Tuesday is fast approaching, and we hope to have some clarity by Wednesday, although it might take a few more days for the full picture to emerge.

With each passing cycle, it seems the situation deteriorates further. The name-calling, negative ads, bullying, and spread of falsehoods have become all too common. Unfortunately, this no longer shocks me. Consider the role models our society elevates: celebrities with multiple divorces, athletes with criminal records, musicians battling addiction, and artists glorifying violence against law enforcement. It’s disheartening to see that these are the figures placed before our children and adults as examples to follow. Consequently, it’s no surprise that our leaders often mirror these negative behaviors, straying from their true selves and surrendering to such actions.

These negative behaviors set a dangerous precedent for our youth, who are impressionable and easily influenced. The acceptance of such behavior in our society is troubling.

As I reflect on the current state of our leadership, I am deeply troubled by what I see. Our so-called “adult leaders” often behave more like delinquents, both in their words and actions. It is disheartening that many find this behavior acceptable, if not entertaining. This is a sad state for our great country.

The situation is akin to a train wreck—people stop and stare, even if it causes delays for emergency responders. What is even more troubling is how this cycle of behavior is deepening the divisions among us. You may not agree, but relying solely on various “news” sources without doing your own research can lead to a skewed perspective.

Neither side offers a perfect solution. Both have had their successes and failures, impacting people in significant ways. Asking which is better is like asking which party is better—neither truly stands out.

Many within each party fail us when they come together to make decisions “for us all.” Do they really make decisions that benefit the average person, or are they more concerned with their own interests? Senators with net worths in the millions, some over $100 hundred million, may lose touch with the realities faced by hard-working, average Americans. Yet, we continue to choose them to lead us.

While a higher net worth might indicate business acumen, which could benefit our country, it doesn’t always translate into effective leadership. It could simply mean they made wise investments or were born into wealth. This raises the question: what truly qualifies someone to lead? Money isn’t everything.

Consider the two choices before us. One is worth billions, the other millions. One was born into wealth, the other into the upper middle class. One has led large corporations, the other has served as an attorney and senator. One has been president, the other is vice president. Both engage in name-calling, belittling, attacking, hiding truths, and lying. They both have pasts, as we all do. We often try to leave our pasts behind, yet these leaders focus so much on the past that we lose sight of what they stand for today.

I don’t concern myself with whether she advanced her career through questionable means or if he has had multiple affairs. Do I condone their behaviors? Absolutely not. But these actions don’t necessarily reflect their leadership abilities. What matters more are their track records—cases won in court, real estate transactions, employee satisfaction. Most importantly, we should evaluate how they have led in their respective offices.

One aspect we must consider is the potential team that a leader might bring with them. Team building is vital to any organization, be it a business, church, or government. It’s not just about assembling a team but ensuring the right people are placed in the right roles. While we have seen some of their past choices, it would be prudent to examine their current teams and who they choose to surround themselves with.

Now, if you rely solely on media to tell you who, where, what, and why regarding their leadership and teams, you become part of the problem. Conduct your own research. Spend time understanding key players and their stories; this will guide you more effectively. Blindly accepting media narratives can lead us astray and fail our country.

We must be honest with ourselves. The wars fought by our ancestors were profound and transformative, granting us freedoms, wealth, and resources. Yet, over the past 40 years, many of these gains have been eroded, often not for the better. It’s a sobering reality we must face and address with integrity and purpose.

Here are some examples to think about:

• Wealth inequality has increased significantly over the past 40 years. The top 1% of Americans now hold about 26% of the nation’s wealth
• The education system has faced challenges, with test scores stagnating and falling behind other countries
• Job market has seen shifts with the decline of manufacturing jobs and growth in service and tech sectors

Freedom(s) concerns:

• First Amendment Rights: There have been concerns about the erosion of free speech, particularly with the rise of mass surveillance and the chilling effect on dissent.
• Privacy: Increased government surveillance and data collection have raised concerns about privacy rights
• Abortion Rights: The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to a significant loss of reproductive rights in many states

Legal Immigration:

• 1960: Approximately 9.7 million immigrants, making up about 5.4% of the U.S. population
• 2018: A record 44.8 million immigrants, making up 13.7% of the population

Illegal Immigration:

• 1980s: The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 granted amnesty to about 2.7 million undocumented immigrants but also aimed to curb illegal immigration through sanctions on employers who hired undocumented workers.
• The undocumented immigrant population peaked at around 12 million in 2007
• 2020s: The number of encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border has increased significantly, with nearly 11 million unauthorized border encounters reported between October 2019 and June 2024

The world is changing rapidly, and so is the United States. We must ask ourselves if we can provide, implement, plan, and execute a vision that not only keeps us on par with other nations but also makes us a better America. While America remains a dominant superpower, the question is, for how long? Other countries are making significant strides in commerce, education, immigration, military, and more. Will America keep pace? That remains to be seen. Much of it is in our hands—it’s about who we choose to listen to, follow, serve with, and elect.

Choose wisely. Make decisions with your head, not just your heart or party affiliation. Choose with education, research, and discernment. This applies at every level, from the smallest town mayor to the highest political office. Change is possible, but it often takes time. Start making those changes, both small and large, and envision what this country could become in five, ten years, and beyond.

For all of my friends that follow Jesus:

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Let us strive to embody the virtues of love, truth, and integrity, and to set an example that truly honors our faith.

Praying for Tuesday, praying for our future.

Thanks for stopping by the fire,
Coach Dennis