​Mackay: You can change your future if you believe in yourself You must go into situations with open eyes, evaluating failures and taking advantage of opportunities.  By Harvey Mackay Special to the Star Tribune JULY 2, 2023 — 2:00PM Harvey Mackay

The creator of the world wanted to hide from humans the knowledge that they make their own reality, keeping it secret until they were ready to understand the truth. He asked the animals of the world for their ideas.

The eagle said, "Give it to me. I will take it to the moon and hide it there."

"No," the creator said. "One day, they will go to the moon and find it."

The salmon said, "Give it to me, and I will drop it at the bottom of the ocean."

"No, they will dive deep into the ocean and discover it there, too," said the creator.

The buffalo said, "Give it to me. I will bury it in the Great Plains."

The creator replied, "No. They will cut into the earth and find it even there."

Then he asked the grandmother who lives deep in the center of the world.

She said, "Put it inside of them. They will never find it there."

The creator nodded and said, "It is done."

This creation story from the Hopi nation shows that you can create your own reality and take action to find your passion and vision for life. In other words, take charge of your life. Don't be complacent.

When you change the way you see things within you and around you, it helps you to make a new outlook toward life.

You control what happens to you even if you don't realize it. This doesn't mean that you must be happy all the time. But you own your feelings. Staying kind and encouraging keeps you in a happy, joyful and healthy state of mind.

When you don't know how to create your own reality, you feel like a victim of your life. We allow ourselves to believe that the people around us and those with authority over us can control our entire reality.

But we are not helpless about what is going on in our lives. Life is a matter of decisions, not circumstances. It is up to you to empower yourself and create the life you want.

Don't compare yourself with others. 
Everyone is different. You have much to offer to the world. You may miss out on the good things in life if you compare yourself to others' standards.

Have confidence in yourself and what you want to be. 
Confidence doesn't come naturally to most. Even extremely successful people have struggled with confidence, but they overcame their insecurities and found a way to carve their own paths.

You will not always get what you want. 
Maybe your long-range plan is to rise to your dream job in a specific organization, but the job is elusive.

Someone else might be better qualified, have better connections or do better in interviews. But then you decide what you must do to change that outcome the next time. Or maybe your grand idea for a business falls short. What do you do? Do you give up, or start all over again?

The secret to forging your own future is taking personal responsibility for your actions and decisions. The only time you are a victim of your circumstances is when you choose to be.

You almost always have a choice. 
No matter what uncontrollable things might happen to you, you decide how to react and deal with them. You can let seeds of hatred grow, or you can plant seeds of hope and change that will set you up for success in the future. You have complete control over your future. Choose wisely.

Mackay's Moral:
No proof is required of what is before your own eyes.

Harvey Mackay is a Minneapolis businessman. Contact him at 612-378-6202 or email [email protected].

Artificial Fuel: A Promising Solution for Sustainable Energy

​​With the increasing demand for energy and the urgent need to address climate change, the search for alternative and sustainable fuel sources has become paramount. Artificial fuel, also known as synthetic fuel or e-fuel, presents a promising solution by utilizing renewable energy sources and advanced chemical processes to produce a clean and efficient energy carrier. This paper explores the concept of artificial fuel, its production methods, advantages, challenges, and its potential role in transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

1. What is Artificial Fuel?
Artificial fuel refers to a fuel that is synthesized from renewable sources, typically through the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) using various chemical processes. These fuels are chemically similar to conventional fossil fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel, and can be used in existing combustion engines without significant modifications.

