If I cut you with a knife you would bleed blood simply because that is part of what you are made of. Without blood we would surely die. Besides that, if I cut you, I would be in serious trouble because that would be a crime. The point being, what is in you comes out of you when exposed.
High-ranking political leaders that show evidence of very poor character and integrity seriously trouble me. They are in positions of public trust. We elect them into office to serve us and look out for our welfare. They actually take an oath of office to serve us with the highest of integrity.
When someone cheats as in marital infidelity whether on an irregular or a regular basis I have an issue with that. It is not like there was one slip when they were caught in the heat of the moment and made a poor judgment, but in many cases these are ongoing affairs. That shows a personality trait. You are a cheater and that is your nature. You lie to cover your fault.
Am I to trust someone to create laws and vote on issues of public welfare when they cheat on the ones nearest and dearest to them? When you cheat on your spouse you do the same with your children and all the extended family members. You lie and you put on a false front in order to practice your deceit. I have a problem with that!
I realize that people make mistakes and I do believe in forgiveness and restitution. We are all imperfect creatures because of our basic human nature. In fact it takes a lot of discipline and self-control in order to stay within the boundaries established by society.
Weiner is just another fallen leader of a long line of men that has taken this route. It happened to the President of our nation as well and our past governor. It happens to the top sports stars, movie and entertainment stars and yes, to ordinary citizens as well.
Such things happen much more than we are aware f, but the high-profile ones we see in the news are only those who get caught. The larger percentage are those that never get caught so statistically we will never know just how deep the problem may be.
Usually when these incidents leave the front page of the daily news shows and periodicals we tend to forget about them. Ask Tiger Woods, Clinton, Schwarzenegger, John Edwards, and the list goes on and on. Such behavior seems to be so common that we almost accept it as the “new norm.”
When people cheat they expose a character fault. It is something that they ultimately can’t completely control. They are attracted to something and either cannot or do not resist the temptation.
Most of us face temptations from a number of things but we don’t all fall prey or give in to them. Many love illegal drugs, too much chocolate, alcohol, sex with multiple partners, and other things that we know we should not do but we must rely upon self-control to keep us from falling victims to such things.
Those who fall, and fall often, have a problem and should seek counseling or psychiatric help. They should not be in a high office of public trust while they are seeking the help they need because they have trust issues.
When you are in the public eye you are heavily scrutinized. Things that others may get away with are not things that public figures can easily get away with simply because of the additional public pressure.
If you have a problem with a moral issue or with your integrity might I suggest that you do not seek a high profile public position. Such positions are and should be held to a higher standard because you are dealing with public trust. You can’t have your cake and eat it too…not in this case.
We might forgive you as a human being but not as one chosen to deal with our welfare. You can’t hold a higher office and stoop that low and so obviously displaying very poor character choices. Go back to your common ordinary life and build yourself back up to a position that we can trust and then we might give you a second chance. But even then you would still be scarred.
I understand the challenge of human nature. I understand the lure of things that are apparently irresistible. But I also understand that not all people are qualified to fill certain positions. If you have a problem with trust issues simply do not put yourself in a position where people need to depend upon you.
If you are a jerk, do so on your own dime, not ours!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day Celebration
Unless you were in a war or had friends or relatives that fought or died in a war, chances are that you don’t have as much connection with this holiday as many others. In this country it is a very special day of remembrance for those who died in our nation’s service.
On this day many Americans visit the grave sites of the departed and decorate it with flowers, a reef, or flag in order to give tribute for the ultimate sacrifice paid by our many service members.
We should truly honor them greatly because it was because of their ultimate sacrifice that allows us to enjoy the great democracy and freedom we have here in America. There is no greater gift one person can give than their life for the benefit of others.
Typically we take this day as the first unofficial day of summer kicking off a more laid back time of year for start of the vacation season, a time away from school, work, and summer activities.
Like most holidays the real meaning behind them has been lost in the shuffle as people just look forward to an extended holiday weekend.
This holiday, formally known as Decoration Day, as in decorating the grave sites, was first enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil war but was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.
It also was extended to incorporate ordinary people visiting the grave sites of deceased relatives regardless of their affiliation with the military. It is a day of remembrance of the departed.
The spirit of the holiday is one that is somewhat somber, but as in most holidays we treat it as a long weekend devoted to gatherings of friends and family, shopping, fireworks, trips to the beach, and popular sports activities.
For those of you who are still holding down the workforce, enjoy the holiday but at least silently remember the many service men and women that gave their lives that you might be able to enjoy the lives you are currently living.
