Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy New Year!!
I wish you all A Very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, and Joyful New Year!! May your 2010also be filled with lots of love and laughter!! And always remember that "The leader you seek is you™"
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
You as leader
For far too many people, looking for a leader outside of themselves is the easiest way to pass off responsibility, motivation, and cognitive thought. That's how entire populations get controlled.
Don't ever forget: YOU are the leader you seek!!
Don't ever forget: YOU are the leader you seek!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Leaders always question
One of the major traits of a real leader is the fact that he or she always questions what they see, hear, or read. They use their cognitive abilities to go beyond what they're told. They research, think, and reason. That way they come to their own conclusions and have new, and/or perhaps broader, perspectives on issues.
When a leader has done their research, and thought things through, they often come up with new ideas or recognize the fact that things should stop being as they are. Those are the leadership qualities that set them apart! Leaders think!!
When a leader has done their research, and thought things through, they often come up with new ideas or recognize the fact that things should stop being as they are. Those are the leadership qualities that set them apart! Leaders think!!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Novel Idea for World Leaders - A New TV Network
Amidst all the reality shows, cooking channels, news broadcasts, nature programs, travel documentaries, and all the other stuff we see on TV and the Internet, I think there could be one network that would be interesting and informative but...it's no where to be found.
How 'bout the United Nations Network. Yeah...that's right, an entire TV network devoted to the U.N. And - it could be simulcasted on radio.
First, each member would be asked to address the world and tell everyone why their country exists, what they plan to do to have peace in their country, how they would make the world a better (and more peaceful) place, and how they would co-exist (and prosper) with the other countries around them. Each country's leader would have one to two hours of prime time TV. After a substantive address to the world, they could show videos, have guests, spotlight people and/or groups within their country (like scientists, farmers, everyday folks, entertainers). We'd have a least a year's worth of great television. The leaders would put the world on notice of their intentions, and perhaps it would also act as an accountability factor.
Hmm...there's so much more that could be done. Geez...how would you like to produce that!! It would leave reality TV in the dust!!
How 'bout the United Nations Network. Yeah...that's right, an entire TV network devoted to the U.N. And - it could be simulcasted on radio.
First, each member would be asked to address the world and tell everyone why their country exists, what they plan to do to have peace in their country, how they would make the world a better (and more peaceful) place, and how they would co-exist (and prosper) with the other countries around them. Each country's leader would have one to two hours of prime time TV. After a substantive address to the world, they could show videos, have guests, spotlight people and/or groups within their country (like scientists, farmers, everyday folks, entertainers). We'd have a least a year's worth of great television. The leaders would put the world on notice of their intentions, and perhaps it would also act as an accountability factor.
Hmm...there's so much more that could be done. Geez...how would you like to produce that!! It would leave reality TV in the dust!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Leading into the New Year
May this season and the New Year bring all of us the greatest gift of all...Love. And with that, Peace, Repect, and the ability to live in Harmony with our fellow beings!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Why listening is a key to leadership
Did you ever hear the phrase, "Everything you want to say you already know." Well, that's why leaders understand that listening is a key to effective leadership.
Finding out what others think enables a leader to learn how to communicate with those he or she leads. In a world where listening has become a tool that few have mastered, those who know how to listen (and act on what they've learned) will find it much easier to succeed.
Since you already know what you're gonna say...why not find out something new instead?!
Finding out what others think enables a leader to learn how to communicate with those he or she leads. In a world where listening has become a tool that few have mastered, those who know how to listen (and act on what they've learned) will find it much easier to succeed.
Since you already know what you're gonna say...why not find out something new instead?!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Join me on facebook and twitter
Well...I've done it. I'm following Gary Vaynerchuk's advice that he wrote in his book Crush It! I'm on twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/dannygoldberg, have a facebook fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/DanGoldbergFB, and have a new facebook group, "Mastering enLightened Leadership™" at: http://bit.ly/DanGMeL
I hope you'll join me at all three venues. Look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon!
Best,
Dan
I hope you'll join me at all three venues. Look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon!
Best,
Dan
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Hope Copenhagen Leads to Something Substantive
After viewing President Obama's speech about the Summit in Copenhagen on Climate Change, I'm waiting to see what really comes out of it.
It was nice to hear the he met with the leaders of China, India, Brazil, and South Africa and came away with them all pledging to do "this and that" and make sure that the global temperature doesn't exceed 2 degrees Celsius (or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit...that's A LOT) over the next 10 years, (which will still be more than enough to keep the ice caps melting AND the oceans rising). But where's the meat? Where's the caps and reduction of carbon emission guidelines? When will documents be released to the public? What are the biding resolution? Eh...there isn't any biding resolutions you say...oh! So what the heck were these people doing? You know - it would be laughable if it wasn't so sad.
At least Obama went. And perhaps what transpired is a framework for stiffer regulations. We'll see. Otherwise, our grandchilren may see sea in places where its never been seen before.
It was nice to hear the he met with the leaders of China, India, Brazil, and South Africa and came away with them all pledging to do "this and that" and make sure that the global temperature doesn't exceed 2 degrees Celsius (or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit...that's A LOT) over the next 10 years, (which will still be more than enough to keep the ice caps melting AND the oceans rising). But where's the meat? Where's the caps and reduction of carbon emission guidelines? When will documents be released to the public? What are the biding resolution? Eh...there isn't any biding resolutions you say...oh! So what the heck were these people doing? You know - it would be laughable if it wasn't so sad.
At least Obama went. And perhaps what transpired is a framework for stiffer regulations. We'll see. Otherwise, our grandchilren may see sea in places where its never been seen before.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Leadership in Copenhagen
It will be interesting to see how world leaders resolve the climate crises later this week. When the President arrives on the 18th and confers with others about global warming, I hope something meaningful comes out of the discussions and the conference.
For those who STILL don't believe that human activities are having a negative affect on the environment, I ask you this. Even if we, as humans, aren't causing global warming (although every peer reviewed scientific paper says we are), what's wrong with cleaning up our atmosphere anyway? Do you really want to breath in the crap we're putting into it? Eat the food that absorbs the junk that gets into the feed and the air THEY (plants and animals) consume? Do you want to expose your kids to the stuff we put into our air and food?
So...let's make sure something's done about it. And, hopefully the summit in Denmark will be the next step!
For those who STILL don't believe that human activities are having a negative affect on the environment, I ask you this. Even if we, as humans, aren't causing global warming (although every peer reviewed scientific paper says we are), what's wrong with cleaning up our atmosphere anyway? Do you really want to breath in the crap we're putting into it? Eat the food that absorbs the junk that gets into the feed and the air THEY (plants and animals) consume? Do you want to expose your kids to the stuff we put into our air and food?
So...let's make sure something's done about it. And, hopefully the summit in Denmark will be the next step!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Watching the Leaderboard
Yesterday I was watching CNN when anchor Don Lemon announced that they were going to spend a good portion of the 6:00 hour speaking about Tiger Woods with "experts" on the subject.
Huh? Has our country (and the world) become so debased that we're completely transfixed on an individual's infidelity while the economy struggles, our soldiers are in wars, our healthcare system is a mess, and we're in need of serious discussion on all those topis and more, yet...we (they) choose to talk about a golfer who beds down with numerous women? What the heck's goin' on?
I just turned off the TV!
Is CNN really the "World's Leader in News?" or is it the leader in meaningless banter to everyone except Tiger's wife.
Huh? Has our country (and the world) become so debased that we're completely transfixed on an individual's infidelity while the economy struggles, our soldiers are in wars, our healthcare system is a mess, and we're in need of serious discussion on all those topis and more, yet...we (they) choose to talk about a golfer who beds down with numerous women? What the heck's goin' on?
I just turned off the TV!
Is CNN really the "World's Leader in News?" or is it the leader in meaningless banter to everyone except Tiger's wife.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Leadership beyond the norm
We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
Nelson Mandela.
After seeing the movie "Invictus" yesterday, the enormous Leadership qualities shown by Nelson Mandela are, once again, in the forefront of my mind. I suggest you see the film, take your friends and family, and witness what leadership can be like when commitment and compassion meet.
Nelson Mandela.
After seeing the movie "Invictus" yesterday, the enormous Leadership qualities shown by Nelson Mandela are, once again, in the forefront of my mind. I suggest you see the film, take your friends and family, and witness what leadership can be like when commitment and compassion meet.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
A leadership trait worth noting
The business leader who does not put the welfare of his or her employees and customers at the top of their list, will soon lose the repect of both. And eventually their position, and/or that of their company, will collapse.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Glad to see that the President is taking leadership on climate change seriously
President Obama is doing what Bush never did. He's taking climate change seriously.
Here's a piece from the Boston Globe:
Obama will be at the summit on Dec. 18, considered a crucial period when more leaders will be in attendance, as opposed to his scheduled stop in Denmark on Wednesday on his way to pick up his Nobel Peace Prize the next day in Oslo. The earlier stop at the two-week meeting was looked upon by many as a sign that an agreement was still a long shot. But now with the United States, India, and China all with specific proposals on the table for the first time to cut carbon emissions, a political agreement seems more likely. None of the three countries - which are among the top five emitters of carbon dioxide in the world - were subject to limits put in place by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the treaty that negotiations in Denmark seek to replace.
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!
