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There‘s a very fine line separating living one‘s (own) life in one‘s own manner and (properly) managing one‘s life accordingly.
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Discordant (human) emotions are oftentimes the result of conflicting designs that drive an individual to distraction or despair; individuals who have lost sight of themselves; that is to say, of their intended purpose, that render their lives uncertain or without meaning.
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Self-Development is a distinctly unique process that, when managed properly, completes the requirements of Character by assessment, reflection and taking corrective action.
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…….. an individual may sometimes engage in conciliatory alliances between formal conventions and artificial (behavioral) constructs driven by impulse rather than essential designs…fashioning a hybrid identity that can no longer be properly called its own…………
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……….the moral elasticity of ―modern‖ societies defining the manner a society chooses to either define or transform itself as prescribed by the ―times,‖ liberated by variable designs or unshaken by ―popular‖ traditions, reinterpreting or bringing to task the legitimacy of (erstwhile) creditable customs and practices, great civilizations laid to rest, the mercurial fortunes of the vanquished, of rudderless societies that have ceded their moral and intellectual authority…
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……..when (the) judicial interpretations of constitutional laws consistently run counter to original intent or are interpreted in a manner seeking to promote some ―hidden‖ (political) agenda, inevitably paves the road towards civil disobedience…
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Should sound moral character be a civic requirement for higher political office, or any elective office for that matter? If an office seeker is perceived to be immoral in his or her private lives, should that individual‘s character deficiencies override the potential for good works?
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Consumer spending conditioned by ―easy credit‖ will one day leave the taxpayer with an enormous tab to settle…….unfortunately not 54the recklessly extravagant who have grown accustomed to living beyond their means…or off their inheritances.
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America‘s ―expanding‖ middle class is merely an artificial construct synthesized by the fusion of ―easy credit‖ and arbitrarily defined (economic) assumptions. The ―growth‖ of the American middle class is generally defined by its spending habits and adopted lifestyles rather than capital or income. The buy now pay later approach to consumer spending has provided many families opportunities to imitate extravagant lifestyles that many could not otherwise afford if left to their own resources. A car in every garage and a television in every room is the stuff that middle-class dreams are made of! It is questionable, however, in light of diminishing incomes and job displacements precipitated by the emergence of cheap(er) labor from across our borders and the outsourcing of jobs overseas, not to mention a bubbling economy, that American families will be able to sustain its frenzied lifestyles once that bubble bursts.
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Income disparities are not troubling per se, nor should they be, provided that increases in marginal family income(s) (based on performance) are comprehensive and that every (qualified) individual enjoys fair and equal access to market opportunities as they present themselves. (During periods of low unemployment, the lower monied [sic] classes have historically enjoyed the highest―marginal‖ gains in disposable income.) Problems arise, however, when economic opportunities are discriminatory. Such is, quite rightly, likely to provoke (social) unrest.
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I feel that it is only natural that a parent should expect a reasonable rate of return on his or her ―investment.‖ Cold-Blooded as this may sound, parents have a vested interest in the future success of their children; especially parents who have dedicated a great deal of time, emotional capital and… money, on their children‘s spiritual, moral and intellectual development. Although it may be personally rewarding to see one‘s child financially secure, it is equally, (if not more so), important that that child develops into a model citizen, an example for others to follow, a kind and thoughtful human being, considerate of others and of sound (moral) character, an individual who serves his or her family, friends and the community in which he or she lives and works, with distinction. There is no placing a price tag on such exemplary qualities that, in my estimation, are the hallmarks of a truly ―successful‖ individual. These parents, I would argue, have much to be proud of!
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The principal characters of our (early) youth, whether they be family, relatives or friends, especially those we have come to love dearly and who have left indelible impressions in our lives, are perceived in a wholly different manner as we grow older; where the confluence of a child‘s eyes and an adult‘s recollections seems to add ―something‖ that we might have otherwise overlooked as children but have come to appreciate (more) as adults. It makes one pine for another opportunity to become better acquainted with them.
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As our bodies gradually begin to grow weary and are no longer able to hold their own against younger lions, let us sit back and pursue the fruits of Wisdom, instead.