God Bless America and all those service people that died so we may enjoy this great country.
On this day many Americans visit the grave sites of the departed and decorate it with flowers, a reef, or flag in order to give tribute for the ultimate sacrifice paid by our many service members.
We should truly honor them greatly because it was because of their ultimate sacrifice that allows us to enjoy the great democracy and freedom we have here in America. There is no greater gift one person can give than their life for the benefit of others.
Typically we take this day as the first unofficial day of summer kicking off a more laid back time of year for start of the vacation season, a time away from school, work, and summer activities.
Like most holidays the real meaning behind them has been lost in the shuffle as people just look forward to an extended holiday weekend.
This holiday, formally known as Decoration Day, as in decorating the grave sites, was first enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil war but was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.
It also was extended to incorporate ordinary people visiting the grave sites of deceased relatives regardless of their affiliation with the military. It is a day of remembrance of the departed.
The spirit of the holiday is one that is somewhat somber, but as in most holidays we treat it as a long weekend devoted to gatherings of friends and family, shopping, fireworks, trips to the beach, and popular sports activities.
For those of you who are still holding down the workforce, enjoy the holiday but at least silently remember the many service men and women that gave their lives that you might be able to enjoy the lives you are currently living.
God Bless America and all those service people that died so we may enjoy this great country.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Let's Talk Economy?
Make no bones about it; everyone is feeling the pinch with our current economy. Everyone that purchases consumer goods is being financially squeezed more today than in recent memory.
How do we manage to merely survive through times such as this?
It is not so much that the majority of people are at a point of desperation, but more that the case of hearing about how bad things are constantly being heard on a daily basis through the media.
Yes, the cost of many of our consumer goods and products have gone up substantially, but this simply means that most of us just can’t afford to use our previously-discretionary funds as fluently as before. People want what they want and many refuse to cut back until and unless they are forced to do so, and only when absolutely necessary.
Certainly there are people who have already reached the point of despair because of this economy, but right now they seemingly do not make up the majority of the population.
When you hear about 10% unemployment rate, that is speaking about those who are in the job market, the ones that really desire to work.
On the other hand, in looking at the overall picture, another economic category is those who are at, or below the poverty level. Even though the poor feel the pinch just the same as everyone, most did not have those discretionary funds to began with, so to them life remains statistically about the same, except for having even less than they had before. Their struggle just becomes deeper, but not that much newer.
The upper lower-to-middle-income earner is where the pinch is perhaps felt the most. The cost of nearly everything they were purchasing before such as gas, food and clothing went up, yet their incomes has not. Now they have substantially less funds to spread around to cover even their basic necessities.
Since so many people in general seem to have so accustomed to modern conveniences such as cell phones, cable television, Internet access, and other things, giving them up or cutting back is not something that most are willing to consider, at least not at this point.
Although we grumble about how tough things are, most have not reached the point where they are willing to cut back or give up on their conveniences.
If their situation was really in the tanks you would see fewer people with cell phones, more under-fed, seeking financial assistance, homes being lost to the banks, and even fewer cars on the roadways. So far we are not seeing a drastic change in our habits.
Imagine; if people really wanted to better survive this poor economy there are things they could be doing right now even though it would require tightening up one's belt.
Rather than waiting until the cupboards are completely bare they could start being more conservative with their usage of things. They could really think about the things they do that are wasteful.
Many run the water much too long before getting in the shower. We run the dishwater too long while doing the dishes. We eat more food that our bodies need in order to be satisfied. We have gotten too accustomed to having too much of things we really don’t need.
What would happen if more people started using public transportation and really taking a pinch out of the gas cartels? God forbid if those who smoke cigarettes would quit smoking and stop wasting that money. How about if we did not super-size our meals as a habit?
If you really gave it serious thought I would bet you could find dozens of ways to trim back on things that are not absolutely necessary. Some of these things are probably purely wasteful.
Yes, the economy is bad, but we are the ones that helped drive it into its current situation by our poor spending habits, gluttony, and wasteful spending. I would bet that if society became more thoughtful and conservative with their spending habits our economy wouldn’t appear to be as bleak as it currently is revealed in the media.
Tighten up your belt straps before you are forced to do so and things will work out just fine.
How do we manage to merely survive through times such as this?
It is not so much that the majority of people are at a point of desperation, but more that the case of hearing about how bad things are constantly being heard on a daily basis through the media.
Yes, the cost of many of our consumer goods and products have gone up substantially, but this simply means that most of us just can’t afford to use our previously-discretionary funds as fluently as before. People want what they want and many refuse to cut back until and unless they are forced to do so, and only when absolutely necessary.