Here's a piece from the Boston Globe:
Obama will be at the summit on Dec. 18, considered a crucial period when more leaders will be in attendance, as opposed to his scheduled stop in Denmark on Wednesday on his way to pick up his Nobel Peace Prize the next day in Oslo. The earlier stop at the two-week meeting was looked upon by many as a sign that an agreement was still a long shot. But now with the United States, India, and China all with specific proposals on the table for the first time to cut carbon emissions, a political agreement seems more likely. None of the three countries - which are among the top five emitters of carbon dioxide in the world - were subject to limits put in place by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the treaty that negotiations in Denmark seek to replace.
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Leadership in the social arena.
I just read about the First Summit of Social Movement Councils in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Certainly sounds like an interesting conference. Here's the story - from www.axisof logic.com
ALBA Social Summit in Bolivia Soon
By Prensa
News Article
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009
Representantives of social movements from 40 countries are expected to attend the 1st Summit of Councils of Social Movements of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA) in Bolivia on October 15-17.
Executive Secretary of the Single Farmer Union Confederation of Bolivia (CSUTCB), Isaac Avalos, said that indigenous and work leaders, as well as workers from different countries, including the United States, India and others from Europe, have been invited to make their experiences known.
The meeting of social movements will be held as a sideline to the 7th Summit of heads of State of ALBA, scheduled for the Bolivian city of Cochabamba.
Issues to be discussed in work committees include community economy, climate change, systematic involvement in projects and the theory backing up the ALBA-Trade Agreement of the Peoples.
Agreements and resolutions reached in the seven work tables will be presented to presidents and representatives of member countries. Of this regional integration mechanism, the farmer leader explained.
Bolivian Minister of Cultures Pablo Groux, who is a member of the organizing committee, said on Sunday that a highlight of will be an encounter of the presidents and the social movements, scheduled for October 17 in the afternoon at the Felix Capriles stadium in Cochabamba, also the venue of the closing ceremony.
He added that besides ALBA member countries (Ecuador, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Honduras, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda), delegations of Uruguay, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Russia are expected to attend as guests.
Another sideline of the meeting will be a gathering of small businesspeople and artists from ALBA member countries.
Certainly sounds like an interesting conference. Here's the story - from www.axisof logic.com
ALBA Social Summit in Bolivia Soon
By Prensa
News Article
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009
Representantives of social movements from 40 countries are expected to attend the 1st Summit of Councils of Social Movements of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA) in Bolivia on October 15-17.
Executive Secretary of the Single Farmer Union Confederation of Bolivia (CSUTCB), Isaac Avalos, said that indigenous and work leaders, as well as workers from different countries, including the United States, India and others from Europe, have been invited to make their experiences known.
The meeting of social movements will be held as a sideline to the 7th Summit of heads of State of ALBA, scheduled for the Bolivian city of Cochabamba.
Issues to be discussed in work committees include community economy, climate change, systematic involvement in projects and the theory backing up the ALBA-Trade Agreement of the Peoples.
Agreements and resolutions reached in the seven work tables will be presented to presidents and representatives of member countries. Of this regional integration mechanism, the farmer leader explained.
Bolivian Minister of Cultures Pablo Groux, who is a member of the organizing committee, said on Sunday that a highlight of will be an encounter of the presidents and the social movements, scheduled for October 17 in the afternoon at the Felix Capriles stadium in Cochabamba, also the venue of the closing ceremony.
He added that besides ALBA member countries (Ecuador, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Honduras, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda), delegations of Uruguay, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Russia are expected to attend as guests.
Another sideline of the meeting will be a gathering of small businesspeople and artists from ALBA member countries.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Our President Gets the Nobel Peace Prize!
President Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to bolster international diplomacy and cooperation. Three cheers for our Chief Executive!!
The folks in Oslo, Norway recognize the fact that he's reached out to so many groups in order to help bring about collaboration if we are to achieve world peace.
After years of fear and acrimony from our previous President, those on the committee must have realized the importance of our leader's (who is the de facto leader of the free world and the world's only super power) need to create a peaceful environment for all peoples. President Obama demonstrates a proficiency at inclusiveness and the ability to foster hope and perhaps even change.
The folks in Oslo, Norway recognize the fact that he's reached out to so many groups in order to help bring about collaboration if we are to achieve world peace.
After years of fear and acrimony from our previous President, those on the committee must have realized the importance of our leader's (who is the de facto leader of the free world and the world's only super power) need to create a peaceful environment for all peoples. President Obama demonstrates a proficiency at inclusiveness and the ability to foster hope and perhaps even change.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Three cheers for a real (and needed) leader!!
Ann Minch is starting a movement that gets to the core of what so many Americans need.
Watch the video (the link is below) and you'll see what I mean. Many thanks to Dirk for sending it my way! This is so important that I've posted it on both of my blogs.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/21/ann-minch-triumphs-in-cre_n_293423.html
Watch the video (the link is below) and you'll see what I mean. Many thanks to Dirk for sending it my way! This is so important that I've posted it on both of my blogs.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/21/ann-minch-triumphs-in-cre_n_293423.html
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What a leader does
Last night President Obama called on congress and the senate to pass a bill that would help all Americans lead more healthy lives. That's really what it's all about. Giving Americans the opportunity to be secure in the area of healthcare. Too many people go without medical care for fear of losing their savings, choosing between a doctor's visit and food, having surgery or losing their home. What kind of system is that?!
We are supposed to be the wealthiest country in the world, yet...people go bankrupt because of healthcare costs...huh?! As a nation, shouldn't we be able to make sure that everyone has health insurance.
If we have enough money to start wars and "rebuild" other countries - why don't we have enough to take care of our own citizens when it comes to their health.
It's time! And the President made an excellent case for it in his speech last night.
We are supposed to be the wealthiest country in the world, yet...people go bankrupt because of healthcare costs...huh?! As a nation, shouldn't we be able to make sure that everyone has health insurance.
If we have enough money to start wars and "rebuild" other countries - why don't we have enough to take care of our own citizens when it comes to their health.
It's time! And the President made an excellent case for it in his speech last night.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Let the man lead
I don't get why there's such an uproar about the President giving a speech to school children. Aren't Presidents supposed to reach out to all the people? Why does every move he makes become an item for the opposition to jump on?
There's something infantile about protesting the President speaking to children. Perhaps he should ask his opponents to sit in a classroom and let him read a book to them. Maybe he should start with the constitution, then the Bill of Rights, and end with Eisenhower's Fairwell Speech and the Gettysburg Address. But they'd probably say it was socialism if he uses a public school and politicize that whole situation anyway. It's sad that our politicians have become such bickering twits.
There's something infantile about protesting the President speaking to children. Perhaps he should ask his opponents to sit in a classroom and let him read a book to them. Maybe he should start with the constitution, then the Bill of Rights, and end with Eisenhower's Fairwell Speech and the Gettysburg Address. But they'd probably say it was socialism if he uses a public school and politicize that whole situation anyway. It's sad that our politicians have become such bickering twits.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Automotive Leader Can Be An Ethical Leader Too
Last night I was watching TV when couple of a Mercedes Benz commercials came on. You've all seen them, I'm sure. The ones that talks about, and show, how their new technology helps drivers stay awake (since...as they note, after 4 hours most drivers get drowsy) and also keeps them from drifting into other lanes.
These are both great advances in driver safety. But I must question the ethics behind only having them only in Mercedes models. Why couldn't the company license these safety features to other manufacturers? They could even make the other auto companies note that they're using Mercedes technology. But again...it's profits before people.
Saving lives should be the primary factor but it's not. So - only those who can afford the luxury of a Mercedes will be spared from possibly falling asleep at the wheel or drifting into an accident in the next lane over. I just don't get it.
Sure the shareholders might be upset. However, the royalties from the other manufacturers should offset any lose in direct car sales reveues.
Leadership in everyone's safety should override profits for a few.
These are both great advances in driver safety. But I must question the ethics behind only having them only in Mercedes models. Why couldn't the company license these safety features to other manufacturers? They could even make the other auto companies note that they're using Mercedes technology. But again...it's profits before people.
Saving lives should be the primary factor but it's not. So - only those who can afford the luxury of a Mercedes will be spared from possibly falling asleep at the wheel or drifting into an accident in the next lane over. I just don't get it.
Sure the shareholders might be upset. However, the royalties from the other manufacturers should offset any lose in direct car sales reveues.
Leadership in everyone's safety should override profits for a few.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Why we need to follow the leaders in healthcare
It's rare when I'll discuss the same topic on each of my blogs. But...this is one of those times. This video link shows us how broken our healthcare system is and why.
Bill Moyers interviews Wendell Potter, a former Cigna Vice President. They talk about how the for-profit system runs a campaign of fear (made up, of course) and deception to prevent the U.S. from implimenting a government healthcare option plan.
This is about YOU!! Please watch it. You'll realize who's leading the assault against you and your health and how other countries are leading the way.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html
Bill Moyers interviews Wendell Potter, a former Cigna Vice President. They talk about how the for-profit system runs a campaign of fear (made up, of course) and deception to prevent the U.S. from implimenting a government healthcare option plan.
This is about YOU!! Please watch it. You'll realize who's leading the assault against you and your health and how other countries are leading the way.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Is this leadership?
A thought: Sarah Palin is due to leave office as Governor of Alaska on July 26th.
