"I'm at a loss to see certain values!"
I. First of all “whose society” are we talking about? The “rich” society, the “poor” society, the “successful” society, the “unsuccessful” society? How about the “religious”, the non-religious, the “Catholic”, the “Jewish”, the “Moslem”, etc.? And how about the “formally educated”, the “drop out”, the “homeless”, the “criminal”, the “victim” ,etc.? Get the picture? …. “Whose society?”
II. Then…Who is to decide “the main values”? …. Who elected him/her/it?
III. Then…The “values” of what? … Who is to decide?
What in heavens name are we talking about??
Not only are we talking about this, but, we’re actually arguing about “it”! … Whatever “it” is!
Wouldn’t it be more useful to “define” the questions first?
Wouldn’t it be more useful to know that you couldn’t get a “mutual definition”, before you wasted your energy? …. (After all, you could be taking a nice warm bath!!!)
(This is such an important question that you shouldn’t leave it unanswered!!! … even in disgust!!)
Here are some suggestions:
1. Decide which “society” you want to include. There may be some societies that may be irrelevant to you and your discussion. Similarly, any response, critical or in support of, from these so-called (by you) “irrelevant portions of society” are to be disregarded from the continuing discussion. Anyone not having the intellect or motivation to abide by this decision should “go home and take a nice warm bath!” If you don’t abide by this decision, you are just going to aggravate yourself and your discussion group in a meaningless waste of time!
2. Decide a priority list of a few values you wish to include in the discussion. Here too, if you are unable to mutually agree to limit the discussion to a list of a few values that are mutually important to the group, you should “go home and take a nice warm bath!” Again…If you don’t abide by this decision, you are just going to aggravate yourself and your discussion group in a meaningless waste of time!
Perhaps I could suggest a restricted, personal “beginning”………
I. The society I would chose in the “beginning” would include:
a. People who had some exposure to formal educational instruction.
b. People, who could express themselves in a defined, rational, non- aggressive manner.
c. People who were self-disciplined, motivated, and constructive in their desire to communicate.
d. People, whom I thought, had something constructive to offer, to “share” (i.e. “A successful alternative”.)
II.My “society” would NOT include:
1. People who merely “mouth” the words and thoughts of others, without personal understanding of what they themselves are “mouthing”.
2. People with an agenda who are not participating to “share or contribute”, but either to criticize, or keep repeating, or promote their agenda.
3. People who do not think but merely exist (i.e. – The human, two legged animals that merely eat, drink and procreate; but do not contribute to improvement.)
4. People who are not rational or logical. People with “closed minds”, where the chances of anything new or changed are prevented from entering their minds.
II. The “ values” I would select in the “beginning” are:
a. How to achieve the following:
b. The “value” of words and definitions
c. The “value” of reason and logic
d. The “value” of mutual understanding and mutual communication
e. The “value” of the concern for others and the process of “sharing”
f. The principles of Privacy and Private property
g. Motivation and the necessity of work
h. What to do if these values are violated? …(the subjects of discipline and punishment)
i. Then, and only then, could I select a wide variety of “subjects”……….(Religion, dogma, politics, have vs. have-nots, etc., etc.)
P.S.:
I always seem to end with a description of the elements of “mutually defined and understood communications”. Perhaps that’s the beginning of everything!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Government - #501 - #49 -When is “too late”, “too late”?
#7700 - #3
To overthrow, to “demonstrate”, to “defy” is only because America is ruled by the Constitution and other Laws.
The young people, those who posses the strength to make changes, have been lured by sex, violence and drugs. They no longer think! They no longer are concerned by their loss. They no longer consider such things as “values”, “morality”; and, why they have the “freedoms” they use to “defy”!
When is “too late”, “too late”?
When the people, who have the strength, are no longer concerned by “why they have the strength”!
When is “too late”, “too late”?
When a ruler (military or dictator) seizes control and does it his way!
Then it is “too late"!
The younger generation is no longer concerned by why America is the country it is. The educators are no longer concerned. The “elites” are ruled by the infinity of ideas like “global warming” and the “successes of the few”. The “mob” is ruled by “sex”, “violence”, and “drugs”. The world is presented by the Hollywood output, the video games and the media….. the sex, the violence and the drugs.
Who wants this in their societies? Whether they are caliphates or just “other societies”, who wants this picture of what America now offers.
If the young American people pursue these values, and they represent what “democracy” now has to offer, is it any wonder that the world hates America?
Then is it “too late"!
Only if the young people change! And what’s the chance they’re going to change? Zero!!!
For the young people to change, for the face of the “now” American democracy to change, as a matter of fact, for anything to change; the people (especially the young) must look for a change. The chances of that happening …Zero!!!
The last hope is that some spokesman, that “all the people” will listen to, and will speak about these issues. The “elites”, the “teachers”, the Politicians in their mad rush for personal power and the medias in their mad rush for “profits”, will stop and consider where we are going and what the consequences will be!
When is “too late”, “too late”?
To overthrow, to “demonstrate”, to “defy” is only because America is ruled by the Constitution and other Laws.
The young people, those who posses the strength to make changes, have been lured by sex, violence and drugs. They no longer think! They no longer are concerned by their loss. They no longer consider such things as “values”, “morality”; and, why they have the “freedoms” they use to “defy”!
When is “too late”, “too late”?
When the people, who have the strength, are no longer concerned by “why they have the strength”!
When is “too late”, “too late”?
When a ruler (military or dictator) seizes control and does it his way!
Then it is “too late"!
The younger generation is no longer concerned by why America is the country it is. The educators are no longer concerned. The “elites” are ruled by the infinity of ideas like “global warming” and the “successes of the few”. The “mob” is ruled by “sex”, “violence”, and “drugs”. The world is presented by the Hollywood output, the video games and the media….. the sex, the violence and the drugs.
Who wants this in their societies? Whether they are caliphates or just “other societies”, who wants this picture of what America now offers.
If the young American people pursue these values, and they represent what “democracy” now has to offer, is it any wonder that the world hates America?
Then is it “too late"!
Only if the young people change! And what’s the chance they’re going to change? Zero!!!
For the young people to change, for the face of the “now” American democracy to change, as a matter of fact, for anything to change; the people (especially the young) must look for a change. The chances of that happening …Zero!!!
The last hope is that some spokesman, that “all the people” will listen to, and will speak about these issues. The “elites”, the “teachers”, the Politicians in their mad rush for personal power and the medias in their mad rush for “profits”, will stop and consider where we are going and what the consequences will be!
When is “too late”, “too late”?
Government - #501 – #55 - What do you expect?
#7700 - #19
There was a picture on the T.V. news…..
A grandfather in Iraq, dressed in a typical whitish robe and turban, leading an emaciated, small donkey down an unpaved, dirt road towards some mud huts called a “village”. Astride the donkey’s back was a grandchild of 8 to 10. Do you expect either of them to understand Welfare, Medicare, Democracy, T.V., or anything ? They are content to exist the way their fathers before them existed. They expect no changes…. just survival.
What do you expect from them?
If we propose anything different, do you expect them to magically understand?
If we propose Democracy, do you expect them to understand?
If we propose Industrial Education or Medicare or new Taxes, do you expect them to understand.
What do you expect from them?
The world has many people like them. They are reasonably content in their daily battle for “survival”. They have children, relatives, peace and reasonable contentment. They need very little. Do we have the right to invade them with the “Values of our Democracy”? Do we have the right to introduce the laws and regulations that make our Democracy viable?
What do you expect from them?
Is this situation throughout the known world? Suppose the “leaders” of this so called group, rise up and challenge the industrial world? What do we do? They “physically” invade us. What can we do to protect the way we live?
What do you expect from them?
What should we do? What can we do?
This is where we are, now!
Can we sustain the material unbalance? What can we do to mollify the situation? Can we “mollify” the situation without changing our own ways? What can we do?
We are not isolated in the world. Other Nations have a reasonable “industrial” society. Can we force them to join us in a “world” attempt to “mollify”?
Or do we physically attempt to protect our way of life?
There was a picture on the T.V. news…..
A grandfather in Iraq, dressed in a typical whitish robe and turban, leading an emaciated, small donkey down an unpaved, dirt road towards some mud huts called a “village”. Astride the donkey’s back was a grandchild of 8 to 10. Do you expect either of them to understand Welfare, Medicare, Democracy, T.V., or anything ? They are content to exist the way their fathers before them existed. They expect no changes…. just survival.
What do you expect from them?
If we propose anything different, do you expect them to magically understand?
If we propose Democracy, do you expect them to understand?
If we propose Industrial Education or Medicare or new Taxes, do you expect them to understand.
What do you expect from them?
The world has many people like them. They are reasonably content in their daily battle for “survival”. They have children, relatives, peace and reasonable contentment. They need very little. Do we have the right to invade them with the “Values of our Democracy”? Do we have the right to introduce the laws and regulations that make our Democracy viable?
What do you expect from them?
Is this situation throughout the known world? Suppose the “leaders” of this so called group, rise up and challenge the industrial world? What do we do? They “physically” invade us. What can we do to protect the way we live?
What do you expect from them?
What should we do? What can we do?
This is where we are, now!
Can we sustain the material unbalance? What can we do to mollify the situation? Can we “mollify” the situation without changing our own ways? What can we do?
We are not isolated in the world. Other Nations have a reasonable “industrial” society. Can we force them to join us in a “world” attempt to “mollify”?
Or do we physically attempt to protect our way of life?
Government - #101 - #61 - Does America have to be “number 1”?
#7700 - #29
Is the American policy based on America being “#1”?
Suppose America was “#2 or #3”, would it make a difference?
What differences would it make?
a – Foreign countries no longer would “have to “adapt” to America’s way of life.
b– America would come to be aware of whether or not a country was “ready” to adapt to America’s way of life.
c – America would no longer think “might makes right”.
d – America would think twice before invading another country because a dictator was doing “bad” things to its people.
e – America would act if America could be in harms way because a dictator was doing “bad” things and had control of its people by any means (secret police, the army, etc.).
f – America would not try to “overtly control” (by Nation building) once it eliminated the dictator and his machine for mistreating his people, and there was no threat to American interests.
g – America would come to realize that NOT everyone was even “remotely literate” or spoke a cohesive national tongue.
h – America would no longer think it could actively seek “Nation building” within a limited time period or with a limited cost to its treasury.
i – America would realize that it had “limits” to what it could for people who did not help themselves.
j – America would never leave its propaganda or diplomatic pursuits, but with the knowledge that pure “might makes right” doesn’t work!
k – America could leave “national commiseration” to private groups who could organize and raise funds providing it didn’t harm the American security or the American interests as outlined by the American Congress.
l – America’s need to be “#1” would disappear and we would be on a better track!
If America could live by these suggestions, the Author is sure that the American public in general would think more highly of the legislators than they do now!
Our whole National attitudes would change!
No, we would continue to be a model for world’s best living standards but we would NOT insist upon it!
We will continue to deal with the government who seems to rule. We have no way to deal with the people directly!
Is the American policy based on America being “#1”?
Suppose America was “#2 or #3”, would it make a difference?
What differences would it make?
a – Foreign countries no longer would “have to “adapt” to America’s way of life.
b– America would come to be aware of whether or not a country was “ready” to adapt to America’s way of life.
c – America would no longer think “might makes right”.
d – America would think twice before invading another country because a dictator was doing “bad” things to its people.
e – America would act if America could be in harms way because a dictator was doing “bad” things and had control of its people by any means (secret police, the army, etc.).
f – America would not try to “overtly control” (by Nation building) once it eliminated the dictator and his machine for mistreating his people, and there was no threat to American interests.
g – America would come to realize that NOT everyone was even “remotely literate” or spoke a cohesive national tongue.
h – America would no longer think it could actively seek “Nation building” within a limited time period or with a limited cost to its treasury.
i – America would realize that it had “limits” to what it could for people who did not help themselves.
j – America would never leave its propaganda or diplomatic pursuits, but with the knowledge that pure “might makes right” doesn’t work!
k – America could leave “national commiseration” to private groups who could organize and raise funds providing it didn’t harm the American security or the American interests as outlined by the American Congress.
l – America’s need to be “#1” would disappear and we would be on a better track!
If America could live by these suggestions, the Author is sure that the American public in general would think more highly of the legislators than they do now!
Our whole National attitudes would change!
No, we would continue to be a model for world’s best living standards but we would NOT insist upon it!
We will continue to deal with the government who seems to rule. We have no way to deal with the people directly!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Definitions - #301 - #49 - Is being “independent” a false idea?
#7700 - #28
“I like being independent!”
“I vote independently!”
“I want to be independent!”
Yeh! But what does that really “mean”.
Independent of what? …… all help… my friend’s attitudes and information … the government and it’s protections … all rules and regulations?
Should I be without the police?...without any rules or regulations?
What would life be like without any rules and regulations?
Suppose murder was without penalties? ….Suppose red lights meant nothing? ….Suppose, suppose, etc.a
“Independent” of what? What rules and regulations? …Who’s to choose? …Who chooses them?
It’s O.K. to be “independent” but a few of these questions must be answered.
It’s a “nice” idea but it’s meaningless!
So it is with much of the rhetoric you hear. It means nothing!
I would never vote for a Democrat/Republican, I want to be an “independent”!
What do I want to be free of that’s Democratic? What do I want to be free of that’s Republican?
