Hard Workin' Man

What do you think of when someone mentions the name, Andre Bauer? The name alone conjures up many a notion but I think it's time the record is set straight. Last night, as Andre was weaving together the story of his life to this point during an interview, I walked away with a much better sense of this elusive figure. To me, Andre has always been a guarded mystery but for the first time last night I saw him open up to us, the public. The words he spoke were a beautiful tribute to Andre, the man behind the blue blazer. 

I am sure many of you reading this now have many a poor story that would bring a tear to the eye of anyone who knew of your plight growing up. I sure do have my share. I remember when I saw 9 my mother and I lived in Texas. My parents had just divorced and I was thrust into a whole new world. The childhood I once knew had been forever lost. That year all I looked forward to was Christmas. My mother couldn't afford to buy me much so I waited for my father to send me, and I remember this as if it were yesterday, a Gameboy and games and several new micro-machine cars. We didn't have a car at the time, our feet being our main mode of transportation, so of course my presents arrived at the post office on Christmas Eve late in the day. The postmaster knew we were waiting for that particular package so she called us. Then, armed with not much more than a coat and gloves and pure determination, my mother and I walked for several miles in the snow and sleet to the post office and back because growing up, it's always just been my mother and I. No big family, just us. And it turned out to be a great Christmas. Staying up late playing with my games, my mother making me hot chocolate and the two of us looking out the window, watching the snow. Looking back I have to admit those were some of my happiest memories. It's because of those experiences growing up that I have a better understanding of mankind and what makes us tick. And for being someone who wants to break into the world of politics one day, I am one with the people. The masses. I have not and will not lose touch with the common man. But, guess what? I stand here not alone. Last night I found out that one man stands side by side with us. Andre Bauer. 

I can read people fairly well. If you're lying to me, I'll know it. But last night, as Andre painted a picture of his journey from young boy going through the divorce of his parents to young man working his way through college to the strong, independent man he is today, he was genuine. Honest. He spoke so eloquently of his boyhood memories and working hard from an early age to live the life he not only knew he could have but that he knew he deserved. I have to be honest. I never knew Andre had such an inspirational story. He recanted us with one tale of a time when he would sell candy at school instead of using his free lunch card because even at a young age Andre knew that to make it in this life you don't wait for someone else to pick you up, you pick yourself up. What a strong willed, determined young man he must have been. That perseverance and will has stayed with him to manhood.

Andre may be many things and during the past few months as I have been helping him with his Congressional campaign, I've seen a glimpse into the man behind the curtain so to speak. I am here to tell you that, by all accounts, he is a true politician. And he's good at it. The reason being is that he really is one of the good guys. (Yes, they really do exist) Whatever you know, or think you may know about him, he really does want to make a difference. At his core, he knows this and that is why, everyday, he gets up with one purpose. To leave the world a little better and a little brighter than he found it. To give those who look up to him hope. Hope that one day they too may find the success and happiness he has. See, my friends, after seeing his interview last night and having gotten to know him a little, I am here to tell you that Andre Bauer represents what America is all about. Taking what this life gives you and, through hard work, determination, and by the sweat of your brow, making a good life for yourself and for those around you. Life is hard. We need guys like Andre to give us that hope. Thanks Andre. Keep up the good fight. We are here, right beside you, every step of the way.

Book Review: Crashing the Club

If someone were to tell you that you had lost before you even began playing a particular game, would you still play? Or would you turn your back, dumb with terror and defeat, and walk away opting to let those more experienced players win? In the world of politics, there are those of us who begin playing the game at a disadvantage. I know that should I choose to forge ahead I will probably lose. I will probably succumb to my  own insecurities and fade away into the background. But those of you out there reading this who may be in the same boat I am, we have a new mecca of hope. A shining ray of light to look to for guidance and wisdom. My friends, we have a book that reads like a love song for us political misfits and outcasts. 

"Crashing the Club" by Mande Wilkes

We all know the world of politics is full of corrupt politicians, crooked staffers, and media vultures. It's what makes the machine.. work. It's never going to change. Never. So what do you do? At first, I was unsure of the answer. But after reading this, as the back cover states, part motivational manual, I realized that it's not the people or the circumstances or even the environment that will ever change. It's my perception of this crazy mixed up world that needs to change. To score an almost impossible win, I have learned from this book that instead of working against the "establishment", I have to work with it. And do so by being myself. Just like in swimming, if you swim against the current, you'll tire quickly and give up. But if you swim with it and make it work for you, then it's smooth sailing. 

