Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

What does independence mean?

July 3, 2022

The fourth of July is coming around once more. July 4, 1776, is the day that The Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress. The name of the holiday is Independence Day. This group of men knew that attaching their names to this letter could mean the loss of everything including their lives.

Let’s look at the highlights of this document. It begins with why the thirteen colonies needed to separate themselves from Britain. The first reason is the fact that we all should have life, liberty, and the right to pursue our own happiness. The government can be replaced when it fails to do its job.

There is a long list of violations of these rights. They end the statement of abuse by pledging lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the fight for these rights. After the war ended in favor of the colonies they attempted to survive alone and realized that they needed to remain working as one unit.

They were attempting to do something that had never been done before. Each of these thirteen governments knew that they could be picked off one at a time by the Brits or some other country.

The Second Continental Congress is formed, and a new organization is devised to join these separate governments under one umbrella. Something they all wanted to do was maintain the ability to make certain laws for themselves. These were referred to as State’s Rights.

The name the United States of America was intended to show this arrangement. When you read our Constitution, you will see that many compromises were made to satisfy the individual purposes of states or other groups. The three branches of the Federal Government were created to solve perceived problems with other national forms of governing.

The President, who is the chief executive, has the final say before a law can become effective. Congress and the Senate can overturn a veto. The number of votes to do this is more than those needed to pass the bill the first time.

The legislature, congress, and senate are responsible for passing the bills that become laws. The president can recommend laws as can individual members. Committees look at these and make changes or prevent these bills from being voted on. Congress represents a member from groups that are similar in population. Each state has only two Senators. This was a compromise. What happens when these two branches attempt to violate the Constitution?

That is the job of the Supreme Court. They are the watchdog of our three-tier system. Nine judges are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. These men and women have no authority to do anything except determine the constitutionality of what the State governments, Congress, and the President does. If they step out of line the President and congress can replace those who have violated their responsibility to interpret the constitution. This only happens when they die or resign.

Your barbecue, party, or vacation is simply a celebration of the start of this country. I hope you already knew all of this. If not, now you know. Happy Independence Day.

Is woke really a derogatory term?

June 30, 2022

I’m a word guy. I read. I write. And I am constantly trying to improve my vocabulary. When I started hearing the term woke in political ads, I had no idea what it was. I thought they were mis-pronouncing wok. I know that a wok is a Chinese cooking pan. I like to make stir fry dishes in mine.

I am woke up every morning by our alarm clock. That doesn’t seem to fit what the Republicans are saying about their opponents. The term Woke Democrat or Woke Liberal is a mystery for most of us. I am not sure that those speaking the word in their commercials know the true definition.

Wikipedia says it means “alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” The Oxford and Webster dictionaries agree with them. How is it bad to be aware of prejudice and discrimination? I am not sure how to interpret this word.

Do I respond like these Republicans and criticize anyone that can realize when racism and bigotry are evident? I guess they could call me a woke writer. By the way, woke is an adjective. That means it must be used to modify a noun like a democrat, writer, or republican.

I have not heard of a woke Republican. It would be nice to learn that they are alert to racial prejudice and discrimination. We need to be looking for our similarities and not our differences.

How are we the same? We all want what is best for each other. Pro-Choice and Abortion opponents want to protect the life of the mother and the baby. Whites and blacks and other minorities want to understand each other and repair any disagreements that we had in the past. Our differences should not divide us.

Even Democrats and Republicans or conservatives and liberals can cooperate to pass laws that we agree are needed. We all win when we work together.

What is most important to you? Is providing for your family your priority? Are you currently more worried about food or housing? Does your family have everything they need? Should you be helping others? Where and with whom should you be serving others?

We need to put others before ourselves. Many people focus totally on themselves. To be the country and the people that we want to be we must put others first. Step out of your place in line and give it to someone else. Walk to the back of the line and let your children know that is what we should be doing.

Graduation time is here.

June 26, 2022

Earlier this year I went to my daughter’s graduation. Yes, she has been out of High School and College. This was the next step. She received her master’s degree. When she began this process, I was being interviewed by a journalism student and he asked who my hero was. After a short pause, I named her and explained she had begun her program to obtain a graduate degree. I was and am a proud father.

She was motivated to change her career path. This girl who did not want to be in front of the camera in media class in high school has decided to teach media, journalism, drama, English, and/or speech. While obtaining her teaching certificates she has been substitute teaching. She is ready to move into her own classroom next year. If you need a new teacher for any of these subjects, contact me and I will give her your information. Of course, she is the best applicant you could hire.

