My Final Thoughts - "The America We Didn't Expect"

I voted.

I voted 15 years ago.

I voted that I would elect Donald Trump as the next president of the United of the States of America.

However, like politics, things change. What hasn't changed is that I still believe in a free America. How I believe. in a free America. has changed where the rich pays more for the poor - a Democratic, liberal point of view - rather than having capitalism working for us. But, somewhere in 2006 to 2007 I started to research the capitalistic, free economy; and in 2012, I became a Republican.

Some would say that I have become a politician, because I have flip - flopped view points; but I realize that the politician isn't just the "politics" involved; but rather, the people who are involved in it. They will do whatever it takes to win, or change their mind based upon the trends of our society. Some would say that is a social contagion influencing our subconscious minds as Dr. James Marsden would state, but that is a discussion for another time.

This review article is both about the election, and the book that prompted me to vote for Donald Trump almost 15 years ago.

The book that prompted me to vote for Donald Trump was the book: The America We Deserve. However, I realize that there have been other books that have come out that reflect his more updated viewpoints such as Great Again: How To Fix Our Crippled America. When I have the time, I intend to read these updated titles; but I wanted to share why I thought Donald Trump was going to make a great president.

First, that last sentence, I don't think that any Trump supporters would have have swallowed that last sentence that, at any point in my life, would I have said that I would have voted Donald Trump but, most of all, stated that he was going to be a great president.

Like I said, that was 15 years ago.

What changed in that 15 years?

Well, 15 years ago a great movie came out called, "Remember The Titans" which talked about the racial, school integration in Virginia. What divided America, then, is dividing America now. There was a "Remember The Titans" quote that left an impression on me, and that quote was stated by Big Ju. He said, "Attitude reflects leadership, captain".

And, that's what changed my mind 15 years later. The word attitude.

The Trump I see now isn't the same Trump that I have been reading in The America We Deserve.

How I perceived Trump in this book was more humble and more dedicated to the issues that plagued society. That is what persuaded me to vote Trump. However, the Trump I saw during the preliminary elections was something that I didn't expect. As Melania Trump stated on CNN, "...it isn't a man that I knew" (Talking during the CNN interview when the leaked locker room banter came out.)

I saw a Trump that was disrespectful, arrogant, divisive and belligerent - which alone was enough to change my mind. I understand that conservatives wanted what was right. They wanted change. Conservatives wanted what is best, and wanted what was tolerant for a better future. But, at what point does being conservative become right when people feel persecuted? In that same retrospect, does it become right when tolerance also nullifies progression?

Because if it does, then we wouldn't be able to have women vote, racial tolerance, homosexuality acceptance and equal pay for equal work. Should these simple human rights be sacrificed for our own conservative viewpoints because we want what is "right" for our children? As far as our history has shown, every time we want something that is "right" discrimination occurs; and we create an even more barbaric society.

Those are my thoughts on what changed my mind. But, here are my thoughts, based upon Trump's previous book, on why I wanted to vote for him. And, why I thought his thoughts, in this book, will make "America Great Again".

"Let's Make America Great Again: This is the America we deserve"

This has been one of my favorite books that addresses the issues, and more importantly, the issues that plagued us 15 years ago still plague us today. The one thing that isn't discussed in this book is climate change, which is something that I have become a proponent towards. Conservatives don't believe in it, but the pictures and scientific data say otherwise. I haven't been up to the arctic, and I intend to visit it myself someday, but I don't think the majority of hardened conservatives have been up to the arctic, either. They, themselves, would never admit to that change even when evidence is staring them right in the eyes.

Though scientists have been talking about climate change since I have been in fourth grade - I know because I read about it in a book when I was in fourth grade - it wasn't the talk of political discussion until Al Gore's movie: An Inconvenient Truth. However, the topics in this book has been, and still is, plaguing our America.

I won't be discussing each chapter separately due to time constraints; but I will discuss the chapters that provided an impact, then, as it does now.