I've also learned that one need not compromise in order to survive the shark infested waters of South Carolina politics. Instead, from what I learned reading this book, you can use that which makes you different, unique and make it work in your favor. As I finished the book and realized this fact, I breathed a deep sigh of relief. I like me. Others may, others may not. But I like me. I don't want to change in order to, as one of my new year's goals are, become a paid campaign staffer. I want to be me. Stubborn, indecisive, picky, temperamental, emotional, slightly neurotic, and at times even a bit mean. But I'm also worth it. And that's what this book gives you. Self worth, self awareness, and confidence. 

So on behalf of those out here on the island of misfit politicos, thank you Mande. Thank you for this poetic journey which you take us on. In my opinion, it's equal parts reality, truth, and above all... hope.

Have a little faith

Normally I talk of politics but today I'd like to talk about something a little different. This morning I went to church for the first time in a very, very long time. As I was sitting there, watching all the people and listening to the music and praise, I felt as if I had been let it on a little secret. Read on to find out what...

Life is hard. I am sure many of you reading this now would agree. We as mortal beings go through many ups and downs and through it all, some of us have strong support systems while others of us are left to brave the cold, harsh world alone. The world can be cruel. People can be worse. To think one can go it alone is to have the mindset of a fool. We all need help. I for one have always felt it best to rely on no one but myself for moral support, emotional comfort, and love. To not lean on your fellow man means never having to be disappointed or let down or hurt. Opening up to those around you also opens you up to those weaknesses which we try all too often to hide. Hurt, pain, sadness, and despair. Loneliness is a suit of armor I have worn and worn proudly my whole life. To be alone for me has meant safety. Security. Recently, though, I found out that even the toughest of soldiers with the best shields are useless if trying to fight the world alone. Which brings me to this morning. 

I decided that, even if just for an hour, it would be interesting to see what the world looks like through the eyes of faith. And prayer. The interior of the church itself was breathtaking. The light coming through the windows looked as if God had personally lit the room so we may focus on him and him alone. Everyone in the room seemed to be at ease. At peace. Just something about being in a place of worship strips people of their worries, their problems and their pain. They, if even for a brief moment in time, feel... safe. Safe from the outside world. In here, we are protected. But instead of protective gear, we had the Bible and a Pastor and each other. And above all, God. As I looked around the room I saw, in the eyes of the congregation, hope. It's amazing how one can go from hopelessness to optimism in a matter of moments simply by letting go and allowing yourself to be part of something so much bigger than yourself. It seemed as though it was over before it began. As I left I turned around to take one last look at the interior and this time I saw more than just the sunlight. I saw God. Here's the little secret I wanted let you all in on. When I left through those doors and got in my car, God was still with me. And there you go. No matter how much or how often you think you are alone or lonely, you aren't. God is with all of us. In the car, at work, when we are having the best times in our lives and when we feel like giving up. 

To sum things up, I will never be one who opens up easily. I am an eternal loner. But after today I realize that even if I am sitting in my room alone or driving around aimlessly trying to get lost for no reason, I am not alone. I have a purpose. What that purpose is has yet to be revealed to me. But I did feel today that there is someone out there, watching over me, watching out for me, and above all, gave me the tools and skills necessary to make it in this life. And make it I will. This is my time. This is our time. Let's not waste it. The time is now...

Snapshot, Don't Take my Picture

It's been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I tend to disagree. To me, a picture represents a wasted memory. A time spent trying to capture a moment on film rather than enjoying the moment itself.

Growing up an only child and raised by a single parent, my mother and I had the luxury of simply picking up and moving whenever the mood struck. For this we were labeled "Gypsies". From hopping on a train, plane, or automobile, we tended to never stay in one place for too long. Because of this I grew up realizing that I always had to take a minimalistic approach to life. Which meant not hanging on to an exorbitant amount of "stuff". Everything I owned growing up could easily fit in one suitcase and one box.We traveled light and traveled often. I sometimes asked my mother why we didn't have all the "normal things" other families had such as family heirlooms, photo albums and keepsakes. Her answer was always the same. She simply stated that we pass through life so briefly that we need to create memories as we travel down the road of existence and not be bogged down by trying to capture the present or hang on to the past. As a child, instead of sitting down with my mother and flipping through old family photos, she would regale me with fascinating tales of her childhood and of my grandmother and the rest of the family. We would laugh, cry and at the end of the night, I always came away with a sense that I was there. With my mom when she was 5 y/o and tried to kiss a boy for the first time and instead sat on a bee in front of the boy and ran around the schoolyard holding her bottom. Or the times my grandmother would rock me to sleep when I was baby. By hearing these stories I didn't need a photo to look at, instead I could close my eyes and, as I listened to mother, I could see it all happening as if it were happening at that very moment.

