Accomplishment vs. Incompetence

It is important to teach and model to our youth that accomplishment, not incompetence, produces success.  Such teaching and modeling are certainly challenges today, given what is reported in the various sources of information that pass for media these days.  But teach and model we must.

While doing so, we should include caution that folks not answer the siren's calls from self-appointed experts who highlight, continuously it seems, the misbehavior, unethical practices, lack of integrity, cronyism, disrespect for the law, public indecency, hyperbole, and the like that manifest in various individuals.  What must be cited is that these reports address very view people.  In fact, the numbers are so infinitesimal as to be of no consequence.  Other than the media attention they receive, and self-importance they convey.  Let incompetence not be confused as success.

The vast, overwhelming majority of our fellow Americans succeed by their accomplishments.  Sure, almost all of us can point to some individual or another who appears to have succeeded because or in spite of their incompetence.  Once again, these are the exceptions rather than the rule.  In a somewhat humorous irony, these exceptions serve a purpose by highlighting the outliers, so the rest of us are seen as the norm.   

This norm also points to the imperative of individual responsibility, the crucial foundation for a vibrant, productive society.  It is individual responsibility that enables us to drive relatively safely on the roads, highways, and freeways of our country.  It is individual irresponsibility that directly contributes to the thousands of deaths per year in alcohol related motor vehicle collisions.  (Incidentally, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in 2011 alone, 9,878 people were killed due to drunk driving.  By comparison, 469 of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines died in combat on 2011 [Iraq and Afghanistan], with 6,630 in 11 years of combat through 2011 [Washington Post - Faces of the Fallen].)  It is individual responsibility that enables our present tax system of voluntary tax payment.  It is individual irresponsibility to fail to do so, as illustrated by the previous Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner.  It is upon individual responsibility that our legal system is founded, as witnesses swear or affirm to "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."  It is individual irresponsibility to falsely claim to have "ran with our heads down" from an aircraft because of sniper fire at the Tuzla Air Base, as did Hillary Clinton while running for President in 2008.  It is individual responsibility to accept the consequences for one's actions, good and not-so-good.  It is individual irresponsibility to claim someone had hacked his Twitter account and sent indecent photos to young women, as did Anthony Weiner.   

I remain convinced that the majority of my fellow citizens embrace individual responsibility, even in the face of withering incompetence and excuses perpetuated by progressive liberals.  In some of the aforementioned examples, the person appears to have succeeded, even in the face of indisputable incompetence.  It may be easy to attribute accomplishment to these individuals, but we mustn't.  It is absurd that such people are considered to be successful.  Yet the media certainly makes it appear as they, along with countless others, are successes.

So, for our nation to improve and prosper, it is imperative to teach and model to our youth that accomplishment, not incompetence, produces success. 

The weather's great, but.....

The weather is great here in southern California, but.....

Already one of the most heavily, if not the MOST heavily taxed states in the union, in California on Monday the gasoline tax goes up 10%.  By the way, a gallon of regular was $3.95 on 7 June and is $4.08 today, per reports on averages, more than a 3% increase.  Actually, in my neighborhood, it is over $4.25 per gallon.  Guess I shouldn't complain, because we've previously experienced 20 cent over night increases and 45 cent increases in one week.   The 10% increase in the gasoline tax joins the 3.3% increase in the sales tax enacted via Prop 30, so the state sales tax is 7.5%, though that isn't the full sales tax.  In our city, a tax of 8.5% is what we pay.  And the state increased the personal income tax as well.  These sunshine taxes are getting expensive.

On Monday we received notice from the local gas and electric company that our rates are going up between 15% -37.5%.  Oh joy.  And to rub our noses in it, we're expecting a heat wave.

Damn, but the weather is great.  Too bad our spare money used for enjoying it is all going to Brown's new taxes.

Thank you Mr. Brown and Mr. Obama.

Think I'll go sit on the patio and drink a glass of water.  (Damn, that's right, water prices are going up too.)

