Were we to accept the media buzz, the 2016 election is about to be held, possibly as early as tomorrow. The fawning fascination, if not outright obsession, with Hillary is utterly ridiculous. There are several serious problems facing our governments, at every level, so wasting words and breath to report or talk about 2016 is woefully premature.
It is as if large segments of the media and political elite are deliberately or unconsciously clueless about the problems of today. For example, Syria, unemployment, Benghazi, IRS, economy, NSA, debt limits, Affordable Care Act (classic oxymoronic title), Afghanistan, Iran, dysfunctional Congress, terrorism, etc. From the President to some city mayors, there is an absence of governance in favor of constant campaigning. Hence the dialogue about Hillary. By the way, if one carefully analyzes Ms. Clinton, it will be discovered that she's done squat, nada, nothing. There are no achievements to extol. The only truly notable points are the series of fabrications and lies (her remembering landing under fire in Bosnia when First Lady).
Our so-called elected leaders need to forget about 2014 or 2016 and focus on the very real, very important issues of the day. No more campaign style bus tours or inflammatory speeches. Roll up your sleeves and deal with today's problems. If these problems aren't addressed, the 2014 and 2016 elections won't matter.
So, for crying out loud, look at the calendar.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Objective based reclusion
I'm contemplating objective based reclusion, in which I live apart from what passes as today's news. No more reading or listening to the multitudinous rants and ravings - sorry, I meant to say serious journalistic reports. No more reading or listening to daily expressions from overly opinionated sops - sorry, I meant to say contemplative and intelligent analysts. No more hypocritical screeds from progressive extremists - sorry, I meant to say thoughtful commentary. No more unsubstantiated accusations and invidious hyperbole from racist agitators - sorry, I meant to say important social commentary from respected civil rights leaders. And definitely no more grandstanding for votes in 2014 and 2016, rather than governing in 2013 by self-serving, unprincipled, hypocritical politicians - sorry, I meant to say crucial commentary from public servants.
The objective of this form of reclusion is happiness.
Yep, the more I think about it, living apart from what passes for news and journalism these days will provide for a happier life.
Being this type of a reclusive sounds pretty damned good.
The objective of this form of reclusion is happiness.
Yep, the more I think about it, living apart from what passes for news and journalism these days will provide for a happier life.
Being this type of a reclusive sounds pretty damned good.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Solitude, good for us at times
Here in southern California, it seems (at times) that we are racked and stacked, with people perpetually on top of one another. Choosing to go to the beach on a sunny weekend means enjoying the sand and surf with thousands of your newest, closest friends. Similar scenes and experiences await the movie-goer, fan at football and baseball games, shoppers at the countless malls, visitors to the zoos, gamblers at the numerous casinos, and (most definitely) drivers on the freeways. People surround people. So a little solitude is good at times.
I refer not to the solitude that can be had by never leaving ones home. The couch potato, vegetative television viewer, solo (and mindless) computer gamer, Internet surfer, and the like are not benefiting from the form of solitude to which I refer.
The form of solitude to which I refer involves deliberate activity benefiting the person physically, intellectually, and/or emotionally. For one, I enjoy the solitude of the individual morning run or bicycle ride. Absent the interaction, planned or otherwise, of my fellow citizen(s), this time alone with my thoughts is shared with healthy exercise that improves the body. (As I age, vigorous exercise increases in importance.) The normal surrounding chatter - often banal, distracting, and meaningless - doesn't intrude into my thoughts. During these solitary times, analysis is sharper; recognition and acceptance of ones foibles and faults becomes easier; internal and external pressures are reduced; and planning more accurate.
At the conclusion of these periods of solitude, be it a run or ride, the future of the day is brighter, the love for my wife stronger, the general outlook on life healthier, and the realization of how blessed our lives are sharper.
A enjoyable, productive period of solitude is healthy and good for us. I advocate not for seclusion, but for introspection. In doing so, it's recommended each of us finds that activity, which can be accomplished in solitude, and provides physical, intellectual, and/or emotional benefit.
