Responsibility

As a young Marine Corps officer, I was taught that I was responsible for everything the unit I led did or failed to do.  Such responsibility is directly connected with the authority granted me as the unit leader.  Stated differently, one can not be granted authority without accepting the directly associated responsibility.

Sadly, all too sadly, many (if not most) in positions of authority fail miserably in their acceptance of responsibility.

The failure to accept responsibility is all too reminiscent of the automatic "I didn't do it" uttered incessantly by the cartoon character Bart Simpson.  False, hollow, insulting, and

Without commensurate and directly accountable responsibility for one's actions, authority is despotic. Attempts to avoid responsibility have recently, but not exclusively, been seen on national, state, and local stages.  The varying modes of avoiding responsibility are as numerous as are the perpetrators.

• Denying previously made statements or actions, even when confronted with video/audio of the statements or actions.
• Claiming lack of recall of the events.
• Blaming unidentified subordinates, accusing them of acting wrongly.  (This raises the specter of spectacular incompetence for failing to supervise those over whom the individual was granted authority.)
• Blaming some social grievance as the cause.
• Attempting to shift the focus by blaming the accuser of racism, sexism, political grandstanding, etc.
• Parsing the definition of words.
• Hiding behind legal maneuvering.

Others disingenuously and falsely utter statements intended to convey acknowledgment of responsibility, but then rejecting any consequence.  Blithely content with a wave of the hand and insincere mea culpa, they continue to press ahead, avoiding any actual responsibility for their actions.

Human beings are imperfect.  This imperfection manifests itself in many forms and ways.  Errors of judgment, inaccurate statements, snide commentary, task failures, and the like are part of the human experience.  As one's level of authority increases, so does the level of accountable responsibility.  Stating "I didn't personally do anything wrong," while attempting to shift the focus to subordinates, just doesn't cut it.

As the individual in charge, the boss, the supervisor, the commander, the director, the elected official, or whomever, when granted authority by the position one holds, it is absolutely necessary to accept the responsibility.  This means accepting both the accolades and consequences when appropriate.

The failures of our government officials, as cited recently, wherein responsibility is shirked, is absolutely disgusting.  They are unworthy and unfit for the positions of authority we, the people, have granted them.  Morally and ethically corrupt, those failing in acceptance of responsibility should resign in shame, be fired, or otherwise removed from office.       

Once in a lifetime mission

It was an honor to participate in the Patriot Guard Rider mission on 23 May, 2013 as we escorted the Vietnam Prisoners of War to the Nixon Library, for their 40th and final reunion.  At their hotel, we formed a flag line through which they walked as they headed to the buses.  Spontaneously, each of us started saying, "Welcome home."  Once the buses were loaded, we mounted up and headed to the Library.

As our dozens and dozens of bikes slowly rolled, in two rows through Yorba Linda, the birthplace of and home for the President Nixon Library, the street was lined with with average Americans waving our National flag.  Classes of school children, residents of senior citizen homes, and other ordinary individuals cheered and waved as we rolled along, escorting the the POWs and their family members.

One sight is seared into my memory of that ride.

Somewhere along Yorba Linda Boulevard, I saw a man, about my age, standing at a perfect position of attention, rendering a parade deck worthy salute.  He was holding it from the point at which the first motorcycle and flag passed, until the final bus carrying the POWs rolled by.  My guess is that the gentleman was a Vietnam veteran paying his respects.

Once we arrived at the Nixon Library, I took the initiative to position myself by the door of one of the buses.  As they disembarked, I looked each POW in the eye, saluted, and said, "Welcome Home, Sir!"  Handshakes, hugs, and tears followed.  These were average appearing men, elderly now, some walking with assistance and others with noticeable limps.  Many were joined by wives, children, and even grandchildren.  One of the wives came up, eyes tearing, thanking me for my service and for the escort we'd provided.  I demurred, because the event wasn't about us, it was solely about the POWs and their families.