My other two children have their bachelor’s degrees as well. One has been an elementary teacher for years while our last is a home school educator. I express it that way because she trades off some subjects with other parents. Her degree is in engineering. Teaching is in her DNA.

As usual, we heard a commencement address. It was short and sweet. He told us to time him because he knew it was only seven minutes long. The school slogan is “Shine On.” His comments were based around this theme. As I have for over fifty years, I have been thinking about what I would say if asked to present a commencement address.

I would look at any slogans or mission statement that a particular school used as this speaker did. We highly trained professional speakers have many tricks that we use to make our words as memorable as possible. One that the amateurs miss is to keep it short. When Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg address, he was not the featured speaker. Do you know the name of the other man? Most people have never heard of him.

We want to give the graduates hope and encouragement. We want them to see the occasion as a beginning and not an ending. I would begin with a personal story or joke. Have you heard the one about the graduate who was so proud that she had earned her cap and gown that she wore it every day for the rest of her life and was even buried in it seventy-five years later? Finding a designer to make a wedding dress that fit over it was the difficult part.

Every great talk must have a catchphrase like “Go ahead. Make my day.” “Four score and seven years ago” worked for Lincoln. I think I would use something more like “Give a hoot. Don’t pollute.” Or “Help prevent forest fires. Pee on the campfire before you leave.” Maybe I should use “Live as if someone is writing your story.”

Graduates often do not listen to these commencement addresses. A short time later, my grandsons and her sons graduated from High School. Adulthood is beginning for them. Their speakers were administrators and some of their classmates. I enjoyed those speakers also. The students more than the professional educators.

Life teaches us many lessons. I learned some in school. I have been educated more by the day-to-day life I lead. My three points would be, always use spell check, sometimes color outside the lines, and live your life as if you are writing your own story.

Let me close with this. Your story has not been written, yet. Make it a good one. Thanks, Doc Brown.

Write what you want

April 20, 2022

In the world of authors, there are many sayings. “Write what you know” is one. “Write what you are passionate about” is another. Many years ago, I gave advice to a young person who wanted to be a writer. All I said was “the only way to become a writer is to write.” I believed that then and I believe it today.

Many things can be used to make a living. I made mine for over forty years as a purchasing agent, salesman, manager, inventory clerk, and a number of other occupations. These are vocations. Writing is my avocation.

An avocation is a second interest sometimes referred to as a hobby. This second job of mine has been part of my life for over sixty years. I have followed the advice I gave that young lady. I write. What do I create? Whatever I wish to. Sometimes it is for publication and often it is for me.

I have also been asked where my ideas come from. The simple answer is everywhere. The TV, radio, billboards, conversations I hear, or even standing on my deck and watching the geese fly over have inspired columns or stories. I also read my Bible and other books every day. These give me inspiration for my writing.

My thoughts are put into words and recorded on paper, on my phone, or on my computer. At other times I have words or ideas that are directly conveyed to others. This can be on an individual basis or in a group setting. I present thoughts, ideas, and knowledge through speeches or classes. Contact me, if you would like to schedule a time for me to speak to a group.

One of my continuing projects is to encourage others to tell their own story. I believe that we all have something to share with others. This is often the motivation for a person to become a writer. They’ve a story to tell and it must be communicated.

For some, this is done through words. Others use pictures either photographs, paintings, or drawings. For many it is music. Songs are often poetry set to music. I am not a poet or a musician. These are only mediums that can be availed upon for communication. Videos or movies are other ways to express one’s gift to their loved ones.

Find your way. Use it to give your thoughts to those who need them. I will begin publishing a study I have been working on for years. I call it “Your Story, Your Way.” Be watching for this in future columns.

A slap can be a positive thing.

March 29, 2022

It doesn’t matter what film won the Oscars this year. No one cares who the best actress was. All anyone has heard about is Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. Some believe that Smith was in the wrong. He got up from his seat next to his wife and attacked the hilarious host of the awards and attacked him. He returned to his seat and cursed at the man that offended him and his wife.

All Rock did was comment that G.I. Jane 2 must be in the process of being made. An innocuous comment that was considered funny by some. The startled audience quickly learned Will’s view of these words.

