John Lisher

On Friday, I received a sad call from an old friend. Juleen Lisher called to let me know that her husband, my old friend, had died on Election Day. It seems his last words were, "Did Obama win the election?"

In my last visit to Santa Cruz, where John and Juleen lived and operated one of my favorite stores, Artisans Gallery, John and I were able to visit. We talked chamber stuff, politics, what was new to me and his failing health.

After our visit I told Diane that I was afraid this would be the last time I would see this great man alive. Sad to say, my feelings were right. Juleen told me that I was one of the last of his old friends to visit him and shortly after our visit this October, his health took a further turn for the worse and his 76 years of life came to an end less than three weeks later.

John was not only a friend, he was a mentor as well. For knowing him I know I am a better man. He got me involved in the chamber business and I was able to follow him at the Santa Cruz Chamber after he had to step down from having a heart attack. Due to John I got involved in my first visioning community effort, Vision Santa Cruz. This experience led to being the second President of Shared Vision, Inc in Albuquerque New Mexico and Vision 2030 in Bend Oregon. His encouragement led me to be the President and CEO of three chambers: Santa Cruz, Tracy and Bend Oregon.

John, you will be missed and my love and respect for you will continue long after your passing. John was truly one of the "Good Guys" and for having known him we who can count him as a friend are much better for it.

I will miss you John as I know that so many others feel as I do. God bless and keep you and thanks for being my friend and mentor. You have made the lives of those you have touched so much better. Thank you!

Yes We Can

Victory on November 4th. The American people have elected Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States of America. We the people chose hope over fear, peace over war, opportunity over favoritism and a willingness to be responsible for our own actions. I am so proud to have been an early Obama supporter and that hours of walking precincts and talking to anyone who would listen that this man is worth their vote, their support, their money in support of his campaign. I am more hopeful tonight than I have been over the past eight years under George W. Bush. And I thank God that we do not have to put up with four more years of George W. Bush II, John "I supported Bush 90% of the time" McCain. God bless the United States of America. Our new President is going to need all the help possible to dig us out of the mess the past eight years under Republican rule have left us. It's truly a new day for the USA!

Day Before Election Day

Tomorrow is Nov 4, 2008, Election Day. I am a 100% supporter for Obama and hope and pray he is elected our 44th President. When I think of what it is to be Presidential, I was pleased to see a survey by Parade Magazine that listed the following qualities and how McCain and Obama ranked on presidential qualities. Here they are:
Quality McCain Obama
Courage to stay strong 49% 51%
Learns from errors 50% 50%
Willingness to change 34% 66%
Understanding people's concerns 36% 64%
Strong moral compass 40% 60%
A gift to inspiring others 31% 69%

So, it looks like the readers of Parade, who are more likely to be Conservative and educated, feel Obama is more presidential. I agree.

No matter who wins this election, the fact is that this person will inherit more problems that any president in modern times. An economy in decline, two wars - one we should have never got involved in, a world that sees America as part of the problem and not part of the solution and corruption that is unprecedented in DC. A lot of work to do and it will take years to solve. God bless the USA...we need His help badly.