No good outcome in this case

Sadly, there will be no good outcome in the trial seeking justice in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

What should be blind justice administered by the court will be filtered by the climate of race relations in our country.  Should Zimmerman be found guilty, there will be those who proclaim it due to racism, declaring he wasn't given a fair trial.  Should Zimmerman be found innocent, there will be those who proclaim it due to racism, declaring African-Americans can't get justice in the prevalent legal system. 

Thus, no good outcome.

It is far too sad, to the point of damning major sectors of our society, that this case will be filtered by current status in race relations.  Any case adjudicating a shooting death should be far removed from race relations.  However, third parties pursuing their own agendas are inflaming the situation.  Supported by the enabling liberal media, these third parties seek sensationalism.  It is through this self generated sensationalism that they can continue to spew their hateful, racism centric language.  As a result, they can perpetuate their views injurious to real, tangible progress in race relations in our country.

Over the past fifty years, much has improved in race relations.  Much has also not improved and, some would argue, actually may have become worse.  Individuals are privately and publicly castigated simply because of the color of their skin: black, brown, and (yes) white.  Some people deserve to be privately and publicly castigated, because they are fools, idiots, unprincipled, liars, unethical, fakers, opportunists, criminals, bullies, or whatever.  But they are not fools, idiots, unprincipled, liars, unethical, fakers, opportunists, criminals, bullies, or whatever because of their skin color.  They are fools, idiots, unprincipled, liars, unethical, fakers, opportunists, criminals, bullies, or whatever because of the content of their character.  We must move beyond  speech and rhetoric that automatically classifies one by the color of his/her skin.

It appears the nation is nowhere near this  point.   

That is why, all too sadly, there will be no good outcome from this trial.  A verdict will be reached and will be immediately filtered by the climate of race relations.  

Racial discrimination

At the risk of raising the ire of some, I am compelled to comment upon the punditry  regarding today's Supreme Court ruling on  Fisher v. University of Texas, plus the Court's 2003 decision in Grutter v. Bollinger that held that undefined educational “diversity” is a compelling interest that justifies racial discrimination, provided the discriminatory program is “narrowly tailored.”

Two main comments.

Number 1:  Using state sponsored and endorsed racism, under the guise of "affirmative action," is simply wrong.  In a rush to feel good about itself, Congress attempted to correct problems, but in the wrong way.  Racism, whether to deny access or equality of any type, or to provide preference to any minority group, cannot be allowed to stand.  Because if it is, then as our nation's demographics shift in the not too distant future to the point where Caucasians are the minority, then they should be able to demand preferential treatment.  Preferential treatment based upon one's race or ethnicity is state sponsored racism.  State sponsored racism against or for any racial or ethnic group is just as wrong today as it was in 1850, 1890, 1920, 1960, or 1965.

Number 2:  Using the word "diversity" in any context associated with public institutions of higher education is patently absurd.  While academic liberals and progressives mouth commitment to diversity, they fail to define it.  In practice, "diversity" is code for providing preference to minorities and liberals, while acting in a prejudicial manner against Caucasians and conservatives.  The much mentioned academic freedom and pursuit of free speech on university campuses exists only for those from the minority and liberal/progressive communities.  Speech and other activities from conservative, Christian, male, straight, and the "right" side of the political spectrum are not only discouraged, they are actually punished.  Moreover, freedoms for those in these groups, which are actually the numerical minorities on most pubic campuses, are denied and repudiated in the name of the pursuit of the undefined goal of diversity.

In sum, our public universities are exactly what Martin Luther King, Jr. railed against in his "I have a dream" speech, because on these campuses, students, faculty, and staff are most certainly "judged by the color of their skin," not "by the content of their character."  To believe otherwise is to ignore reality, as did the Supreme Court.       

Mandatory National Service

A recent opinion piece in Politico advocates for national service for your 18-to-28 year olds.  (http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/national-service-is-key-to-national-strength-93069.html?hp=l11 By JOHN BRIDGELAND and ALAN KHAZEI)

As far as the authors go, a good case is made for the benefits the nation and its people will receive from national service.  However, the authors state such service would be voluntary, but expected.  Expectation will not provide the ultimate benefits the authors identify.  Only through mandatory national service can these be attained.