She resigned for reasons that only she really knows. Hounded by the media? Well...if she thinks that that's tough...wait 'til (if) she decides to run for President.
That aside. Her statement the, "I'm a fighter, not a quitter," is very puzzeling. Didn't she just quit? How can she say that she's NOT a quitter when she just voluntarily quit the highest office in her state? If she was a fighter, then perhaps she would have stayed until her term was over and after that...announced that she wasn't running for Governor again but was going to study other options - so she could fight for what's right (at least in her mind!).
Would enjoy your comments on this one!
She resigned for reasons that only she really knows. Hounded by the media? Well...if she thinks that that's tough...wait 'til (if) she decides to run for President.
That aside. Her statement the, "I'm a fighter, not a quitter," is very puzzeling. Didn't she just quit? How can she say that she's NOT a quitter when she just voluntarily quit the highest office in her state? If she was a fighter, then perhaps she would have stayed until her term was over and after that...announced that she wasn't running for Governor again but was going to study other options - so she could fight for what's right (at least in her mind!).
Would enjoy your comments on this one!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Didn't they know
I can't believe all the people who complained that President Obama wasn't speaking out strongly enough about the election results, protests, and violence in Iran. How naive can those folks be? Don't they have a grasp on the reality in that area of the world to know that anytime an American President says anything negative about a situation in that region, the powers that be will have a reason to blame America.
Well...even without strong words from our chief executive, CNN reports that: Obama blasted allegations from some in Iran's government that the U.S. is "instigating protests" as "patently false and absurd."
How could politicians and well meaning citizens not know that this would happen?!
We'll just have to wait and see how this whole thing works out. But...to put fuel on the fire wouldn't have helped at all.
Let's hope that peace and fair representation reigns for our Persian friends.
Well...even without strong words from our chief executive, CNN reports that: Obama blasted allegations from some in Iran's government that the U.S. is "instigating protests" as "patently false and absurd."
How could politicians and well meaning citizens not know that this would happen?!
We'll just have to wait and see how this whole thing works out. But...to put fuel on the fire wouldn't have helped at all.
Let's hope that peace and fair representation reigns for our Persian friends.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The real leader in Iran calls for scrutiny
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei has called for scrutiny of the election between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his political rival Mir Hossein Moussavi.
We must realize how important this move is. It means there is a possibility that, while a democratic election may be flawed, it can still be reviewed by the government and perhaps even overturned or new elections scheduled. Hmmm...that would be an amazing thing.
But, of course, the rub here is that they person calling for of an investigation of the results is really the leader of the country anyway. So...while I give him credit for his decision, does it matter in the grand scheme of things? Will he cede real power to the electorate and its representatives?
It'll be interesting to see how the leadership situation in Iran really works out.
We must realize how important this move is. It means there is a possibility that, while a democratic election may be flawed, it can still be reviewed by the government and perhaps even overturned or new elections scheduled. Hmmm...that would be an amazing thing.
But, of course, the rub here is that they person calling for of an investigation of the results is really the leader of the country anyway. So...while I give him credit for his decision, does it matter in the grand scheme of things? Will he cede real power to the electorate and its representatives?
It'll be interesting to see how the leadership situation in Iran really works out.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A superb speech from our leader
President Obama's speech in Cairo last week was superb. I think it's about time that someone of his stature stood up and addressed not only the Muslims of the world, but the entire population of this planet and said enough hate already!
As I listened to his speech I would say to myself..."Why don't you say something about..." and he would! Hmm, it was sorta like we had some telepathy. The man discussed everything relevant to the region. Oil, Iraq, Israel, Afganistan, freedom, women's rights, and so many other topics that it's hard to remember them all.
The beauty of it is that he's not condescending or verbose. He recognizes that everyone believes that they have a right to their opinions. Of course the trick is to make people feel equal and then hammer out a solution that each group can live with.
At least he's taken a big and solid step in that direction. And for that I just wanna say..."Finally!"
As I listened to his speech I would say to myself..."Why don't you say something about..." and he would! Hmm, it was sorta like we had some telepathy. The man discussed everything relevant to the region. Oil, Iraq, Israel, Afganistan, freedom, women's rights, and so many other topics that it's hard to remember them all.
The beauty of it is that he's not condescending or verbose. He recognizes that everyone believes that they have a right to their opinions. Of course the trick is to make people feel equal and then hammer out a solution that each group can live with.
At least he's taken a big and solid step in that direction. And for that I just wanna say..."Finally!"
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Most Extraordinary Leader
I request that those of you who are reading this go to my other blog - http://eyeonthings.blogspot.com to read about my aunt. An amazing woman who touched so many lives with her love and warmth.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Who's Leading This Latest Craziness
Ahem...help me! Did I process this information correctly? There were Tea Parties protesting the spending and taxing of the Obama administration a few days ago and they're really ticked off!
Wait a second. I haven't been made aware of ANY taxes that the Obama administration has imposed. Have you? And, this spending all these folks have been freakin' out about started WAY BEFORE Obama stepped into office. Why weren't they protesting in the streets during the BUSH administration?
Do I agree with all the stuff that's happened over the last six months with the bail-outs and such...not completely. But, the fact remains that we gotta get out of the mess that Georgie left us (which all these protesters went along with).
Texas Gov. Rick Perry refuses to take federal funds and threatens to have Texas secede from the Union, which is starting to sound ok to me, except...it reminds me of the folks who come to your house, make a complete mess of the place and leave without cleaning up after themselves.
So...in a strange twist, we can thank Texas for bringing us the Bushes, helping to put them in charge, enabling them to make a mess of the country, and then saying we're leaving you with all the crap! How American...no accountability, yet so much of the reason for the problem!
Wait a second. I haven't been made aware of ANY taxes that the Obama administration has imposed. Have you? And, this spending all these folks have been freakin' out about started WAY BEFORE Obama stepped into office. Why weren't they protesting in the streets during the BUSH administration?
Do I agree with all the stuff that's happened over the last six months with the bail-outs and such...not completely. But, the fact remains that we gotta get out of the mess that Georgie left us (which all these protesters went along with).
Texas Gov. Rick Perry refuses to take federal funds and threatens to have Texas secede from the Union, which is starting to sound ok to me, except...it reminds me of the folks who come to your house, make a complete mess of the place and leave without cleaning up after themselves.
So...in a strange twist, we can thank Texas for bringing us the Bushes, helping to put them in charge, enabling them to make a mess of the country, and then saying we're leaving you with all the crap! How American...no accountability, yet so much of the reason for the problem!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Combining the Seven Deadly Sins and the Ten Commandments
For years I've thought about the Seven Deadly Sins and the Ten Commandments and how relevant they are to our world today. I've read and re-read them and found them, while interesting and somewhat meaningful, lacking some very positive influences.
First, I gotta say that they throw around a lot of negativity. Plenty of "Thou Shalt Nots" and not much what "Thou Shalt." So I've kinda made a combind list for our lives today. Not that the other ones don't hold water, but...let's take a look.
The 8 Deadly Sins that have become Commandments and what to do about them:
1. Ignornace - Listen, learn, read.
2. Intolerance - Be open to other's values, cultures, and beliefs.
3. Being Overly Serious - Laugh a lot. Especially at yourself. Laughter, humor, and lightness are the jewels of life.
4. Greed - That stays. Don't take advantage of others...period.
5. Distain for love and sex - What's better than love? And...how else are we gonna continue as a species?
6. Lack of empathy - Care for your fellow beings. It's that old, do unto others thing, AND walk a mile in someone else's shoes idea, AND that could be me perspective.
7. Hypocracy - Do I really have to say anything about that? Just look at CEO's, politicians, religious leaders, hmm...almost everybody. Stop it already! Live a caring life and do as you say.
8. Violence - If we were took care of the first seven, then violence wouldn't nearly be the problem that it is.
Well...that's my list. Got any others? Just add 'em!
I think we need a mental overhaul as a global society. Maybe changing our Sins and Commandments (or at least recognizing that there's a severe need for new ones) will help lead us out of the morass we're in.
First, I gotta say that they throw around a lot of negativity. Plenty of "Thou Shalt Nots" and not much what "Thou Shalt." So I've kinda made a combind list for our lives today. Not that the other ones don't hold water, but...let's take a look.
The 8 Deadly Sins that have become Commandments and what to do about them:
1. Ignornace - Listen, learn, read.
2. Intolerance - Be open to other's values, cultures, and beliefs.
3. Being Overly Serious - Laugh a lot. Especially at yourself. Laughter, humor, and lightness are the jewels of life.
4. Greed - That stays. Don't take advantage of others...period.
5. Distain for love and sex - What's better than love? And...how else are we gonna continue as a species?
6. Lack of empathy - Care for your fellow beings. It's that old, do unto others thing, AND walk a mile in someone else's shoes idea, AND that could be me perspective.
7. Hypocracy - Do I really have to say anything about that? Just look at CEO's, politicians, religious leaders, hmm...almost everybody. Stop it already! Live a caring life and do as you say.
8. Violence - If we were took care of the first seven, then violence wouldn't nearly be the problem that it is.
Well...that's my list. Got any others? Just add 'em!
I think we need a mental overhaul as a global society. Maybe changing our Sins and Commandments (or at least recognizing that there's a severe need for new ones) will help lead us out of the morass we're in.