I refer not to the solitude that can be had by never leaving ones home. The couch potato, vegetative television viewer, solo (and mindless) computer gamer, Internet surfer, and the like are not benefiting from the form of solitude to which I refer.
The form of solitude to which I refer involves deliberate activity benefiting the person physically, intellectually, and/or emotionally. For one, I enjoy the solitude of the individual morning run or bicycle ride. Absent the interaction, planned or otherwise, of my fellow citizen(s), this time alone with my thoughts is shared with healthy exercise that improves the body. (As I age, vigorous exercise increases in importance.) The normal surrounding chatter - often banal, distracting, and meaningless - doesn't intrude into my thoughts. During these solitary times, analysis is sharper; recognition and acceptance of ones foibles and faults becomes easier; internal and external pressures are reduced; and planning more accurate.
At the conclusion of these periods of solitude, be it a run or ride, the future of the day is brighter, the love for my wife stronger, the general outlook on life healthier, and the realization of how blessed our lives are sharper.
A enjoyable, productive period of solitude is healthy and good for us. I advocate not for seclusion, but for introspection. In doing so, it's recommended each of us finds that activity, which can be accomplished in solitude, and provides physical, intellectual, and/or emotional benefit.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Trust
While out cycling this morning, I thought about trust. Cycling along the roadway, I was trusting the drivers of the passing cars and trucks to obey traffic laws, thereby protecting my safety. The drivers were likewise trusting their fellow drivers coming in the opposite direction, in this 55 MPH zone without a center divide or barrier, to also obey traffic laws, thereby protecting their safety.
Trust. An essential, crucial aspect of society. All too sadly, trust is threatened.
Existing throughout our lives, far more than that shared with our fellow motorists, trust is essential for every citizen. We expect to be able to trust the merchants with whom we shop; the doctors in whom we entrust our health; the teachers who educate us; the bosses who employ us; the levels of government which serve us; the manufacturers who provide the products for our use; the unions in place to stand up for the workers; the clergy with whom we place our spiritual health; the politicians who we elect as our representatives and leaders of government; the military who defend us; the first responders who protect and care for us; the wives and husbands we marry; the friends in who we confide; the courts who adjudicate on our behalf; the aircrew who fly our aircraft; the media who are to objectively observe and report; and our fellow taxpayers and voters with whom we share responsibility. Yes, trust in the essential, crucial connection between and with us all.
Yet, based on what we read, view, see, and experience, virtually every one of the examples of shared trust is threatened. Examples abound, increasing exponentially it seems, of trust violated. And violated intentionally and with forethought. Not accidentally or haphazardly, but deliberately. Brazen lies, theft, personal hubris, failure to accept responsibility, excessive compensation and profit taking, hyperbole, falsification of records, ignoring laws, and on and on are approaching the norm, rather than an exception of breach of trust. Once the trust has been violated and breaches, our society doesn't seem to exact any serious consequence, either as punishment or deterrent.
How can our society, therefore, prosper and provide the environment in which each is free to pursuit success based on their God given talents and willingness to employ them? How can this be possible in a society devoid of trust?
Trust. An essential, crucial aspect of society. All too sadly, trust is threatened.
Existing throughout our lives, far more than that shared with our fellow motorists, trust is essential for every citizen. We expect to be able to trust the merchants with whom we shop; the doctors in whom we entrust our health; the teachers who educate us; the bosses who employ us; the levels of government which serve us; the manufacturers who provide the products for our use; the unions in place to stand up for the workers; the clergy with whom we place our spiritual health; the politicians who we elect as our representatives and leaders of government; the military who defend us; the first responders who protect and care for us; the wives and husbands we marry; the friends in who we confide; the courts who adjudicate on our behalf; the aircrew who fly our aircraft; the media who are to objectively observe and report; and our fellow taxpayers and voters with whom we share responsibility. Yes, trust in the essential, crucial connection between and with us all.