Agreeing with the authors that national service can be in the military or civilian components (Peace Corps for example), I see benefits far beyond what is described in the opinion piece.  Here are a few of the more important:

• Instilling and reinforcing membership in the citizenry of our nation.
• Learning, at a relatively young age, to work as a member of a team in pursuit of larger-than-self goals.
• Breaking down stereotypes and racial barriers by living and working with fellow Americans from across the nation.
• Developing maturity during a critical stage in development, prior to entering higher education or the workforce.
• Learning how group discipline and self discipline are intertwined for achieving common good.
• Acquiring hard skills.
• Breaking welfare cycles prevalent in some families.
• Benefitting the nation by contribution.

Perhaps not thought of by the above authors, my vision of national service includes every citizen being required to perform the service as soon as they graduate high school or turn 18, whichever occurs last.  With due accord given to individual desires, while nonetheless meeting the needs of the nation, these young folks would be directed to report to either military or civilian program induction centers three months after high school graduation or turning 18.  From the induction centers, after initial assessment and processing, the individuals would be transported to either military boot camps or one of three civilian program boot camps.  In either case, service begins by leaving home and going somewhere else.  For this national service model to fully function, it must be a residential, not commuter, program.  (Many universities require such an approach, having learned that success is more likely when the students are fully immersed in their educations by residing on campus.)  The military boot camps would continue to operate as directed by their respective service chief.  The civilian boot camps would be modeled after military boot camps, including communal living, exercise, and training.  Just as done with the military, the civilian boot camps would continue the assessment of the individuals to ascertain where best their capabilities and proclivities can be employed for the betterment of the nation.  Once boot camp is completed, the individuals are sent to their respective assignments, completing additional training as/if needed.  Inclusive of induction, boot camp, and service, there is a three year obligation.  Pay and benefits, including health care, would be identical to the enlisted military.

During the period of national service, our citizens will also undergo various interest inventories to help them identify suitable career fields.  As it stands today, far too many of our citizens who enter higher education pursue the wrong major, because of a lack of proper planning.  Time, effort, and money are wasted as these students shift from one major to another.  In addition to the interest inventories, our fellow citizens will also receive mandatory training on civics, money management, and leadership.  These are skills most often missing from the individual as he/she first enters the work place. 

To fully integrate national service into our national psyche, the legislation creating instituting it will include the following:

• Only U.S. citizens can participate in national service and accrue benefits from it.
• Eligibility for any and all federal employment will require successful completion of national service.
• Time spent in national service will be included in computing retirement from any and all federal employment.
• Eligibility for federal financial aid will require successful completion of national service.
• Upon successfully completing national service, each individual will be eligible for a federal grant of $15,000 that can be applied to education (post secondary or vocational).
• Eligibility for federal home loans will require successful completion of national service.
• Eligibility to run for or be appointed to federal office will require successful completion of national service.
• Eligibility for federal contracts will require successful completion of national service.
• Eligibility for entrance to any of the military academies or other federal schooling will require successful completion of national service.
• Those who volunteer for and successfully complete military or civilian service, meeting the requirements set forth for national service, will be considered to have met the requirements and thus receive all the specified benefits.  (In this way, if one desires to serve in the Peace Corps, rather than be assigned to a form of national service, he/she can still be given credit for meeting the requirement.)

The specifics of the civilian component(s) of national service can build upon what currently exists and further expanded by working with state and local governments.  Established and regularly reviewed by Congress and the Executive Branch, it is envisioned some of the components would be fairly constant, such as maintaining our federal parks, school tutoring, assisting seniors, and the like.  Other components could be designed to meet relatively short term goals and needs, such as disaster assistance.  But in every case, the workforce established by national service must contribute to the national good (not an individual legislator's pet project).  Exceptional care must be taken in crafting the legislation to establish firewalls preventing political interference or gain.

It is acknowledged that some of our citizens may not qualify for participation in national service, such as the severely physically and mentally challenged among us.  Likewise, there may be cases of exceptionally severe hardship that would preclude an individual from participating.  However, the enacting legislation must fairly, equitably, and painstakingly address these matters.  It must not become a case, as seen during the time of the military draft, wherein the off spring of the well connected and wealthy are either exempted or given special consideration.

