hot August night – and for our local and national leaders to consider!

Once again our Golden State will have a budget that ignores both economic sense and the desires of the electorate. Our new govenor has failed at every level to foster systemic change in a process that has taken the wealthiest state and made her a greator debtor than most nations of the world.

Whether Democrat or Republican, the lust for power once again overcomes all sound principles. Long-term fiscal and social health are not going to come through pork-barrel policies or sound-bites, but real reformers willing to look at all facets of our state priorities and make hard choices.

We are truly in “la-la land” if we think “business as usual” will keep businesses from fleeing the state and overtaxed citizens from frustration.

The question for our leaders in Sacramento is simple: does anyone have the courage to transform policy or are we going to be at the mercy of every fresh-faced demagogue?

We are in the midst of a decisive debate on the values and vision that will determine the direction of our culture and society for years to come.

We are not in a simplistic war between good and evil, right and left, or even traditional versus modern.

We live in an age of contradictions. The Right advocates freedom while often ignoring the systemic evils of global business.

The Left speaks of tolerance while vilifying anyone who espouses long-standing moral precepts.

Minority communities continue to agitate for “justice” while excoriating internal critics who call for self-examination.

Virtue gurus call for heroism and self-reliance, yet find themselves unable to master addictions.

How do we navigate forward in an era fraught with peril and potential?

We must reassert that true freedom depends upon explicit and implicit adherence to moral principles and personal responsibility. Our culture of victimhood must yield to an ethos of mutual respect and community sacrifice.

We must learn to live with our deepest differences without being forced to affirm what is reprehensible to us. Toleration is not approval; moral and spiritual universes are different.

Let’s raise the level of our debate beyond sound bites and personal posturing to a new plane of serious reflection. Only then will we have the fortitude to face the future.