There are some for which no form of therapy would do any good. Their hatred runs too deep. It is too ingrained. The objects of their anger are less than human as far as they are concerned. This is not mere prejudice. Prejudice can be overcome with education and effort. What I am referring to is racism; pure and simple.
The two terms need to be clearly defined. All human beings have prejudices. We may be prejudiced for or against a person, object or an idea. What matters is that we do our level-best to work to overcome these prejudices and treat our fellow human beings equally.
When one hates a group or race of people for no other reason than that they exist is defined as racism. Racism is the poison that is eating away at the American body. I cannot say if there is an effective treatment. Not all social ills can be cured via education or legislation. What I am sure of is that hatred eats away at our very souls. Until a person wakes up to this fact and creates change from within the problem of hatred will not be solved anytime soon.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Real Threat
I enjoy listening to talk radio especially Alan Colmes. I do not agree with a lot of what Alan says. I listen to his show for one purpose: To gauge the pulse of the American people. I grant that his callers do not necessarily represent the whole of our citizenry. What they represent to me is what is truly scary about this country. What I fear is ignorant and closed-minded people. I especially fear those that are content to wallow in their blessed ignorance.
Many of Alan's callers feel that they are not in control of their lives. They project their discomfort onto the straw man which they call the "direction our country is going" or some similar label. This is where it all starts.
Once people feel they have no control they get frustrated. Frustration begets anger and anger begets hatred. Once someone is filled with hate you never know just whom the target of their hate will be. I will not bother listing all of the scapegoats that people use to blame their problems on. There are far too many to list here. Suffice it to say that someone or something must be, according to these people, the cause of their problems and worries.
What keeps me up at night is the fact that you never know when someone, whom is so filled with hate, will finally lash out. Unfortunately when they do, and this happens far too often, it is against those that least deserve it. These angry and hate-filled individuals need to take a breath, open their minds and find a good therapist!
Many of Alan's callers feel that they are not in control of their lives. They project their discomfort onto the straw man which they call the "direction our country is going" or some similar label. This is where it all starts.
Once people feel they have no control they get frustrated. Frustration begets anger and anger begets hatred. Once someone is filled with hate you never know just whom the target of their hate will be. I will not bother listing all of the scapegoats that people use to blame their problems on. There are far too many to list here. Suffice it to say that someone or something must be, according to these people, the cause of their problems and worries.
What keeps me up at night is the fact that you never know when someone, whom is so filled with hate, will finally lash out. Unfortunately when they do, and this happens far too often, it is against those that least deserve it. These angry and hate-filled individuals need to take a breath, open their minds and find a good therapist!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mirror Mirror
When we look at ourselves we see only faults. It is hard to accept that we are beautiful just the way we are. We cannot imagine others looking at us and not seeing all of our little imperfections. The surprise is that most others are too busy being self-conscious to spend much time thinking about how other people look.
What is the difference between what is ugly and what is attractive? The answer lies in what we tell ourselves. Take twins for example. One spends her life repeating positive affirmations and therefore sees herself as pretty. The other devotes her time to self-criticism and feels like the ugly duckling.
The truth is we are all different people inside and out. All that matters is what we tell ourselves. Over time we tend to believe that little voice inside of our head. Why not tell yourself positive things about who you are? God forbid we might start to believe that we can be loved by others.
My wife loves me. I may not feel worthy all of the time. What matters is she loves me for who I am inside and out. How do I know this to be true? She tells me. How can I believe it? I tell myself as well. Reality is what we make it. We can love and be loved in return. We deserve it. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
What is the difference between what is ugly and what is attractive? The answer lies in what we tell ourselves. Take twins for example. One spends her life repeating positive affirmations and therefore sees herself as pretty. The other devotes her time to self-criticism and feels like the ugly duckling.
The truth is we are all different people inside and out. All that matters is what we tell ourselves. Over time we tend to believe that little voice inside of our head. Why not tell yourself positive things about who you are? God forbid we might start to believe that we can be loved by others.