Yet, based on what we read, view, see, and experience, virtually every one of the examples of shared trust is threatened. Examples abound, increasing exponentially it seems, of trust violated. And violated intentionally and with forethought. Not accidentally or haphazardly, but deliberately. Brazen lies, theft, personal hubris, failure to accept responsibility, excessive compensation and profit taking, hyperbole, falsification of records, ignoring laws, and on and on are approaching the norm, rather than an exception of breach of trust. Once the trust has been violated and breaches, our society doesn't seem to exact any serious consequence, either as punishment or deterrent.
How can our society, therefore, prosper and provide the environment in which each is free to pursuit success based on their God given talents and willingness to employ them? How can this be possible in a society devoid of trust?
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Competition is natural, healthy, and important
Competition is natural, healthy, and important. On one level, our nation relishes competition. Professional, collegiate, high school, youth leagues, and other sports provide structured competition that is embraced by virtually every citizen. (OK, I'll stipulate there are some who carry the competition WAY too far, be it the ubiquitous soccer mom, Little League dad, or high school/college/professional coach.) Many offer that youth sports provide a healthy outlet for the natural competitive urges that are within us all. On other levels, competition permeates the fabric of a vibrant society and economy. We compete for affection, employment, promotions, and the other tangible and intangible rewards offered and made possible by a vibrant society and economy.
Honing, rather than denying naturally occurring need for competition is healthy and to be encouraged. That competitive is natural is indisputable. Watch young children if you have a doubt. (Or the drivers on most freeways.) Embracing competition enables parents to teach their children how to strive for the best from within themselves and how to seek self-improvement, as well as dealing with disappointment. Further, doing so helps teach setting realistic and challenging objectives in life, that achievements realized by our own labors are most meaningful, and the satisfaction (emotional, intellectual, and physical) derived from the earnest attempt. Stated differently, when we strive for a goal, giving our best, there is no shame.
I am concerned the progressives seek to do away with competition, thus denying this natural element in the human make up. Sadly, too many examples of this progressive pursuit abound: sports programs in which everyone is declared a winner and everyone gets the same award; school administrators no longer recognizing honor roll students, because it could be "devastating to the students who worked hard, but fell short;" the burgeoning welfare rolls, resulting from telling folks they can't make it (are not competitive) without government assistance; the marketplace; politicians maneuvering the law making processes to avoid "up or down votes;" affirmative action; "set asides;" extraordinary numbers of students receiving grades of "A" in their college studies; union demanded non-compete clauses in municipal contracts; all members of all teams in youth sports receiving the identical trophies; and so on. It's plain to me the progressives advocate, in the name of their definitions of fairness and equality, that everyone be treated identically, denying the very existence of competition. Yet, by their efforts, these progressives hypocritically deny and refute the very competition inherent to the American lifestyle.
As I've written before, the insidious evil in their approach is most dangerous during the formative years through which our children pass. Education, sports, social environments (Boy Scouts, etc.), music, etc. are being deliberately manipulated to remove competition. Absent a strong family led by a husband (father) and wife (mother), in which the proper lessons are learned, too many of our youth are being woefully ill prepared for what is referred to as the real world. Tangentially, the liberal policies and programs of the past 40 years have driven social mores and beliefs in the wrong direction, with the number of children born out of wedlock and resulting single mothers in minority communities skyrocketing. As these numbers have risen, so have the welfare rolls. Whole generations are being taught that they mustn't, shouldn't, and can't compete: hence, the growing welfare and nanny state that reduces countless individuals to recipients from, not participants in our society.
Though somewhat simplistic, recognizing and embracing competition will go far in restoring our nation and society.
To the naysayers who are critical of this approach, it is likely an uneven field of competition is their real complaint. Agreed. Level every field of competition and may all succeed to the best of their abilities and efforts. When we do so, it requires the progressives to be honest in saying not everyone will get straight As in school, nor will everyone earn a million dollars. Dismantle the welfare programs that reward and support sloth. Eliminate support for those able to work, but don't. Return to societal norms that are critical of children born out of wedlock and celebrate the nuclear family (one man, one woman,and children). Demand men shoulder the responsibility for their off spring, but working and fathering. Teach that it is important to compete, to challenge oneself, to accept and learn from failure, to set realistic and obtainable goals. Teach our youth how to compete for and live with their achievements. Teach reality and how to deal with it.
