This month, the movie “Star Trek” will appear in a theatre near you.  Since its first episode, appearing on NBC in September, 1966, until today—five subsequent TV series and 10 movies later—I have, to my knowledge, yet to witness a single scene.  Why am I bringing up Star Trek?  It has my attention.  Here’s a show that has endured into its fourth decade, hasn’t been in the theatre for the last seven years, and is currently envisioning a sequel to what its producers project will be a huge hit this month.  I wonder, what’s the “magic” behind Star Trek’s permanence in American society?   Is there more to it than meets the eye?  Interestingly, if I were asked to produce a movie about a subject matter that I believe is important to all mankind and pertinent in today’s world, it would feature such themes as diversity, understanding, hope, and the triumph of good over evil.  I would name it something like, “Shoot for the Stars.”  Wait a moment!    The Trekkies may be onto something.  Beam me up, Scotty.

When I ponder the implications of our nation’s April unemployment report, which details a 26-year high jobless rate of 8.9 %, I think about the incredible demand on those who are affected by any setback to maintain a positive attitude and come back even stronger than before.  We all face setbacks—no one is immune—and the jobless rate speaks to a particular setback variety affecting 5.7 million jobs since December 2007. 

Thomas Jefferson gave two public speeches as our nation’s third President…that’s it.  As a gifted writer, he contributed his energy and talents as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.  “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” Perhaps this quote from Jefferson was directed to himself, as he determined to overcome the setback dealt him.  Thomas Jefferson spoke with a lisp.