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Saturday, September 24, 2011

Building Bridges

[To the tune of 'London Bridge is falling down']

America's Bridges are falling down,
falling down, falling down
America's Bridges are falling down,
It's Time to Build Bridges

Americans are willing to work
willing to work, willing to work
Americans are willing to work
Building Bridges

Now let's get it done
Get it done, Get it done
Now let's get it done
Let's Build Bridges



Monday, September 19, 2011

The Conscience of the Nation

"Always let conscience conscience be your guide."   --- Jiminy Cricket



There have been a lot of discussions about the most responsible way to achieve greater fiscal stability and economic growth. Many reasonable people acknowledge the need to cut spending not just in the area of Defense, but Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security. Many reasonable people acknowledge the need for higher taxes. Is it not unprecedented that there's public consensus regarding such 'sacred cows'? Is the nexus of zeitgeist and opportunity enough that we will sieze the moment to propel US forward?


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"Cowardice asks the question, "Is it safe?" Expediency asks the question, "Is it politic?" And Vanity comes along and asks the question, "Is it popular?" But Conscience asks the question, "Is it right?" And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right."   --- Martin Luther King Jr

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

So Let It Be

"Many prayer services and memorials will take place to remember the events of 9/11 and honor the memories of those who died and the heroic efforts of many citizens 10 years ago. I offer this meditation as we observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11:"

"Let us remember those who died as victims of terror, each of them an image of God, a universe of hopes;"

"Let us recall with gratitude, the heroism and courage of the first responders;"

"Let us remember the compassion and altruism of ordinary citizens who turned to help both strangers and friends;"

"Let us bring gifts of faith, justice and mercy to all who yearn for comfort and renewal;"

"Let us reject prejudice and violence against those who believe differently, dress differently and speak differently;"

"Let us combat stereotypes and refuse to speak or accept words of hatred and acts of intolerance;"

"Let us build bridges of civil conversation in order to create a just and caring society for all;"

"Let us rekindle hope and trust and let us dream of and labor for a time of understanding, harmony and solidarity;"

"Let us strengthen the hands of those who defend and the hearts of those who labor for peace;"

"Let us renew our commitment to the values of democracy, "to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for all."


Written by Dennis Sasso, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis.

[Read full column here ]

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Learning the Soul Food Lesson

Originally posted here

Part I: 'Soul Food' Lessons http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGMyJK

"As the country moves gingerly towards economic recovery, we should ask ourselves 'What lessons have we learned?' For many of us (individuals and businesses) it may have been the first time we had to adjust to utilizing meager resources to create something that is satisfying. In my opinion, the best thing we could do is learn the 'Soul Food' Lesson."

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In the 1980s, everything was big, big, big....more, more, more. There were big hair, big cars, more houses, more money. The excesses came to a halt in the 1990s when 'thrifty' became the goal 'downsizing' became the process of many businesses. It was an opportunity to pursue a vision for America that would've allowed us to be more competitive globally and maintain sustainable economic growth. It was a beginning.

Yet, generally speaking, we faltered and became complacent. We didn't fully learn the 'soul food lesson'. The measures taken to make our families, businesses, and organizations more efficient were painful, but produced savings. However, instead of building on the more efficient processes i.e. developing new technologies/products for the future while expanding into new markets; as soon as we begin to see positive economic growth again we piled on the 'excesses' that were cut and making us less competitive and productive. So what have we learned this time?

Now, we are faced with similar challenges. Cutbacks are being made in order to bring about more efficiency and productivity. Do we go back to old habits? It's like an obese person who has lost weight. After the initial thrill of experiencing the weight loss and the benefits that come with it, s/he must guard against reverting back to ole' habits that contributed to weight gain. So what have we learned?

Have we learned the value of relationships and to appreciate the unique contributions of others? Have we learned perennial life skills such as discipline, budgeting, time management, creative but practical problem solving, flexibility, and adaptability? Yes, the 'soul food lessons' we should learn concerns developing the ability in utilizing meager resources to create something that is satisfying.