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Monday, June 27, 2011

Streamlining U.S. Congress

Indeed, it's time for change. We have heard this declared before and the results have been wave elections but no change. Let me be clear of what it meant, it's time to change the U.S. Congress. This change goes beyond political or party majorities in either chamber, but deals with entrenched dysfunctional processes of U.S. Congress. It's time to review and reform the processes of the legislative branch of government.

One area that needs to be reviewed is the number of caucuses in Congress. While many may justify their presence as necessary to promoting important issues of Americans. Let's be honest, many of them should be listed as lobbying special interests groups and have no place in the honored institution, U.S. Congress.

Some have become as many government programs which exist beyond its usefulness. The executive branch has pursued initiatives to streamline processes within its agencies. It's time for the legislative branch to do the same. C'mon it's time to discontinue the Rube Goldberg Competition. Here are some of the Caucuses that should be reviewed and considered for reform or elimination.


2015 Caucus (2006(?)–)
21st Century Health Care Caucus (2006(?)–)
30 Something Working Group
4-H Caucus (2006(?)–)
9/11 Commission Caucus (2006(?)–)
Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus (2004–)
Afterschool Caucuses (2005-)
Alzheimer's Disease Congressional Task Force (1999–)
Americans Abroad Caucus (2007–)
Anti-Value Added Tax Caucus, The (Anti-VAT Caucus) (2006(?)–)
Appalachian Caucus (2006(?)–)
Armenian Caucus (1991-)
Army Corps Reform Caucus (2006(?)–)
BBike Caucus AKA Bicycle Caucus
Biomedical Research Caucus
Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus (2006(?)–)
Bipartisan Working Group on Disaster Recovery and Response, The (2006(?)–)
Blue Dog Coalition (1994–)
Congressional Bourbon Caucus (2009–present), founded by Brett Guthrie and John Yarmuth
Building a Better America Caucus (BABC) (2006(?)–)
CCalifornia Democratic Congressional Delegation (2006(?)–)
Caribbean Caucus (2003–)
Center Aisle Caucus (2006(?)–)
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force (2006(?)–)
Children's Environmental Health Caucus (2006(?)–)
Coalition on Autism Research and Education (2006(?)–)
Community College Caucus (2006(?)–)
Community Solutions and Initiatives Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus (January 2007–present), founded by Sue Myrick, Bud Cramer, Kay Granger, and Ben Chandler
Congressional Arts Caucus (January 1981–present)
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (May 1994–present)
Congressional Automotive Caucus (1985–present) (formerly Auto Industry Task Force)
Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Battlefield Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Bike Caucus (CBC) (2006(?)–)
Congressional Biotechnology Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Bipartisan Cerebral Palsy Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Black Caucus (1969–)
Congressional Boating Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Border Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Brain Injury Task Force (2001–), founded by Bill Pascrell
Congressional Brazil Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus for Bosnia (2005 -)
Congressional Caucus on Central America (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety (2004–)
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on the Judicial Branch (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse (2010(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan Americans (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans (March 2001)
Congressional Caucus on Uganda (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues (1977–) Note: this was formed as the Congresswomen's Caucus, before changing its name in 1981.
Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports (2006(?)–)
Congressional Entertainment Industries Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine (2006(?)–)
Congressional Children's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional China Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Climate Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Coal Caucus (2010-)
Congressional Coalition on Adoption (2006(?)–)
Congressional Coastal Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Constitution Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Correctional Officers Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Croatian Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Czech Caucus (2008–)
Congressional Diabetes Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional E-911 Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Farmer Cooperative Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Fire Services Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Fitness Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Food Safety Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Forest Task Force (2006(?)–)
Congressional Former Mayors Caucus (2006-) - cofounded by Mike Capuano and Mike Turner
Congressional Fraternal Caucus (summer 2002-)
Congressional French Caucus (October 2003–present)
Congressional Friends of Denmark (CFD) (2006(?)–)
Congressional Gaming Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Gulf of Mexico Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Hearing Health Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Hispanic Caucus (1976–)
Congressional Hispanic Conference (2003–)
Congressional HUBZone Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Horse Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Human Rights Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Humanities Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus (1999–)
Congressional Insurance Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Intelligent Transportation Systems Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Internet Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Iraqi Women's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Kidney Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Life Science Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Management Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Manufacturing Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Manufacturing Task Force (2006(?)–)