That’s a whole other story! ….. The answers to these questions are “most revealing”!
But, to be an “independent”; means that some of these questions must be answered! Otherwise “to be an independent” is meaningless!!
Is being an “Independent a false idea?” …..Not if a few of these questions are answered!
Note I didn’t say “all” of these questions…. Just a “few”!
After all, one wouldn’t enter a “meaningless conversation!......
“I like being independent!”
“I vote independently!”
“I want to be independent!”
Yeh! But what does that really “mean”.
Independent of what? …… all help… my friend’s attitudes and information … the government and it’s protections … all rules and regulations?
Should I be without the police?...without any rules or regulations?
What would life be like without any rules and regulations?
Suppose murder was without penalties? ….Suppose red lights meant nothing? ….Suppose, suppose, etc.a
“Independent” of what? What rules and regulations? …Who’s to choose? …Who chooses them?
It’s O.K. to be “independent” but a few of these questions must be answered.
It’s a “nice” idea but it’s meaningless!
So it is with much of the rhetoric you hear. It means nothing!
I would never vote for a Democrat/Republican, I want to be an “independent”!
What do I want to be free of that’s Democratic? What do I want to be free of that’s Republican?
That’s a whole other story! ….. The answers to these questions are “most revealing”!
But, to be an “independent”; means that some of these questions must be answered! Otherwise “to be an independent” is meaningless!!
Is being an “Independent a false idea?” …..Not if a few of these questions are answered!
Note I didn’t say “all” of these questions…. Just a “few”!
After all, one wouldn’t enter a “meaningless conversation!......
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Government - #101 - #07 – What’s the meaning of “Society”?
(The “rules of”…. the “values of”… the “qualities of”….. )
By the way, “which “Society” are we talking about??
(Let’s talk about “our” society … the one we live in ….the one we use as an example!)
Who’s society???
The poor, the rich, the educated, the uneducated, the criminal society, the law biding society, the Southern society, the Northern society, the successful society, the unsuccessful society, what in “h..l” are you talking about!!!
(Before you can discuss anything “about’ society, don’t you think you ought to tell your listeners “too which society” you are referring ?)
What about “the Rules of Society”???
Don’t you think your answers would be different for a particular Society?
Which “one” are you going to use?
What about the “Values of” and the “Qualities of”??? … In fact, the “Goals of” society??….
Boy! Have we gotten ourselves in a mess!! We keep talking, making “oral static” (noise) about something that’s totally unknown. Yet people raise their voices and violently express their opinions about this so called “Society”. What are they talking about? Doesn’t anyone want to know? Does anyone ask? Nope!! They’re off to the races with opinions, slogans, and violence about something that is “mutually misunderstood”!!
There is no attempt to “define”! No attempt to make a clear picture!
“Well, it’s the “Blank” society!”……
Which “Blank” Society? The educated, uneducated, the successful portion, or, the unsuccessful portion; or, just the general, meaningless term the “Blank” Society. No wonder people are turned off! No wonder there’s no progress. There isn’t even an understandable discussion!!!
Like every other mutual discussion, there must first be a “mutual understanding” of what we are about to address. Someone has to try to create a clear, “mutually understandable” picture of what we are going to discuss. It is NOT a matter of agreement! It is only a matter of “mutually understanding” of “what” is going to be discussed. “Agreement” is NOT part of this process. If you don’t want to agree to discus the subject outlined, take your marbles and go home!!
If you want to discuss something else, see if “what you want to discuss” is what other people want to discuss. Then, after changing the subject by mutual agreement, you can have more than just “noise”. You can have an atmosphere of “exchange of views”. You don’t need, nor should you expect, “agreement”. Agreement comes when most of the parties then understand and share the same views.
Whether you “agree” or “disagree”, after you understand what the views are, it’s a personal matter to chose!
NOTE:
You simply cannot have a “meaningful discussion” without first making the initial attempt at finding a “mutually understood” definition of the subject you’re going to discuss!!!
( There is no way a discussion of the “Rules of Society”, or, the “Values of Society” etc. can be engaged in rationally unless the above proposition is acceptable. Without “it” you might as well stay home and enjoy a nice warm bath!!! ….. Sorry about that!!!)
By the way, “which “Society” are we talking about??
(Let’s talk about “our” society … the one we live in ….the one we use as an example!)
Who’s society???
The poor, the rich, the educated, the uneducated, the criminal society, the law biding society, the Southern society, the Northern society, the successful society, the unsuccessful society, what in “h..l” are you talking about!!!
(Before you can discuss anything “about’ society, don’t you think you ought to tell your listeners “too which society” you are referring ?)
What about “the Rules of Society”???
Don’t you think your answers would be different for a particular Society?
Which “one” are you going to use?
What about the “Values of” and the “Qualities of”??? … In fact, the “Goals of” society??….
Boy! Have we gotten ourselves in a mess!! We keep talking, making “oral static” (noise) about something that’s totally unknown. Yet people raise their voices and violently express their opinions about this so called “Society”. What are they talking about? Doesn’t anyone want to know? Does anyone ask? Nope!! They’re off to the races with opinions, slogans, and violence about something that is “mutually misunderstood”!!
There is no attempt to “define”! No attempt to make a clear picture!
“Well, it’s the “Blank” society!”……
Which “Blank” Society? The educated, uneducated, the successful portion, or, the unsuccessful portion; or, just the general, meaningless term the “Blank” Society. No wonder people are turned off! No wonder there’s no progress. There isn’t even an understandable discussion!!!
Like every other mutual discussion, there must first be a “mutual understanding” of what we are about to address. Someone has to try to create a clear, “mutually understandable” picture of what we are going to discuss. It is NOT a matter of agreement! It is only a matter of “mutually understanding” of “what” is going to be discussed. “Agreement” is NOT part of this process. If you don’t want to agree to discus the subject outlined, take your marbles and go home!!
If you want to discuss something else, see if “what you want to discuss” is what other people want to discuss. Then, after changing the subject by mutual agreement, you can have more than just “noise”. You can have an atmosphere of “exchange of views”. You don’t need, nor should you expect, “agreement”. Agreement comes when most of the parties then understand and share the same views.
Whether you “agree” or “disagree”, after you understand what the views are, it’s a personal matter to chose!
NOTE:
You simply cannot have a “meaningful discussion” without first making the initial attempt at finding a “mutually understood” definition of the subject you’re going to discuss!!!
( There is no way a discussion of the “Rules of Society”, or, the “Values of Society” etc. can be engaged in rationally unless the above proposition is acceptable. Without “it” you might as well stay home and enjoy a nice warm bath!!! ….. Sorry about that!!!)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Government - #101 - #06 - Ever get the feeling that our “government” is trying to be the good “father” to us?
Ever get the feeling that our “government is trying to be the “good” parent …trying to “right the wrongs of the greedy” …trying to “even the score”?
So many things immediately come to mind!! …….
1. Who in hell is “the Government” anyway? …. Who are “THEY”? … What makes “them” think “they” are the judges? What makes “them” think they can be the “good” parent?
2. What are the criteria for “greed”? … Who determined that? …..
3. What is the “score” you’re trying to “even”?
4. Has anyone thought what the end result is of “evening the score”?
Do the terrible words “socialism or communism” come to mind?
Do you mean everyone should have the same material standard? …What exactly do you mean be “even the score”?
“Take from the rich” and “redistribute to the poor”?
What motivates someone to take a “risk” …. to “risk” their life for a dream … to “risk” their treasure for an idea … to “risk” their comfort for a better way?
Why take a chance if there is no advantage?
Why try if the fruits of your “risk” are “redistributed”?
Did you mean to kill “motivation”?
What happens to us if “motivation” is destroyed?
Did the “good father” ever think about that?
Could it be that the “good father” is “only” interested in the advantage to himself of giving away the fruits of others so he can obtain the fruits for himself?
Could it be that the “good patriarch” is only good to himself?
We must stop here and acknowledge the “Very Few Exceptions” (=VFE). Without the “VFE” we would be in much worse shape.
These “few” still fight for logic and reason.
These “few” still try to balance issues.
They still try to keep “motivation”’ alive.
They understand the eventual ends of “redistribution”.
But they are the “few”; and most of them leave in disgust or frustration!
Again, we would be as ignorant as the “many” if we did not acknowledge, applaud and support the “VFE” ( the Very Few Exceptions).
Is this “good father” group in business for itself?
Is that the reason that the vast majority of the public has become so disenfranchised… so disenchanted…. so disinterested?
Does the feeling of lack of control, lack of power to change mean that the public no longer cares?
The Author doesn’t think so!!!
The Author thinks the public secretly has decided that it’s own “survival” has become more important than trying to change or even understand the “good fathers”.
The public realizes that it’s own personal “survival” is the only way out.
The Author thinks that the “good fathers” feel that without their guidance, the public has become selfish and uncaring and it is “their” mission to create a “balance” between public selfishness (greed) and the “less fortunate” (whatever that means).
The “good fathers” may have become an entity of themselves …separate…apart… and “for themselves” …. (again , VFE = “with Very Few Exceptions”).
So many things immediately come to mind!! …….
1. Who in hell is “the Government” anyway? …. Who are “THEY”? … What makes “them” think “they” are the judges? What makes “them” think they can be the “good” parent?
2. What are the criteria for “greed”? … Who determined that? …..
3. What is the “score” you’re trying to “even”?
4. Has anyone thought what the end result is of “evening the score”?
Do the terrible words “socialism or communism” come to mind?
Do you mean everyone should have the same material standard? …What exactly do you mean be “even the score”?
“Take from the rich” and “redistribute to the poor”?
What motivates someone to take a “risk” …. to “risk” their life for a dream … to “risk” their treasure for an idea … to “risk” their comfort for a better way?
Why take a chance if there is no advantage?
Why try if the fruits of your “risk” are “redistributed”?
Did you mean to kill “motivation”?
What happens to us if “motivation” is destroyed?
Did the “good father” ever think about that?
Could it be that the “good father” is “only” interested in the advantage to himself of giving away the fruits of others so he can obtain the fruits for himself?
Could it be that the “good patriarch” is only good to himself?
We must stop here and acknowledge the “Very Few Exceptions” (=VFE). Without the “VFE” we would be in much worse shape.
These “few” still fight for logic and reason.
These “few” still try to balance issues.
They still try to keep “motivation”’ alive.
They understand the eventual ends of “redistribution”.
But they are the “few”; and most of them leave in disgust or frustration!
Again, we would be as ignorant as the “many” if we did not acknowledge, applaud and support the “VFE” ( the Very Few Exceptions).
Is this “good father” group in business for itself?
Is that the reason that the vast majority of the public has become so disenfranchised… so disenchanted…. so disinterested?
Does the feeling of lack of control, lack of power to change mean that the public no longer cares?
The Author doesn’t think so!!!
The Author thinks the public secretly has decided that it’s own “survival” has become more important than trying to change or even understand the “good fathers”.
The public realizes that it’s own personal “survival” is the only way out.
The Author thinks that the “good fathers” feel that without their guidance, the public has become selfish and uncaring and it is “their” mission to create a “balance” between public selfishness (greed) and the “less fortunate” (whatever that means).
The “good fathers” may have become an entity of themselves …separate…apart… and “for themselves” …. (again , VFE = “with Very Few Exceptions”).
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Government - #101 - #5 - What’s a “Democrat” or a “Republican”?
What’s a “Democrat” or a “Republican”?
How often have you heard the admonition? ….…
“Don’t discuss “politics”!!… It’s a forbidden subject!!
“It’s a “powder keg” waiting to blow up!!”
**********************
Let’s go ahead anyway!!
Well …What is a “Democrat”, anyway? …
(As a matter of fact) … What is a “Republican”, anyway?
Are we talking “exactly”… “precisely”?
Are we prepared to give a “mutually understandable definition” about what we are about to talk about?
Is the “powder keg” a lack of “mutually understandable definition”?
Do we “blow up” because we don’t know (or sometimes care) about what the other fellow really means?
Isn’t this, again, the basis of most misunderstanding?
Do you want a shouting contest?
Do you really want to understand the “other’ point of view, or are you just geared to shouting your opinions on what you think is the discussion?
And, isn’t it a fact that, if you continue to follow this shouting match, you will both remain as isolated (in ignorance) as you were before you had this “exchange”. Things will remain as they were!
(Might as well take a nice warm bath!!!)
I. Question: Isn’t it a fact that under the Democratic or Republican party there are people of vastly differing views as to what the “party” should stand for?
Query: Which person “is” or “is not” a Democrat or Republican?
II. Question: Who in particular; or, where in particular does it define a Democrat or Republican?
Query: How do you determine whether you are a Democrat or Republican?
III. Question: Does a single issue decide whether you are a “Democrat” or a “Republican”?
Query: Which issue? What exactly is the issue? Is there only one? Who decides?
IV. Question: Do you decide on your choice from the results that are already in place? … i.e. What do they call a particular group now and what do you think they stand for?
Query: Who determines what stand they should take on any issue? Is there some sort of “party philosophy” that determines the direction they take? Where is that written? Do we mutually agree on the definitions of that “party philosophy”?
V. Question: Is the only difference that the Democrats are the Labor Party and the party of the “poor” and, of course, the Republicans are the party of “big business” and the “rich”. …..Is that truly where we are?
