News?

As regular readers may be aware, I watch (and have linked to) The Ridgewood Blog and now its new "arch-rival" Ridgewood Views. Although the latter claims to be a more "civil forum", it actually has merely become a place for disaffected readers of the former to go to bad-mouth the moderator of the original Ridgewood blog. On both blogs, there is a discussion of the value of blogging and whether or not it qualifies as news.

I would like to examine that for a minute. In my humble opinion, I would say that both (as do all blogs) qualify as a "news" outlet. After all, if your next door neighbor leans over the fence and tells you that the neighbor across the street fell off the front porch because she was drunk, and the ambulance had to come and take her to the hospital, that's news. It may not be completely factual. It may be that the reason the woman fell was because she was stung by a bee and missed the step trying to get away, or maybe she was indeed drunk. Either way, she was taken away by ambulance and that is news.

Both versions tell you of the main fact, but the background information (drunk vs. sober) is suspect. You would decide on whether to believe the neighbor's interpretation based on what you know of the reporter's affiliation (how does she feel about the one across the street?) and their past history (does she have a history of exaggeration?). If you don't have this information, then you cannot judge the veracity of the information.

Please understand, ALL news outlets have an agenda!! It is not possible to be human and not report from a certain point of view with certain assumptions. This is the fallacy of the supposition that ABC, NBC, CBS, AP, FoxNews, CNN, and all the rest are unbiased. They cannot be!! This was demonstrated in the recent story on MSNBC showing that a large number of journalists donate to candidates of their choice (mostly to the left). In my opinion, that is their right, they just need to let us know. Quit pretending that they have no bias. Admit to it.

This blog, while I try to bring you new or overlooked information, IS MY OPINION. Make no mistake, I think it, I write it, I edit it, it is mine. You may find things out here, but you will also get my spin and opinion on the information. Now if CNN would make the same admission (as well as the two Ridgewood blogs mentioned earlier), we might be getting somewhere towards an honest press.

Thoughts anyone?

National health care anyone?

So here is what nationalized medicine can do for you....in an article entitled, "Court Weighs Alzheimer Drug Access Issue" from today's AP wire service, the story is told how many of Britain's alzheimer sufferers are are being denied access to drugs that can potentially slow the progress of the disease.

By allowing national medical officials to make the decisions based on cost-benefit analysis, these individuals have been denied access to the medicine that can allow people who are recently diagnosed with the disease to begin immediate treatment so that they can continue to take care of themselves and live a more productive life for a longer time. Is this what we want in the United States? While it's a seductive idea to have all medical treatment paid for by a national health care plan, this is the downside of that plan. Once the government (even if it's through an insurance program) becomes the buyer of medical services on our behalf, it has the right (and responsibility) to determine what care, how much, and how much it will pay for that care. It takes away our ability to make our own health care decisions.

While it is essential that we develop a plan that makes health care more affordable for everyone, the Clinton health plan is not it!! Any plan developed must put the decision-making process in our hands. The money should be ours, such as in a Medical Savings Account. This means that if the government wants to make tax dollars available to every citizen, the money must be given to each citizen for them to spend as they see fit. Perhaps a "Health Care Debit Card" can be pre-loaded and given to each citizen to use. These cards can only be processed at health care facilities, pharmacies, and doctor's offices. There is a potential for fraud, but look at our current Medicare and Medicaid system.....

Thoughts anyone?

Have a plan

Nine firefighters lost their lives in South Carolina this week. That is tragic. The thing that makes it even more tragic is the reason that they were inside the building was the fact that they were looking for 2 workers that were unaccounted for. Had they not thought their were people trapped inside, they would have been outside. They would have lost the building, but not their lives.

It is important that EVERY business, no matter how large or small have a plan. If, God forbid, your place of employment catches fire (or even your home), you must have an agreed upon place where EVERYONE meets to take attendance. It is important that as soon as everyone gets out, they go immediately to that place. This makes it possible for the person in charge to meet with the fire officer in charge and let them know whether or not they need to send people into the burning building.

Please DON'T risk lives by heading home for the day, or wandering out to the meeting place at a leisurely pace, or stopping to chat with others nearby. Get to the spot and report in as fast as you can. Pretend it would be you that would have to enter the building.

In addition, the person in charge MUST have a roster that is accurate. It doesn't help if you "think" Johnny is here, but maybe he's at lunch, or maybe he's off today. You need to know.

Lastly, practice your evacuation plan. Preach it, learn it, live it. You may save someone's life and it may even be your own.

While you're at it, please say a prayer for those who have fallen and their families.

Thoughts anyone?

Another example

This post 9/11 commercial is another elegant example of how a company can remain respectful and display compassion. Just another point about Anhauser-Busch (and I'm NOT a beer drinker), when I had an opportunity to work as a rescue volunteer in Missouri after the Mississippi River flooding, the clean drinking water was provided in cans, by the truckful, by Busch. No charge.