Eliminate gerrymandered districts, so politicians must compete for votes. Eliminate mark-ups and pork barrel spending, so that programs must compete for votes. Eliminate the practice of amendments to and packaged spending bills, so that expenditures must compete based on merit, not politics. Demand and conduct straight "up or down" votes, so that legislation must compete, based on merits. Eliminate union dominance and mandated membership enacted by law, requiring the unions to compete for membership.
Return competition to the American landscape, an integral elements in all facets of our lives. Protect those of the absolutely most deserving, but who cannot compete in all areas. (Not the burgeoning rolls of those too lazy and conditioned not to compete.)
With the return of a competitive society, our nation will regain its place and its people will be more prosperous and better led.
Honing, rather than denying naturally occurring need for competition is healthy and to be encouraged. That competitive is natural is indisputable. Watch young children if you have a doubt. (Or the drivers on most freeways.) Embracing competition enables parents to teach their children how to strive for the best from within themselves and how to seek self-improvement, as well as dealing with disappointment. Further, doing so helps teach setting realistic and challenging objectives in life, that achievements realized by our own labors are most meaningful, and the satisfaction (emotional, intellectual, and physical) derived from the earnest attempt. Stated differently, when we strive for a goal, giving our best, there is no shame.
I am concerned the progressives seek to do away with competition, thus denying this natural element in the human make up. Sadly, too many examples of this progressive pursuit abound: sports programs in which everyone is declared a winner and everyone gets the same award; school administrators no longer recognizing honor roll students, because it could be "devastating to the students who worked hard, but fell short;" the burgeoning welfare rolls, resulting from telling folks they can't make it (are not competitive) without government assistance; the marketplace; politicians maneuvering the law making processes to avoid "up or down votes;" affirmative action; "set asides;" extraordinary numbers of students receiving grades of "A" in their college studies; union demanded non-compete clauses in municipal contracts; all members of all teams in youth sports receiving the identical trophies; and so on. It's plain to me the progressives advocate, in the name of their definitions of fairness and equality, that everyone be treated identically, denying the very existence of competition. Yet, by their efforts, these progressives hypocritically deny and refute the very competition inherent to the American lifestyle.
As I've written before, the insidious evil in their approach is most dangerous during the formative years through which our children pass. Education, sports, social environments (Boy Scouts, etc.), music, etc. are being deliberately manipulated to remove competition. Absent a strong family led by a husband (father) and wife (mother), in which the proper lessons are learned, too many of our youth are being woefully ill prepared for what is referred to as the real world. Tangentially, the liberal policies and programs of the past 40 years have driven social mores and beliefs in the wrong direction, with the number of children born out of wedlock and resulting single mothers in minority communities skyrocketing. As these numbers have risen, so have the welfare rolls. Whole generations are being taught that they mustn't, shouldn't, and can't compete: hence, the growing welfare and nanny state that reduces countless individuals to recipients from, not participants in our society.
Though somewhat simplistic, recognizing and embracing competition will go far in restoring our nation and society.
To the naysayers who are critical of this approach, it is likely an uneven field of competition is their real complaint. Agreed. Level every field of competition and may all succeed to the best of their abilities and efforts. When we do so, it requires the progressives to be honest in saying not everyone will get straight As in school, nor will everyone earn a million dollars. Dismantle the welfare programs that reward and support sloth. Eliminate support for those able to work, but don't. Return to societal norms that are critical of children born out of wedlock and celebrate the nuclear family (one man, one woman,and children). Demand men shoulder the responsibility for their off spring, but working and fathering. Teach that it is important to compete, to challenge oneself, to accept and learn from failure, to set realistic and obtainable goals. Teach our youth how to compete for and live with their achievements. Teach reality and how to deal with it.
Eliminate gerrymandered districts, so politicians must compete for votes. Eliminate mark-ups and pork barrel spending, so that programs must compete for votes. Eliminate the practice of amendments to and packaged spending bills, so that expenditures must compete based on merit, not politics. Demand and conduct straight "up or down" votes, so that legislation must compete, based on merits. Eliminate union dominance and mandated membership enacted by law, requiring the unions to compete for membership.