Then the band played, speeches were made, and the POWs and their family members entered the library.  We Patriot Guard Riders then shook hands on a mission well done and went our separate ways.  A little quieter.  More somber.  More reflective.    

With all that is being reported upon in our world, it was sobering, invigorating, and humbling to participate in this once in a lifetime mission, recognizing heroes from decades ago.

It is too important

The position of President of the United States of America is too important to entrust to any individual without a solid resume that includes being responsible for supervising a large organization.  Political adroitness, eloquent speech, charisma, and personal connections are not qualifications for the the position.  Nor is a history overwhelmingly filled by holding political office or community organizing positions.  It is too important.

The nation is observing the results of hiring just such an individual.  Unable to manage even his own staff, let alone arguably the world's largest bureaucracy, our current President is quite simply deficient in his abilities.  Candidly, we shouldn't be surprised.  The incumbent's resume includes no substantive work experience.  He'd never previously been responsible for the productivity of an organization.  Nor has he experience in managing any sizable number of people, let alone a complex staff.  There is no indication of any experience in running and controlling a staff meeting.  Frankly, there is no indication of any experience sufficient for assuming the responsibility of the most important job in the world.

Totally separate from one's views on the individual's beliefs and politics, we are now seeing first hand the inadequacy of the individual.  He simply hasn't the necessary experience to run a large organization.  And, sadly, we are paying the price, both in actual financial terms and in broader terms about a rampantly dysfunctional  executive branch.  The voting public failed in it's responsibility to elect a chief executive who can run the executive branch of government, while concurrently providing leadership for the country as a whole.

The job is just too important to entrust to the unqualified.

   

Armed Forces Day 2013

Saturday, May 18 was Armed Forces Day 2013.  Unfortunately, for the majority of the nation it was not observed in any significant way, if at all.  This is truly a sad situation, harkening a growing return to general disinterest in those serving on active duty in the various branches of our Armed Forces.

There are still those going in harm's way in Afghanistan.  We are still suffering casualties.  The keen and welcome interest of our nation in their soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines during OIF/OEF is diminishing all too quickly.   The recognition provided our military has been genuine and, I believe, surely warranted.  I'd hoped the proper respect shown our men and women in uniform, plus their families, over the past ten years would remain a primary focus.

However, the lack of coverage of Armed Forces Day 2013 dampens that hope considerably.

Manly pursuits

As I start writing this post, the country music station began a song that begins with the words, "Something about a truck..."  Ah yes, manly pursuits.

This morning at 0445 (4:45 AM for my civilian friends), my Marine buddy pulled up in his pick-up truck.  We loaded my fishing gear along side his and headed out for a lake east of here.  Definitely a manly pursuit. Two retired Marines, a pick-up, and fishing.

We arrived just as the sun was rising.  A clear, beautiful day.  The lake, nestled among tall pine trees, awaited us.  A few hawks and other birds were already in the sky, no doubt looking for their breakfast.  Otherwise near silence.  We parked the truck in a little camp ground, then grabbed our gear and headed down to the water's edge.  The temperature was perfect for wearing a sweatshirt.  Not cold and not hot.  Eagerly, just like the youngsters we once were, we took our positions and geared up the rods and reels.  Finding the right rock on which to stand.  Studying the water to decide where to make that first cast.  Two guys on the water, looking to hook into trout for dinner.  A manly pursuit.

Once we had rigged our lines, each of us made that first cast into the water.  It is truly a special moment, when you see the line sail out, then see the bait and weight drop into the water.  I'd spent a lot of time preparing the fishing gear, which is a collection from my childhood and my parent's gear.  Pop is gone and Mom doesn't fish any longer.  Several rods and reels, plus tackle boxes, and other odds and ends.  The items collectively and individually evoke memories of the countless days I spent fishing with my father, and family.  That first cast today reminded me of all the days we'd spent fishing during my upbringing.  The early mornings, up on the river on the mountain.  Great times...manly pursuits.