Monday, April 6, 2009
How government leaders get the populace to fight
We're viewing one of my favorite movies this week...Why We Fight.
After you've seen it you get a new and/or broader perspective on how leaders can get their people to do just about anything...even lay their lives on the line - by wrapping information into a propaganda machine and manipulating the media and the public for power, profit, and political gain.
It's based on President Eisenhower's farewell address - one of those speeches that has stayed with me my entire life (at least a specific part of it). Beware of the military-industrial complex...was his warning, and that's from a Five Star General who was the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II.
The film takes the viewer through WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and other conflicts and includes interviews with people from both sides of the political spectrum including members of the CIA and military.
Why We Fight is a movie that makes you think about things you've been told over and over again your whole life. And leaves you with the question: "How do we let them get away with it?!"
The fault may just be within ourselves.
After you've seen it you get a new and/or broader perspective on how leaders can get their people to do just about anything...even lay their lives on the line - by wrapping information into a propaganda machine and manipulating the media and the public for power, profit, and political gain.
It's based on President Eisenhower's farewell address - one of those speeches that has stayed with me my entire life (at least a specific part of it). Beware of the military-industrial complex...was his warning, and that's from a Five Star General who was the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II.
The film takes the viewer through WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and other conflicts and includes interviews with people from both sides of the political spectrum including members of the CIA and military.
Why We Fight is a movie that makes you think about things you've been told over and over again your whole life. And leaves you with the question: "How do we let them get away with it?!"
The fault may just be within ourselves.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
We need more George Carlins
There are very few individuals who did more to make Americans aware of the unethical behavior of others, the absurdities of life, and our overly consumerist ways, than George Carlin. While making us laugh he brought us face-to-face with our hypocracies and faults, our fractured government and our complacency.
He proded and poked us, took us to the edge of our reality and made us look at it squarely in the face. And...he didn't put up with any crap. No one and nothing could prevent him telling us that we must stop blindly following our governmental, corporate, societal, and religious leaders.
He even gave us solutions.
As I watched his YouTube videos last night I couldn't help but wonder how he would have reacted had he lived to receive his Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. last November. Certainly the "bleep" machine would have had to work overtime for the nationally televised program.
Interesting...the man who made us look at our absurdities would probably been compelled to deal with being "bleeped" out for the langauge which helped emphasize the very thing he was awarded for - his no holes barred insightful humor.
So, let's see...you can show people being shot, stabbed, and killed on TV but the Mark Twain Prize winner can't do his entire act in front of a television audience. How crazy is that?!
I thought we were always taught as children that..."sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Guess the guys at the FCC need to get some childhood lessons.
Love ya George!
Oh yeah...and to read the Washington Post's review of the Award Show and the "sanitizing" of the program, cut and paste the link below.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/14/AR2008111403702.html
He proded and poked us, took us to the edge of our reality and made us look at it squarely in the face. And...he didn't put up with any crap. No one and nothing could prevent him telling us that we must stop blindly following our governmental, corporate, societal, and religious leaders.
He even gave us solutions.
As I watched his YouTube videos last night I couldn't help but wonder how he would have reacted had he lived to receive his Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. last November. Certainly the "bleep" machine would have had to work overtime for the nationally televised program.
Interesting...the man who made us look at our absurdities would probably been compelled to deal with being "bleeped" out for the langauge which helped emphasize the very thing he was awarded for - his no holes barred insightful humor.
So, let's see...you can show people being shot, stabbed, and killed on TV but the Mark Twain Prize winner can't do his entire act in front of a television audience. How crazy is that?!
I thought we were always taught as children that..."sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Guess the guys at the FCC need to get some childhood lessons.
Love ya George!
Oh yeah...and to read the Washington Post's review of the Award Show and the "sanitizing" of the program, cut and paste the link below.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/14/AR2008111403702.html
Monday, March 30, 2009
More information about Tesla and electric cars.
I received the link below from Kevin Phillips. It's great to see that we may be on the brink of actually having electric cars populating our roads and highways.
Even if the Tesla Model S is in the "luxury" price catagory, it's forcing competitors to ramp up their minds and strategies so they'll be able to compete. And...hopefully consumers will be the beneficiaries.
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/mar2009/db20090326_679423.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis
Even if the Tesla Model S is in the "luxury" price catagory, it's forcing competitors to ramp up their minds and strategies so they'll be able to compete. And...hopefully consumers will be the beneficiaries.
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/mar2009/db20090326_679423.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tesla is leading the way with its extraordinary electric car
Ryan Johnson promised to keep me informed about any electric car news he ran across after the semester ended and...true to that pledge - he did!
In his words - "Telsa Motors recently came out with a new four door electric vehicle. They named it "Model S." It starts at $49,900, goes 130mph, and has a range of about 300 miles per charge. And to top it all off, it looks like an Aston Martin! I would definitely drive that around town. Check it out on their web site."
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php
I have to admit, it's incredible looking and, as Ryan says - "A lot more affordable than the $100,000 two-seater they have out and you can pack in the whole family. It says it seats 7."
Finally! A car company that's starting to get it right. The mph (not that I'd advise any of you to go that fast) the range (well...that blows out all the 'nay-sayers' who said electric cars wouldn't be practical for long drives) and price (still a bit high, but getting there).
Tesla's Chairman is PayPal Co-Founder Elon Musk. Sergey Brin and Larry Page (Co-Founders of Google) and Jeff Skoll (former E-Bay President) have invested in the company as well.
Hmm...PayPal, EBay, Google. Sounds like a pretty innovative combination to me!
A practical electric car that you can search for on Google, find on EBay, and pay for with PayPal...how can you beat it! Oh yeah - and it's made in San Carlos California. All they need is a lower price model and before you know it we'll be driving on roads where the only sounds you'll hear will be the chirping of birds!!
Thanks Ryan!
In his words - "Telsa Motors recently came out with a new four door electric vehicle. They named it "Model S." It starts at $49,900, goes 130mph, and has a range of about 300 miles per charge. And to top it all off, it looks like an Aston Martin! I would definitely drive that around town. Check it out on their web site."
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php
I have to admit, it's incredible looking and, as Ryan says - "A lot more affordable than the $100,000 two-seater they have out and you can pack in the whole family. It says it seats 7."
Finally! A car company that's starting to get it right. The mph (not that I'd advise any of you to go that fast) the range (well...that blows out all the 'nay-sayers' who said electric cars wouldn't be practical for long drives) and price (still a bit high, but getting there).
Tesla's Chairman is PayPal Co-Founder Elon Musk. Sergey Brin and Larry Page (Co-Founders of Google) and Jeff Skoll (former E-Bay President) have invested in the company as well.
Hmm...PayPal, EBay, Google. Sounds like a pretty innovative combination to me!
A practical electric car that you can search for on Google, find on EBay, and pay for with PayPal...how can you beat it! Oh yeah - and it's made in San Carlos California. All they need is a lower price model and before you know it we'll be driving on roads where the only sounds you'll hear will be the chirping of birds!!
Thanks Ryan!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Where's the brief?
I think I've seen something so rare that I might have the image frozen in my brain forever.
John Boehner (R-Ohio) pulled a boner when he presented the Republican's alternative budget today. It was missing one important ingredient - NUMBERS!
Hmm...wouldn't that cause any student to flunk an accounting test? Wait..."Show me your budget numbers on how to fix the economy," the Professor asks. The student's reply: "It's a narrative - the devil's in the narrative!" Oh yeah..."So's your grade: F!"
I just can't believe the stuff that goes on in Washington. Is it me or am I missing something? For the last eight years the leaders of Boehner's party lead us into a mess that Boehner himself rubber stamped and now he's telling us about fiscal responsibility?! Huh?!! It really is a bit hypocritical.
The Republican budget was 19 pages of narrative and not a single specific mention of how and where to spend this amount of money or that amount of money.
What's goin' on? Even the reporters who were in attendance were miffed. You could tell that by their questions.
And then Eric Cantor (House Minority Whip from Virginia) gets behind the podium and also talks about fiscal responsibility. Where were these guys' brains when they were voting us into this mess? Ok...I give up.
Mr. Lincoln, I call on you yet again to do something to bring some sanity into your old party. And, even though you're dead I think you could do a better job than the folks that are running your GOP today! PLEASE HELP!
Really, it's very sad.
John Boehner (R-Ohio) pulled a boner when he presented the Republican's alternative budget today. It was missing one important ingredient - NUMBERS!
Hmm...wouldn't that cause any student to flunk an accounting test? Wait..."Show me your budget numbers on how to fix the economy," the Professor asks. The student's reply: "It's a narrative - the devil's in the narrative!" Oh yeah..."So's your grade: F!"
I just can't believe the stuff that goes on in Washington. Is it me or am I missing something? For the last eight years the leaders of Boehner's party lead us into a mess that Boehner himself rubber stamped and now he's telling us about fiscal responsibility?! Huh?!! It really is a bit hypocritical.
The Republican budget was 19 pages of narrative and not a single specific mention of how and where to spend this amount of money or that amount of money.
What's goin' on? Even the reporters who were in attendance were miffed. You could tell that by their questions.
And then Eric Cantor (House Minority Whip from Virginia) gets behind the podium and also talks about fiscal responsibility. Where were these guys' brains when they were voting us into this mess? Ok...I give up.