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History should never be judged by contemporary standards lest we fall off the ―shoulders of giants.‖
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The Articles of Confederation were conceived as a federation of ―United‖ States with each state retaining its own sovereignty and independence apart from assigned powers (otherwise) delegated to the federal government. This arrangement was a concession to skeptical opponents of centralized forms of government. Such fears were justified, in part, by the legitimate concerns of an incipient nation engaged in a war of independence against the British Monarchy. The ―Articles‖ were created by chosen representatives from each of the states to secure the freedom, sovereignty and independence of an emerging nation. This system of government was unworkable, however, for a variety of reasons, not least of which was the federal government‘s inability to promote a national agenda, or any meaningful legislation for that matter, which might otherwise conflict with local interests. Government resolutions, requiring ratification by nine of the thirteen states, were, because of hardboiled regional rivalries and parochial prejudices, virtually impossible to adopt. In the final analysis, the main reason for its failure centered on the federal government‘s inability to levy taxes during times of national emergency or for public works or in order to advance the nation‘s burgeoning commercial interests. Such powers assumed far greater importance at a time when our fledgling nation was especially vulnerable to political intrigues foreign and domestic. I mention this to raise a point: that this form of government failed at a time when the American People, with few exceptions, were socially homogenized in the manner of language, culture, custom, habit and style, and, despite some variation in scriptural interpretation, predominately Christian in their outlook. In other words, its citizens, sectional differences aside, shared a common identity; that is to say, they were Americans. Of course, it was a different nation back then; a nation alienated by distance rather than ideology. I find it ironic, however, that while Americans have been brought closer together in time (and space), we appear more ideologically estranged in a manner unthought-of two centuries ago. I wonder whether as a nation we aren‘t slowly gravitating toward an ideological federation of sorts, prompted by our increasingly diverse customs and beliefs.55
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The (very) notion of democratic egalitarianism smartly presented and artificially conceived, operating under ―level‖ playing conditions, is discouraging, despite the occasional emergence of exceptionable talents and genius. A society striving toward mediocrity by imposing checks on creative and innovative designs, while advancing ordinary talents to the detriment of meaningful social and intellectual progress in favor of the status quo for the benefit of individuals possessing low to average ability or who are otherwise indisposed to develop their underlying potential for whatever reason(s), trivializes genuine achievement lest it offend lesser aptitudes or indifferent attitudes.
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Inquisitive travelers have transformed themselves into rural curiosities or ―intrusive‖ neighbors.
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Circumstances and Events may oftentimes change however Human Nature remains an enduring Constant.
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How is it that the absence of mail disappoints us, even some unsought for advertisement or unwanted invoice?
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The scarcity of intelligent designs and absence of original ideas in both house of congress characterizes the sophomoric attitudes prevalent in modern politics.
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Unimaginative concepts in automotive design(s) have rendered most automobiles, even higher-end models, extraordinarily common in appearance unlike the classic styles and elegance of yesteryear.
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With few notable exceptions, perhaps, the most anyone can hope for is an approximation or likeness to Truth, not Truth, itself, however.
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The time has come and gone when a rough estimate of a worker‘s paycheck may be determined by the color of that person‘s ―collar.‖
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Language is the cornerstone that defines a Culture.
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Reality concedes certain advantages to Art, whose (creative) boundaries are endless, at liberty to move freely and explore imaginary venues without regard to either space or time , where the laws of nature need not apply and irrational designs may (routinely) supersede logic and reason; whose artistic expressions need only answer to its own purposeful intentions.
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Talent is either an acquired or natural aptitude; that is to say, it may be either acquired by the steady application of one‘s (own) determined efforts or quickened by natural currents. Although talent and its subsequent rewards(s) is praiseworthy, special consideration should be given, however, to individuals who have had to work (especially) hard in order to achieve their stated goals.Where (the) more accrues in greater proportion from (the) less, so much greater the fall of nature‘s select in proportion to their aptitudes and abilities; however greater the rewards.
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The ―best‖ player is not necessarily the most ―valuable‖ as in MVP (Most Valuable Player). An MVP candidate should be properly considered in relation to his or her supporting cast or (incremental) value whose overall value marginally exceeds all other values considered separately and whose (own) remarkable value (or contribution) is otherwise conspicuous by its presence or absence.
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What has come to be understood as ―jury nullification,‖ I believe, will remain a permanent fixture in the manner prospective jurors are now selected. A judicial system overwhelmed by rampant crime and civil law suits fueled by real or imaginary racial/ethnic grievances, coupled with its lackadaisical application of the law(s), are not lost on attorneys eager to exploit such grievances by recruiting and manipulating prospective jurists from the ―community‖ who might prove (potentially) sympathetic to their argument(s).
