This is Viewpoints for Sunday, June 25, 2017

Withdrawing a mistake

Withdrawing from the Paris Accord is a major error that will harm all of us. This decision shows that President Trump does not put the health of Americans first. Scientists and climate experts tell us that climate change is happening. Addressing climate change will be good for our health now and in the future. It will reduce air pollution, which means fewer asthma attacks, fewer heart attacks, and fewer heart arrhythmias. Less air pollution means less school absenteeism, less work absenteeism and more productivity.

Failure to address climate change puts Georgians’ lives at risk. It means more air pollution, more heatwaves, more wildfires and major storms, more infectious diseases, and less stable food sources. Whether we deny it or refuse to address it, climate change is happening.

I urge everyone to learn more about climate change and take action to reduce its impact. Every day we can conserve energy, drive less, or use low or zero emission vehicles, recycle, and promote renewable energy. We can also speak out for policies like the Clean Air Act and Clean Power Plan that fight climate change and promote clean, healthy air.

Lanier fraternity reunion

The SEDARMOC high school fraternity, founded in 1924 at Lanier High School and disbanded in 1982, had its first all classes reunion on April 1 at Sandy Beach Park at Lake Tobesofkee. There was one brother from the class of 1946 and one from the class of 1982. This event started when I asked a simple question on Facebook in February 2016, “Who would like to have a SEDARMOC reunion?”

As months went by, there was more and more interest. In the end, we had 109 brothers and 14 sponsors attend and this did not included spouses or dates. There were 67 brothers and sponsors from Macon; 43 from 39 cities in Georgia, one each from Florida, Maryland and Wyoming, two each from North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee. Scott Young won the prize for coming the furthest from Seattle, Washington.

While our reunion was a single afternoon, to bring this many people from so many places showed the brotherhood we have for each other. A number of us had not seen each other in 40 or 50 years, but the bond is still there. I hope we have another reunion.

Reversal of fortune

When former President Obama won a second term, I declared the Republican Party dead to a few friends. I could not understand how someone so ignorant and incompetent could be elected president twice. I disagreed with almost everything Obama did. He drove us into the ground financially, militarily and in the court of worldwide public opinion. Apparently, I was wrong since Karen Handel won the 6th District Georgia race Tuesday night while only spending a fraction of what her Democratic challenger spent. The score is now 4-0 in special elections. I hope President Trump will make America great again. It’s starting to look like the nails are in the Democrats’ coffin now.

Bibb tax increase

I don’t know about you but with me the latest tax increase is in direct violation of 2014 Consolidation agreement. It would appear that the taxpayer are serfs to the King of an uncontrollable government or kingdom (Macon-Bibb County). Your only recourse is pay or move or sue for breach of contract.

Alternative facts

President Trump said that the American Healthcare Act has been delayed in the Senate because of “obstruction” by Democrats. The Democratic Party is at its weakest level since the mid 1990s. How could they possibly obstruct something that they hadn’t seen until Thursday? There had been no committee meetings or even a floor vote. The obstruction charge by Trump is just more of his “alternative facts.”

Seek guidance

Opinions are based upon knowledge, experience and individual bias. Many in our nation appear to believe that our societal welfare system is provided by the federal and state governments. Nothing could be more incorrect in that these funds are provided by citizen and corporate entities through taxes and fees and then distributed by the government(s).

A safety net is one or more programs to assist citizens or otherwise designees on a temporary basis to help one or more regain their “footing” after faltering from one or more causes and allow them to pursue their goals and destiny. The current intent in our republic is not to develop a permanent “platform” support for individuals or groups.

Societal programs or responsibilities vary from country to country based upon many factors including those who are in ruling authority, and the type of government that they lead, .i.e socialist, communist, monarchy, etc. Rep. Paul Ryan is the Speaker of the House of Representatives in our Democratic Republic and his beliefs do not condemn him to being a hypocrite, especially by one who cites as evidence quotes taken out of context, disingenuously, or just in a hurry.

It is way past time for citizens of this great nation, so often blessed over our history from our founding, unworthy as we have been at times, to stop being disagreeable with each other when we are not of like mind, and again become that positive and productive force that can meet the needs of our nation, its citizens, and those in-need people of the world.

For those who think this is too much to ask or what should be expected of them, pray for guidance and fortitude, and I will also.

This story was originally published June 24, 2017 at 9:00 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Sunday, June 25, 2017."