Congressional Medical Professionals Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Men's Health Caucus (2007-)
Congressional Mental Health Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Mentoring Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Mine Warfare Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Mining Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Morocco Caucus (July 2003) (formed as Morocco FTA Congressional Caucus)
Congressional Nursing Caucus (2003–present - founded by Louis Capps
Congressional Organic Caucus (2003–present)
Congressional Pakistan Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Port Security Caucus (2003–present) - founded by Chris Bell
Congressional Progressive Caucus (1990-)
Congressional Pro-Trade Caucus (2009-)
Congressional Real Estate Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Rural Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Rural Housing Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Scouting Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Savings and Ownership Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Second Amendment Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Serbian Caucus (2003–)
Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Ski and Snowboard Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Singapore Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Spina Bifida Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Steel Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Stop DUI Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Submarine Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Taiwan Caucus (2002–)
Congressional Taskforce on International HIV/AIDS (2006(?)–)
Congressional Tourism and Travel Caucus (CTTC) (2006(?)–)
Congressional TRIO Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Ukrainian Caucus (1997–)
Congressional United Kingdom Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Waterways Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Western Caucus (1992–)
Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus (2006-)
Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease (2006(?)–)
Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus (2006(?)–)
Consumer Justice Caucus (2008-) - founded by Keith Ellison
DDelaware River Basin Task Force (1999–present)
Diversity and Innovation Caucus (2007–present)
Democratic Israel Working Group
Duma-Congress Study Group (1997–present), originally established as interparliamentary Russian-U.S. group on energy
EE-Waste Working Group (2005–present), formed by Louise Slaughter, Mike Thompson, Randy "Duke" Cunningham, and Mary Bono
House Economic Competitiveness Caucus (2005–present)
Senate Economic Competitiveness Caucus (2006–present)
Electronic Warfare Working Group (1999–)
Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus (2005–present)
Flat Tax Caucus
Friends of Norway Caucus (1999–present)
House Friends of Scotland Caucus (2006–present)
Senate Friends of Scotland Caucus (2009–present)
Friends of Switzerland Caucus (2003–present)
Future of American Media Caucus (2005–present)
Global AIDS Emergency Task Force (May 2003–present)
House Great Lakes Task Force, Senate Great Lakes Task Force (mid-1980s)
Historic Preservation Caucus (2003–present)
House Aerospace Caucus
House Afterschool Caucus (2005–present)
House Agriculture Energy Users Caucus
House Army Caucus
House Baltic Caucus (1999–present)
House Beef Caucus
House Biofuels Caucus
House Democratic Caucus (1948–present)
House Military Depot and Industrial Facilities Caucus
House Oceans Caucus (1999–present)
House Reading Caucus
House Recycling Caucus (March 1998–present), founded by Anne Meagher Northup
House Republican Israel Caucus
House Rural Health Care Coalition
House Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Caucus
House Trade Working Group
House Trails Caucus
Hudson River Caucus (2004–present)
Hungarian American Caucus (June 4, 2003–present)
India Caucus (2004–)
Indonesia Caucus (2004–)
International Conservation Caucus (2006(?)–)
International Workers Rights Caucus (2006(?)–)
Interstate 69 Caucus (2006(?)–)
Intelligent Transportation Caucus (2002-)
Kenya Caucus (2006(?)–)
Kurdish American Caucus 2007-
Law Enforcement Caucus (1994–)
LGBT Equality Caucus (2008–)
Liberty Caucus (2000(?)–)
Minor League Baseball Caucus
Multiple Sclerosis Caucus (2007-)
National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus (2006(?)–)
National Landscape Conservation System Caucus (2006(?)–)
National Service Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Navy-Marine Corps Caucus (2006(?)–)
New Democrat Coalition (1997–)
North America’s Supercorridor Caucus (2006(?)–)
Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition (2006(?)–)
Northern Border Caucus (2006(?)–)
Nuclear Issues Caucus (2006(?)–)
Out of Iraq Caucus (2006-)
Passenger Rail Caucus (2006(?)–)
Patriot Act Reform Caucus (2006(?)–)
Pell Grant Caucus, The (2006(?)–)
Physics Caucus, The (2006(?)–)
Public Broadcasting Caucus (2006(?)–)
Public Service Caucus (2007-)
Qatari-American Economic Strategic Defense, Cultural, and Educational Partnership Caucus (2006(?)–)
Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus (RASCC) (2004–)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus (1996–)
Republican Study Committee (1973–)
Research and Development Caucus (2006(?)–)
River of Trade Corridor Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Sex and Violence in the Media Caucus (2003–)
Saudi Arabia Study Group, The (2006(?)–)
Senate Afterschool Caucus (2005-)
Senate Taiwan Caucus (2003-)
Sexual Assault Violence Elimination (SAVE) Taskforce (2006(?)–)
Shellfish Caucus (2005–)
Silk Road Caucus (2001)–)
Special Operations Forces Caucus (2006(?)–)
State Maritime Academy Caucus (2006(?)–)
Stop DUI Caucus (2004-)
Sudan Caucus (2006(?)–)
Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare (2006(?)–)
Tea Party Caucus (2010–)
TEX-21 Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Unexploded Ordnance Caucus (2005–)
Upper Mississippi River Basin Task Force (1997–)
U.S.-Afghan Caucus (2006(?)–)
U.S.-China Working Group (2006(?)–)
U.S.-Mongolia Friendship Caucus (2006(?)–)
U.S.-New Zealand Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Victim's Rights Caucus (2007-)
Victory in Iraq Caucus (2006(?)–)
Wounded to Work Congressional Caucus (2011 - Present)
Youth Challenge Caucus (2006(?)–)
Zero Capital Gains Tax Caucus (2006(?)–)

