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.

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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."

Part 1 --- Reasonable Risks

From Wayne Hale's Blog  ---

"During my travels I always carry a paperback to read. A book that I finished recently was a history (my usual subject) concerning some German emigrants to America in the 1840’s. Their story was entirely typical: conditions in their village had deteriorated and they were lured by glowing stories of the opportunities in the United States. So they sold their houses and all their goods and made their way to the port at Antwerp. Unscrupulous characters soon fleeced them. Broke and alone in a country where they had no resources and did not speak the language, the putative emigrants were forced to beg for food and shelter. Some died. A shipowner agreed to provide them passage to the new world in exchange for indentured service upon arrival. The ocean voyage was miserable, the crew was inept, they ran out of food, water, encountered storms, and about a third of the party died during the voyage. Shortly after arrival in port, a smallpox epidemic took another third of the company. The survivors were marched off to indentured servitude; the remnants of families torn asunder. Only the strongest, or the luckiest, survived."

"As I said, a story that was very typical. Few people made it easily to the "land of opportunity."

My great-grandfather was of German emigrant descent; that book could have been the story of his parents. I never knew him since he died before I was born, but I knew my great-grandmother, and I’ve written about her before."

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

"As a very young boy my parents would take me to visit her in central Oklahoma. As a young girl, she had walked alongside the family wagon as they moved west to new territory in search of land and a better life. Yet she lived will into her 90s and saw the beginnings of the space age."  

"And I had to wonder, as I thought of her and of the difficulties, dangers, and hardships of the pioneers who made this country strong, affluent, and powerful, do we still have what our pioneer ancestors had? My grandmother was old, small, and frail when I knew her. What shone through during those visits was a strength of character, a clarity of purpose, and a directness in communication that made you forget the frailty of old age. Her stark assessment of those pioneer days is still fresh in my memory: "The cowards never started, and the weak ones died along the way." She faced that hardship and danger and had a better life than if her family had not taken the risk to move west."

"What is it, I wonder, that has made America a great nation? Abundant natural resources are part of it. The availability of cheap labor was a factor. But other peoples have had cheap labor and abundant resources and have not succeeded in building a strong nation. I believe that it is due the American character; an innate optimism and the bold willingness to take on risks if they hold the promise of a better tomorrow. We have become the envy and wonder of the world not because of our wealth and power, but because of our character."

"My great-great-grandparents certainly had some appreciation of the risks they incurred by moving west, but they could not have fully understood it. They knew Risk in the Big Sense: danger, hardship, and death threatened their way: accidents, disease, wild animals (wolves, bears, and snakes), hostile natives, terrible weather, and the difficulty of travel through the wilderness, all of these they must have recognized. But the details would have been only vaguely understood. The details of hardship were of secondary importance, they knew the Big Risk well enough. They took what preparations they could, and they set out."

"My great-grandfather made mistakes; he literally lost the ranch in the great depression. But overall, they avoided the Big Mistake: not taking a worthwhile risk. Martin Luther once said "Sin boldly." That is not permission to do what you know is wrong, but it is an admonition not to be paralyzed to inaction by the prospect that you might be doing something wrong."

"Today we live in the luxury of their legacy. Our greatest hardship may be mowing the grass; our greatest risk may be driving on the freeway. These challenges just don't compare with what our great-grandparents faced every day. Have we lost the capability to weigh risk and reward, hardship and hope, difficulty and opportunity as they did?"

So the fundamental question remains, do we have those qualities that made our ancestors successful? Do we have the judgment to weigh it all in the balance? Do we have the character to dare great deeds? 

History is watching.

Further Review

George S. Patton --- "Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash."

Related Blog --- Built to Last

David Brooks --- Fair Shot

"Effort should lead to reward as often as possible. People who work hard and play by the rules should have a fair shot at prosperity. Money should go to people on the basis of merit and enterprise. Self-control should be rewarded while laziness and self-indulgence should not. Community institutions should nurture responsibility and fairness."