Mandatory national service will benefit the nation, establish and maintain our national identity, breakdown stereotypes and racial barriers, expand the experience base for all citizens, and benefit the nation as a whole.  Upon completing national service, our youth will be better prepared to be fully productive members of society. 

  

Good Neighbors

Being and having good neighbors are important, both literally and metaphorically.  We are fortunate to have far more good neighbors than not, which directly contributes to enjoying our lives.  What, one might ask, defines being a good neighbor?

As I look at it, being a good neighbor is a combination of multiple factors.  Being ready and willing to assist, while concurrently not being intrusive and respecting the privacy of others. 

For example, a neighbor on one side is nosy, liberal in her complaints about all manner of things, intrusive to the point of entering our property without approval to “borrow” things, determined to tell us how we should act, unconcerned about her yapping dogs, comfortable demanding to enter our house to look at recently completed remodeling, and unwilling to share financial responsibility for the fence between our properties that her vegetation caused to be irreparably damaged (we ended up assuming all the costs for replacing the fence).   She also complained to us about trees in another neighbor’s property that encroached on her view, seeking that we do something about it.  (Our solution to the trees was reaching an agreement with the other neighbor whereby we pay a little twice a year to have the trees trimmed.)  All in all, her nosiness and demanding, intrusive nature are severely off putting.

On the other side, our neighbors are friendly, non-intrusive, and willing to work with their neighbors.  When the joint fence on that side of the property needed repairs, in part due to work during an upgrade to our house, I paid for some of the lumber and working with my neighbor, we joined forces to repair the fence.  These neighbors routinely schedule a neighborhood progressive dinner and stop to chat with folks.  Across the street are neighbors that stand ready to help out.  For example, one day I had a tire with a leak.  While standing there bemoaning this fact, one of the neighbors came across with an air tank and we pumped up the tire, enabling me to get to a shop to have it repaired.  He and his wife also host an annual New Year’s soiree, which is a staple in the ‘hood.  The other neighbors across the street are the salt of the earth, always there with a laugh, a story, and the willingness to help out.  A great family, we’ve watched their sons grow into men and have enjoyed the occasional BBQ around the pool.  Many a Saturday we have stood around talking about all manner of things, sharing good laughs, and updating one another on the families.

There aren't any reliable methods for screening the neighbors in an area in which you might want to purchase a home, so it is somewhat the luck of the draw.  Looking at it, we consider ourselves very fortunate that only one neighbor is a pain and the others are so grand.  These are the folks that make it a pleasure to live here.  Waving, assisting one another, smiling in passing, joking around, and doing so while also respecting one another’s privacy contribute to the positive feel on our block.  (It is interesting that there never seems to be anyone chatting with the one objectionable neighbor.  In fact, another neighbor from the next block came by one day, incensed that our nosy neighbor doesn’t control the yapping of her two small dogs.)  Having such neighbors directly contributes to the enjoyment in our lives.

This is so important in the grander scheme of things as well.  The world would be a far better place if everyone stood ready and willing to assist, while concurrently not being intrusive and respecting the privacy of others.  Alas, far too many folks and elements of our government are bad neighbors.       

All is right in the world

It is particularly difficult not to become morose at the myriad “reports” shoveled upon us, day-after-day, with one negative begetting another.  Dueling experts fill the airwaves, Internet, and print publications with dire predictions and personal condemnations.  Being an informed member of society comes at the significant cost of (negative) information overload.  Makes one want to withdraw from the information super highway and seek out a simpler, perhaps less informed life.  If for no other reason than enjoying our lives.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, relished, and cherished.  The interactions and relations with our fellows are to be the sources of love, laughter, and accomplishment.  Our pursuits, other than employment, are meant to provide such delight that we look forward to the next time we can engage in the activity.  Employment should provide some sense of purpose and meaning other than just production of income.  Above all else, government should be neutral and in the background, rather than intrusively in the foreground.  In any regard, life should be the font of happiness.  Therefore, from our daily lives springs that which provides amusement, sense of achievement, love, friendship, fitness, and security.