Query: What about the Economy? Is this for the “rich” or for the “poor”? Is the motivation to “risk all”, to work hard, to self improve, to “get ahead”, or what? Is the price of “getting ahead” to give to the less “fortunate”, or the lazy, or the unmotivated?
VI. Question: Is the increase of the National treasure to generally defend the country, provide certain specific services as Law enforcement, roads, dams, etc., provide a safety net for the handicapped, and to insure an income for the unmotivated, the lazy, etc. Is there a place where a citizen can see a “Democrat” or a “Republican” philosophy towards these government concerns?
Or,….is it a matter of what’s happening now, what’s in the news, how can I be re-elected, I want social and governmental power, … etc.?
Query : Is this all hidden under the murky, non-understandable banner of “Democracy”. If your against something you’re either a “D” or an “R” or against “Democracy” itself!
Is the unwinding of this complexity now beyond human understanding? Is our thinking so confused that we don’t know if there are any other alternatives? Would we even allow other “alternatives”?
Is this the reason many have opted out of participating (i.e. voting), volunteering, or working for charity?
Is the overwhelming task of trying to understand, to make personal sense of, or unwinding this complexity, the reason for the present sense of frustration, despair, or “I don’t care! Let me alone!”?
Perhaps the real question is NOT whether the Author is a “Democrat” or “Republican” but whether the Author has given up trying to understand and he is hoping “things” will continue to prosper and we’ll remain a democracy…. somehow!
You have all heard …“ All I want to do is be left alone and make a living!”
Oh yeah! And what will you do if “things” begin to change?
Will you just hope that in your own personal lifetime it will not change drastically.
Let the next generation handle it!
O.K. next generation!… Handle it! (Whatever that means!)
Are you a “Demo” or a “Republican”?
Does it make any difference?
Is it worth discussing politics?
Is it worth trying to figure out what to do?
Do you know of a “successful alternative”?
But a meaningful, constructive discussion requires definition and reason.
It is not an exchange of personal opinion!
Perhaps this is the real problem.
Not who or what is a “Democrat” or a “Republican”, but how to exchange “mutually understood views”.
Conclusions take care of themselves!
How often have you heard the admonition? ….…
“Don’t discuss “politics”!!… It’s a forbidden subject!!
“It’s a “powder keg” waiting to blow up!!”
**********************
Let’s go ahead anyway!!
Well …What is a “Democrat”, anyway? …
(As a matter of fact) … What is a “Republican”, anyway?
Are we talking “exactly”… “precisely”?
Are we prepared to give a “mutually understandable definition” about what we are about to talk about?
Is the “powder keg” a lack of “mutually understandable definition”?
Do we “blow up” because we don’t know (or sometimes care) about what the other fellow really means?
Isn’t this, again, the basis of most misunderstanding?
Do you want a shouting contest?
Do you really want to understand the “other’ point of view, or are you just geared to shouting your opinions on what you think is the discussion?
And, isn’t it a fact that, if you continue to follow this shouting match, you will both remain as isolated (in ignorance) as you were before you had this “exchange”. Things will remain as they were!
(Might as well take a nice warm bath!!!)
I. Question: Isn’t it a fact that under the Democratic or Republican party there are people of vastly differing views as to what the “party” should stand for?
Query: Which person “is” or “is not” a Democrat or Republican?
II. Question: Who in particular; or, where in particular does it define a Democrat or Republican?
Query: How do you determine whether you are a Democrat or Republican?
III. Question: Does a single issue decide whether you are a “Democrat” or a “Republican”?
Query: Which issue? What exactly is the issue? Is there only one? Who decides?
IV. Question: Do you decide on your choice from the results that are already in place? … i.e. What do they call a particular group now and what do you think they stand for?
Query: Who determines what stand they should take on any issue? Is there some sort of “party philosophy” that determines the direction they take? Where is that written? Do we mutually agree on the definitions of that “party philosophy”?
V. Question: Is the only difference that the Democrats are the Labor Party and the party of the “poor” and, of course, the Republicans are the party of “big business” and the “rich”. …..Is that truly where we are?
Query: What about the Economy? Is this for the “rich” or for the “poor”? Is the motivation to “risk all”, to work hard, to self improve, to “get ahead”, or what? Is the price of “getting ahead” to give to the less “fortunate”, or the lazy, or the unmotivated?
VI. Question: Is the increase of the National treasure to generally defend the country, provide certain specific services as Law enforcement, roads, dams, etc., provide a safety net for the handicapped, and to insure an income for the unmotivated, the lazy, etc. Is there a place where a citizen can see a “Democrat” or a “Republican” philosophy towards these government concerns?
Or,….is it a matter of what’s happening now, what’s in the news, how can I be re-elected, I want social and governmental power, … etc.?
Query : Is this all hidden under the murky, non-understandable banner of “Democracy”. If your against something you’re either a “D” or an “R” or against “Democracy” itself!
Is the unwinding of this complexity now beyond human understanding? Is our thinking so confused that we don’t know if there are any other alternatives? Would we even allow other “alternatives”?
Is this the reason many have opted out of participating (i.e. voting), volunteering, or working for charity?
Is the overwhelming task of trying to understand, to make personal sense of, or unwinding this complexity, the reason for the present sense of frustration, despair, or “I don’t care! Let me alone!”?
Perhaps the real question is NOT whether the Author is a “Democrat” or “Republican” but whether the Author has given up trying to understand and he is hoping “things” will continue to prosper and we’ll remain a democracy…. somehow!
You have all heard …“ All I want to do is be left alone and make a living!”
Oh yeah! And what will you do if “things” begin to change?
Will you just hope that in your own personal lifetime it will not change drastically.
Let the next generation handle it!
O.K. next generation!… Handle it! (Whatever that means!)
Are you a “Demo” or a “Republican”?
Does it make any difference?
Is it worth discussing politics?
Is it worth trying to figure out what to do?
Do you know of a “successful alternative”?
But a meaningful, constructive discussion requires definition and reason.
It is not an exchange of personal opinion!
Perhaps this is the real problem.
Not who or what is a “Democrat” or a “Republican”, but how to exchange “mutually understood views”.
Conclusions take care of themselves!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Government - #101 - #04 - Again …."Who’s an American?"
Again …."Who’s an American?"
You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So an Australian dentist wrote the following to let everyone know what an American is, so they would know when they found one.
An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.
An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.
An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness.
An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan.
Americans welcome the best, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed.
These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, earning a better life for their families. I've been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.
So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom.
Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.
You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So an Australian dentist wrote the following to let everyone know what an American is, so they would know when they found one.
An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.
An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.
An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness.
An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan.
Americans welcome the best, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed.
These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, earning a better life for their families. I've been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.
So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom.
Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Government - #101- #02 - The Author is at a loss as to what “American” stands for.
#101- #02
So often, ordinary people stand up and cry out …”I’m an American and I want…..etc,”. They think that everyone has the same idea of what an American stands for. They think that the mere association with America entitles them to a certain type of response.
Who is an “American”
“I’m an American!!”
“This is the American way!!”
“This is how we do things in America!”
That’s nice but what does that mean!!!
Which “America” are we talking about? The rich America, the poor America, the Northern or Southern America, the educated or uneducated America, the working stiff or the management America, the “ethnic” America, the religious America, the atheist America…… Get the point?
How can statements made about the “general America” have any real meaning?
What does “general America” mean?
How can people mutually communicate if they don’t have a “mutual frame of reference”?
Each will have an opinion, but each person’s opinion may be on a different set of facts.
No one stops to “check”! No one seems to recognize the uselessness of pursuing a conversation without realizing it’s about two different subjects! …..
Why not just ask!!!
First find a “mutual definition”!!
Then, after that, you can discuss to your hearts content.
But to talk “at each other” about different things “at the same time” …. Well, you might as well go home and have a nice warm bath!!
Wouldn’t the discussion of the many faces of America be more useful? Then, one could, at least, try to find an application on which most “faces” in the discussion could agree.
It also depends on which America “you, personally”, mean when you start making statements.
The T.V.talking heads make these broad , unintelligible, political generalities that cause unnecessary debate and controversy for, either, the purpose of creating what they think is entertainment; or,… they do not wish to take a stand on anything for which they could be criticized .
However, judging by the size of the audience they gather, the people are as careless as the T.V. talking heads. They simply don’t care!! Or, they don’t “give a damn!!
At the very least, in your private conversations, it might be a productive idea to first describe which America you are talking about!
There are a lot of citizens and non-citizens living in this country called “America”. One of the main reasons there is so much confusion, violence, and apathy is that no one seems to stop and give a definition of which “America” they would like to address.
We thought we had a uniform country, but we no longer have!
We have allowed different definitions of the original America to change to accommodate our modern day society….. a collection of politically encouraged, desperately defended, different ethnic cultures.
Unfortunately “America” still remains a “moving target”. It encourages individual interpretation and expectations.
This is part of the confusion and frustration! It certainly is a part of the increasing apathy towards “our one Government” and its policies.
“Our Government”, also, does not know which “America” it is responding too. Perhaps it’s mainly the “voting” America. That’s less than fifteen percent of the people occupying this country!
And the purpose of responding to this fifteen percent??? … keeping in office…. keeping in power… keeping in authority!
But what else or who else are “they” supposed to cater too?
If we had true “leaders” we could ask that they preserve and proclaim the best, most consistent, single interpretation of “What America is supposed to stand for”!
If they can’t agree … we have either a “true, faceless, ungovernable, “undefinable” Democracy …. or we have ill-elected representatives.
Another way of stating this is…“We have either a semi-violent anarchy, or we have an incompetent, leaderless society.”
There has to be a mutual, meaningful way to describe what America is supposed to be.
The statement must contain enough detail so that the decisions we make are related and connected to this statement.
If we are unable to accomplish this, we can look forward to more and deeper confusion and apathy
So, “What is an “American?” … “What is America?” …. What or who are we talking about??
(Now, after having read this chapter, can you see more easily why we have so much confusion in our discussions of “America”? )
So often, ordinary people stand up and cry out …”I’m an American and I want…..etc,”. They think that everyone has the same idea of what an American stands for. They think that the mere association with America entitles them to a certain type of response.
Who is an “American”
“I’m an American!!”
“This is the American way!!”
“This is how we do things in America!”
That’s nice but what does that mean!!!
Which “America” are we talking about? The rich America, the poor America, the Northern or Southern America, the educated or uneducated America, the working stiff or the management America, the “ethnic” America, the religious America, the atheist America…… Get the point?
How can statements made about the “general America” have any real meaning?
What does “general America” mean?
How can people mutually communicate if they don’t have a “mutual frame of reference”?
Each will have an opinion, but each person’s opinion may be on a different set of facts.
No one stops to “check”! No one seems to recognize the uselessness of pursuing a conversation without realizing it’s about two different subjects! …..
Why not just ask!!!
First find a “mutual definition”!!
Then, after that, you can discuss to your hearts content.
But to talk “at each other” about different things “at the same time” …. Well, you might as well go home and have a nice warm bath!!
Wouldn’t the discussion of the many faces of America be more useful? Then, one could, at least, try to find an application on which most “faces” in the discussion could agree.
It also depends on which America “you, personally”, mean when you start making statements.
The T.V.talking heads make these broad , unintelligible, political generalities that cause unnecessary debate and controversy for, either, the purpose of creating what they think is entertainment; or,… they do not wish to take a stand on anything for which they could be criticized .
However, judging by the size of the audience they gather, the people are as careless as the T.V. talking heads. They simply don’t care!! Or, they don’t “give a damn!!
At the very least, in your private conversations, it might be a productive idea to first describe which America you are talking about!
There are a lot of citizens and non-citizens living in this country called “America”. One of the main reasons there is so much confusion, violence, and apathy is that no one seems to stop and give a definition of which “America” they would like to address.
We thought we had a uniform country, but we no longer have!
We have allowed different definitions of the original America to change to accommodate our modern day society….. a collection of politically encouraged, desperately defended, different ethnic cultures.
Unfortunately “America” still remains a “moving target”. It encourages individual interpretation and expectations.
This is part of the confusion and frustration! It certainly is a part of the increasing apathy towards “our one Government” and its policies.
“Our Government”, also, does not know which “America” it is responding too. Perhaps it’s mainly the “voting” America. That’s less than fifteen percent of the people occupying this country!
And the purpose of responding to this fifteen percent??? … keeping in office…. keeping in power… keeping in authority!
But what else or who else are “they” supposed to cater too?
If we had true “leaders” we could ask that they preserve and proclaim the best, most consistent, single interpretation of “What America is supposed to stand for”!
If they can’t agree … we have either a “true, faceless, ungovernable, “undefinable” Democracy …. or we have ill-elected representatives.
Another way of stating this is…“We have either a semi-violent anarchy, or we have an incompetent, leaderless society.”
There has to be a mutual, meaningful way to describe what America is supposed to be.
The statement must contain enough detail so that the decisions we make are related and connected to this statement.
If we are unable to accomplish this, we can look forward to more and deeper confusion and apathy
So, “What is an “American?” … “What is America?” …. What or who are we talking about??
(Now, after having read this chapter, can you see more easily why we have so much confusion in our discussions of “America”? )
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Government - #101 - #03 - “Generalities” … “Labels” … and … “Definitions”
“Who’s an American?”
“I’m an American!!”
“This is the American way!!”
“This is how we do things in America!”
That’s nice but what does that mean!!!
