Family Torchbearer

Family Excellence requires Torchbearers

Torchbearers involves responsibility; Moving from doubt, complacency/stagnation, and weakness; Moving forward through faith, work, and determination.

Light of Love

Showing unconditional positive regard towards everyone without partiality.

Family Genealogist Challenge Name at least 50 individuals who are displaying/have displayed the ‘Light of Love’.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Flame of Respect

Recognizing that everyone is equally esteemed (important) before the Creator without partiality.

Family Genealogist Challenge Name at least 50 Individuals who cultivates/have cultivated the Flame of Respect.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.




Torch of Unity
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit [of God] in the bond of peace."

Family Genealogist Challenge Name at least 50 individuals who bears the Torch of Unity of the Spirit [of God] in the bond of peace.


*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family History: It’s not a Trivial Pursuit!

In Pursuit Of Excellence

Develop a stronger sense of family

Bridge the gap between generations

Share special time with your loved ones

Make history come alive

Create opportunity for lifelong learning

Encourage organizational, planning, communication, logic,

problem-solving, and presentation skills

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

Now here’s a story of a lovely lady who met a very handsome man. One day they decided to marry and start the McElroy-Randolph Family...  

1. What is the name of this couple, the patriarch and matriarch of our family?

2. What date did they marry? What Location (city, state)?


Family Genealogist Challenge: Name the children according to birth order, with birth dates; and location (city, state) of their birth.

1. Who are Emily and Isaac McElroy?
Name their children according to birth order, with birthdates; and location (city, state) of their birth. 

Family Genealogist Challenge 

1. What is the maiden name of Emily? 
2. What is the maiden name of Ida? 
3. Name the siblings of Joshua Randolph.
4. Name the siblings of Isaac McElroy.

Family Genealogist Challenge    

Who is ‘Uncle See’? Who is ‘Snake Hips’? Who is ‘Reesie Cup’?
Who is ‘Uncle Butch’? Who is ‘Uncle Botchie’? Who is ‘Partner’?
Who is ‘Sister’? Who is ‘Uncle Nip’? Who is ‘Uncle Jake’?
Who is ‘Ole Mother Goose’? Who is ‘Gene-o’?
Who is ‘Good Man’? Who is ‘Thumb’? Who is ‘Papa White’?
Who is ‘Big Mac’ Who is ‘Ike’? Who is ‘Rae, Rae’?

Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 individuals under the age of 18.
Name at least 25 individuals between the ages 18- 40.
Name at least 25 individuals between ages of 35-60.
Name at least 25 individuals over the age of 60.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 individuals born 1960-1980 who have obtained a high school diploma.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge 

Name at least 25 individuals born 1960-1980 who have obtained college degrees.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge

1. Name at least 2 individuals who have achieved the scholastic honor of salutatorian and/or valedictorian of their high school.
2. Name the person who worked for the Lieutenant Governor/Governor of Kentucky.
3. Name the person who worked for an Indianapolis mayor.
4. Who was a participant in a beauty pageant?
5. Who was homecoming queen in high school?

Family Genealogist Challenge

1. Name at least 25 individuals who have developed/managed a business.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 people who have served/serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Name each individual’s branch of service, years of service, and current rank or rank upon discharge.

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

 Family Genealogist Challenge 

Name at least 25 people who plays/played a musical instrument. 

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

 Family Genealogist Challenge

Name at least 25 people who participates/participated in high school sports. 

*At least one-half (50%) of your list must be names of individuals who reside outside your state.

 Family Genealogist Challenge

1. “Rise Peter, Slay and Eat” was a common phrase quoted by this person.
2. Who regularly asked the question, “Has anyone ever told you I love you today?”
3. The John H. Randolph loved the song/ballad, ‘John Henry’. Recite the lyrics and/or sing the song, ‘John Henry’. Explain the story of John Henry and how it applies to the Family's pursuit of excellence.

Web of Deceit

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive."

The controversy involving Mitt Romney and his employment at Bain is the proverbial game-changer in election politics. Individuals, on both sides of issue, seems to be effectively asserting their positions based on perception of the facts.

The controversy is a relevant and serious issue. What is the truth? What is the basis of Mitt Romney's arguement?