If you were to look at the bottom of my closet today or under my bed, you won't find any pictures. Nor will you find any photo albums. But if you could look into my heart or see into my soul, there you will find a treasure chest full of memories of days gone by, people who have been loved and lost, and you'll see me. The 5 y/o little boy going to the Zoo for the first time in San Diego and the young man that I am today. So next time you are inclined to ask me to take a picture, stop for a moment. Instead, walk with me, talk with me, and above all, let's create a memory together that will never fade and that will stand the test of time.

Time for Change... Andre Bauer 2012

I have been reading reports recently which state that former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is moving one step closer to announcing his bid for the new 7th Congressional District Seat. This troubles me. It troubles me deeply. Read on to find out why...

It's been stated that soon, this race will become a cosmic tidal wave with the 7th District being swept up in a candidate frenzy. From all far reaching corners of the new district, there have been many names of candidates swirling about for this new seat. But little do they know, there is a wind blowing from Grand Dunes in Myrtle Beach. A wind so strong their dreams of victory will be swept away and become nothing more than fading memories. And the person single-handedly controlling this powerful force is none other than my candidate of choice, Andre Bauer.

To categorize Andre Bauer as a hard worker is the understatement of the century. The term "hard worker" set sail long ago and in it's place remains the only term which can be used to describe Mr. Bauer... Tenacious. Being born of tenacity means that one is not easily dispelled or discouraged. That is Andre Bauer to a tee. Naysayers beware. You may bring to this fight a fortress full of verbal ammunition and mud filled canons but you will not pass through the walls of Andre. He has a backbone made of steel. Say what you will about this man and it will not phase him nor veer him off course. One word comes to mind when I think about Andre's potential upcoming campaign... Redemption.

Which brings me back to my original point. Having Andre Bauer enter the race concerns me for the simple fact that the other potential candidates have no idea what they are getting themselves into. This man, this political beast, is a true army of one marching onward towards victory. He cares so deeply for South Carolina and for the people living within the new 7th District, it can easily be said that coursing through his veins is true blue Palmetto pride. Does Andre Bauer need this new seat? No. He's an independent self made business man whose only motivation for throwing his hat into the political ring one more time is the simple fact that he loves, he yearns for the opportunity to make a difference. A difference in my life, your life, and in the lives of everyone who he respectfully serves with dignity, honor, and above all integrity.

If you are reading this and you are a potential candidate for the 7th district or you know someone who may be toying around with the idea of running, keep this in mind; At the end of the day when your bones are weary and your head heavy and you collapse from exhaustion, Andre Bauer will still be up working late into the wee hours of twilight because when he sets his mind to do something, he does it. And he does it big. From fundraising to drumming up endorsements to rallying the masses, he does it all with a fire in his belly. Fasten your seat belts my friends because we are all about to get swept up in the winds of change that shall soon be known as the Andre Bauer for Congress campaign...

The Myth of Love

As I was driving towards McLeod Fitness today with a check in hand ready to sign up and begin my transition from couch potato to ripped hottie, I began thinking about why people work out. Health? Sure. Energy? Of course. With the hope they may attract members of the opposite sex (or same sex depending on who you are)? Most definitely. It seems as though people will stop at nothing these days to track down love as if they were on some African big game hunting expedition and then to mount their prize on the wall for the world to see. And then I started thinking. What is love? Is it real? Or is it a myth created to sell more overpriced Hallmark cards on the eve of Valentine's Day, the lover's holiday? Or some elaborate hoax created by Hollywood to encourage people to spend $12 on a ticket to see George Clooney in yet another movie where he gets the girl in the end? Let's explore this...