Which “America” are we talking about? The rich America, the poor America, the Northern or Southern America, the educated or uneducated America, the working stiff or the management America, the “ethnic” America, the religious America, the atheist America…… Get the point?
How can statements made about the “general America” have any real meaning?
What does “general America mean”?
How can people communicate “meaningfully” if they don’t have a “mutual frame of reference”? Each will have an opinion, but each person’s opinion may be on a different set of facts. No one stops to “check”! No one seems to recognize the uselessness of pursuing a conversation without realizing it’s about two different subjects! Why not just ask!!! First find a “mutual definition”!! Then, you can discuss to your hearts content. But to talk “at each other” about different things ….”at the same time” ….. might as well go home and have a nice warm bath!!
Wouldn’t the discussion of the many faces of America be more useful?
Then, you could try to find an application on which most faces could agree.
It also depends on which America “you, personally”, mean when you start making statements. The T.V. makes these broad , unintelligible, political generalities that cause unnecessary debate and controversy for ,either, the purpose of creating what they think is entertainment; or, they do not wish to take a stand on anything that for which they could be criticized . However , judging by the size of the audience, the people are as careless as the T.V. speakers. They simply do not care!! Or, they do not “give a d__n!!
At the very least, in your private conversations, it might be a productive idea to describe which America you are talking about!
There are a lot of citizens and non-citizens living in this country called America. One of the main reasons there is so much confusion, violence, and apathy is that no one seems to stop and give a definition of which America they would like to address. We thought we had a uniform country, but we no longer have. We have allowed different definitions of the original America to change to accommodate our modern day society.
Unfortunately it still remains a “moving target”. It encourages individual interpretation and expectations. This is part of the confusion and frustration! It certainly is a part of the increasing apathy towards “the Government” and its policies.
“The Government”, also, does not know which America it is responding too. Perhaps it’s mainly the “voting” America. That’s less than fifteen percent of the people occupying this country! And the purpose of responding to this fifteen percent??? … keeping in office…. keeping in power… keeping in authority! But what else or who else are “they” supposed to cater too? If we had true “leaders” we could ask that they preserve and proclaim the best, most consistent, single interpretation of “What America is supposed to stand for”! If they can’t agree … we have either a “true, faceless, ungovernable, “undefinable” Democracy …. or we have ill-elected representatives. Another way of stating this is… We have either a semi-violent anarchy, or we have an incompetent, leaderless society.
There has to be a mutual, meaningful way to describe what America is supposed to be. The statement must contain enough detail so that the decisions we make are related and connected to this statement.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO MORE AND DEEPER CONFUSION AND APATHY.
So, “What is an American?” … “What is America?” …. What or who are we talking about??
“I’m an American!!”
“This is the American way!!”
“This is how we do things in America!”
That’s nice but what does that mean!!!
Which “America” are we talking about? The rich America, the poor America, the Northern or Southern America, the educated or uneducated America, the working stiff or the management America, the “ethnic” America, the religious America, the atheist America…… Get the point?
How can statements made about the “general America” have any real meaning?
What does “general America mean”?
How can people communicate “meaningfully” if they don’t have a “mutual frame of reference”? Each will have an opinion, but each person’s opinion may be on a different set of facts. No one stops to “check”! No one seems to recognize the uselessness of pursuing a conversation without realizing it’s about two different subjects! Why not just ask!!! First find a “mutual definition”!! Then, you can discuss to your hearts content. But to talk “at each other” about different things ….”at the same time” ….. might as well go home and have a nice warm bath!!
Wouldn’t the discussion of the many faces of America be more useful?
Then, you could try to find an application on which most faces could agree.
It also depends on which America “you, personally”, mean when you start making statements. The T.V. makes these broad , unintelligible, political generalities that cause unnecessary debate and controversy for ,either, the purpose of creating what they think is entertainment; or, they do not wish to take a stand on anything that for which they could be criticized . However , judging by the size of the audience, the people are as careless as the T.V. speakers. They simply do not care!! Or, they do not “give a d__n!!
At the very least, in your private conversations, it might be a productive idea to describe which America you are talking about!
There are a lot of citizens and non-citizens living in this country called America. One of the main reasons there is so much confusion, violence, and apathy is that no one seems to stop and give a definition of which America they would like to address. We thought we had a uniform country, but we no longer have. We have allowed different definitions of the original America to change to accommodate our modern day society.
Unfortunately it still remains a “moving target”. It encourages individual interpretation and expectations. This is part of the confusion and frustration! It certainly is a part of the increasing apathy towards “the Government” and its policies.
“The Government”, also, does not know which America it is responding too. Perhaps it’s mainly the “voting” America. That’s less than fifteen percent of the people occupying this country! And the purpose of responding to this fifteen percent??? … keeping in office…. keeping in power… keeping in authority! But what else or who else are “they” supposed to cater too? If we had true “leaders” we could ask that they preserve and proclaim the best, most consistent, single interpretation of “What America is supposed to stand for”! If they can’t agree … we have either a “true, faceless, ungovernable, “undefinable” Democracy …. or we have ill-elected representatives. Another way of stating this is… We have either a semi-violent anarchy, or we have an incompetent, leaderless society.
There has to be a mutual, meaningful way to describe what America is supposed to be. The statement must contain enough detail so that the decisions we make are related and connected to this statement.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO MORE AND DEEPER CONFUSION AND APATHY.
So, “What is an American?” … “What is America?” …. What or who are we talking about??
Thursday, October 18, 2007
"Definitions" - #301 - #48- These essays are NOT for speed reading!
#7700 - #27 - #301 - #48 - These essays are NOT for speed reading!
These essays ARE NOT meant for “speed reading!
These are NOT the essays for readers looking for short, quick, easy solutions!
These ARE the essays for readers who wish to seek a “different point of view”, a “way of thinking”!.
These ARE for readers who want to “think”, wants to “contemplate”.
These ARE NOT “advice or recommendation” selection of essays.
There are no easy “silver bullets” to life!
(Thank you for your time and interest!)
These essays ARE NOT meant for “speed reading!
These are NOT the essays for readers looking for short, quick, easy solutions!
These ARE the essays for readers who wish to seek a “different point of view”, a “way of thinking”!.
These ARE for readers who want to “think”, wants to “contemplate”.
These ARE NOT “advice or recommendation” selection of essays.
There are no easy “silver bullets” to life!
(Thank you for your time and interest!)
Personal - #501 - #58 - How do people judge things?
#7700 - #26 - #501 - #58 - How do people judge things?
People judge things by determining the differences from what is “normal” (usual) for them and what is not. Judging “good” or “bad”, “reasonable or unreasonable”, “right or wrong”, etc. is a matter of “judging”. It is a personal thing. What is “normal” to some may be “un-normal” to others. What is “taboo” to some may be “acceptable” to others….. Again, it’s all “personal”!
Some people decry the “fate of the future”. Others look to the future with eagerness. The difference is what is “normal” (usual) for them, personally.
To make any discussions worthwhile, one must determine where everyone is coming from! What is “normal” for them? Why do they speak the way they do.
In schools, among discussions, among friends, among anyone, wouldn’t it be smart to find out beforehand where someone is coming from?
We can find out by judiciously asking questions. We know their background and education level if we’ve been around them long enough. If we don’t know them at all, we must find out! That is the start of a meaningful discussion.
Don’t waste your time or your listener’s time if you don’t know to whom you’re talking too. Just listen to some of the questions asked by callers to the talk shows on radio! No wonder that they receive polite or at least, politically correct responses!.... (no new information, just polite drivel
But these responses are the basis for many of the ideas alive in the country! No wonder we’re in the fix we find ourselves. People are more interested in ammunition to use in their responses to their opinions rather than finding out more truths. Most people would rather find out who to “blame” than finding out new information or a different way to look at a condition. That’s the way things are!
The politicians and the media are the most acute practitioners of the “blame game”. It’s a circle! The kids “blame” their parents, the parents “blame” the politicians and the media, the politicians “blame” the system, and the system says the problems start with the kids. You see, it’s a circle!
Where do you fit in? ….(Pass the buck, please!)
Until we find a way to solve this problem, we are going to continue the way we are now. Education is scorned by many. Education is unfortunately restricted to schooling by many. But, it is our only hope!
Maybe we can find a way, some way, to make “continuing education” both in schools and adult relationships. Maybe there’s a way!
People judge things by determining the differences from what is “normal” (usual) for them and what is not. Judging “good” or “bad”, “reasonable or unreasonable”, “right or wrong”, etc. is a matter of “judging”. It is a personal thing. What is “normal” to some may be “un-normal” to others. What is “taboo” to some may be “acceptable” to others….. Again, it’s all “personal”!
Some people decry the “fate of the future”. Others look to the future with eagerness. The difference is what is “normal” (usual) for them, personally.
To make any discussions worthwhile, one must determine where everyone is coming from! What is “normal” for them? Why do they speak the way they do.
In schools, among discussions, among friends, among anyone, wouldn’t it be smart to find out beforehand where someone is coming from?
We can find out by judiciously asking questions. We know their background and education level if we’ve been around them long enough. If we don’t know them at all, we must find out! That is the start of a meaningful discussion.
Don’t waste your time or your listener’s time if you don’t know to whom you’re talking too. Just listen to some of the questions asked by callers to the talk shows on radio! No wonder that they receive polite or at least, politically correct responses!.... (no new information, just polite drivel
But these responses are the basis for many of the ideas alive in the country! No wonder we’re in the fix we find ourselves. People are more interested in ammunition to use in their responses to their opinions rather than finding out more truths. Most people would rather find out who to “blame” than finding out new information or a different way to look at a condition. That’s the way things are!
The politicians and the media are the most acute practitioners of the “blame game”. It’s a circle! The kids “blame” their parents, the parents “blame” the politicians and the media, the politicians “blame” the system, and the system says the problems start with the kids. You see, it’s a circle!
Where do you fit in? ….(Pass the buck, please!)
Until we find a way to solve this problem, we are going to continue the way we are now. Education is scorned by many. Education is unfortunately restricted to schooling by many. But, it is our only hope!
Maybe we can find a way, some way, to make “continuing education” both in schools and adult relationships. Maybe there’s a way!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Definitions -#301- #47 - “Access” versus “Achievement”
#7700 – #26 - #301 - #47 – “Access” versus “Achievement”
Unless you recognize the difference, you might be satisfied with just “access”.
“Access” means what is “available”…..”Achievement” is what you do with “access” (after it becomes available.)
You can “access” almost any school, but what you do when you are “enrolled” makes the difference!
You can “access” any job but what you do at that job determines the eventual outcome. (in most instances.)….. (After all, you do not determine the “bosses”!)
You can “access” any amount of information but what is a “fact” and what is an “opinion” is left up to you.
So, what you see is the difference between “access” and “achievement” (or what you do)!
In any discussion the difference between “access” to the information and whether or not you use this as a point of information or whether you announce it as an “opinion” has a lot to do with the direction of the discussion. Normally an “opinion” is just that… “an opinion”. It does not need to be accepted as a “fact”. You can always disagree with an “opinion” but can you disagree with a “fact”?
So the direction of the discussion follows the determination of “opinion versus fact”!
Too often the difference is NOT decided beforehand.
When a student enters school, he might take this “entering” as a mark of achievement but in reality what he learns may be far different than even he expects. It might be the way the curriculum is chosen. It might be the way the curriculum is presented. It might be a number of things. But what the student does with his new knowledge is “true achievement”.
Hence, the difference between “access” and “achievement”.
`
Unless you recognize the difference, you might be satisfied with just “access”.
“Access” means what is “available”…..”Achievement” is what you do with “access” (after it becomes available.)
You can “access” almost any school, but what you do when you are “enrolled” makes the difference!
You can “access” any job but what you do at that job determines the eventual outcome. (in most instances.)….. (After all, you do not determine the “bosses”!)
You can “access” any amount of information but what is a “fact” and what is an “opinion” is left up to you.
So, what you see is the difference between “access” and “achievement” (or what you do)!
In any discussion the difference between “access” to the information and whether or not you use this as a point of information or whether you announce it as an “opinion” has a lot to do with the direction of the discussion. Normally an “opinion” is just that… “an opinion”. It does not need to be accepted as a “fact”. You can always disagree with an “opinion” but can you disagree with a “fact”?
So the direction of the discussion follows the determination of “opinion versus fact”!
Too often the difference is NOT decided beforehand.
When a student enters school, he might take this “entering” as a mark of achievement but in reality what he learns may be far different than even he expects. It might be the way the curriculum is chosen. It might be the way the curriculum is presented. It might be a number of things. But what the student does with his new knowledge is “true achievement”.
Hence, the difference between “access” and “achievement”.
`
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Personal - #501 - #57 - All we want is more money!
#7700 - #22 - #501 - #57 - All we want is more money!
How do you get more people to “ask” before they draw an opinion?
How do you get more people to “ask” before they “demand”?
How do you get more people to “ask” (comment) before they ask for “advice”?
How do you get more people to “ask” if there’s any “successful alternative” before they ask for advice?
The key is to “think” before doing anything.
Does your question interest the listener?
Is your question “relevant” to the discussion?
Does your question engage the listener?
To give “advice” requires the listener to look for a “successful alternative”. If he doesn’t know what the subject really is, his answer will not be the best. If he is not “engaged”, he will not do his best to answer. If you “demand”, he is not likely to respond affirmatively.
