If you believe the media reports then much of the American public is in an uproar. The target of their ire is not one of the usual suspects such as health care. The guilty party is the AIG hierarchy. They have received so much in bonuses that our normally lazy populace has actually risen from their La-Z-Boys to travel and march in protest. Considering that greed is, whether we want to admit it or not, a large part of our makeup, one must wonder just how greedy these executives must be for us to care?
The concept of bonuses is not a new one. Businesses have been giving them to their top producers for years. Is not this the point? These white-collar individuals have traditionally been required to show that their efforts have helped make the business more profitable. Hence the formula: Do More, create more, get more. What has changed as of late is that these leaders have received funds well in excess of whatever success they created, and in some cases, when the company has lost money overall.
My issue is not with AIG or any other corporation. Big bonuses and golden parachutes have been part of the business world for decades. Often times top talent will not sign on the dotted line without some type of assurance that they will be financially rewarded in the end. My contempt is for our own citizenry. Why do so many finally care enough to speak out?
We have seen examples time and again of those from the one percentile of income receiving funds that seemed so out of proportion with the average worker. What has our reaction been? We cluck our tongues in disdain, change the channel and watch Wheel of Fortune. We witness these atrocities of our financial world like we are riding in a taxi. We look at the television screen and the whole experience seems so unreal. After all, we are not in the drivers seat. Why should we worry? They must know what they are doing. They are professionals we think to ourselves.
The reason we have never cared was that these same people, one way or another, have also made us wealthy. We work for these companies in many cases or our investments benefit from these companies actions. The avarice of these men and women at the top of the pyramid do not concern us as long as we are doing well in comparison. But when the economy starts to take a nose dive, well then, look out! The citizen and media watchdogs are ready to pounce.
The hypocrisy is astounding. Suddenly what has passed for business as usual for decade after decade is vilified. When Joe Schmo cannot afford his trophy home or charge everything to his many credit cards, well something must be amiss. When spendthrifts must tighten their belts there must be a greater issue at hand. A cause must be found. Big money becomes the scapegoat.
I acknowledge that abuses have been rife throughout the mortgage and banking industries. What I must also point out is that we, the American public, have been complicit. We have known for a very long time the way the world works. As long as these practices have benefited us we have been happy to remain silent partners. Suddenly when our own actions, or inaction, come back to bite us in the behind we yelp in pain and display a shocked look on our collective faces.
What matters now is not what the government is doing to bail us all out of the mess we created. What is of singular importance is whether we as a nation will take a long and hard look at ourselves in the mirror. What will we do when the economy eventually rebounds? Will we see the error of our ways and truly change or will it be business as usual? As upset as I am at what we have done I do have hope for the future.
We can change our lifestyles for the better if we choose. We can learn from our mistakes individually and as a nation. We must be honest about what we can afford and what we cannot. This goes for not only our wallets but also for our future. Foresight is what we desperately need. Let us see the nation and the world for what they are and be realistic as we work toward the betterment of all. To cross our fingers and do nothing would be a greater crime than any we have witnessed thus far.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Take A Breather
I thought that I should take a break from my usual commentary. We all need a break now and again. We should have some activity with which we can truly relax. I am not talking about sleeping or watching television. I am referring to some pastime that helps us grow and lasts throughout our lifetime. A hobby can do so much good for our mind, body and soul.
Distraction from the pains of the everyday world is always welcome. A time to be alone and just concentrate on our thoughts is best. Group activities such as sports or games such as bridge are moments in our harried life that we look forward to. Too often we do not take time out just for ourselves. There are many hobbies that will provide this precious solitude.
Enjoying stamps, coins or postcards can stimulate the brain. There is much to be learned about the world around us through these small collectibles. The thrill of the hunt for these items is also a stress-reliever. As we sit at our desks and explore our collections we experience a type of serenity. Our breathing slows, our shoulders relax and our minds think happy thoughts.
Others derive much pleasure from the act of creation. Be it cropping, photography or painting they become more in touch with their inner selves. Creativity and imagination are both outlets for our minds to release its pent-up aggression. Meditation in its many forms can also be the key to living a more balanced life. Whatever your choice one should make time for it each and every week.
We are all faced with the problems of this world on a daily basis. Our own problems may pale by comparison but they are no less important to us. It is easy to lose perspective. We may wear blinders when it comes to what our lives could be. We only see what is directly ahead. The future looks dreary indeed.
Obstacles will no doubt be surmounted. Worries will eventually dissipate. What matters is how we live here and now. We need a break. We need to clear our heads. It is one thing to seek pleasure in our lives. Do one better and create it for yourselves. Find a hobby that makes you happy. Enjoy it often. Find others that share your excitement and zeal. Your life will become more in balance. Your smile will return. Before you know it old mister sun will be shining once again! Enjoy yourself. You have earned it!
Distraction from the pains of the everyday world is always welcome. A time to be alone and just concentrate on our thoughts is best. Group activities such as sports or games such as bridge are moments in our harried life that we look forward to. Too often we do not take time out just for ourselves. There are many hobbies that will provide this precious solitude.