Return competition to the American landscape, an integral elements in all facets of our lives. Protect those of the absolutely most deserving, but who cannot compete in all areas. (Not the burgeoning rolls of those too lazy and conditioned not to compete.)
With the return of a competitive society, our nation will regain its place and its people will be more prosperous and better led.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy abounds within the political and other classes, particularly within the progressive liberal wing of one of the national political parties.
After condemning conservatives for a fictional "war on women," progressive liberals are either mute, recalcitrant, or forgiving in the matters of Democrats treatment of women (Spitzer, Weiner, Filner).
Examples:
The hypocrisy of acting otherwise starkly identifies these individuals and organizations as unworthy of public support.
After condemning conservatives for a fictional "war on women," progressive liberals are either mute, recalcitrant, or forgiving in the matters of Democrats treatment of women (Spitzer, Weiner, Filner).
Examples:
- Only after significant pressure did Pelosi speak out about Spitzer, Weiner, and Filner. Even then, she did not use their names or roundly condemn them, demanding they give up political aspirations or leave office.
- Hillary is all too silent on the matter of Weiner. Strange given her relationship with his wife.
- The San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council continues to support Filner.
- Reid is all too silent.
- The National Organization for Women is all too silent.
- Outspoken feminist leads are all too silent.
- The Chairwoman of the Democratic National Party is all too silent.
- The First Lady of the United States is all too silent.
- The President of the United States is all too silent.
The hypocrisy of acting otherwise starkly identifies these individuals and organizations as unworthy of public support.
Simple things
An advantage in retirement is having the time to evaluate and ascertain what is truly important, in separation from that which others demand we accept as important. Politicians, advertisers, salesmen, nosy neighbors, well meaning relatives, "journalists," and strangers seem compelled that we accept their view of what is important. (Dang, but if their views most often don't amount to a hill of beans.)
To be sure, importance is relative to timing and one's circumstances. For example, for a dehydrated man lost in the desert, water and rescue are definitely important. Likewise, what is important to the farmer tending crops in Kansas may differ from the convenience store clerk in Seattle. All the more reason to dispute, or at the least reject, that which others demand we see as important.
Health, family, friends, fitness, faith/belief, integrity/ethics/honor, humor, sports, intellect, outdoors, music, and enjoying life are those that I find important. When looking at the list, it is striking that each item is relatively simple. No stunning revelation there.
Perhaps the most complex, due to aging and external factors, is health. But even then, it is a simple fact that we should take care of ourselves in order to enjoy good health. every other item in the above list is really simple. No grand reach in any of them.
Simply being with my family, enjoying each others company, gives tremendous pleasure and reward. Video chatting with the grand children produces smiles. Observing the success as a parent of one's child is awe inspiring. Watching a televised baseball game with my wife, cheering on our team, is a source of simple pleasure.
Playing tennis (see fitness and sports), chatting, fishing, and communicating with friends provide the simple pleasure of interaction with those for whom we care a great deal. Laughter (see humor and enjoying life) ensues, from the simplest of expressions and jokes.
Faith and belief are exceedingly simple in their importance in life. Nothing more need be written.
Raised and living a life based on personal integrity, ethics, and honor provides the simple form of self value and pride. While others diverge from the truth and disappoint, when one simply acts with integrity, ethics, and honor, standing tall isn't a problem.
Sports, in the purest form of spirited but honest (see integrity/ethics/honor) competition feeds a simple need in each of us. It also contributes to fitness and can involve family and friends.
Intellectual pursuit, I find, is essential to each day. It can be so very simple, nothing more than reading and expanding one's mind. Exercising the intellect, just as in exercising the body, leads to fulfillment of this simple need.
The outdoors! Just being outdoors, whether for a morning run or ride, or sitting on the patio, or riding a motorcycle through some of the beautiful areas of our grand nation, or at the beach or mountains with the grandkids. Simply being outdoors, away from it all, can provide tremendous pleasure. Sitting by a lake fishing, waking up to cool morning air, riding along Route 1 on the California coast, enjoying the sunset from the patio, or playing in the backyard with the grandkids. Each is a simple example of enjoyment.