Having entered retirement with the expectation of increased happiness, it’s distressing to realize that having more time to follow the “news” is actually in opposition to that happiness.  Thus, I strive more and more to “tune out” the various informers.  On those days I am very successful in this pursuit, my happiness is greater.  When concluding my day’s activities reading a book on the back deck, comfortable on the new lounger chairs my wife purchased, with a cold brew at hand, all is right with the world.  When rolling along on the roadways in the saddle of the Harley-Davidson, feeling the wind in my face, all is right in the world.  When watching a short video of my grandchildren practicing paddle boarding in the pool or seeing a group picture they sent telling Nana and me “good night,” all is right in the world.  When making the coffee for my bride in the morning, all is right in the world.  Even having finished a day of household chores and minor home improvements, taking off the work gloves and pulling the sweaty t-shirt over my head indicate all is right in the world.  And kissing my bride good night irrefutably declares all is right in the world.

What does the above teach me?  Seek the enjoyment in life.  Engage in that which generates smiles and laughter, and a sense of contentment.  Do not fester at the plethora of negative “news” being belched out by the so-called media.  Turn off the TV news, don’t open the Internet “new” site.  Focus on the positive, the enjoyable, and that which provokes laughter and love.  Do not allow the other to incite feelings of sadness or germinate depression.

So, taking my own advice, I’m about to crank up the Harley and head to a charter school, at which I’ll join in a celebration of those marvelous young folks.  No doubt tonight, after returning, I’ll sit on the deck next to my bride, look over at her, and know all is right in the world.  

Beer, brats, and baseball

As spring ends and summer begins, a Friday night with beer, brats, and baseball is quintessentially American.  At the end of the workweek, relaxing with a cold brew in hand, while grilling some brats and listening to the baseball game conjures up visions of a Norman Rockwell like picture.  The ball park, the crowd, the smells, and the sounds of America's past time.  Beyond the literal picture of the baseball game being played, there is something more profound for me.

While growing up, there thankfully wasn't the electronic entertainment bubble into which a young boy could disappear.  No video games, very limited TV, no iPods, no iPhones.  So active guys sought to be outdoors and baseball, in some form or another, was our recreation.  Whether it was the formal format of organized baseball or pick-up games in the local park, baseball was a healthy focus and outlet for our energies.  Even if it was just two guys throwing a ball or playing adapted games with a handful of players.  It also forced us to deal with issues of teamwork, confrontation, differing personalities, differing athletic skills, winning and losing, competition, achievement via effort, and other significant skills needed for success in general society.  We were interacting with one another, expending energy in a worthwhile activity, learning (to a greater or lessor extent) physical skills, operating within a systems of rules that were obeyed by agreement (without complaint) by all, and enjoying a social exchange.  Doing so wasn't hugely expensive, after the acquisition of a ball, glove, and bat.  Didn't need a HD TV or a computer.  We could be, and were, outside for hours on end, with short breaks for lunch.  Friendships were established, names and faces I remember now, some 50 years later.  Lessons were learned.  Elements of character developed.  Those who attempted to cheat were either corrected or excluded from the play.  Those who were the natural athletes were envied, but not to the point of fawning.  No one team was ever made up of all the good athletes and the other team the also rans.  No one cried when the game was over, one team having lost and one team won.  It was just a game.  The next day we were back out there again.  Same guys, but slightly different teams.  All in all, the experience was uniformly positive.  More's the pity that such activity doesn't happen around our nation today, as the by products are so very important.

So, as I sat with beer and brat in hand, watching the Friday night baseball game on TV, in many ways I'm still that young boy, wistfully imagining playing in the majors.  Admiring the great defensive play.  Yelling at the TV when the ump made what I thought was a bad call.  Cheering when someone on my team hit a towering home run.  With my wife at my side, I enjoy the nuances of the game, as well as the excitement seen in the faces of most of the players.

A middle America way to enjoy a Friday.