"Don't blame Marriage"

Dr. Keith Ablow, one of America's leading psychiatrists, an assistant professor at Tufts Medical School and a contributor on the Fox News Medical A-Team has some profound opinions on the subject of marriage. It seems that Dr. Ablow believes that marriage is a source of real suffering for the vast majority of married people and that it is "without a doubt, one of the leading causes of depression in the nation". Under his banner of 'healer" he suggests that marriage is a dying institution. In fact, to prove his point, he quotes actress, Cameron Diaz, who says that "marriage is a dying institution". Ms. Diaz goes on the say that "she doesn't think that we should live our lives based on old traditions that don't suit our world any longer". Dr. Ablow, reinforced by the profound wisdom of Ms. Diaz, insists that the end of marriage is only a matter of time now."

Okay, I'm sure that there are many among the culturally elite who have taken their intelligibility to new metaphysical levels and applaud such lofty reviews. As for me, a blue-collar guy without the lofty credentials of a Dr. Ablow or a Cameron Diaz, I say--"Dr. Ablow, you are riding a horse called "Nonsense" and your sidekick, Cameron, a donkey named "Hogwash".

Look folks, I understand that today we have a 50% divorce rate and that there are many single parent house-holds and that couples actually sign pre-nups (Pre-nuptial agreements) which, in my mind, tells me that do not trust each other to begin with. But--this has nothing to do with marriage.

Don't blame marriage. Blame self-centerdness and me-ism. ME--ME--ME. Marriage, the ultimate commitment to giving of oneself to another, does not fare well when so many folks entering into this union continue to think of themselves first. The media glorifies self-gratification, relegates sexual activity to irresponsible impulse, encourages numerous partners and one night stands and mocks the bizarre concept of saying NO. Our kids are exposed to this twisted mindset from their formative years and onward. What has been attacked is a sense of self-denial, the beauty of self-sacrifice, and the mockery of a commitment which has allowed millions of couples to to enter into a long lasting, meaningful, fulfilling relationship that has lasted a beautiful lifetime. Marriage is the birth of a new family and the family is the cornerstone of our very society. To have such an institution demeaned by those who exist in a world which is the nectar of the tabloids, is a disgrace.

To all of you married couples who believed in commitment and loyalty and have fought the good fight, be proud. To all those who tried and know that in their hearts they gave it their best shot--be proud also. It takes "two to tango"and maybe one refused . Learn and try not to make the same mistake again.

"Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive"

Saturday, May 14, 2011, is the annual "Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive" sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers. The idea is simple (you may have already received a post-card from your local post office announcing it). People are asked to place non-perishable food items by their mail box and the mail carrier picks them up as he/she does their route. The food items are brought back to the post office and volunteers from local food banks sort and collect the food. The food items are then brought to the local food pantries for distribution to those in need. This is the largest, single day food drive in the country and food pantries nationwide are able to stock up for the long summer months ahead because of it.

As a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society for almost 20 years I have been blessed with having the opportunity to participate in this annual event for many years. We have our own food pantry and over the course of each year our pantry alone gives food and sundry items to literally thousands of men, women and children. All of the items we distribute are donated coming from regular folks in the neighborhood. Every year the Post Office drive carries us through the entire summer.

Okay--here is the point and I am zeroing in on parents of grade school kids. Volunteers are always needed to assist in receiving and sorting the collected food items. Nothing is so fulfilling as giving of oneself to help the less fortunate. In today's society, self-gratification seems to be often times pedestalized. This is an opportunity to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon helping other folks who are your neighbors participate in working together to help the less fortunate. You might consider calling your local post office and asking how you can participate or call one of your local food banks. Your church might have its own food pantry that gets food from the drive. Exposing your kids to this type of environment teaches how great it can be to GIVE of themselves. They would not only be helping to feed others they would also be feeding their hearts.