How often are these subjects pursued?....... Not often enough!
To get a really interested listener is part of the success itself. Is the listener engaged? Does he really care?
Not all listeners are the same! Some may never listen! Others may take an interest. To know your listener is one part of the “battle”. It will determine whether you are successful. Some time must be spent on who and what your listener is before you attempt any contact.
Think of all the people who have sought your advice. Did any of them think about the “list”? Were you truly “engaged”? Did you give them your best or don’t you know?
These are things to read about, to consider, to “educate” yourself about. These are not automatic. These are not part of your unaware experience! Once in your life you must experience the “successful alternatives”.
As for “Asking for more money”, without these thoughts beforehand, what do you think your chances are? Is he in a position to give you more money? Is the business in such a position that this can be accomplished? Does he recognize superior service or is he just a “taker”. All these things and more should be considered before wasting your time and effort! After all, all bosses are not the same!!!
How do you get more people to “ask” before they draw an opinion?
How do you get more people to “ask” before they “demand”?
How do you get more people to “ask” (comment) before they ask for “advice”?
How do you get more people to “ask” if there’s any “successful alternative” before they ask for advice?
The key is to “think” before doing anything.
Does your question interest the listener?
Is your question “relevant” to the discussion?
Does your question engage the listener?
To give “advice” requires the listener to look for a “successful alternative”. If he doesn’t know what the subject really is, his answer will not be the best. If he is not “engaged”, he will not do his best to answer. If you “demand”, he is not likely to respond affirmatively.
How often are these subjects pursued?....... Not often enough!
To get a really interested listener is part of the success itself. Is the listener engaged? Does he really care?
Not all listeners are the same! Some may never listen! Others may take an interest. To know your listener is one part of the “battle”. It will determine whether you are successful. Some time must be spent on who and what your listener is before you attempt any contact.
Think of all the people who have sought your advice. Did any of them think about the “list”? Were you truly “engaged”? Did you give them your best or don’t you know?
These are things to read about, to consider, to “educate” yourself about. These are not automatic. These are not part of your unaware experience! Once in your life you must experience the “successful alternatives”.
As for “Asking for more money”, without these thoughts beforehand, what do you think your chances are? Is he in a position to give you more money? Is the business in such a position that this can be accomplished? Does he recognize superior service or is he just a “taker”. All these things and more should be considered before wasting your time and effort! After all, all bosses are not the same!!!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Government -#101 - 60 - Just Suppose item #2
#7700 - #24
Just suppose we did nothing!
Just suppose we just debated the issue!
We would still be in a war…..
We would still have no citizen “consensus”!
We would still be mesmerized by Lindsey Lohan, Brittany Spears, the Economy, the Stock Market, the Education system, Health for children, the costs of Energy, Global Warming, the coming election, etc.
We would still be in a war…..
We would still have no citizen “consensus”!
We would not have accomplished anything!
We would have stood still on the most important concept of today…..war or no war!
Do the people realize the concepts of a future peace?.... Who worked for the Americans? What would become of them? Do we abandon them/ Or, do we give them amnesty and make room for them in the U.S.?
What does “globalization” really mean? Do we pit our labor and material cost against the world’s labor and material costs? How does the value of the U.S. dollar fit in this picture? Do we lose all manufacturing jobs by “globalization”? How do we audit the pollution in other countries versus the U.S.’s? Have we thought about any answers?
How much should the American citizens know? If National “Secrets” are partial answers, how much should we give to the enemies to satisfy the American suspicions?
What is and what has gone on in the diplomatic fields? Have we pursued “diplomacy” enough or where and how should we pursue it more? Is this a “secret”? Do the talks have to be in “secret”?
How much has already been written and how much has already been studied?
Are the American people just “stupid” or “just too lazy”?
Why do talk show callers have such a limited or biased view of the facts?
Are the American people just “stupid” or “just too lazy”?
Is our “education” too limited? Where do we get the teachers of this new knowledge? How long will that take? Do we have the time?
Suppose you just don’t care?
Have you thought about what the “future” might be like?
Have you ever thought about the “future”?
Because you are too involved with your kids, your job, your income; does it ever appear to you what this country allows you “to do”, or, “to be”?
Can you ever be “too involved”?
Can you, at least, try to educate yourself a little more? Can you do better asking your questions?
Can you do something to better your own life?
Just suppose we did nothing!
Just suppose we just debated the issue!
We would still be in a war…..
We would still have no citizen “consensus”!
We would still be mesmerized by Lindsey Lohan, Brittany Spears, the Economy, the Stock Market, the Education system, Health for children, the costs of Energy, Global Warming, the coming election, etc.
We would still be in a war…..
We would still have no citizen “consensus”!
We would not have accomplished anything!
We would have stood still on the most important concept of today…..war or no war!
Do the people realize the concepts of a future peace?.... Who worked for the Americans? What would become of them? Do we abandon them/ Or, do we give them amnesty and make room for them in the U.S.?
What does “globalization” really mean? Do we pit our labor and material cost against the world’s labor and material costs? How does the value of the U.S. dollar fit in this picture? Do we lose all manufacturing jobs by “globalization”? How do we audit the pollution in other countries versus the U.S.’s? Have we thought about any answers?
How much should the American citizens know? If National “Secrets” are partial answers, how much should we give to the enemies to satisfy the American suspicions?
What is and what has gone on in the diplomatic fields? Have we pursued “diplomacy” enough or where and how should we pursue it more? Is this a “secret”? Do the talks have to be in “secret”?
How much has already been written and how much has already been studied?
Are the American people just “stupid” or “just too lazy”?
Why do talk show callers have such a limited or biased view of the facts?
Are the American people just “stupid” or “just too lazy”?
Is our “education” too limited? Where do we get the teachers of this new knowledge? How long will that take? Do we have the time?
Suppose you just don’t care?
Have you thought about what the “future” might be like?
Have you ever thought about the “future”?
Because you are too involved with your kids, your job, your income; does it ever appear to you what this country allows you “to do”, or, “to be”?
Can you ever be “too involved”?
Can you, at least, try to educate yourself a little more? Can you do better asking your questions?
Can you do something to better your own life?
Personal - #101 - #59 - Just Suppose item #1….
#7700 - #23
1 - Just suppose all you heard was U.S. propaganda…..
2 – Just suppose America is not #1 in the world…..(maybe Switzerland is or France, or Germany)
3 – Just suppose oil was the most important desire of this administration
3a –Just suppose we invaded only oil countries; no Darfur, no Burma, no Africa!
4 – Just suppose America’s “thinking” about everything was determined by what we’re told in the U.S. media…..
5 – Just suppose our education system was only #26 in the world and “#25 was Botswana”….
6 – Just suppose our police system (our kid knapping system) was behind Italy’s and France’s….
7 – Just suppose these things, and more, are really true, what could we do about them?
Well, we could be trying to audit these systems and publish the truth about what we find!
We could begin to tell the truth in our media instead of dishing out all this propaganda! We could say what the foreign press and media are saying… (not everything but some!)
We could try to explain why many of the foreign born are returning to their countries of origin after finding that life in the U.S.A. is not just picking up the gold in the streets; but working hard!
We could try and explain why our whole education system is such a failure! Why oriental groups far out score our American born youngsters! Why most foreign schools use the same books as each other! Why we have such a low achievement score as other nations in the world!
We could make rules so that achievement scores are the same in all schools. (no exceptions!)
We could try to explain why “isolation” and “school ignorance” accounts for most of our unemployment.
There’s still more we could do!!!!!.
If we could agree that “isolation” and “ignorance” were our most harmful ideas, and try to solve them….
Wanting to belong to something…. a “nation”, a “family”, any positive thing that’s real…. is an achievement!
To work hard for a goal, to satisfy someone who hires us, to know enough to satisfy, to be able to learn, to be able to know “what” to learn, to be able to earn a salary not to just be “given one”.
If we could agree that a citizen is independent and America gives you, at least, the chance to be independent and to rely on oneself! Not to just “qualify”, but to be truly independent of the government!
We could get information from the foreign media that was not so U.S. oriented.
There’s still more we could do!!!!!.
A Dictator, a Despot, is one who controls the people’s minds! He does it with the well paid secret police or with the fear of reprisals. He doesn’t want “independence”…independence of the government, of his mind, of his actions.
Is that what we’re headed for?
Is the army to be paid what the private security is paid?
Is this the start of being controlled?
Is this what you want?
1 - Just suppose all you heard was U.S. propaganda…..
2 – Just suppose America is not #1 in the world…..(maybe Switzerland is or France, or Germany)
3 – Just suppose oil was the most important desire of this administration
3a –Just suppose we invaded only oil countries; no Darfur, no Burma, no Africa!
4 – Just suppose America’s “thinking” about everything was determined by what we’re told in the U.S. media…..
5 – Just suppose our education system was only #26 in the world and “#25 was Botswana”….
6 – Just suppose our police system (our kid knapping system) was behind Italy’s and France’s….
7 – Just suppose these things, and more, are really true, what could we do about them?
Well, we could be trying to audit these systems and publish the truth about what we find!
We could begin to tell the truth in our media instead of dishing out all this propaganda! We could say what the foreign press and media are saying… (not everything but some!)
We could try to explain why many of the foreign born are returning to their countries of origin after finding that life in the U.S.A. is not just picking up the gold in the streets; but working hard!
We could try and explain why our whole education system is such a failure! Why oriental groups far out score our American born youngsters! Why most foreign schools use the same books as each other! Why we have such a low achievement score as other nations in the world!
We could make rules so that achievement scores are the same in all schools. (no exceptions!)
We could try to explain why “isolation” and “school ignorance” accounts for most of our unemployment.
There’s still more we could do!!!!!.
If we could agree that “isolation” and “ignorance” were our most harmful ideas, and try to solve them….
Wanting to belong to something…. a “nation”, a “family”, any positive thing that’s real…. is an achievement!
To work hard for a goal, to satisfy someone who hires us, to know enough to satisfy, to be able to learn, to be able to know “what” to learn, to be able to earn a salary not to just be “given one”.
If we could agree that a citizen is independent and America gives you, at least, the chance to be independent and to rely on oneself! Not to just “qualify”, but to be truly independent of the government!
We could get information from the foreign media that was not so U.S. oriented.
There’s still more we could do!!!!!.
A Dictator, a Despot, is one who controls the people’s minds! He does it with the well paid secret police or with the fear of reprisals. He doesn’t want “independence”…independence of the government, of his mind, of his actions.
Is that what we’re headed for?
Is the army to be paid what the private security is paid?
Is this the start of being controlled?
Is this what you want?
Friday, October 12, 2007
Government - #101 - 58 - Why join a “gang”?
#7700 - #20
If you had a military conscript of all the citizens of the U.S.A. (say up to 35 years of age) you would accomplish the following….
1 – A shared feeling of responsibility for what was going on….
2 – A shared feeling towards this Nation….
3 – A shared feeling of what “discipline” means….
4 – A shared feeling of “belonging” to a group….
Why join a gang?
Think of what could be accomplished? Not everyone would have the same training but “all” would have the “military” experience.
Why join a gang?
This is, after all, what the Israeli’s have!
They have lived under the insurgent’s presence.
They still remain alive!
They still prosper!
Why join a gang?
Yeh! I know! Anyone who proposes this is NOT going to be elected. Compulsory Military service!!! ….oh no! Yet this is what the Israeli’s have!
If you already have a “shared feeling”, what else is really meaningful?
If you had a military conscript of all the citizens of the U.S.A. (say up to 35 years of age) you would accomplish the following….
1 – A shared feeling of responsibility for what was going on….
2 – A shared feeling towards this Nation….
3 – A shared feeling of what “discipline” means….
4 – A shared feeling of “belonging” to a group….
Why join a gang?
Think of what could be accomplished? Not everyone would have the same training but “all” would have the “military” experience.
Why join a gang?
This is, after all, what the Israeli’s have!
They have lived under the insurgent’s presence.
They still remain alive!
They still prosper!
Why join a gang?
Yeh! I know! Anyone who proposes this is NOT going to be elected. Compulsory Military service!!! ….oh no! Yet this is what the Israeli’s have!
If you already have a “shared feeling”, what else is really meaningful?
Personal - #501 - #56 - What will the “great America” do?
#7700 – 19
All you hear on T.V. and the Media is talk about subjects that most of the people of the world know nothing about. The un-industrial world of Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. are not even familiar with the subjects discussed. Discussions of how to get “the people” involved in anything political, the politics of government, which side is the best for them, ancient relationships, etc. is beyond their caring.
They live in a different world. “survival” is their key. That’s all … “survival”.
The world of “beliefs” is their world…..Religion, the call of their local “Chief”, the boundary of their forefather’s lands. There is nothing as a nation…… it’s all their village or their small piece of land. Vague references to “family values”, organizations such as “Laws” and “Voting” is not part of their language.
All you hear on T.V. and the Media are discussions of things which are not part of “this” world. Talk, talk, talk…..that’s all you hear! There are grave discussions of strategies and opinions on subjects that are not even part of the every day life of this large segment of people of the world.
Do you want to abandon this group? Wait until this “so-called “backward group” have enough people to rise up and harm the industrialized world? Will the might of rich, armed and physically powerful few keep this hoard of un-industrialized under their thumb.
Socialism is one of the answers. But who wants to give up their advantages?
Keep the “hoards” under military control! But who wants war all the time? …Who can “afford” war all the time?