As I was laying out the gear last night, I decided to take two rods and reels.  The first was the last set up my dad purchased.  It has a special meaning, because he had purchased it in 1980.  That summer, we'd returned from overseas and were staying at my folks' place.  Shortly after getting home, I told my dad we expected to go up on "the river," as we referred to the area we went fishing.  However, he stated he couldn't go, because of his health issues (poor heart, poor circulations, etc.).  I responded that I was going up the next morning, no matter what.  Imagine my surprise, as I came down stairs to find him dressed, the fishing gear laid out, lunch made and packed, and the coffee ready.  He said he'd go with me, but probably wouldn't fish, because he couldn't climb up and down the river banks anymore.  Well, we went up the river and had a great time time.  In the days, weeks, months, and years that followed, he and Mom went fishing many, many times.  They also took our family, introducing my children to the river that I learned to love as a child and teen. Anyway, after that morning up on the river, he went out and bought a new rod and reel, a great set up for trout fishing.   I remain convinced that going up on the river on the fishing trips added years to his life.  He passed a number of years ago and this was my first trout fishing outing in decades, so it seemed right to take his rod and reel for the outing.

Carrying his rod and reel reminded me of growing up with my father's guidance, teaching, and example, as we enjoyed fishing.  Sometimes with the family.  Sometimes,, just the two of us.  Manly pursuits.  Talking about everything under the sun.  Using fishing as an outlet, such as going out the day after I broke my arm for the sixth time and learning I would have to undergo corrective surgery at age 14.  There was just something about hitting the river and learning how to revere nature and act like a man on the mountain.  As I made that first cast today, I felt as if I were in the perfect place that fishing can take you.  I also sensed my dad would have been smiling as I flipped that nightcrawler out into the lake.  It epitomized the manly pursuit of enjoying nature, being out with a good buddy.

After a few strong bites, I'd missed hooking any fish.  But it looked promising.  Then my Marine buddy Pat said, "It's about time."  He'd hooked a nice sized trout.  I grabbed the net as he tried to maneuver the fish to the bank.  I got down to the water's edge and was trying to scoop the fish up in the net.  Then the fish got off the hook and I blew it, letting the fish get by me.  Damn!  I let my buddy down, because I didn't get the fish into the net.  (I offer that men get upset when they let down a friend.  As a man, it is important to support your friends and be there for them, even in something as relatively minor as getting a trout into the net.  Unfortunately, way too elected officials [such as the current POTUS] have absolutely no understanding of this manly concept.)  I felt horrible.  But Pat is a great buddy and promised that it was OK, though he'd use this episode to pimp me for years to come.  As men, we continued fishing, convinced that we'd bring home a good string of trout.

Some time later, a duck and a white goose swam up in front of us, maybe five to six feet out from the bank into the lake.  Swimming in front of us, they were honking and being a distraction.  At this point, we each had our lines out in the lake, with the rods set into the rocks to prevent them from falling into the lake.  Then, without warning, the goose starting flapping its wings and prepared to starting flying, sort of running along the surface of the water.  At first I thought it was great, that they were leaving.  Then I stared as the goose caught up in my line and the rod and reel were yanked into the lake.  Shouting, "There goes my rod and reel," I watched as they were pulled into the water and disappeared.  Pat turned just in time to see them disappear.  We both raced to the water's edge, but couldn't see the rod and reel.  The goose was gyrating around, with the line wrapped around its neck.  After it went further and further into the lake, its gyrations finally resulted in freeing it from the line.  The end result was pulling the rod and reel so far that we'd never get them.            

After being momentarily speechless, we looked at each other and started laughing.  And laugh we did, until our sides hurt.  Though sad at loosing my father's rod and reel, the entire incident was so unusual, so unexpected, and so surreal, we had to laugh.  Then, of course, the barbs started flying my way.  "Damn, can't you hold on to your gear?"  Of course, I had the perfect couple of comments for our wives.  My buddy would say, "Dang, but he lost the one fish I hooked today."  I could then respond, "Lost a fish?  Well, let me tell you how I lost my rod and reel!"  I figure he'll yank my chain about it for years to come.  Manly pursuits!