An interesting fact is the severance agreement from Bain that was finalized in 2002 and retroactive to 1999.

At first glance, it seems when Romney signed the oft-mentioned SEC documents, it may have been legal, initially. Furthermore, Romney's propensity to have it both ways seems to have resulted in all of his words and actions being in direct contradiction to each other.

Significance of Romney's Pattern of Obfuscation ---

• Calls attention to the 2002 gubernatorial race and the MA Ballot Law Commission hearing thereby presenting legitimate questions about the legitmacy of Romney's gubernatorial candidacy/election.
• Calls attention to 2012 Wisconsin primary and the legitimacy of its results.
• Calls attention to allegations  regarding the legitmacy of results in other 2012 Republican primaries 
• Makes it more likely that the 2012 Republican Party National Convention may be brokered or contested.

The controversy seems to involve more than inconsistency and lies. The issue seems to include multiple incidents of fraud, perjury, and de-legitimization of the U.S. electoral process. Indeed, what has transpired is about more than employment tenure at a company. This controversy involves actions that may be regarded by historians as having potential to be a bane of U.S. democracy.



Mitt Romney needs to provide answers to legitimate questions in a straight forward manner.

Further Reading

Forum Post: Romney Tax Returns '98-'01 -- Perjury, Fraud & the Mass. Ballot Law Commission

Romney's 2002 Testimony and Romney's Evasiveness

Mitt Romney Bain Capital Document Lists Him As 'Managing Member' In 2002

Account of Romney's Bain departure has evolved

Romney admits he lied about MA residency

Tools for Justice

Forbes: Romney Needs to Answer 35 Questions

Video: Romney Needs to Answer 35 Questions

Valuable Lesson

Author: Unknown


"A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the crowded room of more than 200, he asked, ""Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started to go up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple up the dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were  up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind  it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you all have just learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what i did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happen or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him."

Hope

Hope is the encouragement that gets you out of bed when all you really want to do is burrow under the blanket instead

Hope sees positive Change when the situation looks despairingly bleak; When needed most it provides strength when you are weak.

Hope is seen in a child's eyes, it's 'wonder of the possible' --- that takes the naysayers by surprise.

Hope is leaders who pursue progressive responsible change, not defending an ineffective status quo; Going beyond complacency towards new frontiers of opportunity where many dared not go.

Hope is common sense solutions to challenges facing the nation: Deficit; Energy; and Education.

For we are not a people that do wail as victims of circumstances nor do we quit; We live our destiny; rising up and putting on our strength which is responsibility.

When a crippling financial crisis ravished the land, Hope's cry resonated from businesses and individuals saying , "Yes, We Can!"

For out of many, we are one. We are Democrats and Republicans; Conservatives and Liberals; Christians, Moslems, and Atheists too. We are the United States of America.

Hope is You.

The Hallmark of Excellence

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect... but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus... Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." --- Phillipians 3:12-13; 4:8

 

It's not about achieving a goal. The scriptures records numerous examples concerning the importance of not just whether there is a completed work altogether, but the quality of the work. It's not about mediocrity but excellence i.e. presenting the best 'fruit of your labors' unto the Lord God. The scriptures , specifically Psalm 8, rcords 'the name of the Lord God is excellent'. The scripture, Colassians 3:17 records that everything that man does in word or deed should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Practically speaking, everything done in word or deed should meet the approval of/be in accordance with the Lord Jesus Christ, the expressed character of God. Understand. If a man does or says something in the name of the President of the United States, their words and actions would meet the approval of or be in accordance with the character (the way things are done) of the President of the United States.

The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is excellent i.e.e above all things; above the President of the United states. therefore, as ambassadors of Christ (II Corinthians 5:20) man should be committed to do everything in word or deed in the name of His Excellency; in accordance with His character/meeting His approval, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Almighty God.

"Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think , according to the power that worketh in us." --- Ephesians 3:20

Some people may be able to produce 30-fold, 60-fold, or 100-fold. The question is, 'are we willing to work to the best of our God-given abilities or do we settle for less than our potential?' Remember, medicrity just happens, but excellence requires diligence and effort.


Further Consideration


Paul Tsongas --- "America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor."

In the Glass

The Guy in the Glass

by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934


When you get what you want in your struggle for self,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.