Jada Smith’s husband considered it an affront to his wife. It was visible that she had shaved her head as Demi Moore did for G.I. Jane. That had to be funny. Right? It was as funny as a screen door on a submarine. As funny as referring to MLK Day as Martin Looter King Day. As funny as asking a fat man or woman when their baby is due.

Our society decided years ago that humor can be used as an excuse for any insensitive remark. Kids apologize and say they were sorry for a remark when they get in trouble for it. “I didn’t mean anything by it” is a common response to hurt feelings. Is this an acceptable excuse for bullying someone?

I do not believe it is. We are angry when we hear that a young person has committed suicide because of online name-calling and verbal abuse. Parents have to remove their teens’ access to social media to avoid their being terrorized by school acquittances. Some school boards have been forced to spend large amounts of money defending their policies because this abuse is done on campus with personal phones.

Bullying is one of those things that is viewed differently by those who are involved. If I call you Tiny and you are six foot two and weigh 350 pounds, you can laugh or knock my head off. It was just a joke, right? Not always. So-called jokes are often insensitive or even veiled derision.

I refer to myself as being good-looking. I tell people that I like to point that out because sometimes others don’t notice that immediately upon meeting me. I can do that to be funny. The person I am calling not attractive is myself. The joke is on me.

If I bully you, the joke is on or about you. I used to tell dumb blond jokes. Then I realized that blonds might be listening. Pollack jokes were funny for a while until I learned that this was a derogatory name for citizens of Poland. I am offended by the N-word, the J word, the S words, and other words and phrases that are used to belittle others. Sorry about that Tiny.

One particular celebrity has taken the forefront of bullying on one TV program. Other shows are used to scare, intimidate, and make fun of contestants competing for prizes. They sign agreements before the recording of the program that prevents them from taking legal action after it is broadcast. Seems like hypocrisy to me.

Time will tell if Will Smith accomplished anything in the entertainment world that is a part of his and Jada’s life. I hope that slap was loud enough to be remembered throughout the entertainment community as well as the rest of our country. What you think is funny may get you slapped, and we may laugh at you and not with you.

“What a country.”

March 24, 2022

On Saturday, March 19th the Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO was the site for a fundraiser to benefit Convoy of Hope and its efforts to aid the citizens of Ukraine. This is not one of those internet campaigns to encourage you to support an organization you have never heard of before. At least, I hope you know what Convoy of Hope is.

They were founded here in Springfield and have had an impact all over the world. Saturday, at least two representatives were at Second Baptist. Sara and Ethan Forhetz National Spokespeople and former KY3 anchors finished the event with information about Convoy’s work in Ukraine. They were not the featured Master and Mistress of ceremonies.

Yakov and Olivia Smirnoff were our hosts for the afternoon. If you do not know the Branson entertainer, comedian, Doctor of Psychology, and former Ukrainian citizen you must have lived under a rock for the last forty years. Yakov came to New York City in the ’70s and became famous as a Russian comedian.

His English was learned after he came here and his most famous line is, “What a country.” If you have driven by his Branson theater, you have seen that on the sign. This was displayed along with the line, “You’ll laugh your Yak off.” After the pandemic hit, it was changed to “You’ll laugh your mask off.”

Smirnoff was a stage name he selected to go along with one of his jokes. He says that when he and his parents got off the plane in New York City he saw a sign that said, “America loves Smirnoff” and he knew he came to the right place.

The audience at the concert Saturday enjoyed these stories and much of what Dr. Smirnoff does now in seminars around the world. He uses his sense of humor to help us understand how we can continue our relationships through laughter and a better understanding of who we and our spouses are.

After the presentation of the Star-Spangled Banner, Olivia rendered the Ukrainian National Anthem beautifully. I had never heard of this song before and did not understand what Olivia and Yakov called it. Apparently, it means “Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished.” This seems to be a most poignant sentiment for these times.

Stories of the family and friends that are in their country and the fact that Mrs. Smirnoff’s parents have arrived safely in Poland were shared with us. Olivia told us that she is not a professional singer and does not appear on stage often. She related how Ukrainian mothers are having difficulty feeding their babies because the stress of the attack makes many women unable to produce breast milk.

Before listening to what was said on Saturday, I already was praying daily for this tragedy to end. My prayers have intensified and I am doing what we were asked to do. We were requested to pray for Putin and the Russian people as well.

In an especially tender moment, Yakov read a letter from a captured Russian pilot. He had written it to his mother to assure her that he was safe. He told of how after bombing the people of Ukraine and going down in his plane he was tended by a Ukrainian doctor and was being treated humanely.

