The author thing is really keeping me busy. How about something quick and
easy and fun? Like a ten best list?
             
Every cloud has a sliver lining. That’s what I’ve heard anyway. With that
in mind, here are the ten best things about the world ending tomorrow. 
  
 
10. No more horrible jokes from your boss, or best friend, or spouse. 
 
9. Goodbye diet. 
 
8. You can stop looking for that library book you misplaced.
 
7. Missing that deadline at work today looks pretty unimportant by comparison. 
 
6. When the doctor tells you that you have two weeks to live—it’s good news. 

5. Here’s your chance to get in the LAST word. 
 
4. Try something new. How bad can the consequences be?
 
3. Act as silly as you want, nobody will remember it tomorrow?
 
2. You can prank call the IRS and tell them, “You can’t have my moooooney!”
 
1. You still have time to call someone up and tell them, “I love you.”


 
 

 My favorite character in The Gathering is Calvin McCord. I’m not particularly fond of most politicians, but Calvin isn’t your typical public servant. He is a man driven to serve the country that he loves. During his early years, he served in the military keeping
the United  States safe from harm. Then a combat injury forced him to retire and seek other methods to protect the wings of liberty. 
             
I happened to catch Calvin between emergencies and asked him a few questions so that all of you can get know him better. Hopefully, some of you will grow to like him as much as I do.  
 
 
Randy: I noticed that The Gathering doesn’t mention your political affiliation. In fact, it’s downright vague about anyone’s party of choice. Care to clear that up? 
   
Calvin: Sure. I’m with the good guys.  
 

Randy: What is the best part about being a politician?
 
Calvin: You mean other than a free pass on parking tickets? There’s only one good reason for accepting a political post: the opportunity to make a real difference. I can do more from my office to protect the United States than I ever could as a soldier. 
 
 
Randy: What is the worst part about being a politician?
 
Calvin: Putting up with self-serving antics of professional politicians. The people that are here to fatten their bank accounts and flaunt their good deeds in front of John Q. Public do a great disservice to all of us. Political office needs to be more about giving service rather than taking as much as they can grab. 

 
Randy: Whoa, now. Take a deep breath. And another. Good. Are you sorry that you entered politics? 
 
Calvin: No. Someone has to whip Washingtoninto shape. 
 
 
Randy: Is there anyone special in your life?

 
Calvin: I have a lot of special people in my life. But if you’re asking if I have a lady friend of some sort then the answer is no. Not anymore. My wife died of cancer a few years back. There hasn’t been anyone since. 

 
Randy: Let’s switch to some less serious questions. Do you have any hobbies?
 
Calvin: Military history. To quote Winston Churchill, “Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.” Mostly, I read about the great leaders and how they went about winning battles. Once in a while I attend Civil War re-enactments and wish I had time to participate.  

 
Randy: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
 
Calvin: My father. He instilled the set of values that I follow by the example he set. Truth, honesty, and honor were not mere words for him, they were the ideals that formed a beacon that guided his life and mine. 
 
 
Randy: If you found a genie in a bottle, what would you wish for?
 
Calvin: That people everywhere could gain a healthy dose of common sense. 

 
Randy: What is your favorite day of the year?

Calvin: The Fourth of July. We live in a great country and I look forward every year to setting aside one day to express my appreciation for it. 

 
Randy: What movie best describes your life?

Calvin: Right now, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. But if you mean my life in general, then that  would have to be Above and Beyond. I often wonder what went through that pilot’s mind when he realized just how big of a bomb he dropped on Japan. 


Randy: What is the biggest threat facing America right now?
 
Calvin: Political divisiveness. Red. Blue. Does it really matter? We’re all Americans. Without both political parties we would be out of control. The diversity of our views is what makes us great. It shouldn’t be what tears us apart. 

 
Randy: Is the end of the world approaching?
 
Calvin: I don’t believe in all of that doomsday garbage. Times are interesting right now, but the founding fathers knew what they were doing and it will all work out if we stick to the guidelines they gave us. 
 
 
Randy: If the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do today?
 
Calvin: I’d go to a ballgame. I haven’t set foot inside a baseball stadium in years. A cold beer in one hand and a hot dot in the other, I’d just buy a ticket and leave my worries at the gate. 

             
There you have it—Calvin McCord. A man of character.