As long as I can remember, when asked, "How come a handsome guy like yourself is single?", I have always replied without any hesitation. "Well, I don't believe in love nor do I believe in entwining myself with someone else in that way. I am now and forever will be a bachelor and that's the way I will leave this world one day." Cynical, huh? Well, from an early age I realized that, while keeping the company of certain people may be mildly enjoyable and even entertaining at times, at the end of the day, I wanted to spend the last few moments of twilight, alone. Just me and my thoughts. People will argue that humans are pack animals. Always searching for that perfect mate to procreate with and fight and die for. I argue the opposite. I feel that we are all solitary creatures marching along that great highway of life trying hard to end each day hopefully a little wiser and a little happier than we had begun it. And even though we may lust after certain people who pique our sexual interests and desires, we know we are only left to our own devices to survive. So how to I respond to people who say they have found their one true love? Well, here's my response. I have freakishly small feet. I still shop for shoes in the boy's department (and damn proud of it too) and it is so tough to find a shoe that marries the comfort of a slipper on a cold winter night with the practicality of a George Foreman grill. Well one day I found that perfect shoe at K-Mart. And better yet, they were on sale for $19.95. Like the eternal quest many take on, I had found my proverbial white knight, in the form of navy blue loafers, nonetheless. I wore them proudly practically everyday for months. I took care of them, I loved them. But alas, all good things must come to an end. One day when walking across the room, I felt a draft. Hmm, I thought. I don't recall leaving a window open. I kept walking. Ouch. Something stuck my left foot. I looked down only to find part of my beloved shoe on the other side of the room while the rest remained loyal on my foot. I cried into my pillow every night for a week. Love is a many splendid thing, so they say, and I loved my shoes. But like everything you love too  much and too often, it eventually gets sick of you, packs it's bags, and leaves you behind to pick up the pieces of your life. The moral of this story? True love is no more reliable than a pair of $19.95 K-Mart loafers.

I contend that people are not these complex, complicated walking masses of flesh that Dr. Phil will have you believe. People are transparent. They are easy to read and to figure out. Plain and simple. People search for "love" because that's what is drilled into the mind of every young boy and girl. From stories of Cinderella to Shrek, children are taught that in order to be happy, you have to have a soul mate. I think you can truly and honestly really really really really like someone, but love? No. Soul mate? Heck no. Here's why. How is it that you can "love" someone with the passion of Cleopatra longing for Mark Antony and yet with the flip of a coin or the spin of the wheel of life, you fall out of "love"? The answer is simple; you were never in love to begin with. You were in "like". 

It may seem as though I have a pessimistic view of the world and love. Some may say the reason is that I have never known love myself. It's true. I haven't. Nor do I plan to. I have my family, some really great friends who I would consider my family, and I have myself. I am my own best friend, my cheerleader, my motivator, and ultimately, I am the one who I can always count on. Just as the incomparable Garbo proclaimed in Queen Christina, "I shall die a bachelor", I too shall live and die.... a bachelor. 

The Heart of a Nation

“If you say that we should not educate children who come into our state for no other reason than that they've been brought there through no fault of their own, I don't think you have a heart. We need to be educating these children, because they will become a drag on our society." These were the words heard around the nation. Truer words have never been spoken and yet, here they flow, from the mouth of a Republican Presidential candidate. And not just any candidate but the current front runner. Before you cast judgment upon this man, I encourage you to educate yourself on the topic instead. A topic that is sure to be the center piece in both the 2012 Presidential Republican Primary and the general election. Like any good Thanksgiving dinner table lined with everything from fresh yams to a succulent, seasoned turkey, the Presidential race will have a little of this and a little of that but a few items on the table will sure to be the main attractions. The piece de resistance. Like or not, immigration will be just that. So grab a bib, a fork, and a chair.The dinner bell's a ringin'.

TEC 54.052(a)(3). That's right. Let me say it again. TEC 54.052(a)(3). Look familiar? It should. It's what all this hoopla has been about. It's part of the Texas Education Code and it's what grants undocumented students access to in-state tuition in the great state of Texas. I don't think it would be a stretch to say that most people who brought out the grammatical army of harsh words and sly remarks to try and shatter the walls of Rick Perry have never even heard of this code nor have they bothered to familiarize themselves with it's contents. It's amazing how people are all too quick to wage a war on the unknown. Words are powerful. Throughout history, wars have started simply over the explosive nature and intent of  something someone said. I suggest to everyone, everywhere to only arm yourself once you know the whole story. Because in Texas, every young person, every student sitting in class this very moment with lofty dreams of walking the hallowed halls of academia, has a story. I feel so much pride as an American and someone who used to live in Texas, that I actually have the chance to vote for a man to be our next President who understands this. He understands people are not merely numbers on some chart in a newspaper or some headline on CNN or Fox News, nor are the people of Texas, his people, a mere sound byte.