We need to continue our prayers that this war will end and that the Russians will be able to return home as well as the Ukrainian refugees. If you wish to contribute to the relief efforts of Convoy of Hope, you can go to their website at convoyofhope.org. We were told that 93% of the money donated will be used for the Ukrainian relief efforts.

Hate Crimes

March 23, 2022

This term is being used in the Ozarks again. It isn’t related to any of the news stories on the national or international level. We aren’t talking about the latest person to be killed by a police officer. It isn’t even a report of how the January 6^th Washington D.C. rioters and looters are being prosecuted. Someone wrote some bad words in a bathroom at Kickapoo High School.

https://www.ky3.com/2022/03/23/school-leaders-investigate-racially-motivated-hate-speech-inside-vandalized-kickapoo-high-school-bathroom/

These words are so awful that they will not be released to the public. Springfield Public Schools has a zero-tolerance for hate speech. They also say they have zero tolerance for violence. Earlier this year a student was attacked and beaten by three classmates. As far as the parents know nothing other than a few days of suspension was inflicted upon the assailants. I will be watching the news for updates on the heinous crime of writing certain words and drawing related images on the walls of the toilet.

There are words that can get you fired from your job. That is if you work for people who want to appear politically correct. If it does not make the news, it isn’t wrong. Bigotry is only wrong if you hate the right people.

We protect those who are like us. We do not care about you when you aren’t part of our group. That classification may be anything. The color of your skin, your hair color, your lifestyle, or your financial category are only a few examples. Television news is full of us against them broadcasts.

This is why I am glad God lead me away from a career as a journalist. As a columnist on my own website, I can write and publish what I believe is the truth. When you don’t agree you simply stop reading. This is freedom of speech.

A teacher told our class years ago that we have the freedom to sling a dead cat over our heads if we want to. That freedom ends when the cat comes into contact with someone else. The words on the wall of the john or jane at Kickapoo could hit someone in their feelings. We must stop them before they do. God forbid that someone’s feelings are hurt.

Stop the bullying SPS. But don’t worry about the students that are attacked on your grounds. Since the family isn’t raising a fuss, it isn’t that important. Be sure you issue the proper press release when a story gets out to the media. It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, isn’t it?

Another news story was aired today about charges against a man who hit another man outside of a local bar. The prosecutor finally filed new charges. The delay was because it was just assault until the victim died. By the way, why aren’t we demanding hate crimes charges on this alleged criminal? That’s right, while the two men are from different races, the dead man is the wrong color. Their lives don’t matter.

https://www.ky3.com/2022/03/22/greene-county-prosecutor-files-charges-beating-death-man-outside-club/

Trujmpy bear is back.

March 11, 2022

Have you seen the latest TV commercial for the new and improved Trumpy Bear? He still has the long hair that looks like a toupee’. He now sports a tie that says America First. If you have ever wondered why things like these special stuffed animals are marketed, I will give you that answer.

In Economics 101 my freshman year in college the instructor told us about the concept of supply and demand. This is the basic tenant of the American idea of free trade. Manufacturers make what they want. Stores buy what they think they can sell.

The price is set by the manufacturer in the form of the MSRP. That means the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. Many retailers use this price as their price. When you see items on sale for 20% or more off, they mean that is off the MSRP. Most retail stores want to make a minimum of 45% profit on their sales. Often the suggested price allows the stores to make up to 80% off.

If the items sell as the producer hoped they would, they and the wholesalers and retailers are all happy. The customers are also happy unless they believe the manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer is overcharging them. Those of us who don’t want to pay that high a price will wait for a sale or buy them on clearance if any are left.

Supply and demand sometimes don’t work well for the companies that make products or sell them. That is why they have marketing departments that work with advertising agencies to promote their wares. That brings us back to the new version of Trumpy bear. It is directly marketed. That means the distributor sells it to consumers.

This method allows the company to sell products even before they receive the shipment of goods. A six-to-eight-week lead time is usually enough to allow for judging the demand for the goods. Personally, I would not purchase most of these TV-only items. I prefer shopping sales and online dealers who buy unsold goods and sell them at reduced prices. When I really need or want a particular item, I purchase it at the regular price. That doesn’t happen often.