Further Review

Related Blog:  Part 3 ---  Move From the 'Hood

Pre-Approved for a Blessing

Numbers 23:8, 20 --- How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?...Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it."

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

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph had intimacy with his father

Israel, his father loved Joseph

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph received coat from his father

Joseph received dreams from God

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph was rebuked by his brethren

Joseph was rebuked by his father

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph's brethren sought to destroy him

Joseph's brethren cast him into pit

Joseph's brethren sold him for profit

Joseph was brought to Egypt

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph's brethren lied to father about actions

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph became servant of Egyptian

Joseph was prosperous

Joseph became overseer over master's house

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph resisted and fled seduction

Joseph's character was impugned

Joseph was cast in prison

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph obtained favor in sight of prison keeper

Joseph prospered in his actions

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph received understanding to interpret dreams

Joseph received understanding to prophesy

Joseph was remembered

Joseph acknowledged  God for receipt of understanding

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph received promotion; authority

Joseph received wife; begat two sons

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph help Egyptians, brethren in time of need

Joseph fogave brethren, had fellowship with them

Joseph restored fellowship with his father

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph's progeny was blessed

Joseph's brethren was blessed

Joseph was blessed

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Joseph was preserved

May meant it for evil; God designed it for good

God is in control; It's a set-up for a blessing, a miracle.

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

The vision is for an appointed time

It may seem improbable, impossible

It may cause heartache, misunderstandings

It may cause scorn, rebuke

It may cause rejection, betrayal (deception)

It may cause malevolence, imprisonment

It may cause the impugning of character

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

You may not see the vision, though it's clearly evident

It may seem slow in manifestation

Yet it shall be be manifested

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

You cannot curse what God hath blessed!

Selah.

 

Further Reading

Romans 8:28 --- "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 

II Timothy 2:15 --- "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Music Video --- All Things Work Together

 

Meeting S.A.R.A.H.

This message is addressed to every individual who is dealing with personal loss.

Please accept this post as an offer of due sympathy and prayers as you deal with your loss.

Celebrate the Life.
Continue to reflect on the memories that have become as valuable as frankincense.

Let the Memories remind you of Life.
Let the Life remind you of God.
Let God remind you He is your Comforter.

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

There may be days when the sense of loss may be overwhelming.

Remember S.A.R.A.H.

'And it came to pass'...not to stay.

A reminder and encouragement that challenges can be faced and overcomed by understanding Loss through Meeting S.A.R.A.H.

Allow me to briefly explain the Meeting...

S --- Shock, Stunned disbelief to an event.

A --- Anger. May be directed towards self, family, friends, bureaucrats, bureaucracies, and God.

R --- Rejection of social network and/or support. May involve denial.

A --- Acceptance of Reality. Involves understanding and reconciliation of issues. Develop new capacity to cope constructively with Loss.

H --- Healing. Using newly acquired knowledge and coping capacity to produce and/or promote general awareness and understanding.

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

Now, from personal experience, though it has been more than five years, there have been times when I've reached for the phone to call my dearest friend, Katrina. Suddenly, I found myself Meeting SARAH once again. Yet as time passes, the frequency of the meetings are reduced and the intensity of the meetings are diminished. Loss is inevitable. Dealing with it is optional and requires a person 'Meeting S.A.R.A.H.'


SARAH is written in loving cherished memory of Katrina Jones who died in 2005. Hopefully, this may edify and encourage you to meet all challenges moving forward.




Further Reading


Related Blog --- Surviving the Devastation of Loss

Surviving the Devastation of Loss

Five years later there's reflection on surviving the devastation of hurricane Katrina. I'm not referring to the devastation of loss experienced by the residents of New Orleans/Gulf Coast. I'm talking about the devastation of loss experienced by myself in the death of my dearest friend.

Katrina. We have been friends for over twenty years. there have been positive and not-so-positive times. We didn't always agree on everything. As we moved through normal life transitional events the preservation of the friendship was not due to daily contact or geographical proximity. the bonds of friendship strengthen through intimacy i.e. psychological connection based on an ever-increasing understanding of and respect towards each other.