Certainly there are people who have already reached the point of despair because of this economy, but right now they seemingly do not make up the majority of the population.
When you hear about 10% unemployment rate, that is speaking about those who are in the job market, the ones that really desire to work.
On the other hand, in looking at the overall picture, another economic category is those who are at, or below the poverty level. Even though the poor feel the pinch just the same as everyone, most did not have those discretionary funds to began with, so to them life remains statistically about the same, except for having even less than they had before. Their struggle just becomes deeper, but not that much newer.
The upper lower-to-middle-income earner is where the pinch is perhaps felt the most. The cost of nearly everything they were purchasing before such as gas, food and clothing went up, yet their incomes has not. Now they have substantially less funds to spread around to cover even their basic necessities.
Since so many people in general seem to have so accustomed to modern conveniences such as cell phones, cable television, Internet access, and other things, giving them up or cutting back is not something that most are willing to consider, at least not at this point.
Although we grumble about how tough things are, most have not reached the point where they are willing to cut back or give up on their conveniences.
If their situation was really in the tanks you would see fewer people with cell phones, more under-fed, seeking financial assistance, homes being lost to the banks, and even fewer cars on the roadways. So far we are not seeing a drastic change in our habits.
Imagine; if people really wanted to better survive this poor economy there are things they could be doing right now even though it would require tightening up one's belt.
Rather than waiting until the cupboards are completely bare they could start being more conservative with their usage of things. They could really think about the things they do that are wasteful.
Many run the water much too long before getting in the shower. We run the dishwater too long while doing the dishes. We eat more food that our bodies need in order to be satisfied. We have gotten too accustomed to having too much of things we really don’t need.
What would happen if more people started using public transportation and really taking a pinch out of the gas cartels? God forbid if those who smoke cigarettes would quit smoking and stop wasting that money. How about if we did not super-size our meals as a habit?
If you really gave it serious thought I would bet you could find dozens of ways to trim back on things that are not absolutely necessary. Some of these things are probably purely wasteful.
Yes, the economy is bad, but we are the ones that helped drive it into its current situation by our poor spending habits, gluttony, and wasteful spending. I would bet that if society became more thoughtful and conservative with their spending habits our economy wouldn’t appear to be as bleak as it currently is revealed in the media.
Tighten up your belt straps before you are forced to do so and things will work out just fine.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
When is enough really enough
For months, maybe years by now, we have watched starlet bad boys and bad girls treat their celebrity status as a trump card to do whatever they want or act any way they choose at our expense.
Apparently they don’t get the fact that it is the fans that motors their success. If people suddenly stop purchasing their offering they would quickly see what it feels like to be normal or, even worse, a “has been.”
I am particularly tired of the media giving a megaphone to Charlie Sheen to parade his sickness. To just look at him you can clearly see that he has some sort of problem, most likely substance abuse. People are trying to say that this is his brand of humor, but there is nothing funny about his behavior or the things he is portraying.
If he wants to be a playboy with wild drug or sex parties, let him do so in his own world. But do we really need to give him a platform in our homes almost daily through the media to showcase his madness?
Why would a major network put up with such shenanigans for such a long period of time before they eventually come to their senses and cut him loose? It’s simple! He brings big revenue into the network, because the general public will avidly read and devour anything set before them!
I understand economy 101, but at a point don't morals, bad messages, signals, or lessons; or the way he is personally impacting others, especially vulnerable children, count? Is money the only God that we are to respect in this case? I think not!
This is a very strange generation that we are facing. We have dropped the bar so low that even an earthworm could get over it with ease. Almost anything goes!
I thought I could be a liberal and just let people to their own thing, but unless I am willing to cut off all my media resources I cannot get away from those that wish to impose and expose their wickedness upon me.
I suppose I could just shut up and allow others the freedom to be themselves, but in this case I have had enough! Since I too have a small megaphone I wish to make my voice heard even though it may come across as a mere whisper coming out of a vast desert.
COME ON, FOLKS… THAT’S ENOUGH! Turn off his megaphone and allow this man an opportunity to get the help he needs. Certainly he does not have the will power to turn it off for himself. He is sick and more than likely being controlled by something unnatural, if nothing other than just his own alter ego.
I am waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy past having enough.
Enough is really enough already! My late Grandmother-in-Law frequently said:
"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, AND TOO MUCH IS GOOD FOR NOTHING!"
Apparently they don’t get the fact that it is the fans that motors their success. If people suddenly stop purchasing their offering they would quickly see what it feels like to be normal or, even worse, a “has been.”
