Oh, Happy Day!
SHS girls varsity basketball team defeated Idaho's top-ranked 4A squad last night at Les Rogers Gym.
As Willie says, the girls have worked really hard and have weathered some tough defeats.
He is very happy for them.
Read the story below.
Photo from Bonner County Daily Bee
https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2025/jan/21/prep-basketball-area-basketball-roundup/
Yes, that is a leaf with a pumpkin seed.
The State of Humanity and Values
Earlier this week, during a phone conversation, my older brother and I were talking about our value systems.
We had the same parents, lived in the same house, attended and learned in the same Catholic Church and schools and ultimately shared some of the same general visions of what we felt was important in our lives.
Still, we had different influences on our respective value systems, due to experiences, mentors, the times, etc.
In Mike's case, his time spent at the United States Military Academy and serving during the Vietnam War played a crucial role in forming his adult outlooks.
In mine, the 4-H program, a variety of summer jobs, working my way through college at the University of Idaho and a career as a journalist and educator probably added to the value system that I developed and have clung to throughout my adult life.
We both agreed that the general principles in our individual compasses---directing us toward integrity, respecting others, pride in accomplishment, being on time, honoring commitments, caring about and helping others and, of course, pride in America---have remained the same throughout our lifetime.
In his adult lifetime, my brother viewed himself as a Conservative Republican. I veered back and forth, depending on the individuals running for office.
Political parties were there for the joining, but never did any party rule my thinking.
My brother and I agreed in our recent conversation that our respective value systems have always remained our compass, directing us on what to embrace and what to reject.
In the world we live in today, that is still true and I doubt that it will change.
No political party or single individual will ever direct me on how to think. I leave that to the values I have clung to throughout my life. Same is true for my brother who feels abandoned by his party.
So, why do I post the two items below?
It is important to observe events, to listen to people, read and then make up your mind on where you stand based on your individual value system, not any political party.
When we hear or see people in public life reflecting our basic values, those moments provide reinforcement or reassurance.
When we see the opposite, we wonder.
The world is not black and white.
My brother and I have led very different lives. We have even had some spirited policy-driven arguments over the years.
In spite of that, we still share many of the same values that evolved from childhood and our individual influences---telling the truth, caring for others and standing by our principles.
I'm very proud of my brother because he speaks up with logic and careful research.
He was not only a brave soldier in Vietnam (survived being shot down in his helicopter by a SAM missile), he is now a brave American through his public discourse.
In my mind, the video clip below from yesterday represents a profile in courage and compassion.
I'm not surprised but disappointed with the response.
No political party or person has directed us in our thinking. Instead, we observe what we see and then make our own judgments. We also leave room for give and take and maybe even eventual compromise.
If we are to continue as a great nation it is vitally important that truth be spoken to power and that power should listen with an open mind.
Occasionally, two opposing sides can actually learn from each other.
When that happens, our world becomes just a little better.
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