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Just a'knocking

In times like these as we are confronted with reports of earthquakes; wars; wildfires; economic crises ---past, present, and future there may be more than slight trepidation and seem to overwhelm our ability to cope effectively.

Behold, do you hear it? Be still and listen...it's a knock at the door.



************

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." --- III John 1:2


God is concern about the whole man: body, soul, and spirit. The words of the Lord God are and always been practical precepts for daily living. Man has misinterpret the meaning and historical lessons of the Lord God. Confusion has resulted. Man has not been able to enjoy productivity; not just in dollars and cents, but in fulfillment/accomplishment, and general progress. Understanding is essential.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word proceedeth out of the mouth of God." --- Matthew 4:4


Many individuals, yes even members of ecclesiastical ranks have taught that understanding is not necessary and that an individual needs to just believe God. There is no realization that the necessity of understanding flows throught the scriptures like water.

"Behold the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing [understanding] the words of the Lord." --- Amos 8:11

Biblically, 'bread' is often referred to as the sustenance of life. Water is depicted as a dead entity unless it is flowing water., which is referred to as living water. Water, an entity though dead, may be converted to life or something useful. The aforementioned scripture speaks of a time when there will be no lack of the sustenance of life, nor of the raw materials or resources to convert to the sustenance of life/something useful. The scripture speaks of a time when there will be no understanding the words of the Lord in daily practical living. The scripture speaks of modern times; Today.

************

There's no lack of ideas to achieve productivity in organizations and individuals' lives however, iinstead of utilizing existing resources, even structural framework, the 'glutton of ideas' have become a myriad of auxiliaries, committees, and commissions within religious and secular organizations. the result has been the loss of productivity through inefficiency; selfish pride and vainglory; jealousy; unhealthy competition; cliques; territoriality and 'turf wars'; distrust and fear; and every evil work.



Further Reading



Psalm 34:18 --- "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."




Isaiah 61:1 --- "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound"




Matthew 25:40 -- "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done unto me."




MLK Jr. Sermon, 06.11.1967: "A Knock at Midnight"


Video: "Behold I Stand at the Door"

Video: Children's Choir --- "Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock"


Video: "Wayfaring Stranger"

Video: Be Still My Soul




Saturday, June 18, 2011

Tough Questions

Question 1:

If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion? Read the next question before looking at the response for this one.

Question 2:

It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts. Here are the facts about the three candidates.


Candidate A.

Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with an astrologist. He's had two mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B.

He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening.

Candidate C.

He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, only drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife. Which of these candidates would be your choice? Decide first ... no peeking, then scroll down for the response.

-------------------------------------------------------


Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Candidate B is Winston Churchill.
Candidate C is Adolph Hitler.

And, by the way, on your answer to the abortion question: If you said YES, you just killed Beethoven.

Cows & Politics Explained

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/jokes/bljokecowspolitics.htm

A CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT: You have two cows. You keep one and give one to your neighbor.

A SOCIALIST: You have two cows. The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.

AN AMERICAN REPUBLICAN: You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. So what?

AN AMERICAN DEMOCRAT: You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. You feel guilty for being successful. You vote people into office who tax your cows, forcing you to sell one to raise money to pay the tax. The people you voted for then take the tax money and buy a cow and give it to your neighbor. You feel righteous.

A COMMUNIST: You have two cows. The government seizes both and provides you with milk.

A FASCIST: You have two cows. The government seizes both and sells you the milk. You join the underground and start a campaign of sabotage.

DEMOCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE: You have two cows. The government taxes you to the point you have to sell both to support a man in a foreign country who has only one cow, which was a gift from your government.

CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE: You have two cows. You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.

BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE: You have two cows. The government takes them both, shoots one, milks the other, pays you for the milk, then pours the milk down the drain.

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when the cow drops dead.

A FRENCH CORPORATION: You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION: You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create clever cow cartoon images called Cowkimon and market them World-Wide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You reengineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.

A BRITISH CORPORATION: You have two cows. They are mad. They die. Pass the shepherd's pie, please.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You break for lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 12 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION: You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you. You charge others for storing them.

A BRAZILIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You enter into a partnership with an American corporation. Soon you have 1000 cows and the American corporation declares bankruptcy.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You worship both of them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION: You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim full employment, high bovine productivity, and arrest the newsman who reported on them.

AN ISRAELI CORPORATION: There are these two Jewish cows, right? They open a milk factory, an ice cream store, and then sell the movie rights. They send their calves to Harvard to become doctors. So, who needs people?

AN ARKANSAS CORPORATION: You have two cows. That one on the left is kinda cute.

What is Politics?

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/jokes/bljokewhatispolitics.htm

A little boy goes to his dad and asks, "What is politics?"

Dad says, "Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I'm the breadwinner of the family, so let's call me capitalism. Your Mom, she's the administrator of the money, so we'll call her the Government. We're here to take care of your needs, so we'll call you the people. The nanny, we'll consider her the Working Class. And your baby brother, we'll call him the Future. Now, think about that and see if that makes sense,"

So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what dad had said.

Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parents' room and finds his mother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed. The next morning, the little boy says to his father, "Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now."

The father says, "Good son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about."

The little boy replies, "Well, while Capitalism is screwing the Working Class, the Government is sound asleep, the People are being ignored and the Future is in deep poo."

Friday, June 17, 2011

Daughter of Zion

-- Isaiah 62 –


A Time of Remembrance



Running to open arms which embrace her while kisses of mercy and grace touches the heart.

No realization of the magnitude of love that is shown.

O’ Daughter of Zion!


A Time of Transition


Growing in stature, learning about that which was taken for granted.

Maturity comes to the body, soul, and spirit.

O’ Daughter of Zion!


A Time of Preparation


Clothed in humility; Wisdom, a royal diadem on her head.

Patience, her footwear, accentuates her walk with purpose and poise.

O’ Daughter of Zion!


A Time of Presentation


Making a Difference; what opportunities abound!

What wonders to see! She knows her identity.

O’ Daughter of Zion!



Making it plain to the world through Truth

that “Daughter of Zion” is a “Woman of Great Faith”

O’ Daughter of Zion!



“Behold, thy salvation cometh.” --Isaiah 62:11

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Call to Action

For many years the American Public have been galvanized in calling for our leaders to focus more on solving country's problems, not political brickmanship. More and more Americans are awakening to the fact that our nation's future is not a game to be played like russian roulette. It's not a game, period. Enough is enough.

People may be cynical about our politics, critical of our leaders, and/or engaged in civic affairs to different degrees. However, many share one underlying truth, they are committed to America, not necessarily to a party, idealogy, or even a person. There's a realization (for some it may be subconscious) that this moment in history requires steady resolve to honestly, effectively deal with the complex challenges that we've have been grappling with for generations.

For years our politics have been dominated by the increasingly shrill voices of the ideological extremes. The rigidity -- the uncompromising posture have hindered progress and produced stagnation. Today, the still small voices of reasonable Americans who reject ideological extremism and seek pragmatic sustainable solutions to our challenges, are heard more --- resonating with cadence.

Leaders need to understand it's time to focus on the next generation, not just the next election. Media organizations need to realize and assume due responsibility towards encouraging understanding among populace. We, the People need to understand it's important to exercise the skill, active listening continually. Obstinacy and Extremism are not virtues; Tolerance and Moderation are not vices.

Indeed, the public itself has not measured up to fulfilling its responsiblity. Generally speaking, the public has become enablers in the dysfunctional processes of governance. We have not sought to be reasonably informed but are myopic in how we view problems and solutions. We have focused on poll-tested slogans and mantras. We have viewed issues as an ideological battle to be won not as practical problems to be solved (Example --- A Lonely Success )

It's time to really think about how we view leadership. Right now there are many people not really concerned at working towards pragmatic sustainable solutions of nation's challenges. Indeed, there are individuals who show themselves to be unprincipled. A principled individual actually is confident in what s/he believes that there is willingness and ability to forge reasonable compromise. Yet, there are individuals who continually show themselves to be divisive and irresponsible. Individuals who show themselves to be lacking in sufficient pragmatic understanding of the issues facing nation, the world. Individuals who show themselves not having mature understanding of leadership and certainly not exhibiting leadership. (Example --- China Warns US: "Stop Playing With Fire" On Debt Ceiling) and (Look Who’s Warning About the Debt Ceiling Now)

For years U.S. have engaged in a more combative, take-no-prisoners, foot-on-the-neck-of-opponents style of leadership in domestic and foreign affairs. The results have been increased contempt towards US by international community, reduced respect for US from international community, and US' general estrangement from international community; also domestically, there have been marked increase in bullying behaviors (schools, cyberspace, and workplace). It's time to examine how we view leadership. It's time to accept new 'leadership paradigm' as demonstrated by President Obama.