I am particularly tired of the media giving a megaphone to Charlie Sheen to parade his sickness. To just look at him you can clearly see that he has some sort of problem, most likely substance abuse. People are trying to say that this is his brand of humor, but there is nothing funny about his behavior or the things he is portraying.
If he wants to be a playboy with wild drug or sex parties, let him do so in his own world. But do we really need to give him a platform in our homes almost daily through the media to showcase his madness?
Why would a major network put up with such shenanigans for such a long period of time before they eventually come to their senses and cut him loose? It’s simple! He brings big revenue into the network, because the general public will avidly read and devour anything set before them!
I understand economy 101, but at a point don't morals, bad messages, signals, or lessons; or the way he is personally impacting others, especially vulnerable children, count? Is money the only God that we are to respect in this case? I think not!
This is a very strange generation that we are facing. We have dropped the bar so low that even an earthworm could get over it with ease. Almost anything goes!
I thought I could be a liberal and just let people to their own thing, but unless I am willing to cut off all my media resources I cannot get away from those that wish to impose and expose their wickedness upon me.
I suppose I could just shut up and allow others the freedom to be themselves, but in this case I have had enough! Since I too have a small megaphone I wish to make my voice heard even though it may come across as a mere whisper coming out of a vast desert.
COME ON, FOLKS… THAT’S ENOUGH! Turn off his megaphone and allow this man an opportunity to get the help he needs. Certainly he does not have the will power to turn it off for himself. He is sick and more than likely being controlled by something unnatural, if nothing other than just his own alter ego.
I am waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy past having enough.
Enough is really enough already! My late Grandmother-in-Law frequently said:
"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, AND TOO MUCH IS GOOD FOR NOTHING!"
Monday, January 31, 2011
What do people want most?
I suppose you could argue that people want to live, but how would you substantiate those that commit suicide? You could say that they want peace, but what about those that thrive upon hostility? We could say they want to believe in a Creator, but that isn’t true either. Is there anything that all people want?
Apparently what people want most is to achieve their personal ambitions. If you agree with them you are on their side, but if you don’t, you are then their adversary. It appears that nationally we are noticing this very harsh discourse, but as we focus our attention on our local community we see a similar sharp dissent as well.
Apparently no matter what the issue may be there are people that oppose what is offered. Those who oppose something will usually let you know how much they are against the proposal very vocally. In other words, no one has exclusivity on how things should be run in our town. This is just how people are.
When it comes to what is best for your town, who can truthfully say they know what is best for the citizens? No one can totally do that. No matter what suggestion or issue is proposed, most assuredly someone will disagree. This is a reality we need to accept.
One person mentioned the term civility in reference to this public discourse, which is basically politeness or courtesy. You might think that we would all seek to be polite or courteous, but that is definitely not the case. Some do not prefer civility as a means of handling disputes. Are they wrong for deciding to take such a posture?
In their mind, no, but in the mind of people that practice civility, yes. Again, this is just how people are. Very rarely, if ever, will all the people agree with each other on all accounts. That is an awareness point we must learn to accept. From there perhaps each can leave room for the other to totally express their views as they wish without taking it personally, to heart, considering it as an attack on them.
No matter what the intent of things proposed for our community there will be those who will take issue with it. At the same time there will be others who agree. This is something we must learn to both expect and accept without prejudices. The fact that people are willing to discuss important and relevant issues is a good thing. In order to find remedies to important and relevant issues discussion is needed.
Although the intent, in my mind, is never to cause harm or havoc within the community that may not be how my articles are received. Anyone who speaks out must realize that others won’t always agree with their offering, neither will they always be civil about how they disagree. It is simply how people are; to expect otherwise would be futile.
The good news here for those who really want to see positive change and growth in the community is that we are able to see how huge the gap is between certain factions. Then we will know how long a bridge we will need to build in order to bring the sides closer.
In learning how to solve problems the first step is to realize there is one, then you must analyze it, see what your options are, and then come up with possible solutions. We are learning about step one, which is that we have differences, so now we need to learn how to get to step two and continue toward finding solutions.
For those who have issues with the Sheriff’s office, the Town Council, the school system, street gangs, criminals, noise pollution, graffiti, religious organizations, child care, senior care, or any issue for which there is concern, just realize that, just as you have a stand or an opinion, others do likewise. Some try to practice civility when possible, but that is not always the case; that too is part of our human nature
Knowing this and accepting it as fact should lower the stress that comes with being opposed. To each their own: that is how our democracy works. This is the American way. If you don’t like this system I suppose you can move to another country, but once you see how others solve their differences you might want to come back to America.