Our current explosion of gasoline prices is explained by the fact that three percent of our gas comes from Russia. Other prices are going up because Ukraine produces a lot of wheat. Crude oil prices went up the day the invasion began. There was absolutely no delay in the oil companies waiting for their cost to increase.

The oil companies use any excuse they can find to increase the price to their stations and in turn to the customer. The supply has not gone down. The cost of production is not changing yet. They want to make more money from you and I. What can we do about it? Any Congressperson, Senator, or other elected official that does nothing to stop them should be replaced.

Force those who are running this year to declare now what they will do and give them one month to stop this rape of the American public or vote them out in the primaries and in November. Remember that they must do this in a month, not wait until they are home for the election, and we must wait until the next Congress is seated.

The next time you hear someone explaining this travesty is caused by the Russian/Ukrainian war remember that they are wrong. The prices soared the day this battle began. The gas price increased due to the greed of the oil companies. They finance both Republican and Democratic candidates. The third-party candidates won’t get these funds until you elect them.

Grim but not a fairy tale

February 9, 2022

By Chuck Kensinger

The lane looked deserted. It wasn’t. She would be here soon. These appointments always happened. He did not know why people would be in these secluded places. He showed up because of a feeling. Someone was always there.

That wasn’t true. They were not all secluded. There were the times in the train station and the mall. Dozens, if not hundreds of wandering humans. Some going somewhere specific. Others, just window shopping. The gentleman that fell on the tracks that day. An elderly lady with her granddaughter in the dress shop.

He had been outside houses, apartment buildings, or businesses. He could not physically see those clients. He knew they were there. He experienced them. They had feelings, emotions, and sensations. The heart attacks. The intruders that chanced to be discovered. A mother that dropped her child. A husband that did not mean to hit his wife with the ladder.

Tonight, was like a story from a book. Here he was waiting for Linda Stephenson. He always knew the names. He did not want to take them from their families and friends. That was Grim’s job. He was a reaper. He wished he were a messenger or what were called angels. He would like to be able to say something or help.

His duty was to pick them up and take them to the place. The fire. No, they did not burn. Some of them seemed nice. Others deserved what they received. The one that had killed the couple that he did not transport. That was for Jesus. They were His. He took the murderer to the fire after the cops had shot him.

Linda was walking down the road. She had gotten out of a car around the corner. Her date had been angry when she opened the door and stepped out. She was walking to a nearby house. She wanted to get away from him. There was his car now. He never braked.

Grim picked up her soul and left her body on the road. She did not realize what had happened. She would soon. It only took a second or less to be at the fire. Then she would know that she had missed her chance.

10 REASONS NOT TO RELOAD THE TOILET PAPER DISPENSER

February 3, 2022

The dispenser in the men’s room that is closest to the office at the Springfield business always seems to be out of t.p. when it is needed the most. While contemplating this sad state of affairs and reloading it, these reasons why one might not want to do this task came to mind. Most would not apply to a Christian because of the command to be a servant.

It is not your job. While working in food service, a printed job description was provided that included cleaning and restocking the restrooms every hour as needed. Since it did not specifically mention this product, it might not be your job.
It is below the pay grade. Why not perform tasks that are below your pay scale? That must mean that you are doing something and getting paid more than you should. Isn’t that what everyone wants?
It is above the pay grade. A philosophy of always demonstrating the positions above one’s current job are not beyond one’s capabilities can lead to a promotion and raise in pay. Isn’t that what we want?
There has been no training for the job. Really? You are not smart enough to know how to load a dispenser? The key is in the lock on the top. Anyone with half a brain should be able to reload it.
This is my personal time. Are you on the clock? You take your breaks including lunch and do not use the facilities during those times. Right?
It is demeaning. We aren’t asking you to clean the toilet.
It is unsanitary. See reason number 6.
Where is the spare tissue kept? Look over your right shoulder on that shelf that is on an eye level when you walk in.
No one else seems to be willing to do this job. You want to be like everyone else? You are just one of the lemmings, aren’t you?
If one wanted to, one could. But you really don’t care about anyone else. So why should you?

As a forty-year veteran of management, things as small as changing the toilet tissue in the common bathroom is a way I determine whether you are a good employee. I also notice how you treat others and if you do your work without complaining. Another technique I use is to listen to your attitude about everything you talk about. Many promotions are decided because of whether you are a positive or negative influence on those around you. Can you believe that something as simple as not changing the toilet paper roll keeps you where you are or may cost you your job?

Walk With a Servant