When I received the news of her death there was utter shock, anger, and disbelief. Without exaggeration, suddenly the world seemed so different; yes, the sky, trees, and everyday routines. Everything seemed surreal. Like a hurricane that brings forth damaging floods, the death of Katrina brought forth flood of emotions that was truly unsettling.

Now five years later renewal is taking place --- Faith is replacing disbelief; Serenity is replacing anger; stability is replacing uncertainty. In the wake of Katrina, there's realization that though her absence is felt greatly, life is all about resilience. This realization is confirmed through her friends and family as they pursue their aspirations, acting with courage to care deeply and love completely again.

The movie, "Beaches" starring Bette Midler is a nice, though not complete illustration of our friendship throughout the years. There's a reminder that I have truly been blessed to have had such a friendship in my lifetime. As the bible records that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the the soul of David so it seems as though my soul was knit to Katrina; for I loved her as my own soul.

May the devastation of loss bring forth the encouraging words, "I Will Survive" so that it may produce the testimony, "I Am a Survivor".

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

"Never Would have Made it"

by Marvin Sapp

Further Reading

Related Blog --- Meeting S.A.R.A.H.

Representing Hoosiers

Senator Richard Lugar.

 Hoosiers across the political spectrum have truly benefited from his long years of public service. There have been a enduring sense of pragmatism in his approach to governance. This is evident in the development of the plan, Unigov, re-organization of city-county government as mayor of Indianapolis. The pragmatism is shown through forging compromise with opponents thereby impacting residents' governing power in the towns of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport, and Speedway. 

As U.S. Senator, his wisdom and principled understanding increased his stature and level of respect received from his colleagues across the political spectrum. Lugar's office was always very responsive to questions and concerns to his constituents. Richard Lugar is among the ranks of Sam Rayburn, Everett Dirksen, and William Fullbright, legislators who served in U.S. Congress with integrity and honor. Indeed, 'We the People' need more such individuals.


"In times like these" when the nation is faced with serious challenges domestically and internationally, it's more important than ever to have individuals in U.S. Congress who are NOT ideologically intransigent. Indiana's closed primary disenfranchised many reasonable Hoosiers in being able to choose suitable representation for Indiana.

Indiana is often viewed as a 'backward' state, in a complacent sort of way. Yet, its past has shown Indiana wants US to move forward. What matters most is pragmatic sustainable solutions that support coherent Vision. There's little understanding of the fact Indiana has shown willingness to elect Democrats and Republicans to public office at every level of government. In the past, Indiana is often viewed as a 'fly-over' state and Hoosiers' vote is often taken for granted.

Appeal to Senator Richard Lugar: Please strongly consider registering as a write-in candidate and give the majority of reasonable Hoosiers the opportunity to be able to choose suitable representation for Indiana. Indeed, Lisa Murkowski has shown that (1) governance should not be further corrupted by ideological intransigency. (2) There may not be agreement on everything, but we still must work together. (3) The voice of a few ideological extremists should not muffle the voice of reasonable people. Again, Please strongly consider registering as a write-in candidate and give the majority of reasonable Hoosiers the opportunity to be able to choose suitable representation for Indiana.


Richard Lugar truly is a worthy mentor for leaders; a statesman





Further Reading


Adam Kirsch , Executive director, Marion County Democratic Party --- "Lugar, more than any other Republican senator over the past three decades, has secured America against the deadliest weapons on Earth. If we yield to the stubborn ideology that compromise is a dirty word, Congress will continue to gamble with American lives. Foreign policy leadership takes a willingness to act in the best interest of American safety. Whether the strategies behind nuclear disarmament come from the GOP or the Democrats shouldn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that they worked."


Harry Reid Statement   --- "His first priority has always been getting things done for the American people, whether that means keeping the world safe from nuclear war or looking out for Hoosiers back home."


John Kerry's Tribute --- "This is a tough period in American politics, but I’d like to think that we’ll again see a United States Senate where Dick Lugar’s brand of thoughtful, mature, and bi-partisan work is respected and rewarded. That kind of seriousness of purpose should never go out of fashion."


Indianapolis Star Editorial --- "Lugar brought his expansive mind-set to Washington, where he established himself as a bipartisan bridge-builder, a master of foreign affairs and a leader in the most domestic of affairs, agriculture...History will tell; and history, by any reckoning, will vindicate the half-century of public service rendered by Richard Lugar."


