PRE IDES OF MARCH HODGEPODGE!

     "Beware the Ides of March!" so the three witches advised Julius Caesar. He failed to take their warning to heart. Well, history tells us that Caesar got the point which was the last lesson that he learned. The Ides of March will soon be upon us. The Wednesday Hodgepodge is now upon us. Thank you Joyce for another series of questions that challenge our minds. 

1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so? 

     The three women who most influenced my life are (1) My beloved SWMBO. She has extended to me the privilege of being her husband for almost 44 years. She is most responsible for any success that I may have achieved and for the man that I became. (2) My maternal grandmother. She taught me how to cook. She taught me manners and how to get along with adults. I was her favorite because I made her laugh. (3) My stepmother. She was one of the first people to treat me as an adult. She kept my course straight and true.

2. In what ways do you think women have it easier than men? 

     I don't know that women have it easier than men in contemporary times. They are held to the same standards and often have to work harder to meet them and they, more often than not, do meet them.

3. What do you need most right now: faith, love, hope, or peace? 

     I can use a little peace please.

4. Do you have a collection? If so, what do you collect and why? 

     I don't currently collect anything, however, in my youth I was a numismatist...a coin collector. I have long sold my collection. 

5. Plaids, checks, polka dots, stripes...your favorite?

     I prefer plaids.

6. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self? 

     I am still very silly at times and tend to be a bit of an imp much to the chagrin of my beloved SWMBO.

7. You're a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy. What category will you ace?  

     I would ace "History." I love history! I believe the axiom that those who fail to learn history are condemned to relive it. So, I enjoy reading ancient history, modern history and 19th century history. My favorite period of history is World War II era, 1933 - 1945.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     I mentioned in the previous question how I enjoy history, particularly the World War II era. Once the Nazi regime consolidated their power they were able to use the power of the state to perpetrate the atrocities that occurred. Most of what they did to the Jews and other people was legal under German law. 
     The point is that the same thing could happen here in the good ole U.S of A. That is why fidelity to the U.S. Constitution is so critically important. If the time ever comes when the government can run roughshod over it's citizens, the horrors that was Nazi Germany can be repeated. I pray God that it never happens...but I am convinced that it could. Think about it!