If you are sitting there reading this, sipping a glass of iced tea while the kids are playing in the backyard and you are still unconvinced, let me present to you the cold hard facts. The fact is in 2010, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 16,476 students qualified for in-state tuition under TEC 54.052(a)(3). Sound like a lot? This actually means that only ONE PERCENT of enrolled students in public universities in Texas fall under TEC 54.052(a)(3). With more than a million students in public universities in Texas, 16,476 is but a mere speck on the map. So minute, it's not even on the radar. Except for the radar of those who will do anything and stop at nothing to try and defame the one man, who by all accounts, will be our next President. Scared are those who scramble and claw at figures who set out to overshadow their own prejudices and misguided ways. 

I have also heard recently the chatter of those in the background stating that the "Darn Mexicans" are going to get themselves a good ole' American education and then cross the border and use their new found book smarts to work and prosper in Mexico. Wait. Hold up. Let's revisit TEC 54.052(a)(3). Therein this code lies a simple fact. One that will unfortunately shatter those ill-informed beliefs. It states undocumented students are only eligible for in-state tuition if they have provided their institution of choice a signed affidavit indicating an intent to apply for permanent resident status as soon as they are able to do so. They also must have resided in Texas during high school and have done so for at least 3 years prior to their high school graduation.

Put your prejudices aside for a moment and think back when you were a senior in high school. You had your friends, you were involved in maybe the yearbook club or JROTC. Or perhaps you were the athletic type who led your team to victory at each and every game. And still on some nights when you had a particularly tough day at work or bills are causing your stress level to skyrocket, you can still hear the sounds from the stands of all those people, your fellow students, chanting your name. Things seemed so easy back then. The world seemed so new and full of potential. Anything, at that moment, was possible. As we get older we lose a little of that magic and that hope. We either become everything we hoped to be, a little of what we hoped to be, or we become what we hoped we wouldn't. Just a person. Living an average life, living paycheck to paycheck. Same routine day in and day out. Almost as if we are in a race with time and time, unfortunately is winning. But through all that despair and regret, we still cling to that young hope filled person we used to be back in high school when we just knew we were meant to conquer the world. Just imagine, for a moment, you are once again that student. The one who worked hard all throughout high school, the one who made plans with your best friend in science class that you two were going to experience college together. Maybe even become roomies and pass through that threshold from teenager to full fledged adult together. Living on your own, and yes, along the way making a few mistakes, but coming away from the collegiate experience with a whole new outlook on life and with the tools necessary to make your way in this crazy mixed up world. Now, what if someone told you that your dream was just that. A dream. Because, in a way, you are being punished for the sins of your father and of your mother. You may have been 5 at the time when your parents brought you from your homeland to the arms of the Red, White and Blue in hopes that you, their child, might grow up to have a little better than they did and hopefully be afforded all the opportunities in this, the life they gave you, should you work hard, work smart, and be all that you can be and want to be. Governor Perry said it right. If you want to rip that dream out from under a person simply because of the mistakes their parents made is heartless. Because when it comes right down to it, if we were to look in the closets of our parents, a skeleton or two or a dozen are sure to fall out. Should those skeletons then make their way into our lives? Cowards are those who throw stones at a mirror image of themselves in hopes of rewriting the past.

I've been told that I should write more "traditional" pieces. Maybe have more of a "campaign" writing style. But that's not me. I like to put my heart and soul in every word, every syllable. Because, in the end, that's what's wrong with our country. Somewhere, along the way, through all the wars and economic woes, and facts and figures being thrown at us on a daily basis, we forgot what this great nation was founded upon. A love for this land. A love for freedom. A love for each other. Making a difference is tough. People who choose that path are constantly beaten down and pushed aside, but the ones, like Rick Perry, who have a heart and truly love this land, will make a difference. On election day we need to remember that Washington doesn't need another fancy talker or slick politician, what Washington needs most and what it yearns for is simple. It just needs a little heart. That's all. A heart.