Article --- Risk-Taking and Leadership

Process

Vision = Process + Goal

"Where there is no vision, the people perish."  --- Proverbs 29:18

America is at a crossroads. There are many goals presented regarding national challenges, but what is needed is a national vision. It's not just what is done but how it's done. It's the process.

 

Complementary Partnership/Interdisciplinary Collaboration

 

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about reducing the debt/deficit, but the question is how do we do it?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about the quality of education in the nation, but how do we achieve excellence in education?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about environment preservation and energy independence, but how do we do it?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about fair trade policies, business growth, and job creation, but how do we promote it?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about homeland security and strong military, but how do we advance it?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about inadequate immigration policies, but how do we improve it?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about affordable health care for all nation's citizens, but how do we achieve it?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about the future solvency of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, but how do we ensure it?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concern about, believe strongly in the U.S. Constitution and its principles of freedom and rights, but how do we uphold its principles and maintain balance?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concerned about the role of government the effects and its effect on civil liberties, but how do we achieve balance?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concern about the socio-economically disadvantaged, youth, seniors, and other 'special populations' in soceity, but how do we address their needs?

• There are many individuals on both sides of the political spectrum who are concern about discrimination and human rights, but how do we achieve balance?

C'mon, enough of the platitudes and slogans that may make good sound-bites for media consumption but do not contribute towards realistic pragmatic solutions to complex problems.

C'mon, enough of just creating lists of talking points, principles, objectives, or goals.

C'mon it's time to understand vision... a vision that will lead US forward.


It's time to stop whining and complaining about our problems, and answer the question of ---

"How do we move forward towards realistic pragmatic sustainable solutions?"

Furthur Review

Related Blog: Understanding Vision

Related Blog: The Conscience of the Nation

Part 4: Significant Mothers (Mary)

Part 4 --- Significant Mothers (Mary)

There are Five Key Mothers of the Bible who provide understanding about many issues towards practical application. By no means is the following an exhaustive explanation. Be advised it just may whet your appetite for more.

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Mary is the Mother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21) Mary provides understanding of the relationship between law and grace.

Studying Mary provides:

• for an opportunity to develop deep appreciation for the significance of Hope.
• for an opportunity to develop confidence from knowing identity. 
•  realization that suffering serves a purpose and is a process.
•  realization that obedience involves submission and trust. 
• realization that there's a difference between authority and power.

Significant Point --- According to some theologians and lay Christians, 'The Transfiguration on the Mount' may offer insight into the dual aspects of Christ ministry.

Moses represents positional authority; declarative authority (predominant use of spoken/written word; social/public status) Elijah represents situational authority; expressive authority (predominant use of experience and understanding relationships) Though a person may express both authority types due to natural overlap, balance and discipline are required to be effective.

Significant Point --- When dealing with controversies involving the sect, Pharisees, it required balance and discipline between law and grace. Upholding the law is not just merely declaring the law, but adhering to the spirit of the law through principled understanding and practical application. This is the essence of empathy.

"Without Laws, there's Anarchy. Without Justice, there's Oppression."

Significant Point ---

Mohandas Gandhi: As a reformer he understood the principles of authority and the understanding how to use them. He was a man of principle. There was realization that advocating independence for India was not enough if British rule would merely be replaced by Indian aristocracy. He sought reforms that millions of Indians cared about and would actively support. There was realization that independence involves dignity of life. He gained understanding through his experience with villagers. As a result many Indians believed he was 'fighting for them'.  At times he had to rebuke people of his own ethnicity, yes even those in leadership, who were tempted to act in froward manner. There was demonstration of humility, yet through determination refused to succomb to fear and intimidation. There was balance expressed in submitting to British jurisdictional authority i.e. not resisting arrest while challenging the unjust status quo --- laws and practices; and the British right to have such authority over the Indians.


Martin Luther King Jr: As a reformer he understood the principles of authority and the understanding how to use them. He was a man of principle. At times he had to rebuke people of his own ethnicity, yes even those in leadership, who were tempted to act in froward manner. There was demonstration of courage when innocent children were killed, yet through determination refused to succomb to fear and intimidation. There was realization advocating for equality went beyond public accommodations. He sought reforms that millions of Americans cared about and would actively support. There was realization that equality involves dignity of life. There was balance expressed in submitting to American jurisdictional authority i.e. not resisting arrest while challenging the unjust status quo --- laws and practices; and the American right to allow such injustices.