Leadership brings people together to work towards common purpose. To those who may scoffed at such a leadership style, it highlights the skills of leadership. Often, people focus on the accoutrements of leadership (e.g. positions, titles). The style of leadership that the president is demonstrating is more trustworthy because it's consistent with his character. Furthermore, it can be reasonably argued that such a style requires aptitude in understanding human behavior and motivations. It requires understanding the short-term and the long-term consequences of actions and decisions; it's visionary and transformative. It's indomitable strength. It requires being less myopic. It's pragmatic. It's flexible to unexpected challenges. It focuses on collaboration and compromise. It's inclusive and empowering. This is the type of leadership that the country needs at this moment in history, yes 'for such a time as this'.


It's time to call for leadership i.e. those individuals who understand the value, yes even the necessity of this new leadership paradigm. It's time for the more reasonable members of the public to support those individuals who exercise leadership skills, specifically the ability to compromise i.e. seek common ground in resolving differences. (Example --- Washington Post Op-Ed : How Medicare can be saved)

Unfortunately, the U.S. Congress has become mired in brinkmanship. It's time to call for review and reform of its processes which have hindered progress through encouraging intransigency. (How to Turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans)

It's time for a reality check. Americans across the political spectrum needs a reality check. We cannot solve our problems by adhering or even appealing to the old ideological dogmas of the past. It's time to make the hard choices between the immediate discomfort we're suffering now and the ongoing pain we will suffer for generations if we fail to deal pragmatically with our challenges. It's time for 'adult supervision'. It's time to administer 'tough love' not only to leaders of both parties but towards everyone in the nation. It's time to stop talking about responsibility and assume shared responsibility.

When the president goes before the American people and presents what we face as a nation if we fail to act quickly and prudently, then we will be on our way to ensuring our continual productivity. When the president goes before the American people for such a conversation, the call for action is for all reasonable Americans to step up and declare, " 'We must become the change we wish to see in the world.' [Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi] We're ready to be responsible. We appreciate being told the hurtful truth without any political slant. We will no longer listen to individuals who pander to our fears, prejudices, and bigotry. We expect our leaders to focus on acting in the best interest of the nation, not promotion of party or idealogy."


Call to Action


U.S. Senators of the 112th Congress --- Contact info (phone, fax, address, official website)


U.S. House of Representatives --- Contact info (phone, fax, address, official website)


The White House --- Contact info (phone, fax, address, official website)


Further Reading

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Annual Conference, June 14, 2011
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/BudgetAnnu

Enhanced Rescission Authority
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/HouseSessionPart117&start=5845

Commendation to No Labels Org for highlighting the Citizen Leader, people who exercise responsible leadership in their communities every day through service http://nolabels.org/about-us/citizen-leaders/

Track II (Citizen) Diplomacy
http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/track2_diplomacy/
Leader-As-Servant Model
http://www.greenleaf.org/whatissl/ and http://modernservantleader.com/

Why important?
http://modernservantleader.com/servant-leadership/why-servant-leadership-is-the-future/

Biblical Support: Mark 10:43

Monday, June 13, 2011

Sex is a Bitch



September 01, 1991
By Ann Landers.

Dear Ann Landers: In August 1988, you printed a bit of comic material that had been sent to you by a friend in Washington, D.C. You said, ``The author is unknown.`` The piece I refer to was about a dog named Sex. I am the person who wrote it. Will you kindly acknowledge this in your column?

Sincerely yours,

Morty Storm, Brooklyn, N.Y.


Dear Morty Storm: It is my pleasure to give credit where it is due. The piece was hilarious. I`m sure my readers who already have seen it will enjoy it again. Those who haven`t are in for a big laugh. Here it is:


A Dog Named Sex

Everybody who has a dog calls him Rover or Boy. I call mine Sex. He`s a great pal but he has caused me a great deal of embarrassment.

When I went to City Hall to renew his dog license, I told the clerk I would like a license for Sex. He said, ``I`d like one too!`` Then I said,

``But this is a dog.`` He said he didn`t care what she looked like. Then I said, ``You don`t understand, I`ve had Sex since I was 9 years old.`` He winked and said, ``You must have been quite a kid.``

When I got married and went on my honeymoon, I took the dog with me. I told the motel clerk that I wanted a room for my wife and me and a special room for Sex.