My wife loves me. I may not feel worthy all of the time. What matters is she loves me for who I am inside and out. How do I know this to be true? She tells me. How can I believe it? I tell myself as well. Reality is what we make it. We can love and be loved in return. We deserve it. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A Fool And His Money
There are hundreds of scams and frauds that criminals perpetrate on the unwitting. There are hundreds more variations of these scams that inevitably snare some fool in the net of avarice. Many of the ways that some less than upright citizens try to get us to part with our money are just new takes on old cons. It all comes down to greed.
You may think that you are too smart to fall for just any old con. This is why there are so many. Be it Internet based, through the mail or on a street corner these cons work because there is always some sucker ready to believe. It must be their lucky day. They were chosen for this unbelievable opportunity. For most people all it takes is the right scam offered in just the right way to get below their radar.
Greed is the key. As long as you believe, in your heart of hearts, that you can get something for nothing you are a potential victim. Of course, calling someone a victim is being generous. People know they are being conned. They just do not care. They are willing to ignore all good sense for the smallest chance at getting richer.
Face the facts. There is no free lunch. There is no free money. Whatever we are offered, whether by friend or foe, there will be strings attached. One may say that this is a cynical philosophy. Maybe so but it is what has kept me from being scammed 'lo these many years. Repeat this mantra: If it seems too good to be true it always is!
You may think that you are too smart to fall for just any old con. This is why there are so many. Be it Internet based, through the mail or on a street corner these cons work because there is always some sucker ready to believe. It must be their lucky day. They were chosen for this unbelievable opportunity. For most people all it takes is the right scam offered in just the right way to get below their radar.
Greed is the key. As long as you believe, in your heart of hearts, that you can get something for nothing you are a potential victim. Of course, calling someone a victim is being generous. People know they are being conned. They just do not care. They are willing to ignore all good sense for the smallest chance at getting richer.
Face the facts. There is no free lunch. There is no free money. Whatever we are offered, whether by friend or foe, there will be strings attached. One may say that this is a cynical philosophy. Maybe so but it is what has kept me from being scammed 'lo these many years. Repeat this mantra: If it seems too good to be true it always is!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cash Or Credit
Despite the government giving so much free money to banks many individuals' lines of credit are drying up. People are genuinely surprised to learn that a lender has reduced or even eliminated their source of credit. Equity lines are frozen for some while others learn too late that their AMEX card has been cancelled without their knowledge.
Banks and mortgage lenders are scared. The economy affects us all. Even when an institution has money they tighten their belts as we consumers tend to do. In tough economic times one cannot count on sources of income or credit that had been previously available. These are times when discretionary spending must be reigned in.
Suggestions that one eliminates their daily latte or start to carpool have become trite. Simply staying employed is enough of a challenge. We have gotten so used to credit being the same as cash that we, as a nation, have truly hurt ourselves. Our notions of what a dollar buys have become skewed. God forbid we save that dollar rather than spending it.
I have had a wake up call when it comes to my own finances. Each year my wife and I take a vacation to Toronto where we inevitably spend thousands of dollars. This year we have so many credit card bills to pay that we must spend our vacation at home. It will only cost about a grand but we will still have fun and not get into further debt.
We must all start to think in terms of cash only. Money should be spent only when it has to be and only after spending time thinking about whether it is a need or a want. Credit should not be in the picture. Checking account debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo would be best for purchases or payments. Saving for the future while lowering debt must also be made priorities. Frugality is not an easy mindset to develop. It is a mindset that can only lead to financial security and prosperity. Anything less is the path that leads to eventual ruin; for us and for our nation.
Banks and mortgage lenders are scared. The economy affects us all. Even when an institution has money they tighten their belts as we consumers tend to do. In tough economic times one cannot count on sources of income or credit that had been previously available. These are times when discretionary spending must be reigned in.
Suggestions that one eliminates their daily latte or start to carpool have become trite. Simply staying employed is enough of a challenge. We have gotten so used to credit being the same as cash that we, as a nation, have truly hurt ourselves. Our notions of what a dollar buys have become skewed. God forbid we save that dollar rather than spending it.