Mother Teresa: She demonstrated talent for organizing people to act for common purpose. There was demonstration of courage and faith as she dealt with personal issues, yet through determination refused to succomb to fear and intimidation. She was a principled woman. Accolades were not motivator, but pragmatism and compassion. There was realization that value of every human is about the dignity of life.There seems to have been strong aptitude for more expressive authority.





Princess Diana: She demonstrated talent for inspiring people to act for common purpose. There was demonstration of courage and faith as she dealt with personal issues, yet through determination refused to succomb to fear and intimidation. Accolades were not motivator, insomuch many acts of compassion and goodwill were done in a manner unheralded by the media; without public fanfare. The motivator was principled pragmatism and compassion. There seems to have been strong aptitude for more delarative authority.






These two women seem to complement each other in terms of authoritative strength.

Further Review


Matthew 17:1-8  --- 'The Transfiguration on the Mount'

John 10:10 --- "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Book --- Governing by Network: The New Shape of the Public Sector
Authors:  Stephen Goldsmith, William D Eggers


Video: The Wave of the Future: Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Video: Making it Work

Building Partnerships

Part 1 --- Significant Mothers (Earth)

There are Five Key Mothers of the Bible who provide understanding about many issues towards practical application. By no means is the following an exhaustive explanation. Be advised it just may whet your appetite for more.

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Earth is the Mother of Creation. (Genesis 1) Earth provides understanding of the environment and science. Studying Mother Earth provides understanding of Man's identity, purpose, and responsibility. Indeed God gave Man dominion over the earth, but He also gave Man responsibility. The purpose of man is summarily expressed in the scripture, “Fear [Respect] God, and keep His commandment: for this is the whole duty of man.” Are we fulfilling our purpose? Through appreciation of creation, from awe and humility, there's realization that God is in control. There's opportunity to recognize the sovereignty of God.

Earth is a mother who is always 'pregnant' or in state of producing something, if not in one hemisphere then in another. This is not about the Gaia Movement per se, though there are shared principles. when a person understands this mother there is appreciation for human discoveries through science. the perception that the Holy Bible and Science are mutually exclusive or are always in direct contradiction to each other is reduced. the nature of any contradiction may be explained by what happens in court of law whereby witness gives testimony, but the listener is still left with the choice of whether to believe the testimony.

Significant Point --- There's biblical support for what scientists say about earth being billions of years, not thousands of years old. The bible never asserts the earth is just thousands of years old. the misapplication of the scripture (2 Peter 3:8) many Christians use to support such assertion actually contradicts the truth of god being eternal, not govern by time. The scripture is expressing that time is nothing with God. Just consider what is being expressed if a person should say, "This week is as a day, and a day is as a week."




Further Review

Related Blog: The Significance of a Mother

God is in Control

Psalm 19:1-3 --- "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."


"Exodus Decoded" --- A documentary that explores the scientific, historical, and archeological evidence and findings from interdisciplinary experts that seems to support the veracity of biblical account of Israelites' Exodus from Egypt, inclusive of the 'Ten Plagues of Egypt'.

The Significance of a Mother

During these perilous times it is nice to pause and ponder the biblical examples that illustrates “The Significance of a Mother”



Earth --- The Good Mother

(Psalm 19:1)

Philosophically, ‘good’ is defined as that which fulfills its purpose. The purpose of man is summarily expressed in the scripture, “Fear God, and keep His commandment: for this is the whole duty of man.” A good mother is one that fulfills ther purpose --- Recognize the sovereignty of the Lord God Almighty in spirit and in truth.



Eve --- The Mortal Mother

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

In today’s soceity, there are many tasks that a mother performs for her household. It is sometimes easy to forget the fact one is not ‘supermom’. It is beneficial to remember the common poem, “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.”



