5-30-08

Patty Bell wrote:

The Life and Death of a Legend are truly mind boggling when we think of J.R.Simplot.

But with regards to Dennis Mansfield's blog.....the first words that come to mind are...

"That Does it!"

Dennis Mansfield, a man who places what some view as prisons-outside-of-prisonfor parolees in single family residential neighborhoods; who's nick name is"Little Satan" by some of the people who live in the subdivisions where he arrogantly believes he is above the CC&R's and City Ordinances......Is it really true that this man, Dennis Mansfield has the NERVE to question, doubt or pass any judgment (even "implied" judgment) onJ.R.Simplot's eternity?

Unbelievable!

I find it so incredibly offensive that anybody, including Mansfield, would think their britches have gotten so big that they have the right to question the heart of a man who has, yes, made riches beyond most of our wildest dreams, but he has done it with integrity, with decency and Hard Work! (Now, there's a novel idea!) I never saw J.R. jump on a EASY-to-make-$$'s band wagon, trying to make money by trampling on the rights of hard working, honest, law abiding citizens.

I feel it's safe to say that J.R. not only bettered many lives by his"gifting", but also that....

~ He never knowingly and purposely lessened the value of another's property,

~ He understood the need to operate his business' where they were properly zoned,

~ His business ventures were started with forthright participants (nobody hiding behind son-in-law's), and I am 1000% certain that...

~ He paid for every single piece of furniture in his lobby!

It seems somewhat interesting that Mansfield would quote such a scripture and slip it's tag on another's toe when it has appeared to many that Mansfield's search for wealth and power have been relentless. So I wonder.... if what some perceive of his quest is accurate, taking the words of Mansfield himself...which one would he be seeking?....

#1. "Gaining wealth and position for others to notice",

#2. "Gaining it to ward off insecurity within themselves",

#3. "to form a false modesty and insincere humility", or is it possible....

#4. "to gain it to give away"?

It leaves one saying "Hmmmmm? Perhaps, Mansfield's whole intent was not to cast shadows on the life an obscenely wealthy man but simply to let his readers know he has gotten to ride a camel in the Holy land. Good for you Dennis! But don't stumble over the Camel's humps, get off that high-horse or "camel" and let those neighbors know when you're planning on starting a business in their neighborhood!

I really don't know, but I think that it's possible Jesus meant that if we hold the needle very still (i.e.: Don't "spin" or "twist" the needle) it's easier to walk right through the eye of that needle! .... Head held high with eyes on the Almighty, instead of on the almighty dollar! Now THAT would be a really Big-Deal!

I'm not a believer in making all the deceased into Saints, however I am definitely a believer in taking a non-cowardly position and showing respect for one whose shoes I could never fill! (Thankfully, I am not threatened by that fact.)

And today, I will stand up for one who is now silent.

God Bless You J.R. Simplot and Keep You Forever In His Loving Care!

~ Patty Bell

Posted by: Patty Bell | May 30, 2008 at 11:32 AM