Mike McAndrews’ Post

Charleston County, South Carolina

This is very insightful.

THIS is #ReturnToRural Awesome story about Jordan's return to the area and the great things he is doing. With multiple groups taking different approaches to this same idea, the overarching theme is that there is vast opportunity in rural areas. Go take a look and you just might be surprised. Consider making the move and filling that critical job role, moving a business operation that can bring value and job opportunities to the area, or launch that startup you have always dreamed about. Rural is rich in support, community, and resources! JOIN US and truly make positive impact! #returntorural #RuralIsRad #ReimagineRural ***************** Sterling native Jordan Suter believes being involved in the community is the way to bring about change. Suter left Sterling after high school, playing baseball in college while pursuing his degree in biology, and then spent five and a half years as a forensic scientist. It was family ties that inspired his desire to return to his hometown – Suter is the fourth generation on his mom’s side to live here, and the third on his dad’s side – but he didn’t know what he’d be able to do for a career, given his background in biology. Then he got an job offer from Thrivent, which he was familiar with because his family had worked with the financial planning firm. “I was really thankful to be able to do that, because I had always wanted to be around my family and serve this community, but had never really had the opportunity,” he said. Suter moved back about two and a half years ago and jumped right into getting as involved within the community as possible. His own passion for the community shines through when he talks about how he would encourage others to consider living and working in Sterling. He said he’d encourage those from the Front Range and other urban areas to come visit the community and see what it’s about, because he feels that they might have misconceptions about rural Colorado based on clichés that don’t capture the generous spirit of the people here. And for those who moved away but might be open to returning, like him, his plea is more direct: “We need you out here. This community needs more young people… that care and want to make a difference, and you can only make a difference if you get involved.” He is thankful for the opportunities to have an impact on future generations through coaching as well, saying, “Being able to coach high school kids and show them that it is cool to leave, do your thing and go learn about the world, go experience some stuff – there’s nothing wrong with that. But coming home, there’s nothing wrong with that. You can be a good person and care about your community and just serve; that’s the whole point.” “I just want to leave a mark, and hopefully it’s a positive one,” he said.

Gov. Wes Moore, sadly, another young person lost and another family and school traumatized by senseless violence. Also, sadly, a post I wrote just a day ago became outdated before sunset. I wrote about the 45th school shooting of the year, and now Maryland is home to the 46th. Most won’t read my post but I am hoping that you will. In it, there’s solution. As veterans, we know that “thoughts and prayers” is not a strategic plan. Neither is hardening of schools a complete plan. That’s a defensive tactic that only addresses the back end of the issue, not the root cause. We need a strategy that will stop these incidents from happening in the first place. That strategy, developed by a team of Marylanders, is outlined in the link and we already have proof that it works to stop violence before it happens. Our work was recognized and supported by Rep Elijah Cummings, Rep Debbie Dingle, and other members of Congress, & was honored by President Biden. It’s time that we spread the L.O.V.E. Is The Answer principles throughout our K-12 schools. Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) https://lnkd.in/eZ9-vRSW

Building relationships is where it's at!

Who agrees? Don’t be shy. Who can tell me the difference between the various far-right Christian accelerationist groups and the accelerationist jihadi/salafi groups like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Palestinian Islamic jihad etc? Difference: religion Can anyone tell me the similarities? Similarities: 1)The desire to tear down society as we know it and replace it with one that adheres to their belief system. 2) hatred of Jews 3) both far-right religious fundamentalists Interestingly enough there was mention of the PFLP. The PFLP founded by George Habash is not a religious fundamentalist group per say, but rather a leftist Marxist type group, like the Palestinian anarchist group Fauda. Many on the extreme left in the US can be seen sporting PFLP and fauda pins. It’s funny how a shared hatred of the Jewish people can bring such diverse philosophies/groups together. #history #MiddleEast #extremism #geopolitics #threatintelligence

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