Mr. Lincoln, I call on you yet again to do something to bring some sanity into your old party. And, even though you're dead I think you could do a better job than the folks that are running your GOP today! PLEASE HELP!
Really, it's very sad.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tata leads the way
While American car makers spend lots of time talking about the need for innovation and finding alternatives to the stagnant, or worse, car market...India's premier car manufacturer Tata is actually doing something about it. The Nano is ready to hit the market.
Focused on the segment of India's population that hasn't been able to previously afford automobiles, the Nano fills a niche. It's priced around $2,000.00...yep, that's right...$2,000.00. Ok, before you start getting all bent outta shape about, "What kinda car can you build for that amount of money?" Think a bit deeper. Tata has actually been creative enough to put together a product that fits a group that couldn't afford a car at all before this one.
Now, take a second and think about the last time any U.S. car manufacturer came up with anything as innovative, in ANY WAY. And maybe now you'll see why they asked us to pitch in and send 'em some of our tax dollars.
Forget the Nano. Would it sell here? Probably not now (in any quantity), but remember...Tata recently bought Jaguar and Land Rover and has joint-ventured with MDI on the air car (a favorite of mine).
So, while our automakers look to us for help, the Indians look inside their brains and come up with new streams of income and new groups to appeal to.
Hmm...I thought it was supposed to be the Americans that are the industrial trend setters. Geez, how times have changed.
Let's have a cheer for the Tatas of the world!
Come on America...start thinking differently!
Copy and paste the link below to read more about the Nano and Tata.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52M2PA20090323?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Best,
Dan
Focused on the segment of India's population that hasn't been able to previously afford automobiles, the Nano fills a niche. It's priced around $2,000.00...yep, that's right...$2,000.00. Ok, before you start getting all bent outta shape about, "What kinda car can you build for that amount of money?" Think a bit deeper. Tata has actually been creative enough to put together a product that fits a group that couldn't afford a car at all before this one.
Now, take a second and think about the last time any U.S. car manufacturer came up with anything as innovative, in ANY WAY. And maybe now you'll see why they asked us to pitch in and send 'em some of our tax dollars.
Forget the Nano. Would it sell here? Probably not now (in any quantity), but remember...Tata recently bought Jaguar and Land Rover and has joint-ventured with MDI on the air car (a favorite of mine).
So, while our automakers look to us for help, the Indians look inside their brains and come up with new streams of income and new groups to appeal to.
Hmm...I thought it was supposed to be the Americans that are the industrial trend setters. Geez, how times have changed.
Let's have a cheer for the Tatas of the world!
Come on America...start thinking differently!
Copy and paste the link below to read more about the Nano and Tata.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52M2PA20090323?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Best,
Dan
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Fareed Zakaria discusses Wall Street with Eliot Spitzer
Fareed Zakaria is one of my favorite people on TV. He asks probing questions and usually doesn't let the person he's interviewing get away with dodging questions. His show GPS (Global Public Square) on CNN (Sundays at 1:00 and 5:00 EDT) is thought provoking, intellectual, and poignant.
Today former New York Governor and State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer was a guest on his show. Before he had trouble keeping his pants on at inappropriate times (or maybe they BECAME inappropriate times) he was pretty much hated by the Wall Street hotshots because he had the penchant for investigating them and THEIR inappropriate behavior.
One of the prosecutions he lead was against AIG...yeah that AIG. For a man who got diverted by a woman (not the one he was married to), he sure knew how to focus on the bad stuff that the investment types were doing. Hmm...as I'm writing this I'm starting to wonder whether or not those same Wall Streeters could have set him up by having that young lady of the night enter his life...NAH, what sense would that make?! Ahem.
Anyway, the Ex-Gov seemed to have had the whole gang pegged. No wonder he was the most hated man on "The Street."
He actually made for a very good interview (copy and paste the link below):
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/03/22/fz.gps.spitzer.speaks.out.cnn?iref=videosearch
Of course the question remains...how come the last administration didn't take his lead and follow-up with the whole investment gang and start some federal prosecutions and/or at least put in some regulations that would stop some of the things that Spitzer uncovered.
Geez...that woulda been too easy. And I guess, rattle too many political contributors.
Today former New York Governor and State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer was a guest on his show. Before he had trouble keeping his pants on at inappropriate times (or maybe they BECAME inappropriate times) he was pretty much hated by the Wall Street hotshots because he had the penchant for investigating them and THEIR inappropriate behavior.
One of the prosecutions he lead was against AIG...yeah that AIG. For a man who got diverted by a woman (not the one he was married to), he sure knew how to focus on the bad stuff that the investment types were doing. Hmm...as I'm writing this I'm starting to wonder whether or not those same Wall Streeters could have set him up by having that young lady of the night enter his life...NAH, what sense would that make?! Ahem.
Anyway, the Ex-Gov seemed to have had the whole gang pegged. No wonder he was the most hated man on "The Street."
He actually made for a very good interview (copy and paste the link below):
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/03/22/fz.gps.spitzer.speaks.out.cnn?iref=videosearch
Of course the question remains...how come the last administration didn't take his lead and follow-up with the whole investment gang and start some federal prosecutions and/or at least put in some regulations that would stop some of the things that Spitzer uncovered.
Geez...that woulda been too easy. And I guess, rattle too many political contributors.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bonuses are Leading to a Backlash
Well...congress is in an uproar about AIG giving out $165 Million in bonuses while receiving bailout money, and they should be!
The link below has the story:
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/congress-threatens-to-tax-aig-executives/384322?cid=5
But I'd like to add a bit more to the idea of a 100% tax on bonuses for people who retained their jobs only because taxpayer funds kept their businesses going. Let's do something to get back some of our money from war profiteers. Those outrageous contracts that Blackwater, KBR/Halliburton, and other organizations got from the government over the last seven years. Why isn't there the same vigor in our government to find out where the money went and ship it back to D.C. so they can use it for schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and other projects.
It's crazy that this stuff doesn't get looked into with a microscope. And, the defense contractors who seem to always have "cost overruns" should be required to "put everything on the table"...what's the deal with that!!
Start with AIG and go through the whole rotten mess. I'm sure we'd be able to get hundreds of billions (if not more) of our money back if congress would get into the details. Of course many of them were there to hand out the cash in the first place, so that should help in finding which drawers the stuff is in.
And...why not bring back George W. and Dick and grill 'em (as the expression goes) for some REAL answers.
I could go on about this forever...but I'll stop here.
The link below has the story:
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/congress-threatens-to-tax-aig-executives/384322?cid=5
But I'd like to add a bit more to the idea of a 100% tax on bonuses for people who retained their jobs only because taxpayer funds kept their businesses going. Let's do something to get back some of our money from war profiteers. Those outrageous contracts that Blackwater, KBR/Halliburton, and other organizations got from the government over the last seven years. Why isn't there the same vigor in our government to find out where the money went and ship it back to D.C. so they can use it for schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and other projects.
It's crazy that this stuff doesn't get looked into with a microscope. And, the defense contractors who seem to always have "cost overruns" should be required to "put everything on the table"...what's the deal with that!!
Start with AIG and go through the whole rotten mess. I'm sure we'd be able to get hundreds of billions (if not more) of our money back if congress would get into the details. Of course many of them were there to hand out the cash in the first place, so that should help in finding which drawers the stuff is in.
And...why not bring back George W. and Dick and grill 'em (as the expression goes) for some REAL answers.
I could go on about this forever...but I'll stop here.
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Leader of a Different Kind
It's baseball season...MY sport. I spend my leisure time watching it (including the World Baseball Classic and MLB Network), reading about it and listening to it.
Being a Philadelphian, last season was the ultimate as the Phillies won the World Championship.
One of the players I really enjoyed watching was Pat Burrell. He showed class year in and year out. Worked hard to prove his worth and had a great relationship with the fans, his manager and his teammates. He never made excuses for his poor performances and never put himself on a pedestal when he played well. His leaving the Phillies was sad.
Last Friday I read a short blurb on ESPN's website. Pat had taken out ads in both The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News to thank Phillies Fans for their support over his nine year stay with the team.
Even though he's no longer playing in Philly he realized how much he meant to the fans and they meant to him.
His leadership both on and off the field is to be admired.
Geez...I wish politicians cared as much for their constituants as Pat does for his fans.
Being a Philadelphian, last season was the ultimate as the Phillies won the World Championship.
One of the players I really enjoyed watching was Pat Burrell. He showed class year in and year out. Worked hard to prove his worth and had a great relationship with the fans, his manager and his teammates. He never made excuses for his poor performances and never put himself on a pedestal when he played well. His leaving the Phillies was sad.
Last Friday I read a short blurb on ESPN's website. Pat had taken out ads in both The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News to thank Phillies Fans for their support over his nine year stay with the team.
Even though he's no longer playing in Philly he realized how much he meant to the fans and they meant to him.
His leadership both on and off the field is to be admired.
Geez...I wish politicians cared as much for their constituants as Pat does for his fans.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Verizon Needs Leadership!
If you read my other blog, http://eyeonthings.blogspot.com - you know that I've had trouble getting help for my voice mail system.
Well, today I realized how a lack of leadership has impacted the steward of that system...Verizon.