2. Production Methods:
a. Power-to-Liquid (PtL): This method involves capturing CO2 from industrial processes or directly from the atmosphere and combining it with hydrogen obtained through electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. The resulting synthetic hydrocarbon fuels can be produced in various forms, including methane, methanol, or even drop-in fuels like gasoline or diesel.

b. Biomass-to-Liquid (BtL):
​Biomass feedstocks, such as agricultural waste or dedicated energy crops, can be converted into synthetic fuels through thermochemical or biochemical processes. Thermochemical conversion methods like gasification or pyrolysis produce synthesis gas (syngas), which can then be converted into liquid hydrocarbon fuels via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

3. Advantages of Artificial Fuel:
a. Carbon Neutrality: Artificial fuels produced from renewable energy sources and CO2 capture are considered carbon neutral since the carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is offset by the CO2 captured during production.

b. Energy Storage:
Synthetic fuels offer the potential for large-scale and long-term energy storage, addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. These fuels can be easily transported, stored, and utilized when needed, providing stability to the grid and supporting energy demand during peak periods.

c. Existing Infrastructure Compatibility:
One of the significant advantages of artificial fuel is its compatibility with existing infrastructure. Since they closely resemble conventional fuels, there is no need for substantial modifications to vehicles or distribution networks, making the transition to synthetic fuels relatively seamless.

4. Challenges and Limitations:
a. Cost: The production of artificial fuel currently faces cost challenges compared to conventional fuels. The process requires significant energy inputs, specialized catalysts, and advanced technologies, resulting in higher production costs. However, as renewable energy becomes more affordable and production methods mature, cost reduction is expected.

b. Scale and Efficiency:
Scaling up the production of synthetic fuels to meet global energy demands is a considerable challenge. Current processes are energy-intensive and require large amounts of renewable electricity, limiting their efficiency and scalability. Technological advancements and economies of scale are essential to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

c. CO2 Capture and Sustainability:
The availability of sustainable and reliable sources of CO2 is crucial for artificial fuel production. Additionally, the sustainability of biomass feedstocks used in BtL processes must be ensured to avoid negative environmental impacts, such as deforestation or competition with food production.

5. Potential Role and Future Outlook:
Artificial fuel can play a significant role in decarbonizing the transportation sector, which heavily relies on fossil fuels. By utilizing renewable energy and capturing CO2 emissions, synthetic fuels offer a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Moreover, they can contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

While artificial fuel is still in the early stages of development and faces several challenges, ongoing research, technological advancements, and supportive policies are

 paving the way for its widespread adoption. Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and researchers is crucial to accelerating its commercialization and creating a sustainable energy future.


Conclusion:
Artificial fuel holds great promise as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. By utilizing renewable energy sources, capturing CO2 emissions, and leveraging existing infrastructure, synthetic fuels can play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, achieving energy security, and facilitating the transition to a sustainable energy future. Continued research, development, and investment in artificial fuel technologies are essential to unlock its full potential and drive the global energy transition.

​The Origin and Purpose of the Ku Klux Klan: Unveiling the Dark History of Hate The enforcers of racism

The Origin and Purpose of the Ku Klux Klan: Unveiling the Dark History of Hate

Introduction:
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a notorious American white supremacist organization that has had a profound and dark impact on the nation's history. Established in the aftermath of the Civil War, the Klan emerged as a response to the emancipation of African Americans and the Reconstruction Era. This paper delves into the origin and purpose of the Ku Klux Klan, shedding light on its historical context, ideologies, and the consequences of its actions.

1. The Birth of the Klan:
The Ku Klux Klan was founded in 1865 in Pulaski, Tennessee, by a group of Confederate veterans. Initially, it started as a secret social club, aimed at preserving the antebellum Southern culture and white supremacy. Nathan Bedford Forrest, a former Confederate general, played a significant role in the Klan's early development.

2. The Reconstruction Era:
The Reconstruction Era followed the Civil War, during which the federal government aimed to rebuild the South and establish civil rights for freed African Americans. However, this period faced significant resistance from white Southerners who sought to maintain their social and economic dominance. The Klan emerged as a paramilitary force that sought to suppress African Americans and their newfound civil liberties.