Chapter 1: The Business of America is Truly A Business

The initial title says everything what this chapter discusses, but what made me pay attention to this chapter was the fact that we utilize all our American resources just as much as any Fortune 500 company. As Trump quotes in this chapter, "The business of America truly is business, because business is the task of linking private ambitions to social needs".

Social needs that each business needs to meet for their employees include healthcare needs, financial needs, personal needs (food, vacation time and hygiene) and trade needs. Though not discussed in the chapter, it was intriguing to read Trump's different views, then, as if he we were more liberal. He even stated that we should pay attention more to Democrats because they clearly had the "better" ideas.

He even goes on to state, "The Eisenhower years....were periods of strong cultural and economic activity. The same has been true of even during this age of Clinton".

Now, I find that quote intriguing because people dismiss Clinton easily due to his scandalous affairs. But, I remember when gas was below a dollar-a-gallon during that time. Though I didn't understand economics at that young age, I knew that represented something "good" happening in our economy. I just didn't know what. If Trump understood that principle, then I had to pay attention.

I would like to add that the collective deeds of presidents is what makes me want to vote somebody into office. Hence, when Trump treats his businesses he treats them as a business choosing people based upon their qualifications. Qualifications that represent business - like qualities. His candor to want to choose somebody that has the proper qualities reflected my feelings that he is correct. These are the reasons why Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower (I am glad Trump agrees), Franklin D. Roosevelt and Barack Obama have become some of my favorite presidents - I do not place them on the same caliber as each other. They are my favorite presidents because their previous qualifications and previous personal qualities made me feel they were the best president during their time.

Chapter 2: Competition - Saving Our Schools the American Way

Education is the correct path to competition.

Trump was right then, and still is right now. I was pleased to learn that Trump wants to do away with common core. In this chapter, he addresses that many countries are ahead because they allow a child to unleash their creativity. Furthermore, he realizes that each child learns differently; and has a different passion for what they want to learn. If we deny this part of learning, we deny America the greater chance for greater leaders in their strongest fields. Fields that interest each of us. Only when we are interested can we reach our full potential.

Trump quotes in this chapter, "....Our kids aren't learning. Too many are dropping out of school and into the street life - and too many of those who do graduate are getting diplomas that have been devalued  into 'certificates of attendance' by a dumbed - down curriculum that asks little of teachers and less of students. Schools are crime - ridden and they don't teach."

My mother used to quote to me, that students don't want to achieve anymore. In other words, I find her words align with Trump's. We are making an education easy enough that they don't have the motivation nor allow a student to earn things in their lives. It is enlightening that Trump addresses that we should take away common core; stop awarding children for poor performance; and start finding teachers who want to teach.

If we can address these areas of concern, we can fix our education. It was alarming that in the United States, "38 percent of all fourth graders are reading below a 'basic' level. Only 24 percent of fourth graders read at a proficient level. Only 7 percent read at an advanced level. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that approximately 70 percent of fourth graders read below what is considered a 'proficient' level."

Furthermore, "in 1983 the U.S. Department of Education published 'A Nation at Risk', the study that put the education crisis in the spotlight. Here's the bad news from the Fordham Foundation: Since 1983, U.S. schools have graduated twenty million American twelfth graders who can't do basic math, and twenty - five million who don't know the basics of American history. Over that same period, six million Americans dropped out of high school altogether."

That is alarming. And, what is more alarming is that the competitiveness of the United States can easily be fixed via our education. If only our education would allow creativity, and not reward mediocrity.

Taking one last quote from this chapter, Trump said, "They're hungry to succeed. Teachers betray students when they tell them that medicority is success...I say we've got to be firm. Social promotion? Forget it. To tell these kids they get a free pass is the worse thing you can do for them. Michael Jordan, remember, was cut form this high school basketball team. It made him word harder".

I couldn't agree more.