I decided to call the 1-800-870-0000 voice mail help line a few days ago and learned that you can't access a real person, which means that if your request isn't one of their prompts you're out of luck. So...I scoured my Verizon bill and found the phrase: "Visit verizon.com 24 hours a day or call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)" at the top of page 2. Like a good trooper I did just that only to get a BUSY SIGNAL!! I called the number a few more times and voila! THE SAME BUSY SIGNAL. Keep in mind...this is the PHONE COMPANY I'm talkin' about - THE PHONE COMPANY!!
Fortunately I know that Verizon Wireless is a lot more customer service friendly.
My ethics are in a quandry. Do I call Verizon Wireless for a land line problem or continue to be frustrated and try to get a hold of a real person on the land line side on my own?
I call Wireless. Debbie answers. I explain my frustration. All I want to do is re-record my initial greeting so that I can drop a person and add a new one. That's it! HELP!! She understands and stays on the line while she transfers me to Landlineville.
Three transfers later Debbie and I are recognizing how absurd the entire process is.
Each transfer requires that I enter the phone number I'm calling about - mine.
Eventually a real woman gets on the line. I, once again, explain my problem and she tells me to hold while she gets my "access number." She then informs me to call it and hit prompt "9." At least she "thinks it's 9." Hmm...my confidence is not soaring off the charts here. After her prompt instructions, she then tries to sell me Vios! Verizon's TV/Internet package. I, of course, tell her that having just gone through "customer service hell," I doubt that I'd be moving anything away from Comcast (even though I think their prices are a bit outrageous...at least their customer service is good). I hang up with Ms. Saleslittleservice after she has no viable response.
Debbie is still with me. She's in disbelief. We proceed to discuss what just happened and she assures me that the Wireless side has nothing to do with its older sibling. After a few more minutes...she leaves me to call the "access number" while wishing me luck.
Well, the "access number" only accesses the mail boxes (which I can also access through the regular number). Ms. Saleslittleservice has morphed into Ms. Salesabsolutelynoservicewhatsoever.
I call repair (knowing full well that I don't need repair at all).
I speak with a male who, while understanding my situation completely, has to write up a work order. Wait, "Can't I just be transfered to a person who can tell me how to make the changes I'm trying to accomplish?" I ask him. "No" he answers...there's really no phone number to transfer you to, or for you to call. They should call you by 3:00 today. Hold on now...this is the PHONE COMPANY and they have no PHONE NUMBER that they can transfer me to so that I can speak to someone who can help me resolve what, to me, seems like a relatively minor situation?
What kind of company am I dealing with? Where's the individual and corporate leadership? Who takes charge? Nobody.
I'll know by 3:00 if Mr. Workorder was sincere. Besides that...hopefully by 2010 "Don" should be prompt number 3. If not...Don, you'll just have to change your name to "Rod!"
And - Thank You Debbie. You are the one Verizon customer service bright spot!!
The phone JUST rang (as I was hitting the second exclamation point key in the previous sentence). It's Lisa from Verizon. She tells me that all I have to do is call my "access number" and get into my mailbox to make the change. I tell her that that only gets me into my personal sub-mailbox and that I have a multiple system. She tells me that I don't!!!!!!!!!!!!
I get transfered to Mrs. Childress in customer service who tells me the same thing. I now know that I'm in another universe (not a parallel universe - 'cause in that one I'd have multiple mailboxes too, just a completely different universe). After my insistence that I have multiple mailboxes, I tell her to call me on another phone and that I won't pick up. She puts me on hold and does it. Upon her return she confirms my lunatic belief, except she says that I have three sub-mailboxes (I have 8...I let it go - I don't have enough Excedrin).
I have now entered Zargon - a land of alien beings from Einstein's Space/Time Continuum. Timothy Leary has nothin' on me at this point. I've found the magic to a completely new reality and am privy to the fact that Verizon is not a company at all, but the name of a Solar System in that other universe I mentioned above.
There's hope. Mrs. Childress is actually helpful, apologetic and nice. She promises to get to the bottom of everything and call me back by 6:00.
Just in case...Don, get that name change application ready.
This whole event gives new meaning to that intergalactic greeting, "Take to me to you your leader!"
Well, today I realized how a lack of leadership has impacted the steward of that system...Verizon.
I decided to call the 1-800-870-0000 voice mail help line a few days ago and learned that you can't access a real person, which means that if your request isn't one of their prompts you're out of luck. So...I scoured my Verizon bill and found the phrase: "Visit verizon.com 24 hours a day or call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)" at the top of page 2. Like a good trooper I did just that only to get a BUSY SIGNAL!! I called the number a few more times and voila! THE SAME BUSY SIGNAL. Keep in mind...this is the PHONE COMPANY I'm talkin' about - THE PHONE COMPANY!!
Fortunately I know that Verizon Wireless is a lot more customer service friendly.
My ethics are in a quandry. Do I call Verizon Wireless for a land line problem or continue to be frustrated and try to get a hold of a real person on the land line side on my own?
I call Wireless. Debbie answers. I explain my frustration. All I want to do is re-record my initial greeting so that I can drop a person and add a new one. That's it! HELP!! She understands and stays on the line while she transfers me to Landlineville.
Three transfers later Debbie and I are recognizing how absurd the entire process is.
Each transfer requires that I enter the phone number I'm calling about - mine.
Eventually a real woman gets on the line. I, once again, explain my problem and she tells me to hold while she gets my "access number." She then informs me to call it and hit prompt "9." At least she "thinks it's 9." Hmm...my confidence is not soaring off the charts here. After her prompt instructions, she then tries to sell me Vios! Verizon's TV/Internet package. I, of course, tell her that having just gone through "customer service hell," I doubt that I'd be moving anything away from Comcast (even though I think their prices are a bit outrageous...at least their customer service is good). I hang up with Ms. Saleslittleservice after she has no viable response.
Debbie is still with me. She's in disbelief. We proceed to discuss what just happened and she assures me that the Wireless side has nothing to do with its older sibling. After a few more minutes...she leaves me to call the "access number" while wishing me luck.
Well, the "access number" only accesses the mail boxes (which I can also access through the regular number). Ms. Saleslittleservice has morphed into Ms. Salesabsolutelynoservicewhatsoever.
I call repair (knowing full well that I don't need repair at all).
I speak with a male who, while understanding my situation completely, has to write up a work order. Wait, "Can't I just be transfered to a person who can tell me how to make the changes I'm trying to accomplish?" I ask him. "No" he answers...there's really no phone number to transfer you to, or for you to call. They should call you by 3:00 today. Hold on now...this is the PHONE COMPANY and they have no PHONE NUMBER that they can transfer me to so that I can speak to someone who can help me resolve what, to me, seems like a relatively minor situation?
What kind of company am I dealing with? Where's the individual and corporate leadership? Who takes charge? Nobody.
I'll know by 3:00 if Mr. Workorder was sincere. Besides that...hopefully by 2010 "Don" should be prompt number 3. If not...Don, you'll just have to change your name to "Rod!"
And - Thank You Debbie. You are the one Verizon customer service bright spot!!
The phone JUST rang (as I was hitting the second exclamation point key in the previous sentence). It's Lisa from Verizon. She tells me that all I have to do is call my "access number" and get into my mailbox to make the change. I tell her that that only gets me into my personal sub-mailbox and that I have a multiple system. She tells me that I don't!!!!!!!!!!!!
I get transfered to Mrs. Childress in customer service who tells me the same thing. I now know that I'm in another universe (not a parallel universe - 'cause in that one I'd have multiple mailboxes too, just a completely different universe). After my insistence that I have multiple mailboxes, I tell her to call me on another phone and that I won't pick up. She puts me on hold and does it. Upon her return she confirms my lunatic belief, except she says that I have three sub-mailboxes (I have 8...I let it go - I don't have enough Excedrin).
I have now entered Zargon - a land of alien beings from Einstein's Space/Time Continuum. Timothy Leary has nothin' on me at this point. I've found the magic to a completely new reality and am privy to the fact that Verizon is not a company at all, but the name of a Solar System in that other universe I mentioned above.
There's hope. Mrs. Childress is actually helpful, apologetic and nice. She promises to get to the bottom of everything and call me back by 6:00.
Just in case...Don, get that name change application ready.
This whole event gives new meaning to that intergalactic greeting, "Take to me to you your leader!"
Monday, March 2, 2009
Where's the Leadership
Well...I gotta tell all of you that I had a good laugh yesterday when I read about Rush Limbaugh saying that President Obama was "Spreading fear." Huh?! Was my initial thought, then a bit of a feeling that Rush (or is it NoRush...as in, I certainly don't get one when I hear about him) will do anything to get his name out there.
If I recall, the last administration (the one NoRush adamantly supported) spent the better part of the last eight years trying to scare the daylights out of us. Their mission seemed to be to spread fear every chance they got while giving the McCarthy era a run for its money. For those of us who like to analyze that kinda stuff, we knew that a lot of it's based on selfish motives to perpetuate an agenda. Lie the big lie, say it enough, and the people will believe you, to paraphrase Adolf Hitler. Except...the American public got wise and stopped believing!
NoRush is singing an old song. One that his fringe may believe but the rest of us find absurd, tired, and a grasping for straws/confused stratgy.
It's interesting that Republicans don't come out against NoRush, because if you look at the Party's history...one that is lead by Lincoln (interestingly enough Obama's model), and has Eisenhower in its fold (he of the "Beware of the Military/Industrial Complex" quote) you would think that someone would say, "Stop! We're better than that!"