Have we reached a human impasse?
All this talk about politics, governments and boundaries is just that…. “talk”!
Can we talk about what can be done about the “vast hoard of the un-industrialized”? Is this beyond our mentality?
If it is…then future military war is upon us! Religious convictions may determine the future !
All you hear on T.V. and the Media is talk about subjects that most of the people of the world know nothing about. The un-industrial world of Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. are not even familiar with the subjects discussed. Discussions of how to get “the people” involved in anything political, the politics of government, which side is the best for them, ancient relationships, etc. is beyond their caring.
They live in a different world. “survival” is their key. That’s all … “survival”.
The world of “beliefs” is their world…..Religion, the call of their local “Chief”, the boundary of their forefather’s lands. There is nothing as a nation…… it’s all their village or their small piece of land. Vague references to “family values”, organizations such as “Laws” and “Voting” is not part of their language.
All you hear on T.V. and the Media are discussions of things which are not part of “this” world. Talk, talk, talk…..that’s all you hear! There are grave discussions of strategies and opinions on subjects that are not even part of the every day life of this large segment of people of the world.
Do you want to abandon this group? Wait until this “so-called “backward group” have enough people to rise up and harm the industrialized world? Will the might of rich, armed and physically powerful few keep this hoard of un-industrialized under their thumb.
Socialism is one of the answers. But who wants to give up their advantages?
Keep the “hoards” under military control! But who wants war all the time? …Who can “afford” war all the time?
Have we reached a human impasse?
All this talk about politics, governments and boundaries is just that…. “talk”!
Can we talk about what can be done about the “vast hoard of the un-industrialized”? Is this beyond our mentality?
If it is…then future military war is upon us! Religious convictions may determine the future !
Thursday, October 11, 2007
This book is NOT meant for “speed reading!
This is NOT the book for readers looking for short, quick, easy solutions!
This IS the book for readers who wish to seek a “different point of view”, a “way of thinking”!.
This IS for readers who want to “think”, want to “contemplate”.
There are no easy “silver bullets” to life!
(Thank you for your time and interest!)
This is NOT the book for readers looking for short, quick, easy solutions!
This IS the book for readers who wish to seek a “different point of view”, a “way of thinking”!.
This IS for readers who want to “think”, want to “contemplate”.
There are no easy “silver bullets” to life!
(Thank you for your time and interest!)
Do I really care?…Do I really give a damn!!!
Smarter #7600 - #5 - Do I really care?…Do I really give a damn!!!
“Do I really care? …Honestly, (to myself, in my room alone) …… “Do I really give a damn?”
Why am I ashamed to merely say “I don’t really care.”?
What’s so wrong with “NOT” giving a damn?? … Why should I bother? … (You’re giving me a headache!)
Yep!!! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with not caring!!
But, there may be a price to pay. In fact there may be many “prices” to pay!!
If the only time “you really care” is when you, yourself, are involved; you may not have had the time, the experience or the mental practice to successfully “handle” the problem! Experience forces you “to practice”. Experience forces you to communicate with yourself. For sure, you do “give a damn” about yourself!! You are forced to talk to yourself, to create thoughts and ideas for yourself, in fact, to try to form opinions and courses of actions for yourself.
How can you do this if you haven’t “practiced” before?
If the only time you practice is when you “care” (about yourself, that is), what is happening the rest of the time? Do you just “float”? Do you just “go along”? Are you so caught up with yourself that the rest of the world simply goes by?
Anyone who is really good at something has to practice. When do you practice, if the only time you try to do something is when only you are involved, how can you expect a good result? In fact, how can you even expect a logical result? You don’t get any “practice”!!
Imagine trying to play a round of tournament golf, or “gambling” golf, without practicing! Go in as a pitcher in the ninth inning with no practice!
Try giving advice to a friend without practice. Do you really expect to be successful?
Or, maybe, you “really don’t give a damn”!! …. It would be nice to know!!!
If the only time you “really care” is when it concerns only you, you will have little chance to practice, to get a better solution, to “handle the problem”. And who can be a true friend of yours? After all, you only think about yourself!!! The only person you “give a damn about” is yourself!!! Can you really complain?
Well, that’s one of the “prices” you pay!
Is that sufficiently high enough for you to try another approach?
Anything wrong with “NOT” trying? … Nope!!! … But expect a less than successful answer. Be satisfied with whatever happens … good or bad. Do not complain about your failures, disappointments, or your continuous stomach aches. You simply have not “practiced”. You’ve lost the right to complain!
Anyhow, who cares? ….. You’re probably the only one who cares about “you”!!!
HOWEVER, there is a “successful alternative”!!!
Suppose you opened up your mind, your attention, your feelings to more things. Not to “ALL” things, but, to “MORE” things. Suppose you had adopted some type of standards for yourself. You have considered many things and have consciously chosen areas of consideration for yourself. You have not completely closed off many areas but you are more interested in a few. (Yes, you have “discriminated, you have made choices!) You leave the door open for more definition, more understanding, about the areas in which you are not currently interested. …..Maybe later… maybe never! But always “maybe”!!!
With this “opened” mind you will be involved in more things, more people, more ideas, more thoughts. You will not just be “exposed” to other things. Things will not just “float” by. You become “involved”. You will think about these things. You will seek to understand, to define, to find your own meaning, to find the “value to you”. You will care about “more than just yourself”. All the time you will be “practicing”.
You’ll be practicing how to explain things to yourself, how to be logical. What is a reason, what is a good question? Is this a “value” to me … how important? …. “Do I really care?”
Yes!!! Now is the time to ask the question “Do I really care?”… but it is now a question of “Do I really care about “that”!!! … It is the “that” that makes the difference! ….It’s not only about yourself, but, it is about the things with which you are now involved. You are forced to “practice”. You are becoming “thoughtful”!! You are becoming a “caring” person. You have something to offer someone else. You can become a “contributor”.
This is the price you “get”. The rewards from this choice are infinite. True friends, the peace that comes from understanding more, the personal success that comes from being able to contribute, the loss of that awful “stomach ache”. … all these things and more come from the choice of “caring”, of truly “giving a damn!!”
“Do you care? Do you really give a damn?” …. The choices are up to you!!!
P.S.
Why don’t you wait a few days after reading this and re-read the following “Chapt. #15 - What’s “education?”!”, and pass this onto a friend. Then, have a meaningful discussion and exchange some “ideas”, some “definitions”, AND, “successful alternatives”!! I’m sure you both would be amazed at the results!!
Bill T.
“Do I really care? …Honestly, (to myself, in my room alone) …… “Do I really give a damn?”
Why am I ashamed to merely say “I don’t really care.”?
What’s so wrong with “NOT” giving a damn?? … Why should I bother? … (You’re giving me a headache!)
Yep!!! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with not caring!!
But, there may be a price to pay. In fact there may be many “prices” to pay!!
If the only time “you really care” is when you, yourself, are involved; you may not have had the time, the experience or the mental practice to successfully “handle” the problem! Experience forces you “to practice”. Experience forces you to communicate with yourself. For sure, you do “give a damn” about yourself!! You are forced to talk to yourself, to create thoughts and ideas for yourself, in fact, to try to form opinions and courses of actions for yourself.
How can you do this if you haven’t “practiced” before?
If the only time you practice is when you “care” (about yourself, that is), what is happening the rest of the time? Do you just “float”? Do you just “go along”? Are you so caught up with yourself that the rest of the world simply goes by?
Anyone who is really good at something has to practice. When do you practice, if the only time you try to do something is when only you are involved, how can you expect a good result? In fact, how can you even expect a logical result? You don’t get any “practice”!!
Imagine trying to play a round of tournament golf, or “gambling” golf, without practicing! Go in as a pitcher in the ninth inning with no practice!
Try giving advice to a friend without practice. Do you really expect to be successful?
Or, maybe, you “really don’t give a damn”!! …. It would be nice to know!!!
If the only time you “really care” is when it concerns only you, you will have little chance to practice, to get a better solution, to “handle the problem”. And who can be a true friend of yours? After all, you only think about yourself!!! The only person you “give a damn about” is yourself!!! Can you really complain?
Well, that’s one of the “prices” you pay!
Is that sufficiently high enough for you to try another approach?
Anything wrong with “NOT” trying? … Nope!!! … But expect a less than successful answer. Be satisfied with whatever happens … good or bad. Do not complain about your failures, disappointments, or your continuous stomach aches. You simply have not “practiced”. You’ve lost the right to complain!
Anyhow, who cares? ….. You’re probably the only one who cares about “you”!!!
HOWEVER, there is a “successful alternative”!!!
Suppose you opened up your mind, your attention, your feelings to more things. Not to “ALL” things, but, to “MORE” things. Suppose you had adopted some type of standards for yourself. You have considered many things and have consciously chosen areas of consideration for yourself. You have not completely closed off many areas but you are more interested in a few. (Yes, you have “discriminated, you have made choices!) You leave the door open for more definition, more understanding, about the areas in which you are not currently interested. …..Maybe later… maybe never! But always “maybe”!!!
With this “opened” mind you will be involved in more things, more people, more ideas, more thoughts. You will not just be “exposed” to other things. Things will not just “float” by. You become “involved”. You will think about these things. You will seek to understand, to define, to find your own meaning, to find the “value to you”. You will care about “more than just yourself”. All the time you will be “practicing”.
You’ll be practicing how to explain things to yourself, how to be logical. What is a reason, what is a good question? Is this a “value” to me … how important? …. “Do I really care?”
Yes!!! Now is the time to ask the question “Do I really care?”… but it is now a question of “Do I really care about “that”!!! … It is the “that” that makes the difference! ….It’s not only about yourself, but, it is about the things with which you are now involved. You are forced to “practice”. You are becoming “thoughtful”!! You are becoming a “caring” person. You have something to offer someone else. You can become a “contributor”.
This is the price you “get”. The rewards from this choice are infinite. True friends, the peace that comes from understanding more, the personal success that comes from being able to contribute, the loss of that awful “stomach ache”. … all these things and more come from the choice of “caring”, of truly “giving a damn!!”
“Do you care? Do you really give a damn?” …. The choices are up to you!!!
P.S.
Why don’t you wait a few days after reading this and re-read the following “Chapt. #15 - What’s “education?”!”, and pass this onto a friend. Then, have a meaningful discussion and exchange some “ideas”, some “definitions”, AND, “successful alternatives”!! I’m sure you both would be amazed at the results!!
Bill T.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Personal - #501 - #39 - The Big Religious Difference
#7700 – 18
This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader in prison ministry.
"Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their belief systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.
The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are reassured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"
The Imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame."
This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader in prison ministry. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs.
I think everyone in the US should be required to read this, but with the liberal justice system, liberal media, and the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized. Please pass this on to all your email contacts.
This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader in prison ministry.
"Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their belief systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.
The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are reassured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"
The Imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame."
This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader in prison ministry. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs.
I think everyone in the US should be required to read this, but with the liberal justice system, liberal media, and the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized. Please pass this on to all your email contacts.
Personal - #501 – #55 - What do you expect?
#7700 - #19
There was a picture on the T.V. news…..
A grandfather in Iraq, dressed in a typical whitish robe and turban, leading an emaciated, small donkey down an unpaved, dirt road towards some mud huts called a “village”. Astride the donkey’s back was a grandchild of 8 to 10. Do you expect either of them to understand Welfare, Medicare, Democracy, T.V., or anything ? They are content to exist the way their fathers before them existed. They expect no changes…. just survival.
What do you expect from them?
If we propose anything different, do you expect them to magically understand?
If we propose Democracy, do you expect them to understand?
If we propose Industrial Education or Medicare or new Taxes, do you expect them to understand.
What do you expect from them?
The world has many people like them. They are reasonably content in their daily battle for “survival”. They have children, relatives, peace and reasonable contentment. They need very little. Do we have the right to invade them with the “Values of our Democracy”? Do we have the right to introduce the laws and regulations that make our Democracy viable?
What do you expect from them?
Is this situation throughout the known world? Suppose the “leaders” of this so called group, rise up and physically challenge the industrial world? What do we do? They “physically” invade us. What can we do to protect the way we live?
What do you expect from them?
What should we do? What can we do?
This is where we are, now!
Can we sustain the material unbalance? What can we do to mollify the situation? Can we “mollify” the situation without changing our own ways? What can we do?
We are not isolated in the world. Other Nations have a reasonable “industrial” society. Can we force them to join us in a “world” attempt to “mollify”?
Or do we physically attempt to protect our way of life?
We have a choice! We can try to maintain our physical and material advantage over the world by physical means or we can listen to the intellectuals who want “causes”…..world poverty, lack of water, greenhouse gases, etc. which they complain about but don’t offer “successful alternatives”…. (unsuccessful alternatives which produce less living standards for the industrial nations…..etc.) The voices of these intellectuals cause discordant actions and plans of the other side. Which side do you choose?
There was a picture on the T.V. news…..
A grandfather in Iraq, dressed in a typical whitish robe and turban, leading an emaciated, small donkey down an unpaved, dirt road towards some mud huts called a “village”. Astride the donkey’s back was a grandchild of 8 to 10. Do you expect either of them to understand Welfare, Medicare, Democracy, T.V., or anything ? They are content to exist the way their fathers before them existed. They expect no changes…. just survival.
What do you expect from them?