I have had a wake up call when it comes to my own finances. Each year my wife and I take a vacation to Toronto where we inevitably spend thousands of dollars. This year we have so many credit card bills to pay that we must spend our vacation at home. It will only cost about a grand but we will still have fun and not get into further debt.
We must all start to think in terms of cash only. Money should be spent only when it has to be and only after spending time thinking about whether it is a need or a want. Credit should not be in the picture. Checking account debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo would be best for purchases or payments. Saving for the future while lowering debt must also be made priorities. Frugality is not an easy mindset to develop. It is a mindset that can only lead to financial security and prosperity. Anything less is the path that leads to eventual ruin; for us and for our nation.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Immoral And Obscene
There are a few terms I see thrown about in the media when discussing right and wrong. Some people believe in moral absolutes. Others talk about situational ethics or moral relativism. I do not know which side to choose.
Each of us has a sense of what is right or wrong; moral and immoral. What is obscene to one may be perfectly acceptable to another. These views differ between individuals, over time, between cultures and throughout history. I learned this much from my classes in Sociology.
I used to think that there are at least a few areas in which no gray exists. There must be some aspects of our existence that are cut and dry when it comes to morality. If I am honest with myself I must acknowledge that these views have changed as I have changed.
My point is simply that one must look within themselves to determine what is best for any situation one may find themselves in. There may be more than one right answer. The way to decide which answer to choose often comes down to what is easiest and most expedient.
Deciding what is right for ourselves is easy. Choosing what is best for others is not. Sometimes we must put our needs aside and choose what is best for all concerned. I am not saying one should play the role of martyr. I am saying that it takes strength to choose what is more difficult. Often the road less traveled leads us to a far better place.
Each of us has a sense of what is right or wrong; moral and immoral. What is obscene to one may be perfectly acceptable to another. These views differ between individuals, over time, between cultures and throughout history. I learned this much from my classes in Sociology.
I used to think that there are at least a few areas in which no gray exists. There must be some aspects of our existence that are cut and dry when it comes to morality. If I am honest with myself I must acknowledge that these views have changed as I have changed.
My point is simply that one must look within themselves to determine what is best for any situation one may find themselves in. There may be more than one right answer. The way to decide which answer to choose often comes down to what is easiest and most expedient.
Deciding what is right for ourselves is easy. Choosing what is best for others is not. Sometimes we must put our needs aside and choose what is best for all concerned. I am not saying one should play the role of martyr. I am saying that it takes strength to choose what is more difficult. Often the road less traveled leads us to a far better place.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
In Theory
I have given up on school at least for the time being. I desperately wanted to learn practical and useful information. Every class I took a look at, including the ones I signed up for, all taught theory. I am told that one must learn theory in order to understand the history of the subject. I do not need to know the particulars of a subject in order to appreciate the relevant issues pertaining to that subject. The here and now is what I feel is important.
My wife and I agree. Why should I get further into debt just to obtain a degree that is based upon theory? How many graduate students are there that are able to find jobs in their chosen fields in our current economic situation? Not many I am sure.
I decided that the best thing to do is to get out there and start looking for places where my skills and my drive can be best utilized. I am idealistic and passionate. I am also patient and diplomatic. I have the vision of a younger person and enjoy the wisdom that has come with age.
With these things in mind I will seek to do good works at some of the most needy institutions where I live. I will look to volunteer my time at nursing homes and at community centers where young people seek guidance. Through these opportunities I hope to finally find a place where I am needed and where I can belong. I hope to satisfy my desire to help and gain valuable experience at the same time.
My wife and I agree. Why should I get further into debt just to obtain a degree that is based upon theory? How many graduate students are there that are able to find jobs in their chosen fields in our current economic situation? Not many I am sure.
I decided that the best thing to do is to get out there and start looking for places where my skills and my drive can be best utilized. I am idealistic and passionate. I am also patient and diplomatic. I have the vision of a younger person and enjoy the wisdom that has come with age.