Chapter 4: The Foreign Policy We Deserve

Presently, Trump supporters are duped that the wall isn't going to be built. I'm glad, because in this chapter a wall wasn't discussed to protect our immigration laws. Honestly, we don't need a wall. However, we do need a government to enforce those laws.

The Trump policies, in this book, are almost identical to the same policies that made me vote for Gary Johnson. As Trump quoted, "We're not the world's savior - that job is taken - but there are some things we can do and we shouldn't shy from doing them. However, it is essential that we sort out those areas where we have a national interest from those where we do not."

Basically, we shouldn't police the world.

He makes this chapter simple to understand that we are a nation of laws, and we stand by those laws. However, allow people the chance to stay in this country legally as it "should be clear - enter by law, or leave".

Chapter 6: An Economic Boom For America 

We are facing an economic debt that most of us have never seen - in the trillions! However, I find it interesting in this chapter that Trump states, "While it is true that we have a healthy surplus right now, no one has to put forward a plan to make this country debt - free as we enter the next millennium".

Since after the creation of the New Deal, there has been a growing national debt. However, the debt has grown astronomically large. Though this book was written in the early 2000s, it is interesting that Trump would claim there was a boom then, even when we still had a national debt. This shouldn't be original news nor should it scare us.

It should excite us, because we should be able to find a solution. However, the education that we have received has limited our creativity to solve the solution for us. We have to let other politicians baby sit our needs in order to solve it for us.

I am glad that Trump doesn't have to be scared to wait for a politician to figure out a resolution. The Trump plan states, "I would impose a one - time, 14.25 percent tax on individuals and trusts with a net worth over 10 million dollars. For individuals, net worth would be calculated minus the value of their principal residence. That would raise 5.7 million trillion dollars in new revenue, which we would use to pay off the entire national debt".

Presently as a capitalist, I believe that would work because that would mean the rich would have enough money to still help the poor-class and the middle-class while the rich pays off most of the national debt. It would allow more surplus for the government and the average American citizen.

Don't believe me? Read my blog post about winning the Powerball. There is enough money to be shared. And, this surplus could change our way of living.

Final Thoughts: The America We Didn't Expect

Universal healthcare and other issues were also discussed in this book, and I find it interesting that Trump supported it. He supported many issues in a nonsensical manner. However, many things changed through time.

Many of the issues addressed in this book are the same stances I would take today. I am a liberal on most issues while I am a capitalist at heart. It is interesting that many of these view points have changed over the course of the current political, Trump policies. However, close, I also respect a president that has tact.

Throughout the election, I didn't feel that Trump addressed the issues as thoroughly as he did in this book. Furthermore, the tact and change of viewpoints changed my perception of him. It caused me to feel divided as most Republicans and most American voters. Personally, it not only changed my mind, it also confused me at the Trump I was presently witnessing. I saw a Trump dividing a nation, with most of the conservative audience causing unintentional discrimination, because they wanted change.

But, we can't be divided based upon views or what is right; or what we think is right. When we do, we create a divided nation. This won't create a "Great America". It will be an America we didn't expect.

An America less free.

For the future, personal note:

Though I am not happy with Trump being president, I am curious with the changes that are to take place. I have always been more curious than cautious. I just want a free America; and that is how I have always voted - who I think is the best person for the presidency.

THE PERFECT KILLING i=P - - - - *o*o*

IT STARTS WITH A STORY: 

I was eleven years old. Still ordinary. 

Kids watch movies. Inspired by change. 

Growing up Filipino, and being born in a country that incites violence, poverty and hardships it allowed me to gain an understanding. It was my love of Filipino culture that allowed me to continue studying it. Since I couldn't be around it often, movies was my way of learning my language and my culture. 

At nine years old, I started to ask my parents if I could learn Tagalog again; and they would guide me as I tried to relearn my language that I hadn't spoken since I was 4 years old. However, I had been watching Filipino films since I was young because my mother was obsessed with Sharon Cuneta, a famous Filipina Actress - My mother will claim that she went to school with her, but that is a story for another time. 