Thanks for all your passionate comments and opinions about the issues we face as a community. It would be nice if we could learn how to get along, but if you disagree you have a right to do so and it shouldn’t be taken personally. For those of you that practice civility please realize that it may not be reciprocated. Not all people are alike.
So in the future as contemplative issues are brought to your attention please know that it is okay that you disagree with them. After all, this is a democracy and we are therefore free to state our opinions and/or take issues with things we don’t accept as well.
Perhaps what most people want is to be free to be themselves, no matter how kooky that may appear to others. In a perfect world that may work fine but when what you want interferes with the wants of others it may cause a problem. Therefore it is best to simply learn how to get along with them as best possible, and also how to be yourself in that setting.
Just more "stuff" to think about...
Apparently what people want most is to achieve their personal ambitions. If you agree with them you are on their side, but if you don’t, you are then their adversary. It appears that nationally we are noticing this very harsh discourse, but as we focus our attention on our local community we see a similar sharp dissent as well.
Apparently no matter what the issue may be there are people that oppose what is offered. Those who oppose something will usually let you know how much they are against the proposal very vocally. In other words, no one has exclusivity on how things should be run in our town. This is just how people are.
When it comes to what is best for your town, who can truthfully say they know what is best for the citizens? No one can totally do that. No matter what suggestion or issue is proposed, most assuredly someone will disagree. This is a reality we need to accept.
One person mentioned the term civility in reference to this public discourse, which is basically politeness or courtesy. You might think that we would all seek to be polite or courteous, but that is definitely not the case. Some do not prefer civility as a means of handling disputes. Are they wrong for deciding to take such a posture?
In their mind, no, but in the mind of people that practice civility, yes. Again, this is just how people are. Very rarely, if ever, will all the people agree with each other on all accounts. That is an awareness point we must learn to accept. From there perhaps each can leave room for the other to totally express their views as they wish without taking it personally, to heart, considering it as an attack on them.
No matter what the intent of things proposed for our community there will be those who will take issue with it. At the same time there will be others who agree. This is something we must learn to both expect and accept without prejudices. The fact that people are willing to discuss important and relevant issues is a good thing. In order to find remedies to important and relevant issues discussion is needed.
Although the intent, in my mind, is never to cause harm or havoc within the community that may not be how my articles are received. Anyone who speaks out must realize that others won’t always agree with their offering, neither will they always be civil about how they disagree. It is simply how people are; to expect otherwise would be futile.
The good news here for those who really want to see positive change and growth in the community is that we are able to see how huge the gap is between certain factions. Then we will know how long a bridge we will need to build in order to bring the sides closer.
In learning how to solve problems the first step is to realize there is one, then you must analyze it, see what your options are, and then come up with possible solutions. We are learning about step one, which is that we have differences, so now we need to learn how to get to step two and continue toward finding solutions.
For those who have issues with the Sheriff’s office, the Town Council, the school system, street gangs, criminals, noise pollution, graffiti, religious organizations, child care, senior care, or any issue for which there is concern, just realize that, just as you have a stand or an opinion, others do likewise. Some try to practice civility when possible, but that is not always the case; that too is part of our human nature
Knowing this and accepting it as fact should lower the stress that comes with being opposed. To each their own: that is how our democracy works. This is the American way. If you don’t like this system I suppose you can move to another country, but once you see how others solve their differences you might want to come back to America.
Thanks for all your passionate comments and opinions about the issues we face as a community. It would be nice if we could learn how to get along, but if you disagree you have a right to do so and it shouldn’t be taken personally. For those of you that practice civility please realize that it may not be reciprocated. Not all people are alike.
So in the future as contemplative issues are brought to your attention please know that it is okay that you disagree with them. After all, this is a democracy and we are therefore free to state our opinions and/or take issues with things we don’t accept as well.
Perhaps what most people want is to be free to be themselves, no matter how kooky that may appear to others. In a perfect world that may work fine but when what you want interferes with the wants of others it may cause a problem. Therefore it is best to simply learn how to get along with them as best possible, and also how to be yourself in that setting.
Just more "stuff" to think about...
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Homeless Man Ordeal
A homeless man with a golden voice was discovered by a news agency. His video was mounted on the Internet that sparked a “media frenzy.”
By now most have heard of the homeless man with the golden voice. Mr. Ted Williams was once a family man with a promising career that found hard times because of his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Eventually he found himself on skid row because of this. His recent emergence is a testament to many things that are worth taking heed.
