These appear to be really nice people. My sister Sara and me at an earlier social gathering. I can assure you that she's a wonderful sister, mom, grandmom and friend. One of the kindest and most generous people I know. But, since you know me better, you know that I'm still a work in progress. 

Most of us represent several personas, and we're no exception. Our default is to gentle and kind, but we're both capable of being as tough as we need to be. Sara worked for famous criminal defense attorney Racehorse Haynes, before becoming Houston's first woman Asst. D.A. I'd like to think her conditioning as my oft-terrorized little sister prepared her for those challenges. I, on the other hand, had few educational or professional credentials and thus had to use my wits, big voice and persuasive skills to charm, dissuade, persuade, admonish and encourage individual, organizational  and political action. I learned from the good old boy/girl masters how to move ideas and projects forward. Some folks have described me as a catalyst, and I like that descriptive.

That said, I'm eager for a mid-course correction. Like many of you, I find myself swept up in too much of the snarky political rhetoric of the times. I'm quick to want to respond to the latest outrage from Washington or the Texas capitol. And I'm expending too much energy trying to present a clever or caustic response to many actions beyond my control, realizing all the while that many thousands, even millions of others are vying for the same cyber-bandwidth. I'm tired of my social media jousting with political ideologues. I sympathize with some of their concerns, but there are many better-equipped counselors, journalists, pundits and other experts who can address these issues. I want to better utilize and leverage my time and experience. I want to join in building community. In building people up, not tearing others down.

More Community Building, Less Social Media Jousting

I've been blessed with many opportunities to work with a wonderful diversity of community leaders in positive community building efforts for the past several decades. The arts, environment, health care, public education, social justice and responsible journalism are among the public priorities where I've had positive experiences and met many amazing, resourceful people. I've enjoyed affiliations with fellow Leadership Austin alums, non-profit leaders and governmental reps at all levels in the pursuit of constructive community goals. I'm happiest in these sorts of endeavors. So you'll be reading and seeing more of me in these community building pursuits, less of me trying to join the amply-manned/womaned  resistance to the extremists of all ideologies. I may not be able to help myself from time to time, but I'm going to defer to the many other articulate and energized commentators who are most worthy proxies for my humble offerings.

So, On To Be Gentle and Kind. But, First...

Seriously, Folks, It's Long Past Time To Stop Blaming Obama...

Let me be a "clarificator" to help put this Obama scapegoating in perspective. I think history and political scribes will be kind to Barack Obama. He did an amazing job under the circumstances. He was not a savvy politico, was not tough enough for Washington, and wanted to stay above the fray, away from the small-minded extremists of both Parties. But, he wasn't experienced enough to know how to recruit top-level help, and his Party leadership were not equal to the task. However, we all know that he had a bigger challenge. The Republican Party.

McConnell and his henchpersons pledged from the day of Obama's inaugural that they were going to stalemate him and make him a one-term President. They pledged not to cooperate with any Obama Administration legislative initiatives. Pelosi, Obama and colleagues pushed and cajoled to pass the Affordable Care Act, but many other critical issues such as infrastructure went begging due to Republican obstructionists. Strategic executive orders enabled Obama to achieve the best he could in such an adversarial environment.

So, Think Before You Blame Obama

As the Trump team goes holiday bound, having failed for the second time to "repeal and replace," we're getting a clearer picture of their inability to accomplish anything of significance other than the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice. Trump can't stand any Obama legacy that prompts comparison, as he's painfully aware of who comes up short. Trump's use of executive orders to reverse as many Obama initiatives as possible shows his thin-skinned, shortsighted intent.

Before you blame Obama for foreign policy, healthcare challenges, immigration, infrastructure...for ANYTHING, remember that the Republicans spent 8 years as relentless critics, admitted obstructionists and taxpayer-funded armchair quarterbacks, cowardly shirking their duty to serve the public interest. Obama wasn't a savvy politico, but at least he tried. And he and his outstanding family were honorable stewards of the White House and the Office of President. Trump keeps trying to build himself up by tearing Obama down. Well-informed and thoughtful observers know better. Let's focus on the facts and stop the blame game. We are better than this.

A MOSEY CLOSE

When I served a Texas Governor, I spent many hours in the State Capitol building. I walked the halls early and late, and never failed to appreciate the magnificence of the edifice and the considerable history that was influenced under that dome. It was always humbling to consider the good, bad and ugly that characterized spirited debate, compromise and legislative negotiation. The building and the institution of government symbolized the strength of our communal good intentions, despite our frequent stumbles.

As we enter this extended July Fourth holiday time, let's enjoy family, friends, children, food, safe fireworks and our respective modes of celebration. But, let's also be mindful of the commitment and sacrifices through several generations that enable us to celebrate. And let's take a little time to check in with our friend in the mirror to see how we might renew our commitment to constructive community service. I look forward to working with you in that regard.

Wishing you and yours a safe and enjoyable July Fourth!