FAMILY

One of the most important values I was taught as a youngster was the value of family. I was taught to stand up for and defend my sisters and my mother, that’s what men did.  I was taught to consider the consequences of act or deed I might perform.  The most valued and important asset I would ever possess was my family name, and to always respect it and do my part to keep it proud.

There are many units in our lives that are considered family. Your work family, church family and blood family are probably the most often recognized.  Most people will do everything within their power to uphold the reputation of their particular family.  My family was no different in this respect than others.

Politicians seem to have created their own family unit of fellow politicians. At times it appears that the reputation they maintain as a unit is questionable.  Their main purpose is to retain power and influence regardless of how it is done.  That fact is what pulled the trigger starting the search for leaders from the outside. The search for an outsider with a strong family to back him up has been hard.  We have repeatedly seen old established families that have crumbled when backed into a corner.  One member of a family can single handedly destroy the legacy fathers and brothers have labored years to create.

The Republican National Convention has just come to a close for 2016. I find myself standing in complete awe at what I witnessed over the course of the week.  I admit I have been a donating supporter of Mr. Trump in his campaign so my thoughts may be biased.  In the course of my lifetime I have seen and known of many good people with exceptionally good families and reputations.  However, over this week just past I found myself mystified with what I heard.  There was the usual parade of notables crossing the dais spewing forth good words about Mr. Trump, this was expected.  What were unexpected were the words his family had for him.  One after the other, children and wife, gave witness to his character and morals.

Many stories were related by family and close family friends, of the good works he has done without seeking praise or recognition from anyone. A man of his accomplishments in business is well documented and known.  The amazing and awe inspiring stories bring attention to the fact that while building an international business, he built a family that has deeper roots than any building.  He has taught each member of his family to have respect for each other while developing a strong work ethic.  He has provided them with first class educations but that did not equip them with the common sense they exhibited.  They learned this from their father.

A person as accomplished as Mr. Trump in both business and family may be the one to start change in Washington. If he continues practicing his successful pattern of surrounding himself with the right people for each job, we will all benefit.  People can change, I hope he doesn’t.   Exposure to the power and money in Washington has corrupted many yet I hope he is in a position that enables him to be immune to such influences.

Mr. Trump, I continue to wholeheartedly support you. Your family sold you to the public as the leader I hope you will be.  You must defeat the assumed Democrat candidate in November.  Keep your family close and heed their advice.  They have been with you on your journey to success, let this continue.

I am proud to be an American and I continue to ask that God, with all his powers, bless the United States of America.

 The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley. We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all else please vote.