Rebekah --- The Troubled Mother

(II Corinthians 4:8-9)

There are times in the life of a mother when life circumstances cause one to become troubled in her spirit. Sometimes a mother just needs to talk talk to the Lord God Almighty in prayer. The Lord God provides such comforting words as “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”



Mary --- The Notable Mother

(Proverbs 13:15)

Many times mothers are not recognized for the many contributions to her household. Ceremonies, flowers, cards, and kind words may not be expressed towards a mother. It is a wise mother who is not focusing on obtaining the favor of man, but is focusing on obtaining the favor of God. A wise mother remembers the scriptures, “But without faith it is impossible to please God.” A wise mother is a faithful mother (full of faith).



Jerusalem --- The Adored Mother

(Revelations 12:1)

Taking time to pause and ponder the significance of a mother brings forth adoration and awe. A mother is blessed of God. A mother shares the responsibility of Productivity. A mother serves the Lord God with all her heart, mind, soul, and might. A mother should be edified when she remembers the scripture, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Rejoice! O mother, the Lord God Almighty shall not forget your labor of Love!

Part 2: Choice (Tar-Baby)

Related Blog --- Part 1: Choice (Pink-eye)


It's interesting that Planned Parenthood is an organization that touts a woman's right to choose yet the recent assault against Susan G. Komen Foundation may have a rippling effect on many organizations' capacity to choose its own destiny. It's a bad precedent. There's a major issue that should concern all organizations that engages in collaborative networks and partnerships: Organizational Autonomy.


Planned Parenthood has effectively, through intimidation and fear of public reprisals, has restricted the freedom of the Komen Foundation. Every nonprofit philanthropic organization should have the freedom to pursue, make changes in its policies specifically regarding partnership with other organizations that shows mutual respect and trust.

Planned Parenthood has violated that trust. The organization has achieved a pyrrhic victory insomuch it sent a message that if any organization (or individual) that associates itself with it in good faith, may not be able to exercise freedom of choice to disassociate without public reprisals.

Planned Parenthood has position itself as the proverbial tar-baby.

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. "

--Voltaire"

Further Reading

Implosion of a brand - The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation

Book: Governing by Network -- The New Shape of the Public Sector by Stephen Goldsmith and William D. Eggers

Part 1: Choice (Pink-Eye)

The assault of criticism against the Susan G. Komen for the  Cure foundation for its original reasonable decision that impacted future funding of Planned Parenthood is being credited for the reversal of Komen's decision. There are some individuals who may view Komen has having the proverbial black-eye after such negative public relations. Komen does not have a black-eye, but rather a more serious condition, pink-eye.
 
The public outrage against Komen for its duly exercise in policy formulation should call attention to the fact Planned Parenthood may have only achieved a pyrrhic victory. Indeed, the entire situation unduly politicizes philanthropy. The entire fiasco may have great impact on any philanthropic organization who duly makes any reasonable changes in its organization's mission, strategies, or policy. Komen will recover but Planned Parenthood  may not be able to distance itself from the responsibility of being the source of the contagion, pink-eye.



"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. "
--Voltaire


Further Reading

Implosion of a brand - The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation

Book: Governing by Network -- The New Shape of the Public Sector by Stephen Goldsmith and William D. Eggers.

The Measure of a Man

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

Adversity + Personal Response = Character

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

   

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water.

Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter.

'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

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May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

  

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Built to Last

Common Sense  provided courage to declare independence and pursue the truth --- America: Built to Last.

The foundational principles ensure support of the truth --- America: Built to Last

Political differences may produce civil strife, but enduring principles provides the stability and assurance of --- America: Built to Last.

Contributions from peoples of the world highlight the nation as 'beacon of hope' and strengthens the truth --- America: Built to Last.


World Wars, even fighting on multiple fronts couldn't dampen our determination to defend the fact --- America: Built to Last.
Terrorism and unabashed formidable enemies of the nation strengthen our resolve that 'we will prevail' and that 'we shall never forget' --- America: Built to Last.

Unemployment, economic insecurity, and social change perfected the state --- America: Built to Last.