I think it's time for the Republican Party to find its true voice, one that revels in its real history and leadership and leaves the NoRush crap behind.
If I recall, the last administration (the one NoRush adamantly supported) spent the better part of the last eight years trying to scare the daylights out of us. Their mission seemed to be to spread fear every chance they got while giving the McCarthy era a run for its money. For those of us who like to analyze that kinda stuff, we knew that a lot of it's based on selfish motives to perpetuate an agenda. Lie the big lie, say it enough, and the people will believe you, to paraphrase Adolf Hitler. Except...the American public got wise and stopped believing!
NoRush is singing an old song. One that his fringe may believe but the rest of us find absurd, tired, and a grasping for straws/confused stratgy.
It's interesting that Republicans don't come out against NoRush, because if you look at the Party's history...one that is lead by Lincoln (interestingly enough Obama's model), and has Eisenhower in its fold (he of the "Beware of the Military/Industrial Complex" quote) you would think that someone would say, "Stop! We're better than that!"
I think it's time for the Republican Party to find its true voice, one that revels in its real history and leadership and leaves the NoRush crap behind.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Leadership during adversity
Last night I was watching a program about the history of the Negro Leagues on the MLB Network. The talent of the players, prejudice they faced while traveling, thrills they experienced, devotion they showed, pride they had, and love of the game they expressed, were all described during the hour-long show.
Towards the end of the program Jackie Robinson's story was told. His feats in college, his military career during World War II, his Negro League exploits, his signing by Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers and time in Montreal (the Dodgers' AAA club), and, of course, his breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
What an incredible man he was. His leadership, both on and off the field, was amazing. How he put up with the prejudice (even on his own team), ethnic slurs, death threats to him and his family, and...the pressures of the game itself is almost beyond comprehension.
As the show concluded I was left to wonder how many people could have endured what he did? He was a man at the forefront of Civil Rights, forging the way for our country to mature, to accept people for who they were and how they acted, not because of their skin color, religion, ethnic group, or any other like catagory.
Jackie Robinson was the embodiment of leadership. He not only endured but excelled through extreme conditions. And...brought his team, the town they represented, the people who saw him as a hero, the entire country, and yes - the business of baseball as well, along with him to triumph against the odds.
Now that's leadership.
Towards the end of the program Jackie Robinson's story was told. His feats in college, his military career during World War II, his Negro League exploits, his signing by Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers and time in Montreal (the Dodgers' AAA club), and, of course, his breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
What an incredible man he was. His leadership, both on and off the field, was amazing. How he put up with the prejudice (even on his own team), ethnic slurs, death threats to him and his family, and...the pressures of the game itself is almost beyond comprehension.
As the show concluded I was left to wonder how many people could have endured what he did? He was a man at the forefront of Civil Rights, forging the way for our country to mature, to accept people for who they were and how they acted, not because of their skin color, religion, ethnic group, or any other like catagory.
Jackie Robinson was the embodiment of leadership. He not only endured but excelled through extreme conditions. And...brought his team, the town they represented, the people who saw him as a hero, the entire country, and yes - the business of baseball as well, along with him to triumph against the odds.
Now that's leadership.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
How to fix the economy
We're living in an economic mess brought on by greed, excess, and no regulations on so many industries that consumer empathy has taken a back seat to monitary gluttony.
The mortgage meltdown and credit crisis have created a rough situation for a vast number of folks. And...not just the poor and middle class are feeling it but many of the top money makers are as well (with the exception of those scoundrels on Wall Street who took over 18 billion in bonuses while we were bailing them out).
How can we fix this problem. Well...I've got some realistic suggestions. Of, course the government would have to enact legislation, but let's assume they will (a tough assumption, I know). I've outlined a skeletal version below.
First: Instead of letting banks foreclose on homes and homeowners, which leaves the lending institutions in the depressed real estate business, where they wind up selling (if they can) the properties at pennies on the dollar - make them re-issue new mortgages to the current homeowners at low fixed rates (3, 4, 5 percent) for 20, 30, 40 years.
This will prevent unwanted and/or unsellable houses on the market, have less bad paper on the books of banks, restore confidence in the public arena and create a messure of stabilty in the real estate market.
Plus, I'd give homeowners in depressed situations a six to nine month holiday on mortgage payments. This isn't so far fetched when you think how long the foreclosed properties would be sitting unsold. It would also allow for further stabilization and even the landing of a job.
Then, if the owner defaults, the normal foreclosure process can take over.
Second: I'd pass a bill that would set limits of 9 percent on the amount of interest that credit card companies could charge. This would lift a major burden on much of the credit drowning public. They'd still have to pay their cards, but they wouldn't be slowly chipping away at the principal while the interest keeps piling up like a garbage dump.
Third: I'd closely monitor every company that gets our money through bailouts. This would include real transparency with access by the public to current financial information over the internet. Corporate officers' salaries would be capped at a reasonable $500,000. Could you live on $500.000? Right! So can they. That's a lot of money. And...no bonuses. Aren't they hired to perform? The bonus is they get to keep their $500,000 a year job! Also - I'd make sure we got that 18+ Billion dollars back from the folks on Wall Street who took that money as bonuses. If they spent it...well then no more bucks for them.
The salary and bonus issue (I know a lot of you may have trouble with regulating those things) can be re-visited once the crisis is over.
Fourth: I'd give every tax payer tax credits for the money used to bailout companies. If you want and like tax cuts then that's fair. We're giving away our dollars and we should get something for it.
Fifth: Give extra tax credits to companies that invest in themselves and create jobs here in the states.
Sixth: Insure that every American has health insurance. That's another burden off our shoulders. It would create a psycological lift to all of our citizens. The stuff that the President talked about during the campaign made sense. Make sure that we all have the same package as congress. And, make premiums (or co-pays) very affordable.
Seventh: Let everybody know that as the economy gets back on its feet taxes will have to go up. How else are we gonna pay for this? Of course, if everyone has a job and companies are making a profit, then the burden won't be as bad.
Eighth: Make sure that every cent used to help corprations gets paid back. This should be a loan not a give away.
Ninth: Invest in our biggest resourse - people. Schools should gets lots of money for new buildings, better facilities, books, teachers, etc.
Tenth: Lots (even more than is proposed now) of cash into infrastructure. Lots. Wall Street fiddles while America implodes. Time to shift our priorities. Have you driven on our bridges, highways, and roads? Seen our transportation and electricity grids? Noticed the decaying city water systems? This investment would also include (as the President has suggested) real alternative energy systems. From wind and thermoelectric, to hydroelectic and solar. And...that includes how we run not only our homes and factories, but our vehicles as well.
Whew...that's it. Some suggestions for getting us out of this mess. Yeah they're sketchy, but there's only so much time to write this. Your comments are welcome.
Lastly: All these ideas are made with the overriding thought of job creation...lots of them. Let's go America - We Can Do It! Don't let the nay sayers (like the folks who keep telling us that "socialized" medicine doesn't work in Canada and Britain so it won't work here - then a few breaths later they say how innovative we Americans are - well, if that's the case we can figure out our own medical system that works!) push us down. Get up, get out, get going. Push the government to do it right.
After all they work for us!
The mortgage meltdown and credit crisis have created a rough situation for a vast number of folks. And...not just the poor and middle class are feeling it but many of the top money makers are as well (with the exception of those scoundrels on Wall Street who took over 18 billion in bonuses while we were bailing them out).
How can we fix this problem. Well...I've got some realistic suggestions. Of, course the government would have to enact legislation, but let's assume they will (a tough assumption, I know). I've outlined a skeletal version below.
First: Instead of letting banks foreclose on homes and homeowners, which leaves the lending institutions in the depressed real estate business, where they wind up selling (if they can) the properties at pennies on the dollar - make them re-issue new mortgages to the current homeowners at low fixed rates (3, 4, 5 percent) for 20, 30, 40 years.
This will prevent unwanted and/or unsellable houses on the market, have less bad paper on the books of banks, restore confidence in the public arena and create a messure of stabilty in the real estate market.
Plus, I'd give homeowners in depressed situations a six to nine month holiday on mortgage payments. This isn't so far fetched when you think how long the foreclosed properties would be sitting unsold. It would also allow for further stabilization and even the landing of a job.
Then, if the owner defaults, the normal foreclosure process can take over.
Second: I'd pass a bill that would set limits of 9 percent on the amount of interest that credit card companies could charge. This would lift a major burden on much of the credit drowning public. They'd still have to pay their cards, but they wouldn't be slowly chipping away at the principal while the interest keeps piling up like a garbage dump.
Third: I'd closely monitor every company that gets our money through bailouts. This would include real transparency with access by the public to current financial information over the internet. Corporate officers' salaries would be capped at a reasonable $500,000. Could you live on $500.000? Right! So can they. That's a lot of money. And...no bonuses. Aren't they hired to perform? The bonus is they get to keep their $500,000 a year job! Also - I'd make sure we got that 18+ Billion dollars back from the folks on Wall Street who took that money as bonuses. If they spent it...well then no more bucks for them.
The salary and bonus issue (I know a lot of you may have trouble with regulating those things) can be re-visited once the crisis is over.
Fourth: I'd give every tax payer tax credits for the money used to bailout companies. If you want and like tax cuts then that's fair. We're giving away our dollars and we should get something for it.