The Benghazi talking points

I watched the recent hearings with interest, then read most of the reputable on-line reports concerning them.  Having some experience with the labyrinth of the national security interagency community and its processes, there is an area desperately needing answers.

We've been shown copies of the draft talking points in their doctored forms.  These talking points, made infamous by Ambassador Susan Rice, had the truth excised.

The answers we, the American public, need will tell us who -- specifically -- made, directed, and/or approved the massive changes to the talking points?

In addition to the abysmal and unsatisfactory actions before and during the attacks, the highly questionable subsequent actions by the Administration can only be addressed by first identifying who made, directed, and/or approved the massive changes to the original draft talking points.  Then we can look for the reasons for the changes.

Find the (good natured) humor

Out and about yesterday, including mentoring at a charter school, I had occasion to encounter plenty of average folks.  You know, the average Joes and Janes of our great nation.  Some I know, others I don't.  During our interactions, I looked for good-natured humor.  Something, a quip, whatever that could produce a chuckle or smile.

For example, I stopped at a coffee shop, since there was 45 minutes available before I needed to arrive at the charter school.  While ordering a cup of coffee, I saw and added to the order an all too tempting cinnamon roll.  In response to the clerk's question if I wanted the roll heated, my response was, "No, I'll take it just the way it came off the tree."  It took a moment, but she finally smiled and chuckled.

We all need to find good-natured humor.  Enjoy and share a smile and chuckle.  (In drafting this post, I have gone back to insert good-natured, because there seems to be way too much poor taste, personal slams, insults, sexual innuendo, harassment, and rudeness that some try to pass off as humor at the expense of the feelings of others these days.)

Certainly there is plenty to worry about, but why focus upon these things?  Look for and find the good-natured humor.  You'll feel better, it will improve your outlook on like, and others benefit as well.

The Marine friend about whom I've written in my posts is a great example.  Whenever we are together, it's almost a contest to see who can find the most humor.  Sure, we may take each other on, in a manner only available to close friends, but we never cross the line.  As a result, we're constantly laughing, thoroughly enjoying our time together.

Over time I've watched how finding the good-natured humor in our everyday lives can make all the difference.  For me, it it usually in the form of a quip, a spur of the moment or observation.  One example happened in, of all places, a men's restroom in a fast food restaurant located adjacent to a major highway.  We'd stopped, both to empty our bladders and get a bite to eat.  Uncharacteristically, there was a line of men waiting to relieve themselves.  (I know, women observe this is common in their restrooms.  Trust me that it us very unusual for us guys.)  Anyway, I joined the line.  Several others filed in behind me, all of us silently awaiting our turns.  Then a gent walked in, saw the line, and asked, "Are you all waiting to use the john?"  Not able to resist the opening, I replied, "Nope, we all just decided to meet here today."  Perhaps a wise-ass   comment, it nonetheless produced a great guffaw from everyone.  Humor, found in an unlikely spot.

I seem to recall that as youths we could find humor more easily than as adults.  Assuredly there weren't socially necessary filters to much of the youthful humor, producing inappropriate or cruel actions serving as the sources.  Nevertheless, our youth find it easier to find the humor in the everyday.  Why do we, as adults, either fail to find the good-natured humor or suck it out of our daily lives?  Why have scowls and frowns replaced grins and smiles?  Why do we hear more curses that chuckles or laughs?

Undoubtedly there are many challenges, large and small, long and short term, crucial and minor facing us all.  There are also times to be serious.  But, in the average moments during an average day for the average Joe and Jane, there are also ample times to find the good-natured humor.  All you need to do is look for it.  Share that grin and chuckle.            