Michael Vandeveer, Former Mayor of Evansville --- "I viewed Lugar not just as a Republican but as an outstanding example of bipartisanship in what now has become a bitter, politically divided chamber...partisan politics has limits when it comes to governing. Richard Lugar was a living testament to that belief."


Letters to Editor, Indianapolis Star ---

Rachel Demaree --- "Sen. Richard Lugar embodies a motto that I have carried with me; that one should always have a mind to work and a heart to serve...representing Indiana like a true Hoosier with dignity, class and that signature hospitality." 

Wynn and Dick Tinkham --- "Nobody in public life cared more for every person within his reach as mayor and senator or tried harder to find the right path for his city, state and country than did Richard Lugar.


Richard Lugar's Biography


Did you know...


Before Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move' Initiative, there was the annual Dick Lugar Health Fair and Fitness Festival and Lugar's Community Run, Walk.

Make it Personal

FULL TEXT --- Luke 24 --- Road to Emmaus; John 20 --- Meeting Mary


Luke 24:13-16; 30-31; 35 --- "And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him...And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him...And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread."

Now in recent weeks the world celebrated and commemorated  the most significant event in the judeo-christian tradition: the Cruxifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Like many years before, after all the pageantry and lessons learned there may be scant attention given to what happens after the events that may provide insight.


Notice as they walked on the road to Emmaus, the followers of Christ were walking and talking among themselves about all that had happened yet didn't know Jesus when he came near unto them to walk with them. Even after Jesus spoke unto them scriptures they knew him not. It wasn't until Jesus engaged in the act of fellowship that they understood and knew him. They recalled the impact of Jesus' words upon their heart.

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

John 20: 11-16 --- "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master."

Notice that Mary saw Jesus face to face and talked with him, yet she didn't know him until he called her by name.

**********

These two episodes convey that we may talk about God amongst ourselves and talk to God in prayers fervently, but it's only when the encounters becomes personal that we show forth that we know God.

We Know God Through the Knowledge and Adoption of His Character

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

--- II Timothy 3:12 ---

 

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."

--- I Corinthians 11:26 ---

Partaking of the Bread --- Adopting Attributes.
Partaking of the Cup --- Adopting Actions

• "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus"
• "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup"

Knowing Jesus

• "shall suffer persecution"
•  "ye do shew the Lord's death till he come"

Further Reading

Breaking Bread

The Burning Heart


Related Blog: Water, Kiss, and Oil

Related Blog: The Standard

Philippians 3:10-14 --- "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Related Blog: The State's Plate

Video: Now I Know Jesus For Myself

Mississippi Mass Choir ---  "It's Good To Know Jesus" 

Hezekiah Walker --- Do you know Jesus?

Beyond Religiosity

Blunt Force Trauma

Over the past three years we have seen the 'silly season' morphed into the 'crazy season' of politics.
Republicans seemingly willing to march off the far-right edge of politics due to sustained wound caused by the bludgeon tool, 'ideological purity'.

There have been irrational and erratic behaviors that have affected all policies from taxes, trade, social security, to international relations and defense.

Blunt force trauma.

Further Reading



NYTimes --- Severely Conservative Syndrome

Video --- Memories to Last a Lifetime

Contrasting Responses

Though certainly not exact, candidates' words and deeds during a presidential campaign may provide insight about their priorities.

During 2008 presidential campaign, John McCain showed himself to be a man who values respect, even to point of rebuking own supporters who engage in the use of inappropriate rhetoric against Barack Obama. Spokesperson from the Obama Campaign responded saying, "It is a sign that if there is a McCain-Obama general election, it can be intensely competitive but the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues." Later Barack Obama returned the favor by rebuking Wesley Clark for inappropriate rhetoric against John McCain.

Now, in 2012 we have another presidential campaign where there have been ardent supporters for the candidates engaging 'inappropriate rhetoric'. There is noticeable contrast in response between President Barack Obama and the presumptive Republican Party nominee, Mitt Romney as to how the candidates respond to own supporters' inappropriate words. Some pundits may say it's risky to rebuke own supporters. Many reasonable people in America believe it's common sense. The willingness to take reasonable risks reveals much about character.