Fifth: Give extra tax credits to companies that invest in themselves and create jobs here in the states.
Sixth: Insure that every American has health insurance. That's another burden off our shoulders. It would create a psycological lift to all of our citizens. The stuff that the President talked about during the campaign made sense. Make sure that we all have the same package as congress. And, make premiums (or co-pays) very affordable.
Seventh: Let everybody know that as the economy gets back on its feet taxes will have to go up. How else are we gonna pay for this? Of course, if everyone has a job and companies are making a profit, then the burden won't be as bad.
Eighth: Make sure that every cent used to help corprations gets paid back. This should be a loan not a give away.
Ninth: Invest in our biggest resourse - people. Schools should gets lots of money for new buildings, better facilities, books, teachers, etc.
Tenth: Lots (even more than is proposed now) of cash into infrastructure. Lots. Wall Street fiddles while America implodes. Time to shift our priorities. Have you driven on our bridges, highways, and roads? Seen our transportation and electricity grids? Noticed the decaying city water systems? This investment would also include (as the President has suggested) real alternative energy systems. From wind and thermoelectric, to hydroelectic and solar. And...that includes how we run not only our homes and factories, but our vehicles as well.
Whew...that's it. Some suggestions for getting us out of this mess. Yeah they're sketchy, but there's only so much time to write this. Your comments are welcome.
Lastly: All these ideas are made with the overriding thought of job creation...lots of them. Let's go America - We Can Do It! Don't let the nay sayers (like the folks who keep telling us that "socialized" medicine doesn't work in Canada and Britain so it won't work here - then a few breaths later they say how innovative we Americans are - well, if that's the case we can figure out our own medical system that works!) push us down. Get up, get out, get going. Push the government to do it right.
After all they work for us!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Leadership in Need of a Memory
I've been watching the "debate" about the President's economic stimulus package after its passage.
Let's see if I've got this correct. Not one Republican in the House voted for it AFTER the President bowed to their requests for tax cuts and removed a family planning provision that eliminated condom distribution.
Hmm...first, what's a better stimulus package than the one that contains a condom?!
Oh, perhaps they didn't realize that a U.S. company would actually have to manufacture those condoms and that having fewer pregnancies may be a good thing because there'd be less mouths to feed. Ok...perhaps that's WAY out into the future.
But, I couldn't help but laugh when I heard that condoms were eliminated from the stimulus! Don't condoms and stimulus go together?!
Now seriously...let's discuss the tax cuts. Hasn't anyone recognized the fact that the last administration made it a TOP priority to cut taxes, and look where it got us. Don't people have to have jobs in order to enjoy the benefits of a tax cut?
Tax cuts are one of those things that people can't put in their wallet NOW. It doesn't trickle down because greed gets in the way and most people would rather have the cash or at least the means towards getting some.
I also had to laugh when I heard those tired old words from Republican leaders that Democrats are doing their famous "tax and spend" thing and to watch out for "Socialism." Wait, no administration spent more than the last one. Or did more "Socialist" tactical approaches to the economy than the Bush group. Ok, so maybe they didn't tax and spend, they just spent. Now our children and their children will have to pay for it, most likely through taxes. Hmm...less income and more spending - who, in the last administration, thought of that!
No wonder things are so screwed up economically. Lemme see, spend on credit as a fiscal policy but tell the citizens that they should watch their credit spending. Do away with regulations on the banks, insurance companies and other corporations that directly affect the populace and then use the people's money to bail them out while those same regular folks are left holding the bags (both theirs AND the corporations).
Why do politicians have such short memories? Why do they twist things and not take responsibility for past actions? Why don't we hold them accountable, especially during interviews. If they don't answer...keep asking.
It's a dark comedy this political stuff. And the folks politicians try to leave in the dark are us. The U.S. is in terrible shape and yet we hear the same crap coming out of the mouths of our elected officials. The last eight years took us from prosperity to the dumpster and we should hold the people who put us in this position (and their policies) under a microscope and make them answer for their actions.
I know that many of the politicians in Washington, D.C. are in need of a memory...let's make sure we aren't.
Let's see if I've got this correct. Not one Republican in the House voted for it AFTER the President bowed to their requests for tax cuts and removed a family planning provision that eliminated condom distribution.
Hmm...first, what's a better stimulus package than the one that contains a condom?!
Oh, perhaps they didn't realize that a U.S. company would actually have to manufacture those condoms and that having fewer pregnancies may be a good thing because there'd be less mouths to feed. Ok...perhaps that's WAY out into the future.
But, I couldn't help but laugh when I heard that condoms were eliminated from the stimulus! Don't condoms and stimulus go together?!
Now seriously...let's discuss the tax cuts. Hasn't anyone recognized the fact that the last administration made it a TOP priority to cut taxes, and look where it got us. Don't people have to have jobs in order to enjoy the benefits of a tax cut?
Tax cuts are one of those things that people can't put in their wallet NOW. It doesn't trickle down because greed gets in the way and most people would rather have the cash or at least the means towards getting some.
I also had to laugh when I heard those tired old words from Republican leaders that Democrats are doing their famous "tax and spend" thing and to watch out for "Socialism." Wait, no administration spent more than the last one. Or did more "Socialist" tactical approaches to the economy than the Bush group. Ok, so maybe they didn't tax and spend, they just spent. Now our children and their children will have to pay for it, most likely through taxes. Hmm...less income and more spending - who, in the last administration, thought of that!
No wonder things are so screwed up economically. Lemme see, spend on credit as a fiscal policy but tell the citizens that they should watch their credit spending. Do away with regulations on the banks, insurance companies and other corporations that directly affect the populace and then use the people's money to bail them out while those same regular folks are left holding the bags (both theirs AND the corporations).
Why do politicians have such short memories? Why do they twist things and not take responsibility for past actions? Why don't we hold them accountable, especially during interviews. If they don't answer...keep asking.
It's a dark comedy this political stuff. And the folks politicians try to leave in the dark are us. The U.S. is in terrible shape and yet we hear the same crap coming out of the mouths of our elected officials. The last eight years took us from prosperity to the dumpster and we should hold the people who put us in this position (and their policies) under a microscope and make them answer for their actions.
I know that many of the politicians in Washington, D.C. are in need of a memory...let's make sure we aren't.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Leadership that Listens
Tomorrow begins the first full week of President Obama's administration. It's been an amazing time, these past few days, to be able to witness the historic events of Tuesday and the way the President has worked since then. I just heard (on CNN) that he was working this weekend. That, in and of itself, is a departure from the past eight years.
And...one more thing that America and the world has seen - our new Head of State actually welcomes other people's opinions. Even from folks who disagree with him!
It's refreshing and uplifting to recognize that intellectual discourse has returned to Washington and that, from a large majority of our citizens, pride in our leadership has begun to return.
Congratulations Mr. President and congratulations America!
And...one more thing that America and the world has seen - our new Head of State actually welcomes other people's opinions. Even from folks who disagree with him!
It's refreshing and uplifting to recognize that intellectual discourse has returned to Washington and that, from a large majority of our citizens, pride in our leadership has begun to return.
Congratulations Mr. President and congratulations America!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A new kind of leadership
I read the December retail sales results today and they were not pretty...not even for Wal-Mart.
So, what's it gonna take to bring leadership into the retail world.
Perhaps a person or company that has real compassion for the average consumer. One who understands the needs of the individual and business that struggles everyday to make ends meet.
Needs...not so much wants.
The company that shows leadership in that area will ultimately thrive.
Think about all the "stuff" that we're sold and how much of it is based on want, rather than need.
After reading the facts from the December report I recognized that folks have cut back spending on just about everything.
Once people have their needs met then, and maybe only then, will the vast majority of them starts spending on wants.
The company and/or entreprenuer that can create a culture that shows people they truly care and can devise a pricing structure for the consumers needs, based on a fair mark-up along with high quality will ultimately show leadership in helping to start the retail world up again.
I know it sounds simple, but take my word for it...as many of you know, I've been there (and it was during tough times as well), and it's not as easy (because of our culture) as it seems.
So, what's it gonna take to bring leadership into the retail world.
Perhaps a person or company that has real compassion for the average consumer. One who understands the needs of the individual and business that struggles everyday to make ends meet.
Needs...not so much wants.
The company that shows leadership in that area will ultimately thrive.
Think about all the "stuff" that we're sold and how much of it is based on want, rather than need.
After reading the facts from the December report I recognized that folks have cut back spending on just about everything.
Once people have their needs met then, and maybe only then, will the vast majority of them starts spending on wants.
The company and/or entreprenuer that can create a culture that shows people they truly care and can devise a pricing structure for the consumers needs, based on a fair mark-up along with high quality will ultimately show leadership in helping to start the retail world up again.
I know it sounds simple, but take my word for it...as many of you know, I've been there (and it was during tough times as well), and it's not as easy (because of our culture) as it seems.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year filled with love, peace and joy!
I hope that 2009 turns out to be a great year for all of us.
And...that the leaders we depend upon (including ourselves) use wisdom, insight, kindness, and compassion, while making the choices necessary to create a better world.
I hope that 2009 turns out to be a great year for all of us.
And...that the leaders we depend upon (including ourselves) use wisdom, insight, kindness, and compassion, while making the choices necessary to create a better world.
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