There is one particular Filipino movie that I had watched multiple times, and this time I was watching it with my grandmother. Though I had watched it multiple times, there was something that made this viewing much more different than the other times I had viewed this movie. 

I was angry. 

I was frustrated. 

Tears streamed from my face. 

(Speaking Tagalog, the native language of the Philippines, translated for English)

"I want to go to the Philippines and kill that man that killed the main character."

At the end of the movie, the main character had been shot multiple times; and was slowly fading about to leave his love behind. Tears, yelling and anger filled me. 

"He needs to die. I need to go to the Philippines; and he needs to die."

"KILL HIM."

In confusion, my grandmother started to look at me which attracted my mother's attention who came into the room sprinting. She gawked at me, and with an inpatient tone asked me what was wrong. 

Again, I said "This actor needs to die. He killed him."

My mother was speechless. "Jay, you should stop crying it is only a movie"

Still frustrated, and in disbelief replied, "I don't care if it is a movie. He needs to die."

My grandmother was amused that I wanted to avenge the main character - real name of the actor, Bong Revilla - from a death that didn't happen. My mother continued to soothe me.

"Think rationally. Are you going to kill somebody that isn't real?"

"No," I rationally replied. I was processing my emotions while slowly softening my tears.

Mom then sternly asked, "And, if this did happen would you kill somebody so that you will spend your life in prison?"

"No," tears coming to a halt.

"Okay, then just calm yourself. And, remember that it is just a movie." Mom then left the room as I stopped the VHS as I gathered my senses.

I then left the living room, and headed to my bedroom. I then thought to myself that my mother was right. Movie or not, killing another person didn't prove anything. It only proved my insecurity that I didn't want anything different than what had already happened.

This memory of childhood indifference, agony was sparked by recent events. Recent events that sparked a philosophical cycle that people miss every day.

It is apparent that it is missed every day, because present day proves what my memories sparked.

Memories of indifference.

ONE MONTH AFTER THIS POST WAS CREATED....

That was my thought process when I saw the unjust murder of a black man being killed by a police officer almost a month earlier. I had a moment of indifference that could have been confused for a moment of caring when in reality I wouldn't have been any better than the black man who had died.

When "Black Lives Matter" movement happened, I understood their pain. I understood my pain. The pain of events that happened in my life where I wanted to eliminate people who have done things unjustly towards me. I wanted to kill them thinking as a way to take away the pain. Simultaneously releasing the tension, it wouldn't have prevented the consequences that would have followed.

Yes, I am speaking of a specific unnecessary event that happened on the family vacation. It is much more than just an instant. It is the thought that comes with that instant.

Whether that thought be good or bad it can change that instant quickly. Sometimes it becomes subconscious to the point that it can become destructive.

The human soul is never destructive, but when a moment of hateful respite takes hold that soul becomes tarnished replacing that person's dignity with something else. Something not real.

We talk about emotions as if it were real, but is it as real as compassion? I don't think think so. This is my rational.

Compassion is the essence of both the encompassing nature of why we act and the emotion that helps us understand that act. When a person helps feed the hungry, that person can feel a sense of joy that not only lasts in that moment, but resonates throughout his life. But, why?

It is because that conscious mind was allowed to make that person think in that very moment; hence, savoring that moment which ingrained into their soul. It then becomes everlasting.

This is opposite of hate.

Hate is an instant clouded by thoughts that were said or were done, because whatever caused that anger will fuel that person's soul. Hence, hate takes away the nature and personality which are the key ingredients of compassion.

It is interesting to note that when a person is angry many times those thoughts are fleeting moments that can usually be forgotten through an apology. However, it is opposite for compassion where those moments are much more memorable.

Hence, I learned this valuable lesson this past month that I have to try to live in compassion rather than hate. Because hate is the perfect killer.