Fulfilling presidential duties involves more than reviewing the Daily Presidential Briefing. Fulfilling presidential duties involves taking reasonable risks to ensure that the time honored promise of America, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" is upheld for everyone...in spite of disagreements and differences.

So it's pertinent to take note of the candidates' willingness to take reasonable risks for the common good.



Further Review

From 2008 --- McCain touts respect over rhetoric --- Excerpt: "There's a difference between rhetoric and record, but you can still be respectful," McCain said to one questioner. "I will point out his record and I will do it with respect."

From 2008 --- McCain rebukes and repudiates Bill Cunningham

From 2008 --- Barack Obama rebukes Wesley Clark

ThinkProgress --- Romney's Response to Rush Limbaugh vs. Hilary Rosen

Contrast in Response --- President Obama vs. Mitt Romney

Taking Note  ---  When Absolute Repudiation is Necessary

Related Blog:  Part 2 --- Reasonable Risks

Martin Luther King Jr. --- Rebukes Own Race

"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone."

Part 2 --- Reasonable Risks

One thing is certain in life success is not guaranteed. Every day we must make choices that involve risks, some are big and some are small. There may be risks to our finances, reputation, and self-confidence if result is failure. Indeed, people are influenced by environment, however, a healthy sense of self comes from knowing that a person does have personal locis of control. Such awareness is helpful in reducing liklihood of being overwhelmed by environmental stressors and allowing for better decision-making when confronted with complex challenges.

The willingness to take reasonable risks reveals much about character. The willingness to take reasonable risks shows not only confidence, but promotes resilence in the face of failure and reflects the Productivity Principle.


Throughtout history, it's clear America's character is rooted in the idea of taking reasonable risks. From Christopher Columbus who sailed the ocean blue to the Early Settlers who came later too. Regardless of the reason the various groups came to America, the journey involved reasonable risks.

Dolly Madison took reasonable risk not just when she preserved a national treasure, but like Abigail Adams, was truly a pioneer for Women Equality. Her interest and engagement in political affairs was beyond expected norms.

Abraham Lincoln managed crisis when the nation was ravaged by regional divisions and war. He faced reasonable risks for preserving the union.


Reverand Martin Luther King faced reasonable risks not only to himself but also towards his family. He suffered at the hands of fellow African Americans who allowed fear and doubt to reign in their hearts and mind.

Reverand King understood the scripture, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." King understood the risks and boldly declared, "Like anybody, I would like to live a long life...But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man!"

Thomas Edison, Graham Bell, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg revolutionalized how we interact with one another. Success was not guaranteed and involved reasonable  risks.

Many presidents took reasonable political risks in the course of fulfilling duties.

Probably the most salient examples include:
John Kennedy --- Cuban Missle Crisis
Lyndon Johnson --- Civil Rights Act
Richard Nixon --- Inaugural Trip to China
Gerald Ford --- Pardon of Richard Nixon
Jimmy Carter --- Middle East Mediation
Reagan --- Tax Reform
George Bush Sr. --- Persian Gulf War
Bill Clinton --- Welfare Reform
George Bush Jr. --- TARP
Barack Obama --- Authorizing Raid of Osama Bin Laden's Compound in Pakistan

In all these examples, it may not have been clearly evident that such actions would lead to desired outcomes; success. The willingness to take reasonable risks in the face of uncertainty is salient.

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

Now, there's a candidate in the 2012 presidential campaign (oh, let's not be coy, it's Mitt Romney) who is touting his experience in business as a relevant factor qualifying him to be president. Well, let's examine his business experience. What is meaningful for the subject of this blog is the excerpt of the book, 'The Real Romney' by Michael Kranish and Scott Helman, Boston Globe reporters (as read on 'Last Word with Lawrence Show')

"Bain -- Bill Bain proposed Romney would become the head of a new company to be called Bain Capital, with seed money from Bill Bain and other partners at Bain and Company. Bain Capital would raise tens of millions of dollars, invest in start-ups and troubled businesses, apply Bain's brand of management advice, and then resell the revitalized companies or sell their shares to the public for a profit. "Romney explained to Bain that he didn't want to risk his position, earnings, and reputation on an experiment. So Bain sweetened the pot. Bill Bain guaranteed that if the experiment failed, Romney would get his old job and salary back, plus any raises he would've earned during his absence. "Still, Romney worried about the impact of his reputation -- on his reputation if he proved unable to do the job. Again, the pot was sweetened. Bain promised that if necessary, he would craft a cover story" -- a what? "He would craft a cover story saying that Romney's return to Bain and Company was needed because of his value as a consultant." So what did Mitt Romney risk in starting this so-called small business that he really didn't start? Absolutely nothing, not a penny. As Bill Bain explains it in "The Real Romney," quote, "there was no professional or financial risk," end of story.