America has faced many challenges over the years, domestically and internationally.
"We the People" are resilent and responsible, who above all things, believe --- America: Built to Last.



Further Reading

Unreasonable Expectations

The Myth of American Decline.

It's Common Sense

The intensity of ongoing public discourse concerning domestic and foreign policies reflects this definitive moment in history marked by the nexus of zeitgeist and opportunity. The ole' political arguments and maneuverings are no longer acceptable. The ideological posturing are no longer tolerated.

There have been much talk about 'The Exceptionalism of America'. Whereas America embodies many ideals and values that other countries aspire to, we should guard against selfish pride. Remember there's a difference between patriotism and ethnocentricism.

"When pride cometh, then cometh shame." --- Proverbs 11:2
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
--- Proverbs 16:18 ---

It's Common Sense!

If America is to be truly 'exceptional' (the 'city on a hill') in an enduring way, then it's time to put aside childish ways and thinking; really strive to be a more perfect (mature) union. It's time to sieze this definitive moment in history to do what we already know needs to be done in the best interest of America.

It's time to deal with reality (Newsflash! -- It doesn't mean looking at reality t.v. shows).

It's Common Sense!

TARP was an unfortunate necessity. It may have left an unpleasant taste in the mouths of many Americans, but it was the right thing to do. Ironically, in retrospect, it showed we can put aside politics/ideological differences and PUT AMERICA FIRST! It showed continuity of purpose.


It's Common Sense!

The Recovery Act was an unfortunate necessity; notwithstanding the extraneous provisions included in the legislation and given the circumstances, it was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Health Care Reform/Health Care Law was a social and economic necessity. The exclusion of the public option showed continuity of purpose with American ideals and values. It was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

The Auto Industry Bailout was an unfortunate necessity. It may have left an unpleasant taste in the mouth of many Americans. It strengthen manufacturing sector of U.S. economy, increased potential exports and job growth. It was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Financial Regulatory Reform is a social and economic necessity. It showed understanding of past shortcomings that precipitated crisis and willingness to be proactive in adverting crisis in future. Nothwithstanding, it's incomplete due to failure to deal with Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac and relationship to the Community Revitalization Act (as amended in 1990s). It was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Budgetary Process/Entitlement/Tax Reform is a national security, social, and economic necessity. Balanced and prudent changes are needed to reflect changing realities, deal with future challenges, and pursue opportunities effectively. It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Comprehensive  Immigration Reform is national security, social, and economic necessity. Balanced and prudent changes are needed to reflect changing realities, deal with future challenges, and opportunities effectively. America is a nation which values compassion and justice, not tyranny and repression. America is a nation which values law and order, not anarchy and confusion.

It's Common Sense!

Congressional Reform is a national necessity. The time and energy wasted on political games and maneuverings have produced much public ire and frustration against public servants, in addition to bringing the time-honored institution, the U.S. Congress to a standing of ill-repute. ("It doesn't have to be this way.") It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Presidential Leadership Reform is a national necessity. For years, Republicans and Democrats seem to have considered the president as a pawn and the presidency as a trophy. For years, there has been politicization of the presidency. It's time for all Americans to rethink how we view the president in relation to political parties.

Once an individual takes the oath of office, he owes no allegiance to politcal parties. His primary focus is what's best for all Americans --- Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Apolitical. Every administration should demonstrate a continuity of purpose in pursuing what's in the best interest of America. The president should not be constrained to accept/reject viable ideas based on political affiliation.

Furthermore, no party should be able to hide behind the president's favor/disfavor. Neither should the president be able to hide behind a party's favor/disfavor. It's time for more accurate assessment of presidential job performance. It's time for more independent accurate assessment of a party's ideas and vision.

At respective national conventions, EACH political party decides to offer its party's nominee or ENDORSE the president. It's time to reduce (though realistically not completely eliminate) the politicization of the presidency. It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Political Process reform (e.g. Redistricting, Open Primaries, Campaign Financing, Enhanced Rescission Authority granted to POTUS) is a national necessity. America may have lofty ideals and enviable values, but if our processes are adulterated by political shenanigans then America is no better than countries we consider to be despotic. It's the right thing to do.