Imagine one day you are on the street corner begging for spare change to fulfill your next fix and in the next few days you are a media sensation. The human mind doesn’t normally make such rapid transformations. The regimens and habits this man established over a period of years became etched into his being. In order for him to become a “new person” he would need to establish new habits and regimens. This doesn’t usually happen overnight.
Unfortunately Mr. Williams is just another profitable news sensation in the hands of the media useful to boost their ratings. It is not just the morning news but the late night shows as well. In addition there were several advertising agencies that booked him as a voice-over artist to sell certain commercial products. This sounds like a classic rags-to-riches story.
What lessons are we to take from this dazzling event? There are several positive ones and some that are not as flattering. Greed and selfish ambitions may also come into view but let’s first start with the positive points.
To take a person off the street and make them a media sensation could be a positive benefit. However, if the concern is for the individual rather than what the individual offers it is like giving them a chance to become successful, a chance they might not have otherwise had.
Looking at the brighter side, if this individual could be made whole and cured of his past demons this would be a great testimony for countless people that are now on skid row. Since we are only days into this happening it is too early to tell if anything has been done to cure the man as they continue to thrust him out into the public arena.
One would hope that someone or some entity is genuinely looking out for this person above what he is currently providing as a media sensation. If not, then once the bright lights fade, then so shall the man.
In a sense this is like having a boxing bear. People are fascinated by how a bear could mimic the human-like talent of boxing in the ring with a person, but when the bear is not on stage performing he is locked back in a cage as the non-human bear he really is.
In other words the bear is merely a showpiece to his owners. If the bear suddenly got sick or was unable to perform his tricks he would return to being just another bear in a cage. The concern for Williams is about what will happen when his star fades.
Take the fact that you have a person that was poor and homeless and turned their fortune into one with money and the ability to purchase a home. That is definitely a positive causation, but again, if the person is not altered in their internal and/or mental operations it is like giving costly pearls to swine. Unless you are willing to fix the person first, adding material things to them does not change what they are.
As we look deeper we find this person to have children, an ex-wife, and a mother still living. From out of the gutters this man has been reconnected to the life and people he left behind years back. Most of his family members were aware of why he disappeared in the first place. Obviously they may be a bit leery of his return. The mother asked that he not let her down once again. I’m sure she has heard it all before from her addict-son.
His children and ex-wife were less trusting because he let them down once before. The verdict is still out as to what he will do this time. Once a trust has been broken it is hard to recapture the same feeling again. Any past friends or business associates would be equally pessimistic. The onus is on Mr. Williams to prove that he is trustworthy. What will he do with this new opportunity?
Now let’s look at the other side of this story. Who is it that truly benefits here? All the media entities that covered his story have already benefited. Having him on their shows boosted their ratings and attracted audiences that may not have watched their show otherwise. Viewer attraction naturally means money and an opportunity to sell products and ads for businesses. In essence this man made money for a lot of people. Since most of the recipients were the studios and corporations, you be the judge as to the true benefactor.
Taking all this into consideration what is the final figure? Is there more good than bad? Are there more winners than losers? Haven’t we showed that we can all be touched when one of us is given a second chance? Even though the usual suspects are thoroughly in this story there is also a side of our humanity showing its underbelly. We care about each other and would like to see each do well.
What if you were the one on the street and someone gave you a second chance? Perhaps that cold uncompassionate side of us, the human race, thawed out just a fraction? Perhaps we are more internally connected than we would like to believe? Think about it!
By now most have heard of the homeless man with the golden voice. Mr. Ted Williams was once a family man with a promising career that found hard times because of his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Eventually he found himself on skid row because of this. His recent emergence is a testament to many things that are worth taking heed.
Imagine one day you are on the street corner begging for spare change to fulfill your next fix and in the next few days you are a media sensation. The human mind doesn’t normally make such rapid transformations. The regimens and habits this man established over a period of years became etched into his being. In order for him to become a “new person” he would need to establish new habits and regimens. This doesn’t usually happen overnight.
Unfortunately Mr. Williams is just another profitable news sensation in the hands of the media useful to boost their ratings. It is not just the morning news but the late night shows as well. In addition there were several advertising agencies that booked him as a voice-over artist to sell certain commercial products. This sounds like a classic rags-to-riches story.
What lessons are we to take from this dazzling event? There are several positive ones and some that are not as flattering. Greed and selfish ambitions may also come into view but let’s first start with the positive points.