MOVIE THOUGHTS OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

MY THOUGHTS:

The Aliens Are Back!

Press releases. 

Social Media. 

Stigma that Will Smith isn't back. 

Aliens didn't destroy the Earth, it was people's bias. 

These will be more of my thoughts of Independence Day without too many spoilers. This isn't a movie review where I will be sharing the contents of the movie of why this movie was good or bad, but my personal thoughts on why I liked the movie. 

Regrettably the bad press of this sequel to the 2nd largest grossing film of the 1990s - second to Jurassic Park  - will be missed by many people persuaded by their bias which will be a sad notion. The fact that news outlets had been quoting that Will Smith wasn't going to be in this movie caused many movie goers to not want to preview this movie. However, I have never been the type of person to let biases persuade me. I am glad that I didn't get persuaded by either social media or people's opinions because the movie connected with previous events while explaining those events. Such events as the resurrection of Dr. Okun. And, the pursuit of Alien Technology. 

Furthermore, like any good movie, it followed a familiar formula of success. One movie that does a good job of following a synonymous storyline is Back to the Future. 

Marty McFly has to go back to some time period for a mission > Mission screws up, and Marty has to go to another timer period > With the help of past or present Doc Brown he goes to that time period > In that time period, he fixes the problem > To be continued. 

Independence Day used many of the same elements that were used in the first film with almost insurmountable odds. Furthermore, it allowed the substitution of quirky comments for the loss of Will Smith. Some losses and some gains were made to make the movie dramatic and make it realistic. We see many key players from the first movie be destroyed, which I think was a nice touch for the plot to move forward. 

I hope that you get a chance to move forward and see this movie. At least you can claim "independence" of any bias if you didn't like it. I will promised one thing, you will laugh at the quirky comments. 

Final note, I will say that I didn't like the rank insignia's of the United States Air Force they were misused. Some one that has served, I would have asked that Roland Emmerich show more respect to the uniform. Personally, I would rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

SOMETIMES

SOMETIMES

The word sometimes seems to resonate, because there is something that happens when we say sometimes. Here is what I mean:

1. Sometimes I want to sit around and do nothing, but the opportunity to learn and gain something from it may mean something more.

2. Sometimes I am given a decision to the point that I can't make that decision that I don't do anything  about it.

3. Sometimes I see problems, but I don't want to do anything about it due to the fact that I am afraid.

However, have you ever wondered that sometimes doesn't seem to help a person. I wonder if sometimes we do or we don't understand what rules our lives. Sometimes are we paying attention?


Let's see if you can decide.

*THE REDISTRIBUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AMERICA/THE WORLD - POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO END ALL FINANCIAL CURES*

The Initial Thought of Redistributing Wealth: 

A series of events had just occurred as newspaper articles had flashed through my mind throughout these past years. We have heard the saying "that the rich are becoming richer, and the poor are becoming poorer." 

Though I have been a capitalist all my life, and I believe in the American dream. I still believe that we should help each other especially when politicians define our tax laws; therefore, how much we keep in our pocket. 

This can be unfair, because people that work hard all their lives never get ahead. It is troubling to think that someone that works fifty hours a week, which can be same amount of time that a CEO works never receives the right direction, as that of a business person, who earns tens times the amount of somebody that works the same amount of hours that they do. 

It seems education between the poor class and middle class is different than the rich. Furthermore, it bears resemblance that most billionaires have an inheritance that they can pass onto their children. Those wealthy children will never understand the meaning of sacrifice and hard work because they never understood what it meant to work for their inheritance as did their ancestors. 

If the rich can give a head start to their children, why can't we redistribute the commonwealth of America to the poor allowing the poor to attain their dreams and retire comfortably? 

This last thought poked at me as I pondered about these dated events, and articles that I have read.