He said, ``You don`t need a special room. As long as you pay your bill we don`t care what you do.`` I said, ``Look, you don`t seem to understand, Sex keeps me awake at night.`` The clerk said, ``Funny-I have the same problem.`` One day I entered Sex in a contest, but before the competition began, the dog ran away. Another contestant asked me why I was just standing there, looking disappointed. I told him I had planned to have Sex in the contest. He told me I should have sold my own tickets. ``But you don`t understand,`` I said, ``I had hoped to have Sex on TV.`` He said, ``Now that cable is all over the place, it`s no big deal anymore.``

When my wife and I separated, we went to court to fight for custody of the dog. I said, ``Your Honor, I had Sex before I was married.`` The judge said, ``This courtroom isn`t a confessional. Stick to the case, please.``

Then I told him that after I was married, Sex left me. He said that`s not unusual. It happens to a lot of people.

Last night Sex ran off again. I spent hours looking around town for him. A cop came over to me and asked, ``What are you doing in this alley at 4 o`clock in the morning?`` I told him that I was looking for Sex. My case comes up Friday.

Origins and additions to this story http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/namedsex.asp

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Backsliding

Excerpts from October 18, 2010 Time magazine article ---
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2024234,00.html

"The Uncertainty Principle" By Zachary Karabell

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"Consumers don't believe the recession is over, businesses aren't hiring, and the stock market has been stuck in neutral, except for manic-depressive mood swings. But there is a bull market in uncertainty"

"The explanation of many businesses is blunt: We aren't hiring because we're uncertain about gov't policy"

"Well, poppycock. Large businesses aren't hiring for basic reasons. they are highly profitable even with fewer workers. They have spent billions on technologies that have made them more efficient and productive...Small businesses aren't hiring because economic activity is muted, consumers are paying off debts while saving more and spending somewhat less"

"The business community and its lobbyists and political allies --- Republicans mostly, with a fair number of Democrats --- don't want to acknowledge the real reason for the lack of hiring because that would make them responsible for solutions."

"The uncertainty mantra is yet another example of the blame game thas become endemic in American life. it's always someone's else's fault, and government makes an easy and familar target."

"The fault ...is in ourselves, no matter how much easier to point the finger."

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BACKSLIDING!

We're stubborn as a mule...everytime there are opportunities to move forward we 'back slide' seemingly unable to "resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long."










"It's time for media, pundits, leaders, and general citizentry to understand "the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works...What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world;" Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations...As hard as it may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may become, it's time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering our growth." --- President Obama

Napkin Thoughts

--- By Jenni Brown http://www.jennibrownwrites.com/2009/04/napkin-thoughts/

April 22

In my room I have a file. And in this file I have all sorts of “Scraps of Ideas.” They are napkins, receipts, bulletins, cards, or anything flat enough to write on when inspiration hits. I like to think of this file as the “harvesting ground” for my ideas. Inspiration comes to me in the form of little seeds. Inside the file, they grow and ripen into robust thoughts, so they can be plucked from the “Idea Tree” file and written down.

Earlier this week I was looking through the file for some places to go with this next post. I pulled out a scrap of napkin that had blue ink scribbled front and back. This napkin spelled out sudden clarity about my plans vs. Gods plans. In that moment, I clearly was understanding that:

1) I don’t always know best.
2) Sometimes uncomfortable change is good.
3) If you demand life only on your own terms, often times you will miss the point
4) God’s master plan in this whole life is to be an epic storyteller.


Not A Know-It-All

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that we don’t always know everything. The idea that you will always understand everything, and that you are never wrong is one of those thoughts that if you say it out loud, you sound selfish, conceited, delusional, etc, etc. HOWEVER, that doesn’t stop the deepest parts of us from trying to control it all anyway. We make calculations, speculations, collaborations, and even manipulations to try to make things go the way we think is right. Why do we do it? None of us really know – or I’m sure the answer is too philosophical to easily explain. But anytime you get a good dose of reality and realize that you don’t always know everything, and cannot control everything – it’s still a kick in the pants.


I’m Fine with Change, as Long as it Doesn’t Mess Up My Routine

I’ve said this before, but there is tiny Suzy-Home-Maker and a tiny Gypsy that live in my soul. And they are constantly at war. What I want for my life really depends who is winning the war at that moment in time.

The Gypsy wants to get tattoos, work at a bar, pursue writing and creativity, wear flowing skirts, travel the world, and loves constant change. The Home-Maker doesn’t love change. She realizes that moving might seem like a fun idea, but she hates unpacking boxes after a move. Tattoos seem hip and trendy, but corporate jobs don’t always want to line you up for a promotion if you have artwork from your neck to your knees. Moving overseas sounds great and adventurous, but often asks the more practical questions (what are we going to do for money, and what are you going to do when you come home?)

However, there are moments when the Gypsy is right. Where drastic change happens, the Gypsy rejoices and the Home-Maker throws a fit. It is uncomfortable, painful, and usually involves getting dirty in some physical or metaphorical kind of way. But if given enough time and perspective, and the Home-Maker is usually calling a truce and telling the Gypsy her favorite words “You are right, that change was much needed.”