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…………..when assimilation is no longer a national requirement…much less adapting to unfamiliar environments…or unreceptive to a (host) nation‘s customs and traditions …(especially) its language… when that nation seeks to accommodate ……by adopting the 56customs and manners of immigrants…no less…(notably) their language… when that nation is unable or unwilling to preserve the integrity of its own (besieged) culture…(especially) its language…once that nation begins to embrace globalist (sic) designs, such intentions must inevitably sound the death knell of that nation as it was formerly understood….
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One of the keynote speakers at the 1996 Republican Convention was a paraplegic, a decorated New York City police officer gunned down in the line of duty and permanently disabled as a result of his gunshot wounds. Appropriately enough, the officer‘s (McDonald) underlying theme centered on urban crime. His message was one of forgiveness and hope for the future. Not to be undone at their own convention, the Democrats countered with a disabled keynote speaker of their own, (Christopher Reeves) a fine young actor and quadriplegic whose acting career was tragically cut short after suffering spinal injuries after falling off his horse at an equestrian event.These shameless acts of gamesmanship by both political parties, especially the Democrats, for their questionable timing, typifies the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of both major political parties willing to shamelessly exploit the misfortunes of individuals for political reasons. An even greater tragedy, perhaps, is the manner some individuals will allow themselves to be exploited for five minutes of fame by presenting themselves as political props at political conventions/rallies resembling three-ring circuses.
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America should seriously reassess the decrepit condition of its rapidly decaying interstate highways, many of which have grown exhausted, if not (functionally) depleted from wear and tear; dysfunctional anachronisms that are seemingly unable to meet the commuter requirements of rapidly expanding populations. This is especially true in highly congested (urban) areas where commuter travel has assumed nightmarish proportions. Rush hour, in particular, has returned commuter travel to the horse and buggy era, unfair as such comparisons may appear, since carriages, and horses, for that matter, did not break down as frequently as the (modern) automobile. Such comparisons further fail the litmus test of motorists frustrated and demoralized by mental exhaustion. (Road Rage) If I may indulge a science fiction fantasy for a moment, I envision a day in the foreseeable future when an elaborate, computerized transportation network transporting travelers in ―PODS‖ atop elevated guideways will become a reality. This program will be contracted by public and private interests who will assume joint ownership rights in this collaborative effort designed to (efficiently) usher commuters, travelers and shoppers alike to their appointed destinations without (much) fuss or bother. Although this highly sophisticated and financially prohibitive and ―impractical‖ venture may appear ‖implausible‖ to some, the reduction in stress-related travel, increased quality time, higher productivity at the workplace and the system‘s ameliorating impact on our environment (already) under enormous stress, not to mention our nation‘s increasing dependence on foreign sources of oil, may very well offset the cost(s) associated with this awesome undertaking. (George Jetson)
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was/is a military alliance established by the United States and Western Europe during the early years (1949) of the Cold War to secure and defend, through a system of ―collective defense,‖ democratic nations against Soviet (Communist) expansion ideologically opposed to principled notions of Liberty and Freedom. Recent events, however, have revealed a very disturbing trend; extending membership to ―former‖ antagonists whose ‖democratic‖ institutions and putative reforms remain problematical and its designs, (largely) untested. Such nations, I believe, should be treated with caution until evidence of good will has been properly determined lest the ―Trojan horse‖ achieves its global objectives by continuing to discredit and undermine liberal democracy within the framework of assumed alliances. Without common cause united by common principles and where the organization‘s respective members remain ideologically polarized, such overtures should be reproved by sensible nations whose global mission should be promoting (world) peace and advancing the cause of Freedom. NATO is unsuited for rogue nations lest it (too) devolves into a meaningless and (utterly) ineffective organization similar to the United Nations, for example, that has transformed itself over the years into an assembly characterized by corruption and (political) intrigue, parochialism, (national) self-interest, political posturing, factionalism and unstable alliances with openly hostile, refractory nations opposed to Freedom.
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While I was working on a Stephen Foster tune on the piano the other day, I noticed that the word ―darkie‖ was conspicuously absent from the (original) lyrics. Such ―denials‖ are symptomatic of a politically correct society utterly determined to refute the past by sweeping ―offensive‖ expressions under the carpet and making believe they never existed rather than acknowledging that such indiscretions….however distasteful to (modern) sensibilities….were once common….and that it is what it was….. and that it‘s (now) time to move on with our lives instead of rehashing the same (old) formula.
