We've all played the "what if" game throughout our lives. Watching the news of the globe unfold this past week I couldn't help but wonder what if in many current scenarios.
In Chile this week the world watched as 33 men were winched to the surface in an unprecedented rescue effort. The success was the result of international cooperation on a scale never witnessed before. Chile's president, Sebastian Pinera, said last night his country's successful rescue operation had given a good example to the world of "commitment, courage, faith, hope and unity."
But, "what if" he had listened to some of his advisers who had told him not to do the things he did. The outcome may not have been as joyous. We'll never know.
With the mid-term elections looming in just two weeks, "what if" every registered voter went to the polls and voiced their opinion with a ballot? That would be a true election of the people not just by a minority of the electorate.
In these harsh economic times, "what if" the first budget cuts were not from the very areas the money is needed most such as education, public safety, assistance to the poor and elderly. Rather they came from bloated projects that could well be put on hold. Such projects might include signage that could weather another year or two or new furniture for government offices.
In the private sector the "what if" game could continue. "What if" companies increased their advertising budget to steer more people towards their products and services rather than cut this expense first and cut in other areas that may be unpopular such as corporate hotel and car rental expenses? Instead of booking rooms at a four-star hotel downgrade to a less expensive property, or rent an economy car instead of a mid-size one.
The list could go on and on. Such as listening to members of the military when they say a particular weapons system is not needed instead of listening to the members of Congress pandering for votes and spending the unneeded money.
It's true we live in a world where political correctness seems to be the rule. And, many are content to simply shrug their shoulders and let others speak and act for them.
In this One Person's View, I can't help but wonder "what if" we were all pro-active and worked to make our world a better place? To use the example of Chile's disaster and success and make our priorities unselfishly human instead of feeding ego and greed.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Send Washington a Gift
Just a few minutes ago I was scanning the headlines and was struck by one in particular. It read: "No call for Social Security increase in 2011."
According to the inflation measures adopted by Congress nearly 40 years ago, there will be no cost of living adjustment (COLA). The reason, they say, is the rate of inflation does not match the criteria. It doesn't matter many seniors rely solely on Social Security for their entire income. Or, many whose savings, if they have any, and home values have yet to recover from the financial collapse.
They have not had a raise since January, 2009 and apparently will not receive one until January, 2012. One member of Congress observed recently: "Costs of living are inevitably going up, regardless of what that formula says." He went on to note that seniors have such items as uncovered drug costs and utility increases and they are on fixed incomes.
In this election year it might surprise a few people at just how angry voters may become and, it may translate at the polls.
My suggestion is a simple one and the cost would be minimal to send our lawmakers a message. We can send them a gift. For less than $5 and the cost of postage go to your local store and purchase a jar of Vaseline then mail it to your representative or senator or both.
In this One Person's View, if we're going to get screwed at least have the decency to try to make it painless!
According to the inflation measures adopted by Congress nearly 40 years ago, there will be no cost of living adjustment (COLA). The reason, they say, is the rate of inflation does not match the criteria. It doesn't matter many seniors rely solely on Social Security for their entire income. Or, many whose savings, if they have any, and home values have yet to recover from the financial collapse.
They have not had a raise since January, 2009 and apparently will not receive one until January, 2012. One member of Congress observed recently: "Costs of living are inevitably going up, regardless of what that formula says." He went on to note that seniors have such items as uncovered drug costs and utility increases and they are on fixed incomes.
In this election year it might surprise a few people at just how angry voters may become and, it may translate at the polls.
My suggestion is a simple one and the cost would be minimal to send our lawmakers a message. We can send them a gift. For less than $5 and the cost of postage go to your local store and purchase a jar of Vaseline then mail it to your representative or senator or both.
In this One Person's View, if we're going to get screwed at least have the decency to try to make it painless!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A Two-Edged Sword
This week the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Snyder v. Phelps. It is a case regarding the First Amendment of our Constitution. And it goes to the very core of Constitutional law.
"Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Fred Phelps, founder of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, seemingly has made it his personal crusade to disrupt military funerals. To blatantly disregard the sacrifice, dignity and honor of our troops, their families and the very fabric that, for generations, has laid down their lives for the very right he claims ... freedom of speech.
In March, 2006, Albert Snyder was doing what no parent should ever have to do ... burying his son. Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder died in Iraq. As the flag-draped coffin was being escorted to Lance Corporal Snyder's final resting place members of this so-called church, traveled a thousand miles to be at the funeral and exercise their interpretation of freedom of speech.
They did it by carrying such signs as: "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and "Thank God for IEDs".
The physical and mental trauma this young marine's family were subjected to can only be imagined.
A jury found the church liable for intentional affliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy. However, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the verdict ruling the First Amendment protected Westboro's speech.
As a combat veteran I cannot be objective in this case. The argument is made that not upholding the appeals court's decision may lead to a curtailment of this very right to include the reporting of news and freedom of the press. Yet, is there a line to be drawn?
In the past I have escorted friends, fellow soldiers, from the battlefield to their final resting place. There are no words that can describe the emotions, the sadness and the absolute solemnity of this task.
Ask anyone who has been in combat and they will tell you they abhor violence. Ask anyone who has ever worn the uniform of our military services if they would desecrate the service of a brother or sister in arms and they will probably respond they would choose death before dishonor.
I do not advocate violence. But in this One Person's View I can't help but think if this group of extremists "thank God for IEDs" then perhaps He should line their walkway with a few so they can tell Him in person.
"Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Fred Phelps, founder of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, seemingly has made it his personal crusade to disrupt military funerals. To blatantly disregard the sacrifice, dignity and honor of our troops, their families and the very fabric that, for generations, has laid down their lives for the very right he claims ... freedom of speech.
In March, 2006, Albert Snyder was doing what no parent should ever have to do ... burying his son. Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder died in Iraq. As the flag-draped coffin was being escorted to Lance Corporal Snyder's final resting place members of this so-called church, traveled a thousand miles to be at the funeral and exercise their interpretation of freedom of speech.
They did it by carrying such signs as: "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and "Thank God for IEDs".
The physical and mental trauma this young marine's family were subjected to can only be imagined.
A jury found the church liable for intentional affliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy. However, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the verdict ruling the First Amendment protected Westboro's speech.
As a combat veteran I cannot be objective in this case. The argument is made that not upholding the appeals court's decision may lead to a curtailment of this very right to include the reporting of news and freedom of the press. Yet, is there a line to be drawn?
In the past I have escorted friends, fellow soldiers, from the battlefield to their final resting place. There are no words that can describe the emotions, the sadness and the absolute solemnity of this task.
Ask anyone who has been in combat and they will tell you they abhor violence. Ask anyone who has ever worn the uniform of our military services if they would desecrate the service of a brother or sister in arms and they will probably respond they would choose death before dishonor.
I do not advocate violence. But in this One Person's View I can't help but think if this group of extremists "thank God for IEDs" then perhaps He should line their walkway with a few so they can tell Him in person.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Ignorance is Bliss
This morning ABC News aired a special edition of This Week with Christiane Amanpour. It was billed as a Town Hall Meeting. Among the participants were members of various faiths and views from moderate to conservative. In an attempt to maintain balance of the conversation there was also objectivity injected from noted professionals such as a former F.B.I. terrorism expert.
The topic was headlined as: "Holy War, Should Americans Fear Islam?"
In the past One Person's Views has offered thoughts and opinions addressing both the similarities and the differences of various religions and cultures. Many of my writings may not be politically correct, for which I offer no apology, but I do hope they will invoke discussion and give one cause to think.
After watching this program I was reminded of a couple of events. And, like many thinking individuals it seemed one thought led to another. Here are a few of those thoughts.
Sitting with a half a dozen or so people a few weeks ago the topic was religion. Those who read my blog on a regular basis know I am no fan of organized religion. Consequently, I probably did not score high with my comments during this discussion.