3. The Klan's Ideologies:
The Ku Klux Klan embraced ideologies rooted in racial superiority, white nationalism, and hatred towards African Americans. They believed in the supremacy of the white race, opposing social and political equality for African Americans. Their actions aimed to intimidate, terrorize, and maintain control over the newly freed population.

4. Terror and Violence:
The Klan's tactics involved acts of domestic terrorism, targeting African Americans, their allies, and political opponents. Their methods included lynching, bombings, arson, and other forms of physical violence. By instilling fear within African American communities, the Klan sought to enforce racial segregation and undermine progress made during the Reconstruction Era.

5. Political Influence and Decline:
During its early years, the Klan enjoyed considerable political influence, particularly in the Southern states. Klan members held public offices, including seats in Congress, and exerted significant control over local governments. However, the organization's influence began to decline due to public backlash, legal action, and internal divisions.

6. Resurgence in the 20th Century:
The Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence in the early 20th century, fueled by factors such as the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities and the growth of nativist sentiments. This second wave of the Klan targeted not only African Americans but also immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and other minority groups.

7. Civil Rights Movement and Continued Presence:
During the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, the Klan vehemently opposed efforts to end racial segregation and promote equal rights. Klan members committed acts of violence against civil rights activists and participated in the infamous bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which claimed the lives of four young girls. Despite legal and societal challenges, the Klan continues to exist today, albeit in fragmented and marginalized forms.

8. Impact on American Society:
The Ku Klux Klan's legacy is one of terror, violence, and racial hatred. Its actions have left a lasting impact on American society, reinforcing racial divisions and impeding progress toward equality. The Klan's ideology and actions serve as a grim reminder of the deep-seated racism that has plagued the nation's history.

Conclusion:
The Ku Klux Klan's origin and purpose are deeply rooted in the context of post-Civil War America, with a mission to uphold white supremacy and oppose African American civil rights. Through violence, intimidation, and domestic terrorism, the Klan sought to maintain racial dominance and impede progress toward equal rights.

The 1921 Tulsa Massacre

The Tulsa massacre, also known as the Tulsa race riot or the Black Wall Street massacre, was a devastating event that took place in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921. The incident marked one of the most violent episodes of racial violence in American history and had a profound impact on the African American community.

Greenwood, also called Black Wall Street, was a prosperous and affluent neighborhood predominantly inhabited by African Americans. It boasted successful black-owned businesses, including banks, hotels, restaurants, and various other enterprises. This economic success and the sense of community within Greenwood threatened the prevailing racial order and fueled racial tensions.

On May 31, 1921, the massacre began with an incident involving a young black man named Dick Rowland and a white elevator operator named Sarah Page. The exact details of the encounter remain unclear, but Rowland was accused of assaulting Page. The arrest and subsequent rumors of an alleged assault sparked outrage and escalated racial tensions in Tulsa.

Inflamed by sensationalized media coverage and deep-seated racism, a white mob gathered outside the courthouse where Rowland was being held. The situation quickly spiraled out of control when a group of armed black men arrived to protect Rowland. A confrontation between the white mob and the armed black residents ensued, leading to gunfire and chaos.

The violence quickly spread throughout the Greenwood District as the white mob, numbering in the thousands, began attacking black homes, businesses, and individuals. They looted, vandalized, and set fire to numerous buildings, including the renowned Black Wall Street. The local authorities failed to intervene effectively, and some reports even suggest that law enforcement actively participated in the violence.
​

​​The African American residents of Greenwood were outnumbered and outgunned, and their attempts to defend their community were met with overwhelming force. The violence continued for approximately 16 hours, resulting in the destruction of over 35 square blocks and the loss of countless lives. Estimates of the death toll vary, but it is believed that hundreds of people, primarily African Americans, were killed. Thousands of residents were left homeless and displaced.

Following the massacre, the city of Tulsa sought to downplay the events and suppress information about the incident. The survivors faced significant challenges in rebuilding their lives and businesses, and many struggled to secure compensation for their losses. The history of the Tulsa massacre was largely suppressed and omitted from history books for decades.