With these things in mind I will seek to do good works at some of the most needy institutions where I live. I will look to volunteer my time at nursing homes and at community centers where young people seek guidance. Through these opportunities I hope to finally find a place where I am needed and where I can belong. I hope to satisfy my desire to help and gain valuable experience at the same time.
Friday, January 16, 2009
On My Honor
These words are part of the Boy Scout oath. The Scouts may not be held in high esteem due to their decision to disallow any homosexual members. When I was a boy it was a privilege to become a Scout. It was something I was proud of.
I learned a lot from this group. Some of these lessons I have held onto for these many years. One important lesson is to never accept a reward for doing a good deed. This concept was challenged once when I was employed by a large department store.
I helped a disabled man and his wife choose a new radio for their son. I spent quite a bit of time with them helping them to contrast and compare the various models we had available. After they had made their choice and paid for the item I carried it outside as the wife went to pull their car around.
The man offered me three dollars as a tip. I explained to him that, not only was this against the employee rules, but also that I could not accept the money in good conscience. He then threatened to just throw the money into the wind if I did not acquiesce. I held my ground and the gentleman reluctantly placed the bills back into his shirt pocket.
Another important lesson was emphasized whenever I went on a Scout camping trip. We were told by our leaders, before we left the campsite, that we should leave the area a little bit better than when we had found it. It is this lesson that describes well the philosophy of my life.
I am certainly no saint. I have my faults. What I sincerely desire is to help others. I cannot change the world. The best I can hope for is to make my little corner of it a bit better than when I found it. I pray that my words and actions through my life help to ensure I reach my goal.
I learned a lot from this group. Some of these lessons I have held onto for these many years. One important lesson is to never accept a reward for doing a good deed. This concept was challenged once when I was employed by a large department store.
I helped a disabled man and his wife choose a new radio for their son. I spent quite a bit of time with them helping them to contrast and compare the various models we had available. After they had made their choice and paid for the item I carried it outside as the wife went to pull their car around.
The man offered me three dollars as a tip. I explained to him that, not only was this against the employee rules, but also that I could not accept the money in good conscience. He then threatened to just throw the money into the wind if I did not acquiesce. I held my ground and the gentleman reluctantly placed the bills back into his shirt pocket.
Another important lesson was emphasized whenever I went on a Scout camping trip. We were told by our leaders, before we left the campsite, that we should leave the area a little bit better than when we had found it. It is this lesson that describes well the philosophy of my life.
I am certainly no saint. I have my faults. What I sincerely desire is to help others. I cannot change the world. The best I can hope for is to make my little corner of it a bit better than when I found it. I pray that my words and actions through my life help to ensure I reach my goal.
Writers Write
Before I started my short career writing for the Michigan Journal I felt that I needed guidance as I had never written formally up to that point. I went to speak to Tim Kiska who teaches an introduction journalism class at the University of Michigan. He is also the faculty advisor for the newspaper.
I explained my purpose in coming to see him. After much time had passed discussing the state of journalism we finally got to why I was there. I will not bore you with the details of the conversation. What I learned from him was two-fold. A writer cannot know if they are any good at writing. A writer also receives little, if any, feedback about their work.
I strongly disagree with the first opinion and I sincerely hope that the second is untrue. Logically there must be some standards by which one may know, as a writer, if they are any good. In school one receives grades. When writing for a newspaper one receives feedback from editors. A magazine gets plenty of readers writing letters of criticism or praise.
Why is feedback so important to me? The answer is simple. Rather than write to stroke my own ego I write in hopes of pleasing others. In offering bits of knowledge and wisdom I hope to create change. It is this change that, if I am blessed, will make someone's life a bit better.
Yes, I write for myself to begin with. Ultimately though I want this blog and future creations to mean something to others as well as myself. If we live our lives being of no help to anyone what is the point of existence?
I explained my purpose in coming to see him. After much time had passed discussing the state of journalism we finally got to why I was there. I will not bore you with the details of the conversation. What I learned from him was two-fold. A writer cannot know if they are any good at writing. A writer also receives little, if any, feedback about their work.