Music, both listening and playing, adds to our lives. (A disclaimer, music by my definition is that which is positive, not the "gangsta rap" and other forms of so-called entertainment that debases women, glorifies violence, and otherwise tears at societal values.) A singular beauty of music is that the countless forms reach out to virtually everyone. Every day should include appreciating music, to provide a positive lift to our experience.
Finally, simply enjoying life is important. Certainly there are enough problems and issues with which one can become obsessed. Real and perceived, these can set an individual onto the path of despair, leading one to possibly listen to those who would demand that we accept their definition of what is important, because only they can make us happy by eliminating all the issues they find so damned important. But it just ain't so.
Each of us can take the time to reflect on what is truly important in life. I'm confident that this reflection will produce a list, perhaps similar to mine, of what s truly important and that the list will be a collection of simple things.
To be sure, importance is relative to timing and one's circumstances. For example, for a dehydrated man lost in the desert, water and rescue are definitely important. Likewise, what is important to the farmer tending crops in Kansas may differ from the convenience store clerk in Seattle. All the more reason to dispute, or at the least reject, that which others demand we see as important.
Health, family, friends, fitness, faith/belief, integrity/ethics/honor, humor, sports, intellect, outdoors, music, and enjoying life are those that I find important. When looking at the list, it is striking that each item is relatively simple. No stunning revelation there.
Perhaps the most complex, due to aging and external factors, is health. But even then, it is a simple fact that we should take care of ourselves in order to enjoy good health. every other item in the above list is really simple. No grand reach in any of them.
Simply being with my family, enjoying each others company, gives tremendous pleasure and reward. Video chatting with the grand children produces smiles. Observing the success as a parent of one's child is awe inspiring. Watching a televised baseball game with my wife, cheering on our team, is a source of simple pleasure.
Playing tennis (see fitness and sports), chatting, fishing, and communicating with friends provide the simple pleasure of interaction with those for whom we care a great deal. Laughter (see humor and enjoying life) ensues, from the simplest of expressions and jokes.
Faith and belief are exceedingly simple in their importance in life. Nothing more need be written.
Raised and living a life based on personal integrity, ethics, and honor provides the simple form of self value and pride. While others diverge from the truth and disappoint, when one simply acts with integrity, ethics, and honor, standing tall isn't a problem.
Sports, in the purest form of spirited but honest (see integrity/ethics/honor) competition feeds a simple need in each of us. It also contributes to fitness and can involve family and friends.
Intellectual pursuit, I find, is essential to each day. It can be so very simple, nothing more than reading and expanding one's mind. Exercising the intellect, just as in exercising the body, leads to fulfillment of this simple need.
The outdoors! Just being outdoors, whether for a morning run or ride, or sitting on the patio, or riding a motorcycle through some of the beautiful areas of our grand nation, or at the beach or mountains with the grandkids. Simply being outdoors, away from it all, can provide tremendous pleasure. Sitting by a lake fishing, waking up to cool morning air, riding along Route 1 on the California coast, enjoying the sunset from the patio, or playing in the backyard with the grandkids. Each is a simple example of enjoyment.
Music, both listening and playing, adds to our lives. (A disclaimer, music by my definition is that which is positive, not the "gangsta rap" and other forms of so-called entertainment that debases women, glorifies violence, and otherwise tears at societal values.) A singular beauty of music is that the countless forms reach out to virtually everyone. Every day should include appreciating music, to provide a positive lift to our experience.
Finally, simply enjoying life is important. Certainly there are enough problems and issues with which one can become obsessed. Real and perceived, these can set an individual onto the path of despair, leading one to possibly listen to those who would demand that we accept their definition of what is important, because only they can make us happy by eliminating all the issues they find so damned important. But it just ain't so.
Each of us can take the time to reflect on what is truly important in life. I'm confident that this reflection will produce a list, perhaps similar to mine, of what s truly important and that the list will be a collection of simple things.
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