Early mornings I battle Houston traffic and snake through Downtown to reach my 7 a.m. class. The sun starts to rise as I arrive at the Washington a lot near campus.

During those morning treks, I tend to drive with “blinders” on and not pay attention to my surroundings. Several weeks ago, I decided to look around while driving through Downtown.

Riding down Commerce Street, I saw old buildings - some newly renovated, some in the process of renovation, others in disarray. Along several of the buildings, I noticed large pieces of cardboard and blankets used by the homeless who were trying to sleep. 

One Saturday morning after class, I decided to take a walk through Downtown and visit several homeless people. I stumbled upon a Downtown organization that helps the homeless: The Beacon Day Center. They provide meals, showers and laundry services to over 600 people from Friday-Monday. 
 
Once inside The Beacon, I noticed a man near the kitchen area with a textbook writing a term paper. His name was Gerard and was studying Computer Science at HCC. He happily spoke to me about his life and journey.

Several years ago, Gerard and his wife were in a car accident. He seriously injured his back and became dependent on pain killers. Last year, Gerard lost his job, wife, and apartment. He’s been homeless ever since.

“I was married, happy, with no financial worries," says Gerard. “Through the years, drugs slowly slipped into my life and it greatly affected my marriage and ministry.”

Determined to turn his life around, Gerard applied for assistance and was awarded a Pell Grant to attend college. He is focused and determined to succeed in school and life.

While walking back to the UHD campus, I met Robert near the bayou. He was anxious to speak with me about his situation. “I came here after Katrina and have no family or
friends,” says Robert. “I’m an alcoholic and it is hard to keep a decent job. People look at me and see I’m homeless and don’t give me a chance anymore. It’s easier staying on the streets. You get used to being on the streets and the way things work.”

There is another world amongst us; a world where people live in the streets and back alleys of our city. This homeless world is created through addiction, mental illness, job loss, foreclosure, Post-Traumatic Stress and lack of family support. Many homeless people battle depression, addiction and despair. They feel unwanted and unloved. There are those who choose to be homeless and those who have no choice. Although opinions on the homeless may differ, we need to remember that they are here and they need us.

The homeless person one may see and ignore is a human being. That person is someone’s father, son or brother. A mother, daughter or sister. If someone saw a family member lying outside on a piece of cardboard, I believe they would be appalled and would stop to help. 

Imagine if that homeless person was you.

Although a large number of the homeless deal with mental and physical conditions that require the assistance of organizations like ‘The Beacon’, these people need social interaction, respect and understanding as well. They need caring individuals. A smile, handshake, or hug can make a difference.

Remember, the homeless are among us. We can make a difference in their lives.

On my way home from class one Saturday afternoon, I noticed a woman standing with a sign near the Planned Parenthood building. Located across the railroad tracks from UH Central, Nancy was peacefully protesting the abortions taking place in the building close by.

“People need to be informed about
abortion and other available options," said Nancy.

“We are here in love and support of the women who come here.”

Planned Parenthood is a group of health clinics located across the country. They provide “up-to-date, clear, medically accurate information that helps you better understand your sexual health.” Planned Parenthood’s motto is “Care. No matter what.” They stress that “abortion is a safe and legal way to end pregnancy.” 1 out of 3 women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. Planned Parenthood is the leading abortion provider in the United States, performing over one-third of all the abortions in the country last year. 

The number of abortions performed in the United States may be a shock to most Americans. According to the National Abortion Federation (NAF), a professional association of abortion providers in North America, each year, almost half of all pregnancies among American women are unintended. About half of these unplanned pregnancies, 1.3 million each year, are ended by abortion. They estimate that 35% of all women of reproductive age in America today will have had an abortion by the time they
reach the age of 45.

Again, 1.3 million unplanned babies are aborted each year in America.    

According to a 2011 Virginia Tech study, 24% of college women will become pregnant at some point during their college careers, many resulting in an abortion.

The Houston Planned Parenthood facility near UH Central is the largest late-term abortion clinic in this hemisphere. According to pro-lifers, their focus is on maximizing abortions instead of the best interest of the woman. Various studies, including a 2011 Life Dynamics survey called, “Racial Targeting and Population Control,” have shown that
Planned Parenthood, as well as other independent abortion facilities in America, target both African American and Hispanic communities by making sure their clinics are located in minority-dominated neighborhoods.

The survey cross-examined zip codes of minority neighborhoods and abortion facilities,
found that 83% of abortion or abortion-referring clinics are located in minority
neighborhoods.