It's time to clarify the practical and political role/functionality of such grassroot movements as TEA and OFA; specifically in regards to PACS/SuperPACS. Indeed, campaign finance laws need to be reviewed to ensure there's an accurate reflection of reality. No gaps or loopholes --- functional or otherwise. It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

The partisans and the ideologues on both sides of spectrum should realize the challenges we face are not insurmountable; the problems are solvable. We may not particularly agree with a certain polcy approach, but must use common sense. There are many reasonable Americans who are so-o-o-o tired of the political brinkmanship and our leaders' actions reflecting everything but sound judgment. Indeed, who has the judgment to lead?

Common Sense shows no preference to political parties or ideologies. Common Sense not only faces reality but deals with reality. Common Sense focuses not on the short-term, myopic quick-fixes, but on balanced pragmatic sustainable solutions. Common Sense accepts responsibility, not excuses.

It's Time for Common Sense!

Part 3 --- Independent President (America Works)

Related Blogs:

Part 1: An Independent President (Historical Review)

Part 2: An Independent President (Getting it Done)



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Interdisciplinary Collaboration/Complementary Partnership


“America works best when we work together " --- Tom Donahue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce


There's acknowledgment that Barack Obama (or any president) is in position whereby there may be contradictory objectives i.e. as POTUS and Head of a political party. What may be good viable idea is to not consider the president the head of any particular party.

The U.S. President, First Lady, and the White House Administration is Independent whose chief objective should be doing what's best for the nation not any particular party. Adopting this concept requires people to re-think how we view the relationship between the president and political parties.
Adopting this concept may reduce; though not completely eradicate the influence of partisan politics in the decision-making process of POTUS.


It doesn't matter what Chris Wallace or Chris Matthews says, POTUS is NOT the head of any political party. The president is nonpartisan. The moment when an individual takes the presidential oath he owes no allegiance to any political party. The president should be Independent...able to exercise freedom to accept ideas from varied sources without respect to political or ideological affiliation. The president's focus should be 'Is the idea good for America?' Period.


Too many times BOTH parties have used the presidency as a trophy or/and have 'pimped out' the president for own partisan purposes. It's time to change.


Indeed, 'We the People' may more accurately assess the 'job performance' of the president independently from the job of Congress and the public attitudes towards the political parties. The propose change may encourage responsibility among all leaders...reduce ability of all leaders to hide behind the goodwill/disfavour of the president...promote leaders' responsibility towards the People.


Indeed, it's time to change. It's time to judge EACH political party 's vision on its own merits. It's time to judge the members' of EACH political party performance on own merits. It's time to judge the president on his own merits. It's time to stop hiding behind the approval/disapproval of each other. It's time to accept responsibility.

One thing that should be emphasize is Citizens' Responsibility.

We ask alot from our leaders but often times we are not fufilling our responsibility...and it goes beyond voting. We need to be duly informed of the issues. We need to respect all points of view.

Indeed, We are the change we seek.

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It's time for An Independent President --- Someone who does not deny party labels but put them aside; put America first before party ideology.

It's time to have an Independent President who demonstrates personal integrity through pragmatism and understanding the responsibility of having Freedom

Freedom from Religion Guided by principles not prejudices

Freedom from Politics Being principled not partisan

Freedom from Family Being principled not personal

Freedom from Race Promoting principles not people

Freedom from the Past Promoting precedents base on principles not patterns

It's time to have a Independent President who not only understands Vision but actually has a coherent, steady common-sense vision that would continue to lead America forward.

Indeed "The pundits, the pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats."

It's time to support someone who believes as do an increasing number of reasonable Americans that enough of the political games and brinkmanship. 'In times like these' require that we live up to America's purpose. Act in accordance with realization that "there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America."