It was not until the 1990s that concerted efforts were made to unearth the truth and acknowledge the magnitude of the tragedy. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on the Tulsa massacre, with calls for reparations, public memorials, and educational initiatives aimed at acknowledging and learning from this dark chapter in American history.

The Tulsa massacre remains a painful reminder of the systemic racism and violence that plagued the United States during the early 20th century. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the African American community and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. By remembering and understanding this tragic event, society can strive to confront its legacy and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Jim Crow Laws chatGPT Having lived in the deep south during the late 40's I whitnessed, first hand, what discrimination looks like.  I was not aware of "Jim Crow" laws.  Following is a refresher. ​Harv

"Come listen all you galls and boys, I'm going to sing a little song, My name is Jim Crow. Weel about and turn about and do jis so, Eb'ry time I weel about I jump Jim Crow."

​These words are from the song, "Jim Crow," as it appeared in sheet music written by Thomas Dartmouth "Daddy" Rice. Rice, a struggling "actor" (he did short solo skits between play scenes) at the Park Theater in New York, happened upon a black person singing the above song -- some accounts say it was an old black slave who walked with difficulty, others say it was a ragged black stable boy. Whether modeled on an old man or a young boy we will never know, but we know that in 1828 Rice appeared on stage as "Jim Crow" -- an exaggerated, highly stereotypical black character.

Jim Crow laws were a series of state and local statutes enacted in the United States between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century. These laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and other people of color, primarily in the Southern states. The term "Jim Crow" originated from a popular racist minstrel show character in the 1830s and became synonymous with the oppressive system that defined the era.

Following the Reconstruction period after the Civil War, Southern states implemented Jim Crow laws to reestablish white supremacy and control over the newly freed African American population. These laws mandated segregation in public spaces such as schools, transportation, restaurants, restrooms, theaters, and housing. The idea behind these laws was to enforce a strict racial hierarchy, with whites deemed superior and African Americans relegated to inferior status.

Under the Jim Crow laws, separate facilities were established for whites and African Americans, often with the African American facilities being significantly inferior in quality and resources. This enforced separation was justified under the "separate but equal" doctrine, which claimed that separate facilities for different races were acceptable as long as they were of equal quality. However, in reality, the separate facilities were far from equal, perpetuating inequality and discrimination.

Education was also deeply affected by Jim Crow laws. African American schools received fewer resources, lower-quality textbooks, and limited funding compared to white schools. Many black students had to travel long distances to attend school, as the resources available to African American communities were intentionally limited. This systematic denial of educational opportunities further reinforced the cycle of poverty and limited economic prospects for African Americans.

The voting rights of African Americans were systematically suppressed through Jim Crow laws. Measures such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses were implemented to disenfranchise black voters. These tactics effectively prevented African Americans from exercising their constitutional right to vote, solidifying white political dominance and suppressing any potential political power within the African American community.

In addition to legal segregation, social customs and norms further reinforced racial discrimination. African Americans faced widespread violence, including lynchings, without adequate legal protection. Segregation was not only a legal requirement but also a deeply ingrained societal norm, making it difficult for African Americans to challenge the status quo.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s played a pivotal role in dismantling the Jim Crow system. Landmark court cases such as Brown v. Board of Education and the Montgomery Bus Boycott challenged segregation laws, leading to significant legal victories and the gradual erosion of the Jim Crow system. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 further dismantled legal barriers to equality and marked significant milestones in the fight against racial discrimination.

While the Jim Crow laws have been officially abolished, the legacy of this system continues to impact American society. The deep-rooted inequalities and racial disparities that were perpetuated by these laws persist to this day. The struggle for racial justice and equality remains an ongoing endeavor, as the effects of Jim Crow laws continue to shape the social, economic, and political landscape of the United States.