The Guttmacher Institute, an affiliate of Planned Parenthood, reports that 43% of abortions are performed on women 18-24 years old, indicating that college students also prime targets for abortion clinics. A high number of abortion clinics are located in areas near colleges. According to another Life Dynamics study, out of the estimated 780 Planned Parenthood affiliates across America, 78.8% (615) are located within 5 miles of a college or university.

Many women regret having an abortion. Young  women may choose abortion because they do not believe they have the support they need to continue their pregnancy. Clinics such as Planned Parenthood are there to financially benefit from this mindset and to continue promoting abortion. 

There are options to abortion such as adoption, non-profit support groups and counseling.

Numerous local organizations promote alternatives to abortion. The Houston Coalition for Life is a pro-life organization rooted with their motto “Ending abortion in Houston, peacefully and prayerfully.” The organization provides counseling and services for mothers-to-be. They also have a mobile crisis pregnancy center (bus) which provides free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. The bus is parked at the Planned Parenthood building near UH Central.

Over the years, there have been many unplanned births. Those individuals make up a large portion of the American population today. I imagine the birth of many pro-choice advocates were unplanned; how ironic.

Although abortion is legal, it doesn’t have to be the choice. For many, the decision to abort their child creates a lasting effect. Too often, abortion results from unplanned pregnancies - not necessarily due to rape or the mother’s life being at risk. Just irresponsible couples. People are drawn into the idea: “It’s simple and quick. Everyone does it. No big deal.” Well, it is a big deal. There are other options to explore. How can we as humans dare to choose between life and death for our unborn child; especially when the pregnancy is caused by our own carelessness?

Abortion is unatural. I believe our lives and the preservation of life is part
of the human condition. We are here to protect life, not destroy it.

When I first saw this picture, I was drawn to the American flag in the background. I then noticed the man standing up, partial blocking my view of the flag. My eyes set on the caption and I became emotional. Thoughts of my family and honor came to mind, as well as thoughts of my years in the Boy Scouts and Texas State Guard. How can an American not be moved by seeing this picture?

This picture reveals much and provides a glimpse of our new America. The color guard represents America, steadily marching forward as our great country has for 236 years. We Americans make a choice of how we use and treat her. The man in a wheelchair represents the American Dream. By standing to face the flag, he represents those selfless Americans who sacrificed - who believed that hard work and entrepreneurship would pave the way for future generations and ensure their greatness.

The wheelchair represents life’s struggles. Although unwanted, these struggles are a part of life.  Struggle is a key component of the American Dream. The man is a dying breed, much like the American Dream. The dream still exists but is only embraced by a declining number of Americans.

The crowd represents our new America. These individuals believe they are entitled to sit on the curb as the color guard passes by. They appear comfortable and conveniently choose to stay seated. These individuals lack character and are lazy and selfish in nature. The crowd represents a majority of Americans.  
     
Sitting on the curb is a choice – choosing the easy way instead of the hard. Success in Americais achieved through hard work, sacrifice and dedication. My heart wept after seeing this picture. It serves as a reminder of the state of our great nation.

It may not be popular in today’s America but it is ok to stand for the principles of our past – hard work, dedication and sacrifice. These principles are necessary in restoring the American Dream to the masses.
 
In my America, hard work and sacrifice bring success.

In my America, the thought of every child getting an award for participation – because everyone’s a winner - is ridiculous. There are winners and losers. Success comes from experience; to learn from a loss and work harder toward the next win. 

Life is hard. In America, millions of people are competing for jobs and a better way of life. You either bust your tail to achieve your dream or stick with a large portion of Americans who settle for minimum wage jobs, accept government entitlements and live average, uneventful lives. 

Do not be afraid to reach for that high paying job, big house, nice car or stability. Pull yourself up, take a deep breath and believe in yourself. Push yourself to excellence. Pursuing the American Dream WILL bring success with great rewards.

Will you sit on the curb - or stand up and do what is right?

The warm sun blankets the small crowd. The smell of cut grass and stale beer fill one’s senses. As the teams line up on their respective sides, the young and old rise to celebrate America. Belting, off-tone voices proclaim in front of Old Glory “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!” Land of the free. Free food, free housing and free medicine! Our new America. We are free to enjoy the best our government has to offer. We no longer follow the tired, old traditions of hard work, sacrifice and entrepreneurship. We are a progressive society that strives to leave no one behind and believe everyone is entitled to have what the successful have. 
 
Our new America. 