I strongly disagree with the first opinion and I sincerely hope that the second is untrue. Logically there must be some standards by which one may know, as a writer, if they are any good. In school one receives grades. When writing for a newspaper one receives feedback from editors. A magazine gets plenty of readers writing letters of criticism or praise.
Why is feedback so important to me? The answer is simple. Rather than write to stroke my own ego I write in hopes of pleasing others. In offering bits of knowledge and wisdom I hope to create change. It is this change that, if I am blessed, will make someone's life a bit better.
Yes, I write for myself to begin with. Ultimately though I want this blog and future creations to mean something to others as well as myself. If we live our lives being of no help to anyone what is the point of existence?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Following This Blog
My wife emailed me and said that she likes the way I have started out. She mentions that she might become a follower of my postings. As much as I would be flattered by any individual who spends their precious time reading my musings I do not want anyone to follow me.
I am referring to life overall when I use the word following. One should not be a follower nor should one necessarily be a leader. This is difficult as we all have authority figures by whom we are led. Many people who lead do not have the skills necessary or the desire to be leaders. Yet they may be thrust into this position against their will.
My ideal is for a person to march to the beat of their own drum. I have a hard time blindly following others. I do not wish to be a leader either. I would rather teach others to think critically for themselves.
I am the type of person that feels compelled to point out the eight-hundred pound elephant in the room. I am sure we have all been in this situation. Everyone knows exactly what the situation is but no one will open their mouths. Please do not misunderstand. I verbalize what others are thinking, not to rock the boat, but to bring an issue out in the open. When I do so I do my best to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
Do not be a sheep. The world is full enough of them as it is. Discover who you are. Be true to yourself. Your quality of life cannot help but increase as a result.
I am referring to life overall when I use the word following. One should not be a follower nor should one necessarily be a leader. This is difficult as we all have authority figures by whom we are led. Many people who lead do not have the skills necessary or the desire to be leaders. Yet they may be thrust into this position against their will.
My ideal is for a person to march to the beat of their own drum. I have a hard time blindly following others. I do not wish to be a leader either. I would rather teach others to think critically for themselves.
I am the type of person that feels compelled to point out the eight-hundred pound elephant in the room. I am sure we have all been in this situation. Everyone knows exactly what the situation is but no one will open their mouths. Please do not misunderstand. I verbalize what others are thinking, not to rock the boat, but to bring an issue out in the open. When I do so I do my best to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
Do not be a sheep. The world is full enough of them as it is. Discover who you are. Be true to yourself. Your quality of life cannot help but increase as a result.
A Little Bit About Me
I recently discovered after a semester at the University of Michigan that I enjoy writing. I have no idea if I am any good at it. I had about ten of my articles published in the school's newspaper. My column is called "Life Lessons" and can be located via the site's archive. I received little feedback from readers although my editor said that I "have what it takes." This blog will be part of my exploration into the world of the printed word.
Some of my postings will reference one of my favorite web sites. The Consumerist is not only an informative site for consumers but it can be quite amusing as well. I highly recommend it.
I am sure that as I continue posting, more about who I am will become evident. For now I simply want to explore this new medium. I also hope to continue my writing as I endeavor to get some of my pieces published in mainstream periodicals.
Some of my postings will reference one of my favorite web sites. The Consumerist is not only an informative site for consumers but it can be quite amusing as well. I highly recommend it.
I am sure that as I continue posting, more about who I am will become evident. For now I simply want to explore this new medium. I also hope to continue my writing as I endeavor to get some of my pieces published in mainstream periodicals.
The Beginning
I have started this blog for myself. I am not so egotistical to assume that my thoughts and feelings will be of interest to others. I am using this forum to record aspects of my day-to-day existence and to offer opinions on any number of subjects both public and private. It is my sincere wish that if anyone were to read these postings that, in some small way, my words may make a positive difference in their lives.
I will post when the mood strikes and I feel that I have something useful to say. So it begins...
I will post when the mood strikes and I feel that I have something useful to say. So it begins...
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