March 2015

Many financial experts have quoted that it takes a nest egg of at least 1 million dollars to retire comfortably. However, that depends upon your means of living and where a person lived. There are other factors that come into play as to how long 1 million dollars would help a person, but it is for certain that comfortable retirement would take about 1 million to 2 million dollars. 

This is further discussed by one of the largest retirement companies in America, AARP. Their article can be found here:

"SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT"


8th December 2015

The Power Ball was close to a 1 billion dollars, and people were starting to get anxious about the jackpot. I saw many customers coming in buying at least 50 tickets with the hope that it will increase their chances of winning. Some were paying at least 100 dollars worth in tickets. 

I was beyond disbelief that certain people would be this desperate to win. I had just started work for the day at the local Loaf 'N Jug store. As I saw these customers buy each ticket, I wondered to myself what would people do with that amount of money? Some people didn't even know what to do with a large amount, let alone fathom that amount. 

There was one customer that I shared a personal opinion that may be God has a reason as to why certain people aren't rich, which this person agreed. But, there was one customer that started making me think especially when he only bought one ticket. 

I then proceeded to ask him why he had only bought one ticket, he turned and smiled at me; and said, "If we were to redistribute the 1 billion dollar jackpot, and gave the American people at least 1 million dollars we would end poverty."

I then asked, "How would that end poverty?"

Customer, "Because there are at least 325 million people in America.Well, you all have a nice day." Still smiling as he walks out of the store.

I was taken aback by his answer. 

24 February 2016

Actress Eliza Dushku posted a Facebook video about the wealth of America. This is what she states in her video: 

Final Thoughts:

There are more than 500 billionaires in the entire world. Back in the early 2000s, my local newspaper, The Register Guard, noted that if we were to total the world's billionaires wealth it would equal 1.1 trillion dollars. Give 7 billion people at least 1 million dollars, we would have more than enough money for each billionaire while allowing people a head start towards their futures - reeducate people about money as the wealthy teach their children (the children who already have a advantageous head start over other individuals in the world). 

Here in America it would give the chance for Americas to invest into their futures while allowing them a head start to retiring comfortably. Furthermore, the homeless on the street would be able to buy a house and buy decent clothing thus allowing them to pass job interviews. Though 1 million dollars is a lot of money, it isn't enough to make the rich fall from their tax brackets. After all, the rich would still have to provide jobs allowing the poor class and middle class to make up for the missing money towards that ideal retirement. 

Though the idea may sound ideal, I know that there are other people who wouldn't take advantage of this opportunity - i.e. gamble or spend it lavishly- at least the rich wouldn't be at fault for their actions - since people do have their agency. It isn't up for us to decide what people do with their money, but it is up to us to help other people. 

The question that I would like to ask is this - is it an ethical way to help people? And, what would be the repercussions to giving people at least 1 million dollars?

And, could this end financial cures if the wealthy gave away their wealth? 

Just my thoughts on possibly ending the financial cures of the world, and the United States of America. 

*DISCLAIMER: MY PRESIDENTIAL PREDICTION - YOUR CONCERN*

MY PRESIDENTIAL PREDICTION: MY FEAR

i once quoted that I would exercise my right to vote this coming election year, but I don't know if I should vote seeing the candidates that will be available this election. I haven't had the time to follow this election year, but I have enough of an idea to know what is going on - I wish I was able to follow a little bit more closely seeing I am limited in technology right now. However, I not the one to follow the status quo. For example, when Mitt Romney was the Republican Presidential Candidate - most Mormons voted for him because he is Mormon - I didn't vote for him; and chose to vote for Barack Obama - even though I am a registered Republican. Though it is disheartening to say, the least, I think Donald Trump is going to be the president this 2017. How did I come to this conclusion?