Don’t Miss the Point!

When I lived in Thailand, I remember waking up one morning in a panic. I had a vivid dream, where one of my childhood friends was getting married. In preparations for her wedding, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, getting flowers, arranging people, coordinating the speakers and microphones, making sure the other bridesmaids were ready… In the midst of my planning panic, my friend came to me dressed in her wedding gown. I was covered in dirt and sweaty from the day’s work. She said, “Jenni, we’re ready to start. Why aren’t you dressed?” It was clear by the look on her face that my job for that day (as her maid of honor), was just to be ready with her. To be dressed, and excited, and prepared to accompany her down the aisle. And even though everything I was doing was good things, when it came down to it, I had missed the point of my job as her bridesmaid.

I walked around the rest of that week with these words burned into my mind, “Don’t be so busy that you miss the entire point…don’t miss it Jenni, don’t miss it.”

It was a wake-up call and a reminder that even though I had 100 students, and more than a million things to do, that wasn’t the entire reason I was there. I needed to love my kids. I needed to laugh with them, and play with them, and hug them and love them. That was the lasting part that would remain far after I was gone – not the fact that we implemented a health check system into the daily pre-school curriculum.

Even though I have been home now for a few years, I find that dream resounds true in so many other areas. If you demand life on your own terms, you miss the point. If you plan everything to death, you miss out. If you don’t learn to let go, relax, open your eyes and see the beauty in your current chaos, you could lose the most beautiful gifts that right under your nose.


The Epic Story Teller.

Last week after receiving an email from a prospective job opportunity indicating that they were going with someone else, I had a brand new thought when it came to my job search – “Is there something wrong with me?” Upon thinking this I knew I was breaking the carnal rule of job searching – it is NEVER personal. Jobs and business are all about matching my skills and experience with a company in order to maximize profitability and efficiency. It’s never about my identity as a person. But I went there, and I knew I was down a headlong rabbit hole that might be hard to get out of. Almost a week and a half later, I know that those thoughts don’t necessarily ring true, but I’m still struggling to get out.

I realize I have stopped hoping. I have begun to think that maybe there is something wrong with me. That maybe I will never get a job. That maybe I’m not cut out for my calling in life (Is that not the most morbidly depressing thought you’ve ever heard!?)

In a way, I’m angry with God. “God, why hasn’t this happened yet? Why do I keep praying and going on all of these interviews, and yet I’m still without work? How come you haven’t made something work out yet? This isn’t the way that I want it!”

And here is where my own past-thoughts come to kick me in the ass. Napkin thoughts are spelling it out for me that God is an Epic storyteller. Think Lord of the Rings plot line vs. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen take on San Francisco (straight to DVD).

And there is good news with God’s epic story. We know how it ends: God wins. And we are on his team. So…why is it that my current state seems so devastating? Oh right, because that is happening right now, and we don’t know what happens next.

But in the face of all of this, I know I have to hold onto the words on my napkin. That maybe God is doing more than what I am seeing right now with my eyes. That maybe these six months is going to be very important to me when I look back in a few years from now. That I still get an opportunity to be involved with something epic and majestic, even if it doesn’t look or sound like it at the moment. That yes, even though I still can’t say it with conviction, I will get a job that I love. Yes, I am talented and some employer will be lucky to have me.

And yes, things will be uncomfortable along the way. We will lose jobs, go broke, get in car accidents, have children with diseases, have our parents die, and possibly get divorces. That’s just life. That part doesn’t change. That’s part of the epic storyline.

But I’m convinced the ending is majestic. God wins. I’m convinced that we don’t feel jipped when it is all said and done. I’m convinced that we realize it was a beautiful story – and we’re glad that we got to play a part.

That’s a lot of ass kicking for one little napkin – four bullet points that have sufficiently changed my perspective down here in the rabbit hole. I have a hard time believing that I ever saw this clearly in the first place. It’s a pretty good thing I wrote it down. Doesn’t necessarily mean it gets any easier to climb out of here – I suppose it just gives me a reason to start picking myself up and keep on moving forward.

Grazing in the Dirt

This blog entry is a commentary on human propensity to be reluctant in moving towards Change that is more productive and satisying

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Grazing in the dirt.

Grazing in the dirt.

All we are doing is grazing in the dirt.


The shepherd, with his rod and staff, endeavors to lead us to other pastures green.

Stubbornly, we resist and seem so-o-o content at grazing -- just grazing -- grazing to the point that there is no more grass; oh my, we have grazed the parcel clean!




Grazing in the dirt.

Grazing in the dirt.

All we are doing is grazing in the dirt.



Stupid Sheep!