If we propose anything different, do you expect them to magically understand?
If we propose Democracy, do you expect them to understand?
If we propose Industrial Education or Medicare or new Taxes, do you expect them to understand.
What do you expect from them?
The world has many people like them. They are reasonably content in their daily battle for “survival”. They have children, relatives, peace and reasonable contentment. They need very little. Do we have the right to invade them with the “Values of our Democracy”? Do we have the right to introduce the laws and regulations that make our Democracy viable?
What do you expect from them?
Is this situation throughout the known world? Suppose the “leaders” of this so called group, rise up and physically challenge the industrial world? What do we do? They “physically” invade us. What can we do to protect the way we live?
What do you expect from them?
What should we do? What can we do?
This is where we are, now!
Can we sustain the material unbalance? What can we do to mollify the situation? Can we “mollify” the situation without changing our own ways? What can we do?
We are not isolated in the world. Other Nations have a reasonable “industrial” society. Can we force them to join us in a “world” attempt to “mollify”?
Or do we physically attempt to protect our way of life?
We have a choice! We can try to maintain our physical and material advantage over the world by physical means or we can listen to the intellectuals who want “causes”…..world poverty, lack of water, greenhouse gases, etc. which they complain about but don’t offer “successful alternatives”…. (unsuccessful alternatives which produce less living standards for the industrial nations…..etc.) The voices of these intellectuals cause discordant actions and plans of the other side. Which side do you choose?
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
How to get “smarter”!!!
Smarter #7600 – 4 - How to get “smarter”!!!
One can get “smarter” when one “understands” more!
(One can “understand” more when one has different alternatives, new and different ways to perceive things.)
One can only see what one “understands”!! ….
(No… not just more facts; but the more one “understands”!!)
What one will gain from these ideas!…
One can pick a chapter at random and quietly read what it says. You may find someone to discuss it with. Yep!! … Just one chapter, one idea… It’s just like potato chips…once you start you can’t stop!!!.. or can you?
You’ll find out things about yourself. Once you were sure but now you’re either “more sure” or you might have a “new question”. Either way, YOU WIN!!!
I guarantee that if you read a few subjects, you’ll have a different and more successful view of things. You’ll feel better with a newer understanding. You’ll be “smarter”!!
NOTE:
If you address any problem as a question, you can be sure you have the listener’s attention!!!
A question requires an answer! …. (People are then talking about themselves …. We love to come up with the answers!)
We never “tell” anyone ….. We always ask! … No new question can ever be refused!
Please Help Yourself!!!
How can I get you started??
What appeal can I make “to let you help yourself”??
Can I get you interested, motivated, anxious to start a new adventure??
Does one need any incentive to make one “smarter”?
Get “smarter”!! … Let me suggest “some successful alternatives”!!
One can get “smarter” when one “understands” more!
(One can “understand” more when one has different alternatives, new and different ways to perceive things.)
One can only see what one “understands”!! ….
(No… not just more facts; but the more one “understands”!!)
What one will gain from these ideas!…
One can pick a chapter at random and quietly read what it says. You may find someone to discuss it with. Yep!! … Just one chapter, one idea… It’s just like potato chips…once you start you can’t stop!!!.. or can you?
You’ll find out things about yourself. Once you were sure but now you’re either “more sure” or you might have a “new question”. Either way, YOU WIN!!!
I guarantee that if you read a few subjects, you’ll have a different and more successful view of things. You’ll feel better with a newer understanding. You’ll be “smarter”!!
NOTE:
If you address any problem as a question, you can be sure you have the listener’s attention!!!
A question requires an answer! …. (People are then talking about themselves …. We love to come up with the answers!)
We never “tell” anyone ….. We always ask! … No new question can ever be refused!
Please Help Yourself!!!
How can I get you started??
What appeal can I make “to let you help yourself”??
Can I get you interested, motivated, anxious to start a new adventure??
Does one need any incentive to make one “smarter”?
Get “smarter”!! … Let me suggest “some successful alternatives”!!
Monday, October 8, 2007
-“The Author is a “dinosaur” and he survived!!”
Smarter #7600 – #3 -“The Author is a “dinosaur” and he survived!!”
Are you a “dinosaur”?
Let me tell you what I mean by a “dinosaur”…..
The Author’s “dinosaur” is a person who has his set of standards, who has his sense of commitment and responsibility, and who “doesn’t” judge others by his standards.
The Author does not pass judgement and say whether his standards are right or wrong. They are simply his standards.
The Author uses his sense of discrimination and chooses those who come close to his standards as his friends and his company.
The Author tolerates, he socially accepts, and he politely accepts those standards that may be different from his standards. But he does not let them interfere with his personal choices in the way he chooses to live.
The Author strongly rejects all those who willingly challenge his right to his standards; but he does recognize and follow all of society’s “legal” rules and standards. The Author accepts these legal “rules and standards”, under all conditions, even though they might restrict his personal conduct. The Author recognizes the necessary “legal” limitations and disciplines of a society in which he lives.
This “dinosaur” has plenty of personal space to roam…. internally, intellectually, and physically … without feeling limited or constrained in any meaningful personal way.
This “dinosaur” survives and “thrives”!!!
But why is it necessary to be a “dinosaur”?
Why not just a “survivor”? …. Why not “just learn to live with it”!!!
The answer lies in the quality of the personal life one can lead. In the amount of joy one can receive without the tension and apprehension that occurs around one.
Can one have personal opinions? Can one have personal judgements? Of course!!! But they are your own. They are observations that others can accept or reject.
It is up to “them” to ask; or, to make use of; or, to reject entirely. It’s “up to them”!!
There can be no “tension or apprehension” if it’s “up to them”!!
This “dinosaur” is involved to the point of presenting or of explaining, to the best of it’s ability …. of trying to influence.
This “dinosaur” is not trying to interfere with “their” way of thinking or “doing”. Again, the Author is merely trying to contribute … not to “rule”!!!
One’s measure of success is “internal”. Are you satisfied that you did your best? Do you judge your efforts with pride or could you have done better? It is “your” judgment of yourself!!!
If one is partially dissatisfied, one can always try a different approach next time. No tension, no apprehension!! Just the pleasure of knowing what you did, and perhaps, what you can do better!
It’s always positive, always constructive.
Let “them” do the overcoming!!!
Even as a “dinosaur” one is still an active part in the world. …. One survives!
You have reached a point in time where you finally realize that there are other “animals’ in the world. Animals that do not seek to understand but rather “to rule’, to pass judgment, to defend themselves. Animals that are more interested in having and stating their unasked for opinion rather than seeking the possibilities of more information and understanding.
Reason and logic have become “dinosaurs” as well. Expressing, advocating, defending have become the words of “them”.
The new “standard” for the majority seems to have become … “If you can get away with it, it’s O.K.”
New information, the search for logic and reason, the idea of “sharing”, of mutual understanding all seem to have become the ideas of the older “dinosaurs”.
It is true that the search for “science and facts” are eagerly sought by the “few’, but the much more difficult and particularly human understandings of how to live successfully together are not sought after by the “many”?
The process of thought, through shared and mutually understood communication, seems to be another idea of the “dinosaurs”.
The “many”, the “them”, seem to be caught up with the material standard of living.
What happens if this is diminished?
Will life be more stressful, more agitated, more violent?
What other “successful alternative” has been proposed?
How can a “successful alternative” be proposed if there is no ability to successfully and “mutually” communicate?
The “dinosaur” understands this!!
He looks at his future in a different way.
He is always preparing for his future.
His life in the present is an evolving process for success in the future.
He is not dependent on “them” for his “successes”.
He has a different set of values.
He measures “success” joyously, without comparisons.
Before one gives his opinion ……
“Wouldn’t it be a useful to try to understand what the “dinosaur” is already thinking and what he is now doing?”
Are you a “dinosaur”?
Let me tell you what I mean by a “dinosaur”…..
The Author’s “dinosaur” is a person who has his set of standards, who has his sense of commitment and responsibility, and who “doesn’t” judge others by his standards.
The Author does not pass judgement and say whether his standards are right or wrong. They are simply his standards.
The Author uses his sense of discrimination and chooses those who come close to his standards as his friends and his company.
The Author tolerates, he socially accepts, and he politely accepts those standards that may be different from his standards. But he does not let them interfere with his personal choices in the way he chooses to live.
The Author strongly rejects all those who willingly challenge his right to his standards; but he does recognize and follow all of society’s “legal” rules and standards. The Author accepts these legal “rules and standards”, under all conditions, even though they might restrict his personal conduct. The Author recognizes the necessary “legal” limitations and disciplines of a society in which he lives.
This “dinosaur” has plenty of personal space to roam…. internally, intellectually, and physically … without feeling limited or constrained in any meaningful personal way.
This “dinosaur” survives and “thrives”!!!
But why is it necessary to be a “dinosaur”?
Why not just a “survivor”? …. Why not “just learn to live with it”!!!
The answer lies in the quality of the personal life one can lead. In the amount of joy one can receive without the tension and apprehension that occurs around one.
Can one have personal opinions? Can one have personal judgements? Of course!!! But they are your own. They are observations that others can accept or reject.
It is up to “them” to ask; or, to make use of; or, to reject entirely. It’s “up to them”!!
There can be no “tension or apprehension” if it’s “up to them”!!
This “dinosaur” is involved to the point of presenting or of explaining, to the best of it’s ability …. of trying to influence.
This “dinosaur” is not trying to interfere with “their” way of thinking or “doing”. Again, the Author is merely trying to contribute … not to “rule”!!!
One’s measure of success is “internal”. Are you satisfied that you did your best? Do you judge your efforts with pride or could you have done better? It is “your” judgment of yourself!!!
If one is partially dissatisfied, one can always try a different approach next time. No tension, no apprehension!! Just the pleasure of knowing what you did, and perhaps, what you can do better!
It’s always positive, always constructive.
Let “them” do the overcoming!!!
Even as a “dinosaur” one is still an active part in the world. …. One survives!
You have reached a point in time where you finally realize that there are other “animals’ in the world. Animals that do not seek to understand but rather “to rule’, to pass judgment, to defend themselves. Animals that are more interested in having and stating their unasked for opinion rather than seeking the possibilities of more information and understanding.
Reason and logic have become “dinosaurs” as well. Expressing, advocating, defending have become the words of “them”.
The new “standard” for the majority seems to have become … “If you can get away with it, it’s O.K.”
New information, the search for logic and reason, the idea of “sharing”, of mutual understanding all seem to have become the ideas of the older “dinosaurs”.
It is true that the search for “science and facts” are eagerly sought by the “few’, but the much more difficult and particularly human understandings of how to live successfully together are not sought after by the “many”?
The process of thought, through shared and mutually understood communication, seems to be another idea of the “dinosaurs”.
The “many”, the “them”, seem to be caught up with the material standard of living.
What happens if this is diminished?
Will life be more stressful, more agitated, more violent?
What other “successful alternative” has been proposed?
How can a “successful alternative” be proposed if there is no ability to successfully and “mutually” communicate?
The “dinosaur” understands this!!
He looks at his future in a different way.
He is always preparing for his future.
His life in the present is an evolving process for success in the future.
He is not dependent on “them” for his “successes”.
He has a different set of values.
He measures “success” joyously, without comparisons.
Before one gives his opinion ……
“Wouldn’t it be a useful to try to understand what the “dinosaur” is already thinking and what he is now doing?”
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Introduction
#2 - Introduction
This “Series of Insights” contain the questions and discussions that will help everyone gain respect for your own views. Just read and consider. It’s easy! These “subjects” are a review of today’s major issues and common “mis-understandings”.
Most of today’s commonly held views on “Current Events”, “Personal Issues”, “Government”, “Parents, Families, Schools” and certain “Definitions” are indeed vague and misleading.
For instance:
What about the “accounting” travesties in the latest corporate disasters? ….. Are they “criminal” or just “immoral”?
Are you being understood?... (How to “define” your words.)
What is a “family”? …. What’s a “mother”? …. What’s a “father”?
What does “education” really mean?
You will always gain if you offer “A successful alternative”?
Have you ever thought about these issues before or did you just give your opinions? … Does one think to “ask” first to define the subject before one gives his opinion?
“One can only see what one already knows!
“But, one can only know what one understands!!”
If the individual carries these “misunderstandings” into his communications in society; the “society” will obviously get the wrong impressions. The normal desire to be respected will suffer and one’s life becomes unnecessarily harder!
These “Groups of Topics” has been divided into separate parts.
The “first” section is an introduction into the Author’s thought processes and the goals of these “insights”.
The so-called “Series” of five reflect a separate focus on a particular topic.
Series #101 – Insights on “Our Government, Money, and Society”
Series #201 – Insights on “Current Events”
Series #301 – Insights on “Definitions and better Communication”
Series #401 – Insights on “Parents, Family, Living Well & Schools”
Series #501 – Insights on “Personal Issues and Understandings”
Series #7501 – Includes #7501 - #7505 – everything up to 7/13/06
Series #7700 – Everything in 2007
By the end of the first “Series” one will have gained a new insight into some of today’s discussion…
i.e. Whether it is “illegal” or “immoral” in the present corporate disaster? ….
i.e. What could the reasons be for these “terrorist attacks”? …
One will have gained a new way to look at and discuss these “Current Events”.
By the end of the full five “Series” one will have gained some new information, some new “successful alternatives”, that will make one’s responses more interesting, more valuable.