Enjoying stamps, coins or postcards can stimulate the brain. There is much to be learned about the world around us through these small collectibles. The thrill of the hunt for these items is also a stress-reliever. As we sit at our desks and explore our collections we experience a type of serenity. Our breathing slows, our shoulders relax and our minds think happy thoughts.
Others derive much pleasure from the act of creation. Be it cropping, photography or painting they become more in touch with their inner selves. Creativity and imagination are both outlets for our minds to release its pent-up aggression. Meditation in its many forms can also be the key to living a more balanced life. Whatever your choice one should make time for it each and every week.
We are all faced with the problems of this world on a daily basis. Our own problems may pale by comparison but they are no less important to us. It is easy to lose perspective. We may wear blinders when it comes to what our lives could be. We only see what is directly ahead. The future looks dreary indeed.
Obstacles will no doubt be surmounted. Worries will eventually dissipate. What matters is how we live here and now. We need a break. We need to clear our heads. It is one thing to seek pleasure in our lives. Do one better and create it for yourselves. Find a hobby that makes you happy. Enjoy it often. Find others that share your excitement and zeal. Your life will become more in balance. Your smile will return. Before you know it old mister sun will be shining once again! Enjoy yourself. You have earned it!
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Opiate Of The Masses
I have no problem with prescription drugs. The fact that so many drug companies care more about profits than people is a subject for a future blog entry. What I am concerned with is drugs which, legal or not, serve no useful purpose. What is considered useful can be hotly debated. The drugs I am referring to are those that, over time, reduce our lives and the quality thereof. There is no debate that many drugs can be described as such.
Various groups, be they politically or community based, have their own particular ideologies concerning harmful drugs, their misuse and what should be done about it. My own personal view is that they exist and people are using, buying and selling them. Simply by acknowledging this fact I am far ahead of many of these groups that wish to pretend that this is not the truth.
Much has been written about the "drug war" and related harm that this euphemism has wrought. I will not rehash what most of you already know. What I find most vexing is the lack of willingness to simply accept what is and move on from there. People use drugs. They will always use drugs. Now that we have accepted this let us move on to what to do next.
I believe in a three-part process. The first is prevention. Education is the key. Let us winnow away the hype until a pure product is left - scientific fact. If you want to use drugs that is fine with me. First though why not tell those on the cusp of becoming addicts just what their drug of choice will do to them. Let us examine what affect it will have physically, physiologically and mentally. Let us also reasonably predict what these affects will be cumulatively as time goes on and your life span is reduced. What about the effects on their lives, loved-ones and society as a whole?
Part two should involve treatment. It is inevitable that part one will not make a difference for many drug users. Tax-payers will in one way or another bear the brunt of the cost of treatment. Why not be proactive and offer competent and caring medical counseling and treatment before the problem is out-of-hand? If we sincerely try to offer safe havens for those who wish to quit, places where they will not be looked down upon or preached to, there is a good chance many addicts will work toward the goal of becoming clean.
Part three is harm reduction. In some countries this involves handing out clean needles. Others offer clean and safe places to get high and properly dispose of any drug paraphernalia. This must be better than back alleys or drug houses littered with drug waste and wretched souls with nowhere else to go. Drug use may be ugly but, like most aspects of a society that we would rather not see, need to be exposed to the light of day. No problem can be effectively combated if we close our eyes or keep these people at the fringe of our periphery.
I do not use illegal drugs. The worst I consume is Nexium for my acid-reflux. What I also do not do is judge the ones that do use illegal substances. I wish that they did not do so but wishing is not the same as doing. You can fight a thing and treat a thing at the same time. You can be both disturbed and sympathetic. The most important thing to do is see what is, hope for what could be and work toward a better future. Maybe then we will all be cured of the worst affliction of all - apathy.
Various groups, be they politically or community based, have their own particular ideologies concerning harmful drugs, their misuse and what should be done about it. My own personal view is that they exist and people are using, buying and selling them. Simply by acknowledging this fact I am far ahead of many of these groups that wish to pretend that this is not the truth.
Much has been written about the "drug war" and related harm that this euphemism has wrought. I will not rehash what most of you already know. What I find most vexing is the lack of willingness to simply accept what is and move on from there. People use drugs. They will always use drugs. Now that we have accepted this let us move on to what to do next.
I believe in a three-part process. The first is prevention. Education is the key. Let us winnow away the hype until a pure product is left - scientific fact. If you want to use drugs that is fine with me. First though why not tell those on the cusp of becoming addicts just what their drug of choice will do to them. Let us examine what affect it will have physically, physiologically and mentally. Let us also reasonably predict what these affects will be cumulatively as time goes on and your life span is reduced. What about the effects on their lives, loved-ones and society as a whole?
Part two should involve treatment. It is inevitable that part one will not make a difference for many drug users. Tax-payers will in one way or another bear the brunt of the cost of treatment. Why not be proactive and offer competent and caring medical counseling and treatment before the problem is out-of-hand? If we sincerely try to offer safe havens for those who wish to quit, places where they will not be looked down upon or preached to, there is a good chance many addicts will work toward the goal of becoming clean.