To take a person off the street and make them a media sensation could be a positive benefit. However, if the concern is for the individual rather than what the individual offers it is like giving them a chance to become successful, a chance they might not have otherwise had.
Looking at the brighter side, if this individual could be made whole and cured of his past demons this would be a great testimony for countless people that are now on skid row. Since we are only days into this happening it is too early to tell if anything has been done to cure the man as they continue to thrust him out into the public arena.
One would hope that someone or some entity is genuinely looking out for this person above what he is currently providing as a media sensation. If not, then once the bright lights fade, then so shall the man.
In a sense this is like having a boxing bear. People are fascinated by how a bear could mimic the human-like talent of boxing in the ring with a person, but when the bear is not on stage performing he is locked back in a cage as the non-human bear he really is.
In other words the bear is merely a showpiece to his owners. If the bear suddenly got sick or was unable to perform his tricks he would return to being just another bear in a cage. The concern for Williams is about what will happen when his star fades.
Take the fact that you have a person that was poor and homeless and turned their fortune into one with money and the ability to purchase a home. That is definitely a positive causation, but again, if the person is not altered in their internal and/or mental operations it is like giving costly pearls to swine. Unless you are willing to fix the person first, adding material things to them does not change what they are.
As we look deeper we find this person to have children, an ex-wife, and a mother still living. From out of the gutters this man has been reconnected to the life and people he left behind years back. Most of his family members were aware of why he disappeared in the first place. Obviously they may be a bit leery of his return. The mother asked that he not let her down once again. I’m sure she has heard it all before from her addict-son.
His children and ex-wife were less trusting because he let them down once before. The verdict is still out as to what he will do this time. Once a trust has been broken it is hard to recapture the same feeling again. Any past friends or business associates would be equally pessimistic. The onus is on Mr. Williams to prove that he is trustworthy. What will he do with this new opportunity?
Now let’s look at the other side of this story. Who is it that truly benefits here? All the media entities that covered his story have already benefited. Having him on their shows boosted their ratings and attracted audiences that may not have watched their show otherwise. Viewer attraction naturally means money and an opportunity to sell products and ads for businesses. In essence this man made money for a lot of people. Since most of the recipients were the studios and corporations, you be the judge as to the true benefactor.
Taking all this into consideration what is the final figure? Is there more good than bad? Are there more winners than losers? Haven’t we showed that we can all be touched when one of us is given a second chance? Even though the usual suspects are thoroughly in this story there is also a side of our humanity showing its underbelly. We care about each other and would like to see each do well.
What if you were the one on the street and someone gave you a second chance? Perhaps that cold uncompassionate side of us, the human race, thawed out just a fraction? Perhaps we are more internally connected than we would like to believe? Think about it!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
People Power
One of the strongest forces known to man is that of people power. This is accomplished when several join forces in order to accomplish a common good.
Imagine the power of a rushing stream after a fierce thunderstorm. It becomes a mighty powerful force only because of the numbers of individual drops of water that join forces. Just a few drops of water are almost powerless, but when many come together they can create a force that can destroy almost anything in its path.
If people were to join forces they would have even more power than mere water because water can’t think for itself. Water just follows the path of least resistance. Because of this its power is usually unpredictable.
On the other hand people have the ability to decide exactly where they wish to exercise their power. They can intensify it upon an exact spot of concentration.
Imagine what interested people could do to eradicate world hunger if they applied the power of the people in substantial numbers. Imagine what dent could be made in bringing families, towns, or even cities out of poverty if people would unite. In fact out of most of the world’s major problems there are only a few that would be able to stand against the power of the people once they become united.
Why do nations form armies? It is because just a few soldiers cannot affectively protect a nation, but an army of solders makes a strong wall of defense or offense in order to protect a nation. If people can be assembled into just as powerful a force, but for purposes of waging war, couldn’t they be just as powerful when fighting for the common good?
If a town or city is plagued with crime it is usually because a very small percentage of the actual population creates havoc on the greater majority of the people. Why should such a minority have that much power against the majority? It is because people don’t unite and use their power.
Take any city or town where the crime rate is extremely high. My hometown of Memphis Tennessee has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. I am almost certain that there are more law-abiding citizens living in Memphis than there are law-breakers.
Criminals will band together if necessary in order to perform their crimes because they realize the power in numbers. They will frequently form a team so each member can add to the strength of the group. When people band together they become very affective, whether the reason is good or evil. It is strange that more people don’t come together for noble purposes rather than those selfish ones that are strictly for selfish profit.