My fellow red, white and blue blooded Americans, our new America is doomed. The use and abuse of entitlements are destroying the fabric of our great nation. From her beginning, America has prospered from the contributions of the individual. The increasing use of government entitlements is lessening those contributions and causing
ill-effects. When abused, entitlements produce unwanted social, economic and psychological effects. I absolutely believe when help is needed, it should be provided. But the excessive use and abuse of entitlements are damaging.
 
The American Dream as stated in our Declaration of Independence says “all men are created equal… endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights… Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The American Dream has brought millions to this country in search of a better life, with individual opportunity for achievement. For many individuals, the American Dream has been forgotten, become a faded memory or never known at all. Many Americans are not willing to engage because the American Dream has been polluted by the “age of convenience.”
 
The great Americans

Our fore-fathers worked and sacrificed to ensure a better life for their descendants… including me and you. Since there were no opportunities for entitlements in the past, the only choice was to work hard and succeed or to fail. The success and survival of the family rested on the individual, not the government. Hard work and entrepreneurship helped shape America and her advancement in many areas including medicine, industrial automation and overall personal convenience. 

Ironically, the sacrifice of our fore-fathers created a culture which promotes the opposite of theirs. Their actions drove our nation into an “age of convenience.” The noble actions of our past created an American society that has forgotten our history, our establishment and our heritage. Convenience, automation and luxury have transformed many Americans into stewards of the entitlement culture. Prosperity is taken for granted and our nation is becoming spoiled and selfish. 
 
It’s Uncle Sam's fault

Many individuals blame our government for the abuse of entitlements and the demise of the American Dream. The blame, however, rests with the individual. We Americans are not forced to receive entitlements such as food stamps or unemployment benefits but many individuals choose to unnecessarily. Although entitlements may create a feeling of contentment for the individual, this feeling will not last. These individuals depend on the government, allowing it to shape their destiny. Unfortunately, many Americans allow entitlements to diminish their work ethic and drive, both which are essential for the American Dream. The abuse of entitlements and the increase of government control is the result of the individual. 
 
Let’s go “old school”

The American Dream must be saved. It starts with a choice - to reestablish ourselves by exploring the past. To revive the American Dream, we must understand and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions made by those before us. 
 
A change in culture is necessary and must start with the individual. Parents, teachers and mentors can enthusiastically promote this culture and lead by example. Our children must look to us as the great Americans of our time, anxiously pursuing the American Dream. There must be more focus on individual effort and less on selfish conveniences. The American Dream is based on personal sacrifice, individual character and selfless service. These attributes define a great America.
 
We are losing our identity, focus and drive. Our America needs to revive the American Dream and fall back to the core beliefs and values that made her great; the envy of the world. Less dependency on government entitlements is crucial with greater focus on entrepreneurship and self-respect. Put your heart and soul into everything you do. Depend on yourself, not the government.

Land of the Free. Free to work, sacrifice and succeed.

My first introduction to hockey came when I was 8 years old. My third grade teacher was engaged to the coach of the Houston Aeros.  She often talked about her fiancé and his hockey team. One may not think of hockey as a Houston pastime, but we definitely have hockey history.

In 1972, the Dayton Arrows moved to Houston and became the Aeros in the World Hockey Association (WHA). They won 2 championships before the league folded in 1978. The Aeros had a rebirth in 1994 by joining the International Hockey League (IHL) as an expansion team. In 1999, I was there to support the Aeros clinch the Turner Cup against the Orlando Solar Bears. In 2001, The IHL dissolved and the Aeros transferred to the American Hockey League (AHL). They won an AHL champion in 2003 and currently are the minor league franchise for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). The AHL provides the minor league structure for the NHL. Unfortunately, the future of Houston hockey is in doubt.

The Aeros’ lease at the Toyota Center will expire April 2013. As per the agreement with the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) and the Houston Rockets, the Aeros are permitted to play their home games in the Arena. Annually, the sports authority turns down concerts and other potentially profitable events to accommodate the Aeros. If negotiations fail, the Aeros would likely relocate to Des Moines, Iowa for the 2013-2014 season.

“They (HCHSA) have a business and we have a business and everybody’s got their own interests and that’s why the process continues… we’re in the middle of that process,” Aeros general manager Jim Mill said. “We’re still talking and that’s about the only update I can give you.”

It would be sad to see Houston lose its hockey team. Through the years, my daughter and I have attended Aeros games with our trusty cowbells in hand. Hockey is a great sport and I treasure Houston’s hockey history.
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Without adequate marketing and capital in the minor league system, I fear the worst for our team. In a perfect world, we would see the Houston Aeros leave the minor league ranks and join the NHL as an expansion team; solidifying hockey in Houston.