Mitt Romney has shown that he clearly would not only mislead the public, but willing to do and say thing to obtain a position...as long as he is substantially immune to even reasonable risks himself. Now the business community, including Wall Street investors should take this as an affront.

The question may be asked does Romney think he is or should be guaranteed unfettered success and by default entails no responsibility for failure? The most important question should be is Romney a business leader or an opportunist?



Further Review


Related Blog --- Part 1 --- Reasonable Risks

Philippians 4:13 --- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Romans 8:18 --- "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Richard Cohen --- Mitt Romney's Business Plan

The Weekly Standard --- The Risk-Averse Romney

Opportunist --- "Unprincipled resourceful person: somebody who takes advantage of something, especially somebody who does so in a devious, unscrupulous, or unprincipled way."

Connecting-the-Dots

“Connecting-the-Dots” is more than a political catch phrase. “Connecting-the-Dots” is more than a child’s activity. “Connecting-the-Dots” involves the ability to see relationships between two ideas or concepts.

 “Connecting-the-Dots” is the basic foundation of learning and is dynamic process. For example a child learns to connect the concept of ‘dog’ with the features ‘four legs and a tail’. As the child matures and is introduced to new information s/he learns to connect additional features to the concept ‘dog’ and differentiate it from other animals. Learning how to read using phonics utilizes this skill. Learning the rules of grammar utilizes this skill. 

“Connecting-the-Dots” forms schemas i.e. provide order to and understanding of environment.

“Connecting-the-Dots” reflects the functioning of the human brain. “The corpus callosum is the main transverse tract of fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres…The primary function of the corpus callosum is to integrate motor, sensory, and cognitive activity between the left and right hemispheres.” The corpus callosum facilitates complete understanding of environment

“Connecting-the-Dots” promotes logic and pragmatism. “Connecting-the-Dots” promotes respect for diversity and civil discourse by encouraging specificity not generalities. “Connecting-the-Dots” reduces rigidity or myopic thinking and bigotry. Gandhi and King showed practical understanding of the skill when they pursued not only freedom but social justice in their respective countries.



“Connecting-the-Dots” is mental discipline. “Connecting-the-Dots” is the process to achieve mental discipline. The residue effects of the achieving mental discipline is the ‘American Dream’.   

“Connecting-the-Dots” promotes innovation and progress. Wilbur and Orville Wright utilized the skill when they developed the idea, ‘airplane’ by considering the relationship between birds and machine.   


“Connecting-the-Dots” is useful in providing solutions to complex challenges. Individuals, Businesses, Nonprofits, and Governments  are successful when they are willing and able to adapt to new realities through effective use of this skill.


Further Consideration


A Strategy for American Innovation



Look at the chart and say the COLOuR not the word

           
YELLOW       BLUE              ORANGE             BLACK           RED                GREEN

PURPLE         YELLOW       RED             ORANGE       GREEN           BLACK

BLUE              RED                PURPLE             GREEN           BLUE              ORANGE


Left-Right Conflict --- Your right brain tries to say the colour but your left brain insists on reading the word.


What is the missing number in this series?

37, 10, 82           29, 11, 47          96, 15, 87          42, ?, 15

Answer:  6 --- The middle number is the sum of the first two and the last two numbers.


Turn the word "THINK" into "BRAIN" by changing one letter at a time - each new word must be a real word.

Answer:

THINK
THICK
TRICK
TRACK
TRACT
TRAIT
TRAIN
BRAIN  

Connect all the dots by drawing a line without raising your pencil or crossing any lines.

.   .   .                 

.   .   .              

.   .   .              

Hint: The solution requires going beyond the ‘box’ paradigm