The arrogance of some reporters never cease to amaze me. The fact that they actually presume to know what the American people want is often mindbogglingly. CNN reported that Peggy Noonan suggested in an editorial today that the American people may be getting tired of seeing President Obama before the public.
Is President Obama not our leader in one of the most trying times in our economic future? It as if in such a time we do not need clear leadership and transparency. Peggy Noonan needs to be checked. Perhaps it is she that we would like to see and read less of. Maybe we would be better without her glib remarks in print and on television.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Being a Capitalist Fundamentally
The American capitalist system grew out of democracy based on the fundamental principles of freedom. There is within it a profound belief in the free market which corrects itself by choice, that is the customer's right to choose what is desired, balancing the system through a kind of basic freedom. The core beauty of the system reminds me of Scripture which refers to the "perfect law of liberty."
But with freedom comes responsibility that of the corporation and the customer. The "perfect law of liberty" is the law of love which encompasses "do unto to others as you would have them do unto you." This is the fulfillment of the law, "for the law is fulfilled in one word, even this:'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Love is discipline, creative, tough, responsible, persistent, long-suffering, strong, accountable, passionate, innovative, thoughtful, compelling, and decent.
"If you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another."
Capitalism was born of freedom. But we have a responsibility to act justly. If not, we will find ourselves yet again in a financial crisis with even greater consequences. The whole world now groans and tithers on the brink of financial disaster. We must do better or things will get increasingly worse.
Fundamentally we, capitalists and all others, in fact, must begin with the "perfect law of liberty" summed up in one word: love.
But with freedom comes responsibility that of the corporation and the customer. The "perfect law of liberty" is the law of love which encompasses "do unto to others as you would have them do unto you." This is the fulfillment of the law, "for the law is fulfilled in one word, even this:'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Love is discipline, creative, tough, responsible, persistent, long-suffering, strong, accountable, passionate, innovative, thoughtful, compelling, and decent.
"If you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another."
Capitalism was born of freedom. But we have a responsibility to act justly. If not, we will find ourselves yet again in a financial crisis with even greater consequences. The whole world now groans and tithers on the brink of financial disaster. We must do better or things will get increasingly worse.
Fundamentally we, capitalists and all others, in fact, must begin with the "perfect law of liberty" summed up in one word: love.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Being First Lady Michelle Obama
Our First Lady, Michelle Obama, is a most beautiful woman who loves her husband and daughters and the children of America. After a rather grueling day, how wonderful to whisk the President away for a little bit to participate in giving after many questions regarding Tom Daschale and before a round of interviews with the media. Kids have a way of putting things in perspective and refocusing us; they also have a way of cheering us up.
"Who can find a virtuous wife? For he worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her. So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life...She considers a field and buys it. From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and strengths her arms...Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land...She watches the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness...Her husband praises her 'Many daughters have done well but you excel them all..." (Proverbs 31)
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"Who can find a virtuous wife? For he worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her. So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life...She considers a field and buys it. From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and strengths her arms...Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land...She watches the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness...Her husband praises her 'Many daughters have done well but you excel them all..." (Proverbs 31)
Being Encouraged II
Take heart; you are the captain of your own ship,
the encourager of your own soul.
Encourage yourself.
the encourager of your own soul.
Encourage yourself.
Being in an Extraordinary Time
In this extraordinary time we can make extraordinary things happen. Leaders everywhere, in the public and private sphere, are looking for creative ways to move government and business forward.
It is in such a time that history is shaped. This is not a grandiose idea, but one that has always found a small band of people at the helm insisting upon and enacting change.
This is the time. The time is now.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead
It is in such a time that history is shaped. This is not a grandiose idea, but one that has always found a small band of people at the helm insisting upon and enacting change.
This is the time. The time is now.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead
Monday, February 2, 2009
Being a Rural Migrant Worker
The financial crisis is indeed global. After seeing this picture of rural migrant workers in China sitting in a bare stark gray room each individually huddled over a bowl of noodles, I could not stop the tears. There is no community here. There is only work and bare sustenance. The space between them is obvious and perhaps indicative of their disconnectedness to society.
There is something about the dignity and necessity of work to provide for one's family that got the best of me. Tears flowed. According to the Associated Press, "up to $26 million rural migrant workers are now jobless." Yes, everywhere we are all tightening our belts. But to think that these, who are working faithfully for mere pennies, may now lose their jobs while we live well in relative wealth in comparison, my heart goes out. I cannot look at the photo and not feel compassion.
The global community has to think of global implications when making decisions and governments worldwide have to consider the hardship of all of its citizens. We have to also get the trade policies right. The respect and dignity of everyone worldwide is important.
There is something about the dignity and necessity of work to provide for one's family that got the best of me. Tears flowed. According to the Associated Press, "up to $26 million rural migrant workers are now jobless." Yes, everywhere we are all tightening our belts. But to think that these, who are working faithfully for mere pennies, may now lose their jobs while we live well in relative wealth in comparison, my heart goes out. I cannot look at the photo and not feel compassion.
The global community has to think of global implications when making decisions and governments worldwide have to consider the hardship of all of its citizens. We have to also get the trade policies right. The respect and dignity of everyone worldwide is important.
Being Rafael Nadal
Bravo to Rafael Nadal on his awesome win over Roger Federer in the Australian Open. Nadal's kind words when Federer broke down when speaking of his loss in this thrilling match bespeaks a true champion.
"Sorry for today," he said to Federer. "I know how you're feeling right now. It's really tough. But remember you are a great champion, you are one of the best in history and you're going to improve the 14 of Sampras."
Bravissimo to Nadal! This Spaniard has character and is a great champion and competitor!
"Sorry for today," he said to Federer. "I know how you're feeling right now. It's really tough. But remember you are a great champion, you are one of the best in history and you're going to improve the 14 of Sampras."
Bravissimo to Nadal! This Spaniard has character and is a great champion and competitor!
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