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It may be a bad omen that Conservatives are losing the ―Cultural War‖ when well mannered individuals quietly concede inappropriate behavior that many would otherwise find offensive within their own private circles. A fear of being labeled ―closed minded‖…has conditioned a disturbing tolerance for disagreeable behavior that has seemingly lost its shock value; an essential requirement for any well-ordered and mannerly society.
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If it tastes good, it must be unhealthy!
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57A thought about palimony: Whenever a woman, of her (own) free will, chooses to enter into a relationship of convenience with a man, a celebrity let‘s say, and that relationship subsequently sours, for whatever reason(s), (as is so often the case, the man in question has grown tired of the woman), and the women seeks compensatory emoluments for ―services‖ rendered or alleged physical abuse or
―mental cruelty‖ (here we go again!), the woman or surrogate wife has either proven herself a victim of her (own) poorly conceived designs or her (own) short-sightedness. Such an event should serve as a thoughtful reminder the next time she is ―propositioned.‖ That woman should firmly insist on a wedding ring,….no ringy no nooky!…. if not to ensure her (own) financial security, then for the sake of her (own) dignity and self-respect. Should the ―gentleman‖ in question veto her proposal, that woman should seek other domestic accommodations and throw the bum out!
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In the absence of persuasive moral arguments does the end justify the means?
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Man is not the celebrated ―noble savage‖ oftentimes characterized in Roussaeuian literature that underscores questionable faith in Man‘s natural goodness, but an uncivilized one tamed by conventional manners and rules of law.
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Regional (Presidential) Primaries may offer a partial solution in staving off the (disproportionate) influence of parochial designs on political candidates stumping the campaign trail by allowing them to carefully outline their positions on issues of national importance without undue pandering to special interest groups. How many voters or lobbyists in Colorado, for example, could give a shoot about the milking industry in Vermont? On the other hand, every voice has a right to be heard. The present process, however, is overwhelming, time consuming and oftentimes, dishonest. Fifty states, fifty campaign promises that are impossible to keep, doesn‘t appear feasible nor would any reasonable person expect it to be.
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That the Present is constantly redefining itself provides meaning to the expression ―the Future is now,‖ in the manner in which it has become progressively anticipatory. (Yeah, I‘m lost as well!)
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Most of us are average people; of average (intellectual) capacity, of average outlook and of average dispositions. I do not say this condescendingly as I too fall in that broadly defined category of what I refer to as average, ordinary people. Some of us are average because of limited opportunities or social conditioning, by the choices we make or our inherent makeup. The exceptional among us are few and far between. Traditional Populism understood the limitations of the ―common‖ man; cynically appealing to common sentiments through demagogy and ―catch-all‖ politicking designed to get out the vote by ―connecting‖ with the ―people‖; the factory worker or farmer, for example. Political oratory was embellished however simple in style. It appealed to passion rather than reason. It was neither pedantic nor donnish; over-stated on a number of levels, perhaps,………….everyone enjoys a good show every now and then……however delivered in a manner that oftentimes resonated with the uninitiated. Such overtures, depending on the (underlying) designs of the speaker and the receptiveness of his audience, could be incendiary and volatile at times, not unlike (the) rhetorical expressions that pass for populism in our own times. The country was much simpler back then. Oratorical gamesmanship played well with crowds that were less sophisticated……perhaps (even) more so than what one might encounter today, as difficult as it may be to imagine. Horse or common sense resounded well among agrarian and industrial segments of the population; especially backwater, rural areas or inner cities populated by blue-collar workers, immigrants and transients. Although I am not entirely certain where I‘m heading with all this, it appears to me that most politicians on both sides of the political spectrum, perhaps more so among Conservatives, often display an annoying tendency of intellectualizing social and political points of arguments; that is to say, of talking over an audience rather than to that audience in a manner that resonates with average people. Every (political) movement, of course, requires its pundits. For Conservatives, a William Buckley, for example, to help define the moral and intellectual climate of conservative viewpoints. It also requires a Phyllis Schaffly, however, to clearly articulate those positions to less erudite, average audiences unlikely to have read ―God and Man at Yale.‖ The Conservative Movement, I believe, has yet to fully recognize the vast pool of potential converts, people who are principle conservatives in their everyday lives yet are seemingly unable to define themselves politically because their values are not being properly reinforced by the ―mainstream‖ media or are not being ―targeted‖ by conservative groups, including members of the Hispanic and African American communities, who, aside from their voting ―habits‖, are otherwise socially conservative in many respects. These individuals need to be ―nurtured‖ by simple, straight-talking ―folk‖clarifying traditionally conservative social ideologies that are unambiguous and intuitively understood however seldom reflected in polling booths. The African American and Hispanic Communities, in particular, are two such groups that offer an untapped source for Conservatives seeking to advance principle traditional values.
