Every once in a while I try to stop for a while and follow the old sign at railroad crossings: Stop-Look-Listen.

The process sometimes develops a number of thoughts that are all separate and deserve attention on their own. Often they overlap into a patchwork of tangible considerations that somehow become germane to an overall view of ideals, hopes, ambititions and God's blessings.

The problem with ole timers like me stopping to look and listen is, we have memories. Good ones and some not so good. They tend to either obliterate or enhance the current train of thought.

Anytime the memories enter the equation, individuals who have made an impression on my life enter the patchwork of tapestry. Each has, in their own unique and individualistic way, indelibly left a lasting imprint.

Such a person is Chuck Demastus, who as most readers know, has published on the world wide web, Southern Heritage News & Views (among other news services).

Chuck is one of a very rare breed of dedicated Southerners who are willing to give a large share of of their lives to the perpetuation of a culture unique in not only America, but the entire world.

I say rare breed because thousands, probably millions, if they would stand up and be counted, ascribe to what Chuck does every day as he climbs down from his truck after another of those long distance runs. He has to be weary of the road, yet he puts together a group of publications for thirsty readers like me.

In my case, often I find information I would have never found without the diligence and attention to detail this weary patriot brings me, and you, every day, without any big lapses and no evidence of a holiday.

Those of us who are motivated to give a portion of our lives to the cause in which we so fervently believe, do expose ourselves from time to time to the slings and arrows of vox populi. We generally take it in good spirit, particularly when the criticisms of our volunteer work are constructive and designed for improvement.

Occasionally, the spirit of the criticism is not motivated from the best of intentions or in consideration of the overall circumstances we deal with day to day.

You see, the old saw about "looking a gift horse in the mouth" is as true today as ever, and always will be.

Worse, as we all know from our activities in various organizations, that gift horse is going to be ridden until it drops. The old 80-20 rule applies. Eighty percent watch and advise, criticize and do the heavy looking on while twenty percent get it done.

In my view, Chuck is at the head of the twenty percent column. He sets an example for all the rest of us to step up our involvement, which can cover myriad activities of interest and inimitable interests and skills. Think, if you will, of all of the various things you as an individual could choose and join in doing positive and constructive things for the heritage to which we too often fail to give proper attention.

In the very least case the twenty percent of the "gift horses" could be greatly increased with just a small donation of support and appreciation to SHN&V. That beats the hell out of sitting idly by and taking all the benefits of the free gift horses for granted.

Chuck, we all need you to continue to set the tempo and provide the information which makes us all better advocates for revealing the real truth in our quest for the honor of our ancestors and a culture real Southerners know and willingly share with others who sincerely appreciate a better way of life.

Jeff Davis is a retired radio-TV journalist living in Gainesville, GA. Active in civic and political affairs, he is past president of the Georgia Jaycees, former vice president of the US and the world Jaycees, former campaign chairman of the Georgia Republican party. He voluntarily serves as chairman of the Georgia Heritage Council. He is a collateral descendant of President Jefferson Davis.