Extremism...at the center of it all

This morning, while enjoying the view over the first cup of coffee, I experienced an epiphany of sorts.  (What is obvious to one is an epiphany to another.)  Much, if not the majority, of that which is concerning has at its center the good being taken to the extreme.  Sipping coffee, watching a band of light rain move from west to east, the clarity of this realization was crystalline.  Musing over it more and more, other descriptors came to mind: the reasonable mutating into the unreasonable; rational sliding into the irrational; and so on.  Then examples began coming to mind.

The first example coming to mind was organized labor.  At its core, collective bargaining appears very reasonable to me.  Having been a union member at times in my professional life, I saw its value.  But as time went on, I began realizing the value had been replaced by the unreasonable: mandatory union membership and dues providing organized labor a guaranteed pool of money that lawmakers allow to be used for political purposes.  (For example, the National Education Association adopted an anti-war plank at one of its national conventions.  What, pray tell, does that have to do with collective bargaining for teachers?)  In a form of taxation without representation, union leaders in countless sectors create political clout by the enforced donations to those disposed to labor's cause and funding anti-candidate messages for those not so inclined.  This  political power goes well beyond the initial objective of collective bargaining.  In some states, such as California, it has resulted in guaranteed state constitutional protections for certain labor groups, such as teachers.  Another current example involves correctional officers in Maryland, as described in a recent Washington Post online story by Charles Lane.  “Keeping watch over often-violent offenders is a tough job that most correctional officers do honestly. They deserve a decent wage and fair treatment on the job.  But neither they nor any other workers who serve the public deserve special influence over state government.  That is what they get when their unions accumulate cash through mandatory dues checkoffs — from tax-funded payrolls — and spend it on campaign contributions and lobbying.  One of the most powerful public-sector unions in the country is the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, which used its political might to secure not only expensive pensions and benefits but also passage of a “three strikes and you’re out” law — which created jobs for unionized correctional officers by swelling California’s prison population.  Maryland’s correctional officers union is not nearly that powerful, but its officials are working on it.  “From the beginning, AFSCME Maryland set an aggressive agenda,” the union’s Web site boasts. “Recognizing that state laws and political decisions controlled our work lives, AFSCME Maryland members embarked on a mission to develop political power through legislative action.””  “A Baltimore jail scandal aided by union politics,” Charles Lane, Washington Post online.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/charles-lane-a-baltimore-jail-scandal-aided-by-union-politics/2013/05/06/d90bc90e-b67b-11e2-b94c-b684dda07add_story.html?hpid=z2
    
Please note the underlined sentences, as they describe consequence of this form of extremism:  "...special influence over state government..." and "...mandatory dues...[spent] on campaign contributions and lobbying."  Unreasonable actions by organized labor is just one example of extremism.

Another is the perverted interpretation of religion by progressive liberals.  The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  It is clearly black letter law that I can freely practice my religion, Christianity.  However, of recent, the progressive liberals (legislators, judges, media, pundits, school administrators, universities) have taken the Amendment to an extreme.  Pushing, nay demanding, respect for non-Christian religions, they move to restrict the "free practice" of Christianity.  Crosses can't be displayed, prayer groups can't be organized, Bibles can't be opened, Merry Christmas can't be uttered.  The good of the First Amendment has been taken to an unreasonable extreme.

Of course, when speaking of extremism and Christianity, one must mention the Islamic extremists.  Islam, as do all major religions, is peaceful in its premise.  Unfortunately, in its name, three are those who wantonly kill, having taken the good messages and perverted them in the extreme to warrant unbelievable violence.  The vast majority of the millions of Muslims are peace loving and seeking.  Many, far too many, however seek destruction in the name of Islam.  The good and positive of Islam has been taken captive by some advocating an extreme interpretation of Allah's words. 

The next example is the current state of the civil rights movement.  As a teenager in the 1960s, one of the most positively influential individuals was Martin Luther King, Jr.  On August 28, 1963 he gave what most believe to be his most important speech.  Following are a couple excerpts:  

“Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.  We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.”   