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Knowledge lacking perspicacity is analogous to striking a book of matches without first understanding the principles of fire.
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An Intellectual Coward, oftentimes encountered among the ranks of our political leaders, however becoming increasingly common among politically motivated senior management corporate (types), is an individual who side-steps or evades difficult controversial 58positions that he or she may privately support; that many perceive, however, to be at variance with ―popular‖ opinion… and what is even worse, vigorously championing such positions by embracing them as their own!
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Sport is a mesmerizing distraction. Give the people sports and turn their attention away from unforeseen, consequential events that may inevitably impact their lives!
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The foods that we eat should not be subject to gastronomic scrutiny as if some life or death proposition were weighing in the balance.An individual should acquiesce to the demands of his or her own appetite provided that such (private) decisions properly fall within the requirements of a well-balanced, nutritional diet…….although it‘s permissible to indulge every so often!
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The prophet Moses, upon receiving the Lord‘s Commandments on Mount Sinai, was instructed (by God) to return to the people and proclaim His Laws inscribed in ―stone‖. He soon discovered that, during his uncertain absence, the people had morally corrupted themselves (of their own volition) by pledging their allegiance to Baal. ―These are your gods O Israel, who brought you up and out of Egypt.‖ Secularism, in modern times, may be properly considered the (metaphorical) false idol superseding the God of ancient traditions. Indifference to customary (religious) attitudes is a cause of grave concern; especially among practicing Christians and (Orthodox) Jews alike who perceive the gradual erosion of the underlying principles and teachings of proud (religious) traditions and its demoralizing effect on society; of Christians and Jews in name only who are routinely abandoning their churches and synagogues while shedding their religious customs and beliefs in alarming numbers to worship before the alter of the ―golden calf‖.
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In view of the fact that vehicular congestion on our major highways, especially during commuter rush ―hour,‖ understood as falling between the hours of three and eight at night, has become a common, everyday event that seldom seems to vary, why not simply pre-record radio (traffic) advisory updates, revising them every so often whenever some unlikely event should happen to occur such as the miraculous absence of traffic!
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Reconciling the past in an (intellectually) honest… forthright manner… embracing… without bias or prejudice… or colored by revisionist designs… its remarkable achievements… as well as its inherent failings…. however troubling to present sentiments…that no society is immune to sin…….faithfully regarding its legends or myths…..however narrowly or broadly perceived…that typically defines a society and its culture… nothing more or nothing less… while arousing the imagination….making possible ―things‖, possible… that is a good thing….a hopeful sign… while coming to terms with its traditions…. that form the basis for the future…approaching it with an open mind…. with an eye towards things to come….although…for some, perhaps…that is only natural… or selective memory or (post) determined arrangements or conveniences designed to appease troublesome assumptions….. rather than instruct .... neither should any progressive society purposely seek to undermine or underestimate….the historical limits of its traditions… that for better or for worse…. have made that society what it is and… what it hopes to become… that its historical conventions… receive a cordial reception… however considered… irrelevant… by present standards… (whose)… propositions are/were (however) ill-conceived or improperly managed… if in fact they were/are…. that society should seek to inject vitality… and meaning to novel expressions.... without rocking its customary foundations… the requirements of an evolving society…..operating within the proper limits of change.
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(Social) Conservatives are a nomadic group in search of a (political) home. Although Conservatives may be found among the ranks of both major political parties, shifting political and social alliances in recent years suggest a preference for the Republican Party; in whatever many of the rank and file have been oftentimes marginalized by Republican Party leaders. Although this ―group‖ is routinely characterized by the ―mainstream‖ media as right-wing fanatics, this enigmatic contingent, commonly referred to as ―swing voters,‖have, more than any other ―political‖ group, perhaps, decided the (recent) outcome of national elections. Widely pursued by both major political parties, this ‖faceless‖ group consisting of (social) synergies comprising a vast number of individuals from every walk of life, represent what President Nixon referred to as the ―silent majority.‖ Many came out in record numbers to support Mr. Nixon‘s presidential candidacy (1968) although once in office, his casual indifference, if not outright rejection of conservative principles, and the voters who supported them, betrayed the confidence of his faithful followers who had come to expect so much from him. Years later, President Bush (1988) would similarly disappoint them, although his breach with Conservatives was not entirely unforeseen by poli