To Serve And Profit

Much of our economy centers around the service industry. There are those that will satisfy practically any need or desire for a price. In some cases the line is blurred between serving others and profiting directly from them. What happens when what should be a public entity transforms into a private enterprise? Some institutions see the people they serve as huge dollar signs. Some for-profit companies chase after their customers' wallets and ignore their welfare. Service can all too easily lead to unadulterated greed.

I recently watched a documentary about the cruise industry. There are many who love the idea of seeing the world as they sail the high seas. Being pampered, fed and entertained is an alluring proposition. What many cruise goers do not consider, or do not care about, is what truly occurs behind the bulkhead.

Most cruise ship employees work for months on end, every single day, for very little remuneration. If this fact does not concern you then maybe the assault on your pocketbook will. Cruisers are blatantly hounded to spend, spend, spend. Whether it be on-board art sales, off-shore tours or simply extra drinks and dining, cruise ships work hard to get more of your green.

Speaking of art, I just visited the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, Canada. They just finished a complete redesign of the facility. It is a beautiful building. It houses many amazing artifacts. One may feel that the eighteen dollar admission fee is worth paying. What makes me wonder is just what the gallery is really selling?

There is a large gift shop which comprises two levels. One can spend hundreds of dollars on art books or thousands on art prints. There are many enticements to donate money as well. A special membership is available which allows one to enjoy an exclusive lounge as well as a restaurant. You cannot walk too far without being reminded of just how much all of this costs and how much you may be a part of it.

My concern is that in these two examples, there are more I am sure, what started as a way to give pleasure evolved into a way to make a boat load - or a galley load - of money. When a company or organization constantly looks for ways to part us from our money there is something amiss. A relaxing cruise or the beauty of art become lost in the translation and seem like an afterthought.

Nurturing our minds, bodies and souls does not always come cheap. There are costs involved. The problem starts when people are used for what they can give rather than the other way around. The profit motive has caused many a decent person or company to lose sight of why they began to serve in the first place. Some say the love of money is the root of all evil. I say that evil is placing the buck before the love of our brethren.

A Penny Saved

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.

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!

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.

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.

Bend But Not Break

A well-known radio personality recently made a speech which aired on television. He spoke about and for members of the political right. The message that he wanted to get across was this: The Constitution does not need to change and neither does the Republican party. I have no problem with conservative thinking in general. What disturbs me is that others might genuinely agree with the above sentiment.

For too long many Republicans have desired to return this country back to "the good 'ole days." This is a fantasy. Our history as a nation is filled with good, bad and many other types of days. The only place that simpler times exist are on black and white television re-runs.

The Republicans stand for a strong foundation of morality and ethical behavior. I appreciate and respect this. What they do not understand is that morals and ethics are not written in stone. Over time and within various cultures the meanings of right and wrong have changed. What was once socially acceptable behavior is no longer and vice versa.

It is a fine thing to act from a place of strong morals within one's own life. Moral superiority as evidenced by many Republicans is an entirely different matter. One must be willing to see things as they are. They must acknowledge the changes that occur as people and countries grow. Morals and ethics must evolve as a society does.

Granted most Republicans do not see positive growth. They deny Darwinian evolution while decrying what they perceive as man's devolution into chaos. What I hope most will agree with is that change is neither good nor bad. It simply is a fact of life. Why so many on the right are afraid of this is beyond my comprehension.

This rigid and inflexible thinking is the cause of the disaffected and splintered party the Republicans have become. I do not suggest that they bend to change to the point of breaking. I suggest that they, and their good intentions, must keep up with society. This was what the founding fathers intended when they created the Constitution.

Despite the broadcaster's position I mentioned earlier, the paper our country was founded upon was meant to be a living, breathing document. The fathers knew that the infant land that they helped to form would go through growing pains. They knew that our nation would grow and change over time. They purposely crafted the Constitution to allow for changes and additions as dictated by the will of the people.

All change, by its very nature, moves forward in time. We cannot move backward no matter how badly one might wish. All people must understand this basic truth. If one remains so inflexible in their stance the world will simply pass them by. The Republicans have done this as a group. They, as a result, have become out-of-touch with America. Maybe when they realize that they can be strong and flexible at the same time will they once again be embraced by the masses.

Clinging Desperately

Discussion and debate goes on everywhere. We express our opinions to our family, our friends, co-workers and even total strangers. Most of this communication occurs because each side is willing to listen to opposing viewpoints. Some people may agree with us from the start. Others may hold a different point of view. There are shades of gray within any topic. When an issue is portrayed in black and white it is being oversimplified.

I take what I am told with a grain of salt. Different experiences and bias affect what may be inherently factual. What helps me to put things in perspective is to look at the big picture. In order to do this one must be willing to acknowledge that other viewpoints exist. One must also respect the fact that others opinions and feelings are legitimate.

There is one technique that essentially kills any further communication between two people. You hear this a lot. It is what sound bites are made of. A person spouts an opinion that so obviously excludes reason and logic that you are left speechless. An opinion that is so radical and extreme that you do not know where to begin to point out the many holes in their story.

Many times this opinion is just the same rhetoric that passes for an informed and educated viewpoint. They might have heard it from their favorite broadcasting personality. It might have come from one of their like-minded acquaintances. What makes these views so dead wrong is that they, by their very nature, eliminate the need for further discussion. It is as if the person is placing their hands over their ears and shutting their mind off completely.

Why do people do this? As frustrating as it is to deal with this lack of intelligent thinking we must feel sorry for them. It takes patience, time and a modicum of gray matter to consider the big picture. Some individuals are afraid. They do not truly understand the world around them. They cannot comprehend, nor can they cope with, the changes that most of us deal with on a regular basis.

Fear is not the only reason people spout such radical viewpoints. After all, we tend to fear what we do not understand. Another reason is weakness. It takes internal strength and fortitude to manage what comes our way. The world can be a cruel mistress. Not all that happens to us in our lifetime is directly related to our actions. There are those that are too weak to handle the myriad changes in their world.

Through fear and weakness people desperately want to have a handle on things. They spew forth meaningless drivel in an attempt to appear informed and intelligent. They wear their ignorance like a protective cloak. But like the emperor's clothes we can all see what they cannot. What they believe to be a solid argument we see as a transparent attempt to shield themselves from the truth. The ignorant can be educated. Those that stupidly cling to prejudice and stereotypes are a lost cause.

The next time you are confronted with one of these conversation ending viewpoints just keep walking. Do not waste your time or breath trying to debate with a hard head. Extreme individuals do not wish to have an intelligent discussion. Their self-satisfaction and self-assurance that they are right is all that they require. Arguing with them just feeds into their need for attention. They want an emotional reaction. Stay calm and focused. Just go on your way as you say a silent prayer that someday their head and heart might soften a bit. Then again, you might pray for the ultimate punishment. Maybe they will come across someone who is just like them!