Placing aside current polls, and crazy antics, Donald Trump has had a following for president since the early 1990s. If anybody has read his books especially the book called: "The America We Deserve", which came out in the early 2000s, he has described the current state of America; and how he could change the United States of America. It describes in detail the political issues America faced then - just before the 9/11 attack. Though it has been over 10 years since I have read the book, he has a charismatic approach towards creating America a great country; well aware of the political issues that America faces. Since some of Trump's books has been addressed to making America great again, it has caused many of his followers to increase for quite some time - growing in numbers over the last two decades. Though I support Donald Trump as a business person, I do NOT support him as president.

Again, I predict that Donald Trump will be president. Does anybody agree that Trump will be president this election - placing your personal feelings aside? If not, who do you think will be president this coming election; and why? I am interested in everyone's viewpoints, and I do respect them!

Interesting fact: 

Since Dwight D. Eisenhower's time (over 60 years ago), the presidents have alternated between parties from Democrat to Republican - I am not counting presidents that have served two terms. Since history has shown it, there bears a further conclusion that the public tends to follow the times and status quo of what they want rather than what the people need.

For example,

• After World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower got the vote because he was a war hero - serving as one of the primary generals during World War II. 
• The economy went sour allowing Reagan to enter the White House. 
• 9/11 struck, and the public chose George W. Bush, a Republican. Just these examples alone show that the public goes by what it wants rather than what it needs. 

Are you "the" public?

This is my fear. Your concern. Choose wisely. 

TIME IS THE REAL MAGIC, HOW?

Welcome 2016!

It has been awhile since I have written in this blog, and I apologize to my readers that my main writing takes place in my personal journal - this thought derives from my journal. But, there was an epiphany that occurred to me as I was watching the Cinderella movie.

I had just recently watched the Cinderella movie starring Lily James. Now some of you may have seen the movie, but for those that haven't seen it I would recommend it. As I was watching the movie, a thought had crossed my mind that related to God, a personage that people would imagine as fiction, but too many religious people they consider God a reality.

Now some of you may or may not believe in God. But, the fact remains that everything in the cosmos is governed by natural laws which makes me believe that everything does happen for a reason. But, what is that magic behind that reason this is where the movie Cinderella comes into play. Here are my thoughts:

Christian thought resulting from the Cinderella movie:

In the movie Cinderella, we learn that Ella, aka Cinderella, was born into a good family. However, in time, both the mother and father pass away – which is the old backstory as to why Cinderella has a stepmother and two stepsisters. Prior to the father passing away, he took on a new wife with the hope to find happiness again. The father left for a voyage, which, through the voyage he passed away leaving Ella alone with her step – family.

Over time the step mother and stepsisters started to treat her like a servant, and emotionally abused her. Her mistreatment left her lonely, and made her lose hope.

As I watched those scenes, I could relate upon the sorrow she felt because I had been there. But, through all my trials I cried upon the heavens as did Cinderella when she wished in her heart for help. Through a series of events, her Fairy Godmother appeared to help her wish come true which later resulted in her marrying the prince.

Now that's when I started to wonder. I realize that Cinderella has a happy ending, but it made me wonder why didn't the Fairy Godmother come and wave her wand earlier to halt the agony that Cinderella was experiencing. Then it occurred to me that the reason why the Fairy Godmother didn't appear earlier was due to the fact that it wasn't the right time.

Time was the factor, and the magic, that needed to happen in order for Cinderella's wish to come true. And, I realize it was during a specific time that certain desires of my heart came true as I prayed onto God. Many of us would want it now, but real magic only happens when we are patient – and kind enough as Cinderella quoted – and willing to wait for the right time. If certain events didn't happen in my life, I can atest that it wouldn't have happened at all.

Furthermore, the movie gave me a reflection based upon how God works. Though it may be a fairy tale to some, there is real magic in how careful the Fairy Godmother crafted her magic to work in a specific time – foretelling the events that would take place so that Cinderella would find happiness. Though you may have lost hope in God, or in life, I do believe that true magic does happen when you believe consistently through time. It is through time that  reason happens, and are revealed. 

Time is the real magic.