Part three is harm reduction. In some countries this involves handing out clean needles. Others offer clean and safe places to get high and properly dispose of any drug paraphernalia. This must be better than back alleys or drug houses littered with drug waste and wretched souls with nowhere else to go. Drug use may be ugly but, like most aspects of a society that we would rather not see, need to be exposed to the light of day. No problem can be effectively combated if we close our eyes or keep these people at the fringe of our periphery.
I do not use illegal drugs. The worst I consume is Nexium for my acid-reflux. What I also do not do is judge the ones that do use illegal substances. I wish that they did not do so but wishing is not the same as doing. You can fight a thing and treat a thing at the same time. You can be both disturbed and sympathetic. The most important thing to do is see what is, hope for what could be and work toward a better future. Maybe then we will all be cured of the worst affliction of all - apathy.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Appearance Of Reality
Does the truth really matter anymore? Far too many of us rely only upon what we see. If this is not bad enough we then make our minds up based upon our initial impressions. If we see a disheveled person standing in line at McDonalds do we assume that they are poor and possibly homeless? It is certainly possible that they just left work; work that is physically demanding. Another possibility is that they just woke up and drove straight to the restaurant for their first meal of the day.
The reverse occurs just as often. You are approached by an attractive and well-dressed individual. They need your help. We tell ourselves that although this person is a complete stranger they must not be a threat to our safety. The reality is that good-looking people commit crimes every day. Did it ever occur to you that they dress so neatly for the sole purpose of being disarming?
I understand the issue of first impressions. I know how important they are when job seeking or when on a first date. We naturally tend to size people up the moment they cross our path. But by what right do we have to make such snap judgments? Our outward appearance is not always indicative of our true selves. Our particular styles of speaking or dressing might be indicative of our persona. Yet who we are as individuals can not be so easily determined by such superfluous trappings.
Appearances also come into play in the work place. Employees are often asked to act in ways that conflict with their stated intentions. I myself have worked in retail businesses where what the customer saw became more important than what the customer should know. Acting in a way that people expect is given greater emphasis than telling people the truth about a given situation. This is as true in the business world as it is in politics.
Our latest large-scale financial debacles aside we need only look at our elected representatives for another example of appearance versus reality. We expect our politicians to be tough on crime, drugs and other social ills. Do these people, well-intentioned though they may be, truly represent the will of the people? Of course not. The best they can do is tell us what we hope to hear. They work to pass new laws so they look like they are fighting the good fight. In reality the old laws, already on the books, are not being enforced. New laws can never do what old laws never could. As long as they look like they are doing what we expect they will probably be re-elected next term and continue receiving a hefty paycheck.
My whole point is that judging based upon surface reflections is pointless. The truth lies beneath. People or situations only appear to be good or bad, helpful or detrimental based upon what we wish the truth to be. We should be more discerning. We must be more willing to learn the truth no matter what it is. How can we make anything better if we would rather lie to ourselves or shoot from the hip when making decisions. So often what appears to be true to us only serves to reinforce our own misperceptions and stereotypes. I would rather deal with a harsh reality than an attractive illusion.
The reverse occurs just as often. You are approached by an attractive and well-dressed individual. They need your help. We tell ourselves that although this person is a complete stranger they must not be a threat to our safety. The reality is that good-looking people commit crimes every day. Did it ever occur to you that they dress so neatly for the sole purpose of being disarming?
I understand the issue of first impressions. I know how important they are when job seeking or when on a first date. We naturally tend to size people up the moment they cross our path. But by what right do we have to make such snap judgments? Our outward appearance is not always indicative of our true selves. Our particular styles of speaking or dressing might be indicative of our persona. Yet who we are as individuals can not be so easily determined by such superfluous trappings.
Appearances also come into play in the work place. Employees are often asked to act in ways that conflict with their stated intentions. I myself have worked in retail businesses where what the customer saw became more important than what the customer should know. Acting in a way that people expect is given greater emphasis than telling people the truth about a given situation. This is as true in the business world as it is in politics.
Our latest large-scale financial debacles aside we need only look at our elected representatives for another example of appearance versus reality. We expect our politicians to be tough on crime, drugs and other social ills. Do these people, well-intentioned though they may be, truly represent the will of the people? Of course not. The best they can do is tell us what we hope to hear. They work to pass new laws so they look like they are fighting the good fight. In reality the old laws, already on the books, are not being enforced. New laws can never do what old laws never could. As long as they look like they are doing what we expect they will probably be re-elected next term and continue receiving a hefty paycheck.
My whole point is that judging based upon surface reflections is pointless. The truth lies beneath. People or situations only appear to be good or bad, helpful or detrimental based upon what we wish the truth to be. We should be more discerning. We must be more willing to learn the truth no matter what it is. How can we make anything better if we would rather lie to ourselves or shoot from the hip when making decisions. So often what appears to be true to us only serves to reinforce our own misperceptions and stereotypes. I would rather deal with a harsh reality than an attractive illusion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)