“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Yet, nearly 50 years later, when employed as a white male on a major university campus, I was the recipient of extremism cloaked in the phrase of civil rights.  I was told that, as a white man, I shouldn't hold a certain job on campus.  We also read, hear, and see so-called ministers and civil rights leaders castigate all whites in an all too sad example of blatant racism.  Essentially the same form of racism Dr. King marched to protest.  Even in the administration of the President of the United States, people continue to look for extreme reasons to cry the false racist foul.  These individuals bemoan their perceived lack of "diversity" in the President's Cabinet.  These individuals aren't judging the character of the members of the Cabinet, but are judging the color (or gender) of its members.  I firmly believe Dr. King would be appalled at the extremism resident in many parts of the country, from the highest elected levels to the lowest rungs on the economic ladder.  The positive messages of fifty years ago have been hijacked by extremists into the unreasonable and the irrational.

Finally, discussing extremism can't be complete without pointing to our federal government.  Hardly an element doesn't suffer from extremism.  Legislators spending in the extreme.  Partisan politics in the extreme.  Politics itself has migrated from positive debates from which compromises are created for the good of the people, to extreme excoriations from both sides of the aisle.  The reasonable levying of taxes to pay the reasonable debts of the nation has been taken to an extreme by legislators doling out pork laden bills to curry voter favor in pursuit of re-election and personal power.  The positive inclination by some to go to Washington to be part of a government helping its people has denigrated to an extreme example of personal avarice and power seeking.

Indeed, it is an all too sad day.  Extremism, on far too many fronts, is the cause for what concerns us.  

Straight talk

Propaganda and denunciation are not leadership traits.  Likewise, unfounded assertions and assumptions unsupported by facts are not policy.  Euphemisms instead of straight talk is not public discourse.  And character assassination is not debate.  Unfortunately, as the nation wrestles with enormous issues bearing on the average Joe and Jane, these are the tactics and practices of far too many, be they elected officials (both parties), educators, unions, lobbyists, main stream media, talk show hosts, entertainers, businesses, or pundits.

Of great concern to me is the manner in which various entities use these tactics and practices in their attempt to sway public opinion and thereby apply pressure to decision makers.  Or, if a decision maker or in a position of authority, use the tactics and practices to obscure the truth or slant it to suit their own agenda.  It seems that truth, honesty, accuracy, and facts have gone the way of the traditional American family unit, disappearing from the daily scene.

And the average Joe and Jane are expected to make sense of all the competing and conflicting barrage of pseudo-information that fills the airwaves, populates our smart phone, permeates cable TV, and explodes in the various print and on-line "so-called" news outlets.

Of course, those with the prominent platforms and lofty positions use their status to shovel out buckets full of propaganda.  Propaganda is defined by Dictionary.com as "information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc."  (Please note the absent of fact or truth in the definition.)  Half-truths, non-truths, fabrications abound.  The sky is falling, doom is imminent, crisis is at hand.  Yet only those shoveling the propaganda claim to be able to resolve the matter.  If, however, unable to resolve it to their self-defined satisfaction, the next tactic is to denounce anyone who disagrees.  Just as the definition of propaganda refers to "harm," the same source defines denounce as "to condemn or censure openly or publicly."  Sadly, when denouncing doesn't work, the tactics and practices further devolve to character assassination.  Seeking to harm, condemn, and assassinate hardly seem appropriate for public debate.  Certainly these are not the traits of leaders.

Yet, those who self-description includes leader have turned these tactics and practices into the norm, almost as if elevating them to acceptable behavior.  However, the average Joe and Jane can't buy such tripe.  After all, Joe and Jane are ultimately the beneficiaries or victims.  They are then entitled to straight talk, accurate facts, candor without rancor, and substantiation.  


The nation needs and deserves leadership, policy, public discourse, and debate.

Too bad we don't get it from the elected officials (both parties), educators, unions, lobbyists, main stream media, talk show hosts, entertainers, businesses, or pundits.