One individual made a remark condemning the Muslim faith and all those who ascribe to that belief. I simply asked if he had ever read the Quran and the response was: "No! I don't need to." I pushed a little more and inquired if he knew any Muslims to which he responded: "Hell no, why would I want to?"
At that point I couldn't help but alienate him even more by informing him I had read that book, although admittedly not from cover to cover. The same is true regarding the Bible and the Talmud. I consider them all best sellers and fiction. And, I have been to Afghanistan where the root of extremist beliefs can be found.
In a conversation about what we had just watched, my wife asked me if I could remember seeing any Muslims portrayed in T.V. commercials. I could not. We routinely see all other demographics Perhaps, a subconscious way of saying they are not yet totally considered part of the fabric of America.
How long ago was it when there were no Afro-Americans or blacks depicted in commercials?
America has consistently gone through growing pains. And, various groups, both religious and ethnic, have been targets of discrimination for one reason or another. I can recall when some hotels and country clubs would not admit nor cater to not just blacks but Jews and Catholics too.
They were considered different from "mainstream" America. Much of what "mainstream" America believed was formed because of the radical fringes of these groups. And yes, of ignorance. Today they are embraced as part of our culture. We, as a people, have become more educated yet, we still have a long way to go.
Oh! And what about the assumption by many that folks with certain physical disabilities are also stupid? Physical impairment does not mean there is also a mental impairment. The mind is capable of functioning at a great level even when the physical body can't.
For thousands of years it appears the human race has always feared what it does not understand. Conversely, as understanding grew and we became more knowledgeable those fears were overcome. Education does not just consist of what we learn in school. It continues throughout our lifetime.
The old adage: "Ignorance is bliss" would be better if it were rephrased to say: "Bliss is being educated."
The topic was headlined as: "Holy War, Should Americans Fear Islam?"
In the past One Person's Views has offered thoughts and opinions addressing both the similarities and the differences of various religions and cultures. Many of my writings may not be politically correct, for which I offer no apology, but I do hope they will invoke discussion and give one cause to think.
After watching this program I was reminded of a couple of events. And, like many thinking individuals it seemed one thought led to another. Here are a few of those thoughts.
Sitting with a half a dozen or so people a few weeks ago the topic was religion. Those who read my blog on a regular basis know I am no fan of organized religion. Consequently, I probably did not score high with my comments during this discussion.
One individual made a remark condemning the Muslim faith and all those who ascribe to that belief. I simply asked if he had ever read the Quran and the response was: "No! I don't need to." I pushed a little more and inquired if he knew any Muslims to which he responded: "Hell no, why would I want to?"
At that point I couldn't help but alienate him even more by informing him I had read that book, although admittedly not from cover to cover. The same is true regarding the Bible and the Talmud. I consider them all best sellers and fiction. And, I have been to Afghanistan where the root of extremist beliefs can be found.
In a conversation about what we had just watched, my wife asked me if I could remember seeing any Muslims portrayed in T.V. commercials. I could not. We routinely see all other demographics Perhaps, a subconscious way of saying they are not yet totally considered part of the fabric of America.
How long ago was it when there were no Afro-Americans or blacks depicted in commercials?
America has consistently gone through growing pains. And, various groups, both religious and ethnic, have been targets of discrimination for one reason or another. I can recall when some hotels and country clubs would not admit nor cater to not just blacks but Jews and Catholics too.
They were considered different from "mainstream" America. Much of what "mainstream" America believed was formed because of the radical fringes of these groups. And yes, of ignorance. Today they are embraced as part of our culture. We, as a people, have become more educated yet, we still have a long way to go.
Oh! And what about the assumption by many that folks with certain physical disabilities are also stupid? Physical impairment does not mean there is also a mental impairment. The mind is capable of functioning at a great level even when the physical body can't.
For thousands of years it appears the human race has always feared what it does not understand. Conversely, as understanding grew and we became more knowledgeable those fears were overcome. Education does not just consist of what we learn in school. It continues throughout our lifetime.
The old adage: "Ignorance is bliss" would be better if it were rephrased to say: "Bliss is being educated."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)