War historians study past wars to find the secrets to successful war campaigns. Apparently the ones that were best united were the ones that were most successful. Great generals and warlords were able to unify their armies forming a solid wall, even when they were fighting against larger opponents. It is not always the quantity of people, but most times the quality of their unity that creates the power.
Understanding this to be factual why don’t more people join forces in order to achieve the common good? The main culprit seems to be our human nature. With it we have volition. We have the ability to go against (choose) what would appear to be the common good. We have the ability to do things that we know are harmful and do so maliciously, if we choose.
Our human nature comes with a double edge of opposite extremes. Unless we make the choice to intentionally “do good” we are vulnerable to our darker side. Just as water can be used to achieve the most incredible positive purposes, it can also become one of the most destructive forces. It is not the H2O that makes the determination, but how it is used. Likewise it is not the nature of humans that is the problem, but how they are used both mentally and physically.
Take the power of the tongue as an example. With this tiny body part one can curse people or bless them. The same tongue can do both. It is not the tongue, but how one uses it. How it is used determines the nature of its power.
It is the same about people. Their power is determined by how they chose to use it. They may form an army to conquer the world or they can form an army to defeat world hunger. The power is characterized by how it is used.
Isn’t it about time for us to realize just how much un-actualized power we have? This power is one of the strongest forces known to man. When we decide to join forces is when we will evolve to our higher potential. If we wanted to do so as soon as tomorrow we could make that happen. The power is in our hands right now. It’s the power of the people.
Imagine the power of a rushing stream after a fierce thunderstorm. It becomes a mighty powerful force only because of the numbers of individual drops of water that join forces. Just a few drops of water are almost powerless, but when many come together they can create a force that can destroy almost anything in its path.
If people were to join forces they would have even more power than mere water because water can’t think for itself. Water just follows the path of least resistance. Because of this its power is usually unpredictable.
On the other hand people have the ability to decide exactly where they wish to exercise their power. They can intensify it upon an exact spot of concentration.
Imagine what interested people could do to eradicate world hunger if they applied the power of the people in substantial numbers. Imagine what dent could be made in bringing families, towns, or even cities out of poverty if people would unite. In fact out of most of the world’s major problems there are only a few that would be able to stand against the power of the people once they become united.
Why do nations form armies? It is because just a few soldiers cannot affectively protect a nation, but an army of solders makes a strong wall of defense or offense in order to protect a nation. If people can be assembled into just as powerful a force, but for purposes of waging war, couldn’t they be just as powerful when fighting for the common good?
If a town or city is plagued with crime it is usually because a very small percentage of the actual population creates havoc on the greater majority of the people. Why should such a minority have that much power against the majority? It is because people don’t unite and use their power.
Take any city or town where the crime rate is extremely high. My hometown of Memphis Tennessee has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. I am almost certain that there are more law-abiding citizens living in Memphis than there are law-breakers.
Criminals will band together if necessary in order to perform their crimes because they realize the power in numbers. They will frequently form a team so each member can add to the strength of the group. When people band together they become very affective, whether the reason is good or evil. It is strange that more people don’t come together for noble purposes rather than those selfish ones that are strictly for selfish profit.
War historians study past wars to find the secrets to successful war campaigns. Apparently the ones that were best united were the ones that were most successful. Great generals and warlords were able to unify their armies forming a solid wall, even when they were fighting against larger opponents. It is not always the quantity of people, but most times the quality of their unity that creates the power.
Understanding this to be factual why don’t more people join forces in order to achieve the common good? The main culprit seems to be our human nature. With it we have volition. We have the ability to go against (choose) what would appear to be the common good. We have the ability to do things that we know are harmful and do so maliciously, if we choose.
Our human nature comes with a double edge of opposite extremes. Unless we make the choice to intentionally “do good” we are vulnerable to our darker side. Just as water can be used to achieve the most incredible positive purposes, it can also become one of the most destructive forces. It is not the H2O that makes the determination, but how it is used. Likewise it is not the nature of humans that is the problem, but how they are used both mentally and physically.
Take the power of the tongue as an example. With this tiny body part one can curse people or bless them. The same tongue can do both. It is not the tongue, but how one uses it. How it is used determines the nature of its power.
It is the same about people. Their power is determined by how they chose to use it. They may form an army to conquer the world or they can form an army to defeat world hunger. The power is characterized by how it is used.
Isn’t it about time for us to realize just how much un-actualized power we have? This power is one of the strongest forces known to man. When we decide to join forces is when we will evolve to our higher potential. If we wanted to do so as soon as tomorrow we could make that happen. The power is in our hands right now. It’s the power of the people.
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