Part 2 --- Independent President (Getting it Done)

Related Blogs:

Real Reform ---> Real Growth http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGGCBZ 

Casting the First Stone
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGGCGg


Getting it Done

More obvious than ever before, President Obama seems to be a 'closer' i.e. finishing the business of previous administrations, both Republican and Democrat. Whether it's healthcare reform, War in Iraq and Afghanistan, Middle East Peace Process, Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Education and Energy Reform, and more.
 
It's not as easy as it may appear. Continuity of American principles and values must be maintained while moving the country towards real sustainable growth and security.

President Obama's character and leadership style is highlighted. The ability to be able to respectfully consider alternative opinions and views helps him avoid the problems of past presidents, Republican and Democrat.

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'We the People', generally speaking, recognize Obama is trying to act responsibly and principled in the best interest of all Americans actually demonstrating willingness to accept ideas from any source regardless of political affiliation ...few are actually listening to him though, so unfortunate.

Now, President Obama has shown willingness to address the misguided actions of Republican presidents like George Bush (43). The time has come that he must be willing to admit and acknowledged the misguided actions of Democrat presidents, like Bill Clinton. Really it may actually affirm why many people voted for him in 2008... Principled and Independent.

Now saying these things is by no means an attempt to disparage or otherwise disrespect any previous president or his administration, Republican or Democrat.

Part 1: An Independent President (Historical Review)

It seems as though the United States of America is beginning to live up to its purpose, more than 200 years since the inaugural of the first president in 1789. Now, the two parties, though evolved, have always highlighted significant differences in approaches to national challenges. The two parties serve admirable purpose in preventing undue ideological control of U.S. policies by any particular political party.

Notably, throughout the years, the presidency has been treated as a trophy and the president as a pawn by the political parties, Democrats and Republicans. What has been witnessed in American politics is the rancorous environment whereby there's a seemingly unwillingness of leaders to focus beyond party interests and rather more on the interests of the nation. Indeed it has affected the presidency and its occupant at any given time. The state of affairs has often constrained the president from acting responsibly in best of nation to move US forward.

It's time to have an Independent President who demonstrates personal integrity through pragmatism and understanding the responsibility of having... 

Freedom

Freedom from Religion Guided by principles not prejudices

Freedom from Politics Being principled not partisan

Freedom from Family Being principled not personal

Freedom from Race Promoting principles not people

Freedom from the Past Promoting precedents base on principles not patterns


"Independence - is loyalty to one's best self and principles, and this is often disloyalty to the general idols and fetishes." --- Mark Twain

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The president often must make decisions that may cause the progressive left to be despondently blue and the conservative right to be fiery red. In the last 3 years we have witnessed many decisions of President Obama actually infuriating the ideologues on the right and the left. When President George Bush addressed federal funding of stem cell research, his decision also was not fully acceptable to the ideologues on the right and the left. President Clinton has been called "the best Republican president we’ve had in a while” due to his pragmatic policy record i.e. 'he’s for free trade, he’s for globalization, he was for welfare reform, fiscal restraint'. Ronald Reagan also had policy stances that were unpopular with progressives and conservatives.

Throughout our history, there have been stark disagreements regarding policies, many are being echoed today. Yet, it really shows the strength of American Democracy when despite obvious fundamental differences in policy, the decisions of the U.S. President reflects a continuity of purpose. The aim of the president should be to act responsibly in best of nation to move US forward.

"Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."--- Colin Powell

There is a growing group of individuals, voters who wants to move beyond Red vs. Blue typology. There's understanding that the nation's challenges require pragmatic sustainable solutions not just ideological dogma offered by partisans in both parties. There's understanding no party has all the answers, but solutions which require pragmatic collaboration and principled compromise. Pundits have asked, Can Independents reform America? Well, the answer is yes and indeed they have already brought forth significant changes to American politics.

There may be some cynics and scoffers but Independents are not asking for our leaders to deny their party labels but put them aside and put America first before party ideology.

Indeed "The pundits, the pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats." Let's be clear, Independents are declaring, "Enough of the political games and brinkmanship. These times that we're facing requires that we live up to America's purpose. Act in accordance with realization that "there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America."

Further Reading

Can Independents reform America and unrig the system?

Obama and the Age of Unreason