One will gain new respect from one’s friends!
One will be more confident! …..
One will live and feel better!
“Very often a good question becomes the answer!”
I know these “insights” will he William Tishman (Author)
This “Series of Insights” contain the questions and discussions that will help everyone gain respect for your own views. Just read and consider. It’s easy! These “subjects” are a review of today’s major issues and common “mis-understandings”.
Most of today’s commonly held views on “Current Events”, “Personal Issues”, “Government”, “Parents, Families, Schools” and certain “Definitions” are indeed vague and misleading.
For instance:
What about the “accounting” travesties in the latest corporate disasters? ….. Are they “criminal” or just “immoral”?
Are you being understood?... (How to “define” your words.)
What is a “family”? …. What’s a “mother”? …. What’s a “father”?
What does “education” really mean?
You will always gain if you offer “A successful alternative”?
Have you ever thought about these issues before or did you just give your opinions? … Does one think to “ask” first to define the subject before one gives his opinion?
“One can only see what one already knows!
“But, one can only know what one understands!!”
If the individual carries these “misunderstandings” into his communications in society; the “society” will obviously get the wrong impressions. The normal desire to be respected will suffer and one’s life becomes unnecessarily harder!
These “Groups of Topics” has been divided into separate parts.
The “first” section is an introduction into the Author’s thought processes and the goals of these “insights”.
The so-called “Series” of five reflect a separate focus on a particular topic.
Series #101 – Insights on “Our Government, Money, and Society”
Series #201 – Insights on “Current Events”
Series #301 – Insights on “Definitions and better Communication”
Series #401 – Insights on “Parents, Family, Living Well & Schools”
Series #501 – Insights on “Personal Issues and Understandings”
Series #7501 – Includes #7501 - #7505 – everything up to 7/13/06
Series #7700 – Everything in 2007
By the end of the first “Series” one will have gained a new insight into some of today’s discussion…
i.e. Whether it is “illegal” or “immoral” in the present corporate disaster? ….
i.e. What could the reasons be for these “terrorist attacks”? …
One will have gained a new way to look at and discuss these “Current Events”.
By the end of the full five “Series” one will have gained some new information, some new “successful alternatives”, that will make one’s responses more interesting, more valuable.
One will gain new respect from one’s friends!
One will be more confident! …..
One will live and feel better!
“Very often a good question becomes the answer!”
I know these “insights” will he William Tishman (Author)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
About the Author
#7600 - #1 - About the Author
Born in New York City, a member of the well known Tishman Family of Real Estate fame, he graduated from Cornell University with a degree as Bachelor of Civil Engineering. He served in the United States Navy as an Ensign during WWII.
In 1958 he left the family business and started his own construction firm and a separate interior design firm in California.
Later, he started a machine shop, designed ski equipment, and actively participated in the worldwide production of ski movies. He then to designed and built “The Essence of the Bucciali”, a 1930’s, 4 wheel drive show car which was shown in Los Angeles, San Diego, Detroit, Houston and New York.
Following this experience, he then became an active executive in a major mortgage servicing conglomerate.
He, then, created a business consulting firm, involved in the planning and financing of various projects, including advertising, mortgage financing, health facilities, as well as electronics and manufacturing; all the while pursuing his real love of people and “meaningful” communication.
He has, for the last decade, addressed various schools throughout the United States and has lectured thousands of students of all ages, inspiring them and suggesting options for opportunities through “better communication” leading to “ better understanding”.
***********************
The William Tishman “Series” includes:
Series #101 – Views on “America, our Government, our Money,
and our Society”
Series #201 – Views on “Current Events”
Series #301 – Views on “Definitions and better Communication”
Series #401 – Views on “Parents, Family, Living Well & Schools”
Series #501 – Views on “Personal Issues and our Personal Understanding”
Series #7501 – Includes #7501-#7505 – (up to 7/13/06)
Series #7700 – Includes everything in 2007
Born in New York City, a member of the well known Tishman Family of Real Estate fame, he graduated from Cornell University with a degree as Bachelor of Civil Engineering. He served in the United States Navy as an Ensign during WWII.
In 1958 he left the family business and started his own construction firm and a separate interior design firm in California.
Later, he started a machine shop, designed ski equipment, and actively participated in the worldwide production of ski movies. He then to designed and built “The Essence of the Bucciali”, a 1930’s, 4 wheel drive show car which was shown in Los Angeles, San Diego, Detroit, Houston and New York.
Following this experience, he then became an active executive in a major mortgage servicing conglomerate.
He, then, created a business consulting firm, involved in the planning and financing of various projects, including advertising, mortgage financing, health facilities, as well as electronics and manufacturing; all the while pursuing his real love of people and “meaningful” communication.
He has, for the last decade, addressed various schools throughout the United States and has lectured thousands of students of all ages, inspiring them and suggesting options for opportunities through “better communication” leading to “ better understanding”.
***********************
The William Tishman “Series” includes:
Series #101 – Views on “America, our Government, our Money,
and our Society”
Series #201 – Views on “Current Events”
Series #301 – Views on “Definitions and better Communication”
Series #401 – Views on “Parents, Family, Living Well & Schools”
Series #501 – Views on “Personal Issues and our Personal Understanding”
Series #7501 – Includes #7501-#7505 – (up to 7/13/06)
Series #7700 – Includes everything in 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Definitions - #310 - #44 - A "Belief" society versus a "Reality" society
#7700 – 15 -
(A “Hoped For” society vs. A “Financially and Productive” society)
A Society whose public gets its instructions from a “Hoped For” society is a society not based on how things are NOW, but how things are going to be in the “future”…(maybe!) There is certainty. It is written. It may not be “real” to a person who lives in the “real world”, but to the person who believes, it is “real”! It is hard for some people who live in the “real world” to understand people who just “believe”!
There is a difference!!!
In a “Caliphate” or a “Theocracy” the values and rules are written… open to interpretation, yes…but moderate. A person who memorizes these words and attempts to live by these words, is a person whose future is already planned …. and safe. He mustn’t change, he mustn’t comply! No matter what the “real world” is thinking or doing, he mustn’t change! Everything has been “ordained”…. has been “planned”.
But what of a different “interpretation” of these words? It can be brutal…it can be violent….it can be bloody. There simply is no room for compromise! Everyone “else” becomes an “infidel”… a non-believer! Everyone “else” must be eliminated or changed.
But suppose someone else does not wish to be eliminated or changed!!....War is the next step! …There is no “successful alternative”!
In other societies, change is to be accepted….change is to be expected. Compromise is looked upon as a “good” thing. A person can change his views. There is little that is written down. What is written are the “inalienable rights” that most humans wish. There was an attempt, by a learned few, to write a minimum code of conduct for the many. True ... it has been challenged and modified. It has changed… but only modestly. No where is a person’s change in views, been a call for “elimination” …. for violent, physical retribution. The future is not pre-ordained… is not pre-planned.
How can these types of mindset debate… how can they successfully communicate?
This is what America is up against in Islam!
(A “Hoped For” society vs. A “Financially and Productive” society)
A Society whose public gets its instructions from a “Hoped For” society is a society not based on how things are NOW, but how things are going to be in the “future”…(maybe!) There is certainty. It is written. It may not be “real” to a person who lives in the “real world”, but to the person who believes, it is “real”! It is hard for some people who live in the “real world” to understand people who just “believe”!
There is a difference!!!
In a “Caliphate” or a “Theocracy” the values and rules are written… open to interpretation, yes…but moderate. A person who memorizes these words and attempts to live by these words, is a person whose future is already planned …. and safe. He mustn’t change, he mustn’t comply! No matter what the “real world” is thinking or doing, he mustn’t change! Everything has been “ordained”…. has been “planned”.
But what of a different “interpretation” of these words? It can be brutal…it can be violent….it can be bloody. There simply is no room for compromise! Everyone “else” becomes an “infidel”… a non-believer! Everyone “else” must be eliminated or changed.
But suppose someone else does not wish to be eliminated or changed!!....War is the next step! …There is no “successful alternative”!
In other societies, change is to be accepted….change is to be expected. Compromise is looked upon as a “good” thing. A person can change his views. There is little that is written down. What is written are the “inalienable rights” that most humans wish. There was an attempt, by a learned few, to write a minimum code of conduct for the many. True ... it has been challenged and modified. It has changed… but only modestly. No where is a person’s change in views, been a call for “elimination” …. for violent, physical retribution. The future is not pre-ordained… is not pre-planned.
How can these types of mindset debate… how can they successfully communicate?
This is what America is up against in Islam!
Definitions - #301 – #45 - Do you believe "In God we trust", "The Creator" ....etc.
#7700 - #16
This is the question that starts most arguments!
If you don’t believe that the “moral values” (family values, basic human values of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”, etc.) come from a “religious” perspective (a human “story”) rather than an “unknown” human expression; you can’t believe in the Judo Christian ethic or the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence, etc. You can’t be an “atheist” without an explanation of where the “value” system comes from. The mere fact that this “human story” is the answer that accommodates the deficiency of the human mind to cope with “ideas of Infinity” is not accepted by the 99% of the public.
It is all in the question of whether the human mind can cope with the ideas of “infinity”.
“Believing” in the so called “scientific” approach is simply rejected by the “religious” approach. Again, if you can’t say where the “human value” system comes from, you are, by some, to be discredited in society.
This is a dilemma!
This is a “dilemma” in many ways.
For instance, “The Christian ethic” is divided in many ways. There are Episcopalian, Born Again Christians, Catholics, etc. that all have written words. These words are interpreted daily by different people, in different times, in separate ways. Who or what is to say which is the “Christian” ethic? Not only are there over 400 “isms” (Judaism, Catholicism, Islamism, Buddhism, etc.) to tell a story of where all this started, but there are other explanations. Why are “space”, and “black holes” and other mathematical expressions of “chaos” and “time space relationships”, etc. separate from these discussions. After all, these are difficult to understand and we get to know more about them each day. Each day we get to know more about infinity, about energy, etc. We can explain more, we have a “story”, a set of human words that try to interpret what we’re finding out. At no time is this rhetoric disclaimed.
What then, about “Human Values”… their origin, their meaning, their acceptance. Are “they” universal? If so, why does one interpretation invalidate an other. Do we need a story, a separate story, for each interpretation? Is there such a thing as “universal” acceptance? Why do these things such as “individual acceptance” cause such harm in the history of man? Is it merely “humble” to accept ones deficiencies?
Is the need to have a “story” so important to the human race to require him to have an exact “story” for where Human Values come? Is the lack of being “humble” so important that NOT having a story makes that individual “unacceptable”?
Is “In God We Trust” so important? Is the word “God” so important, so meaningful, that we can separate people. Is “God” or the “Creator” or “Allah” or “Rhea” or…. so universal that we can accept them as “generic” names of respect. Is the “generic” term one of “disrespect”?
“Believing” in the so called “scientific” approach is simply rejected by the “religious” approach!
Again, if you can’t say where the “human value” system comes from, are you to be discredited in society?
This is the question that starts most arguments!
If you don’t believe that the “moral values” (family values, basic human values of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”, etc.) come from a “religious” perspective (a human “story”) rather than an “unknown” human expression; you can’t believe in the Judo Christian ethic or the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence, etc. You can’t be an “atheist” without an explanation of where the “value” system comes from. The mere fact that this “human story” is the answer that accommodates the deficiency of the human mind to cope with “ideas of Infinity” is not accepted by the 99% of the public.
It is all in the question of whether the human mind can cope with the ideas of “infinity”.
“Believing” in the so called “scientific” approach is simply rejected by the “religious” approach. Again, if you can’t say where the “human value” system comes from, you are, by some, to be discredited in society.
This is a dilemma!
This is a “dilemma” in many ways.
For instance, “The Christian ethic” is divided in many ways. There are Episcopalian, Born Again Christians, Catholics, etc. that all have written words. These words are interpreted daily by different people, in different times, in separate ways. Who or what is to say which is the “Christian” ethic? Not only are there over 400 “isms” (Judaism, Catholicism, Islamism, Buddhism, etc.) to tell a story of where all this started, but there are other explanations. Why are “space”, and “black holes” and other mathematical expressions of “chaos” and “time space relationships”, etc. separate from these discussions. After all, these are difficult to understand and we get to know more about them each day. Each day we get to know more about infinity, about energy, etc. We can explain more, we have a “story”, a set of human words that try to interpret what we’re finding out. At no time is this rhetoric disclaimed.
What then, about “Human Values”… their origin, their meaning, their acceptance. Are “they” universal? If so, why does one interpretation invalidate an other. Do we need a story, a separate story, for each interpretation? Is there such a thing as “universal” acceptance? Why do these things such as “individual acceptance” cause such harm in the history of man? Is it merely “humble” to accept ones deficiencies?
Is the need to have a “story” so important to the human race to require him to have an exact “story” for where Human Values come? Is the lack of being “humble” so important that NOT having a story makes that individual “unacceptable”?
Is “In God We Trust” so important? Is the word “God” so important, so meaningful, that we can separate people. Is “God” or the “Creator” or “Allah” or “Rhea” or…. so universal that we can accept them as “generic” names of respect. Is the “generic” term one of “disrespect”?
“Believing” in the so called “scientific” approach is simply rejected by the “religious” approach!
Again, if you can’t say where the “human value” system comes from, are you to be discredited in society?
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