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The Nature of Sheep http://pjmiller.wordpress.com/2007/07/29/lord-of-the-sheep-psalm-23/

Sheep "can be some pretty head-strong creatures. Its one reason we usually see photos of Shepherds with both a rod and staff–both are needed to care for the sheep"

"The behavior of sheep and human beings is similar in many ways. Our mass mind (or mob instincts), our fears and timidity, our stubbornness and stupidity, our perverse habits are all parallels of profound importance."

Unreasonable Expectations

In recent years there has been a political shift that brought forth a tsunami-like populist fervor that has been determined that the 'mandate for change' would be duly fulfilled. As time passed by there have been doubts as to the feasibility of change, expressing whether the desired change is just 'unreasonable expectations'.

Oh, Really?

When a group of men gathered to declare independence and to construct a framework for governance, was it 'unreasonable expectations'?





When voting rights of African-Americans and Women were acknowledged by U.S. Government, was the struggle to secure the achievement just 'unreasonable expectations'?

When the nation came together to re-build the South after horrific devastation, whether it was a little more than a century or a week ago, was it just an exercise in 'unreasonable expectations'?

When immigrants cast their eyes on the Statue of Liberty for the first time as the ship entered the New York City harbour; When they disembarked at Ellis Island, did they have 'unreasonable expectations'?

When the light bulb was invented, the car, and the plane too --- was it the fruit of 'unreasonable expectations'?

When the President issued a challenge about space exploration, yes even landing on the moon --- was it 'unreasonable expectations'?

When the President challenged political counterpart to tear down a symbol of shame and division, was it an 'unreasonable expectation'?






When Health Care Reform was enacted on March 31, 2010 after 100 years of trying, was it just the result of 'unreasonable expectations'?




When budget was approved to avert a government shutdown, was it just 'unreasonable expectations'.

When the President declared, 'We will prevail' after being attacked by formidable enemy on our homeland.

When the President killed the formidable enemy that attacked US on our homeland, was it all just 'unreasonable expectations'





Is it just 'unreasonable expectations' to pursue the needed changes in our policies?

When states move towards open primaries to ensure everyone voice is heard in choosing our leaders, is it 'unreasonable expectations'?

Is it just 'unreasonable expectations' to pursue a National Comprehensive Energy Policy?; have a Education System that actually produces sustainable results?; and ensure that anyone who is in the country is present according to the law of the land? Is it 'unreasonable expectations' to expect pragmatic solutions to these challenges that we have been grappling with for decades? It it unreasonable?

Is it 'unreasonable expectations' for the public to expect leaders to behave in the manner whereby the nation comes before narrow interests of party or idealogical groups. Is it 'unreasonable expectations'?

Those who believe that pursuing these initiatives are 'unreasonable expectations, may be they are showing themselves to be just unreasonable.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Seeing Man as God sees Man

Five (5) lessons about the way we treat people

-- Selected -- Author Unknown

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor, in your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.


2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.


3 - Third Important Lesson - Always Remember Those Who Serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.


4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The Obstacle in Our Path.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.


5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts.

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away." Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.



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"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching."

Monday, June 6, 2011

Mutual Responsibility

Remarks by the President to the Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
February 7, 2011


"We know what it will take for America to win the future. We need to out-innovate, we need to out-educate, we need to out-build our competitors. We need an economy that’s based not on what we consume and borrow from other nations, but what we make and what we sell around the world. We need to make America the best place on Earth to do business."

"And this is a job for all of us. As a government, we will help lay the foundation for you to grow and innovate and succeed. We will upgrade our transportation and communication networks so you can move goods and information more quickly and more cheaply. We’ll invest in education so that you can hire the most skilled, talented workers in the world. And we’ll work to knock down barriers that make it harder for you to compete, from the tax code to the regulatory system."

"But I want to be clear: Even as we make America the best place on Earth to do business, businesses also have a responsibility to America."










"I understand the challenges you face. I understand you are under incredible pressure to cut costs and keep your margins up. I understand the significance of your obligations to your shareholders and the pressures that are created by quarterly reports. I get it."

But as we work with you to make America a better place to do business, I’m hoping that all of you are thinking what you can do for America. Ask yourselves what you can do to hire more American workers, what you can do to support the American economy and invest in this nation. That’s what I want to talk about today –- the responsibilities we all have -- the mutual responsibilities we have -- to secure the future that we all share.

Now, as a country, we have a responsibility to encourage American innovation.

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So we have faced hard times before. We have faced moments of tumult and moments of change. And we know what to do. We know how to succeed. We are Americans, and as we have done throughout our history, I have every confidence that once again we will rise to this occasion; that we can come together, we can adapt and we can thrive in this changing economy. And we need to look no further than the innovative companies in this room. If we can harness your potential and the potential of your people across this country, I think there’s no stopping us.

So thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America