Thank you

This is a commercial from some time ago, but it is still relevant. It shows a company that remembers its humanity. Commerce and people don't have to be separate. Feel free to pass it on to anyone you know overseas.

Leave it better....

I had the privilege of attending a 2 1/2 hour seminar by medium John Edward. Regardless of whether you think he truly speaks to the dead or not (and I do), the time spent was spiritually rewarding nonetheless. I would encourage all readers to watch his series entitled "Cross Country". His message of hope and inspiration is very valuable.

If you get a chance to see him in person, that is well worth it. In addition to being an amazing psychic, he is quite humerous as well. I felt that I was spending an enjoyable evening with John and 4000 of my closest friends.

The message of the evening that most stuck with me was his message that we should "Leave people better than we found them. Everybody. Every day." This is quite a charge, but if you think about it, it's not impossible. If you find someone sad, say a good word. If you find someone mad, listen. If you find someone happy, share. You get the idea. It doesn't take much but it does take an interest. Imagine the power that gives you. Imagine the good it would do. Want to try?

Thoughts anyone?

Give me your posts

Ok, in an effort to keep things fresh and get new ideas, I am seeking your input. You may submit articles, items of interests, whatever you like by e-mailing them to:

commonmandigest@hotmail.com

I will review them and post them as appropriate.

When Off means OFF

Today I found an interesting article in the New York Times entitled, "Putting Energy Hogs in the Home on a Strict Low-Power Diet". It confirms something that I have suspected for some time now, my PC is gulping energy at an alarming rate.....even when it's off.

The writer, Larry Magid, gives a detailed description of the variety of machines throughout the average home that use electricity even when they are off. He then details a variety of ways in which you can reduce your energy consumption, save money, and reduce your CO2 output.

This article is well worth the read and inspires one to take action. I, for one, will be scouting about my house for things to unplug when not in use. At the very least, I'll be putting in a few switchboxes so that they can lose access to the energy trough.

Thoughts anyone?

Relaxation - it's all that it's cracked up to be

Today's blog is inspired by my lovely wife of three years (as of today at 11am, in fact). We are most fortunate to have an opportunity to go away for a week's vacation to celebrate our anniversary. We have stayed at the amazing Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. It is a wonderful place, full of history, and quite the place to relax.

The main point of today's message though, is the need for relaxation. In the daily clutter of life, working, attending meetings, cleaning house, keeping appointments, it becomes a challenge to try and remember what we're about. It's only when you stop and smell the roses (or pine trees in our case) that you can start to understand your place or purpose in life.

Being relaxed allows you to reconnect with those you love. Being relaxed lets you realize what you "want to be when you grow up". Being relaxed lets you realize what is meaningful to you. Being relaxed puts your daily "worries" in perspective. Being relaxed lets you actually hear God.

I'm not saying that you need to drive to North Carolina to relax, it can be done with a beer in your backyard. What I AM saying is that you need to remember that it is a CRUCIAL part of your life. You MUST make time for yourself in order to make sure that you are on the right path in your life. I cannot recommend it enough.

Thoughts anyone?

I expect answers!!!!

A friend sent me an e-mail of an essay that was attributed to Jay Leno. While I like Leno, I didn't think it sounded like him, so I checked with my friends at snopes.com. It was indeed, NOT Jay Leno but a gentleman called Craig T. Smith that wrote the following essay:

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll
data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source,
right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with
the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy
with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3's of the citizenry
just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so
unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air
conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4
percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into
a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in
thelast year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic
Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each
state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would
find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having
thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not
good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and
provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the
hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a
home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a
group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment
to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or
prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will
come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the
backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the
residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and
computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy
that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67
percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of
ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world
loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see
us for what we are. The most blessed people inthe world who do
nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the
country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and
has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent
approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in
the darkdays after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy
out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in
thebook for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe
from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army
that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did
this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look
around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think
about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused
you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss
your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have
volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom.
There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an
''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable''
discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent
ofAmericans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it
bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a
car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade
at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit
corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend
their actions by"justifying" them in one way or another.

Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a
book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this
way......Insane! Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media.
Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of
your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a
country.

There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most
blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be
thankful and appreciative. "

I would expect that at least one or two of my readers are in the 69% of those who are unhappy, so let's hear your answers to these questions.

Thoughts anyone?

Pious?

I'm on vacation so that means I actually have more time to read. Today, I picked up a copy of USA Today and happened across an article entitled, A Pious Nation? written by Tom Krattenmaker. While he makes some good points, I found myself becoming angry at some of his basic assumptions.

The first comment that I found objectionable was his statement, ""Pious," however, means something different than "religious." While both convey devotion to God and ultimate truth, "pious" also suggests showiness, sanctimony, even hypocrisy — a gap between words and action." This is the basic premise of his article. I would argue that he is still using the wrong words. The dictionary defines "religious" as "of, pertaining to, or concerned with religion". Personally, I don't think this has anything more to do with God than being pious. The study that he references shows that 91% believe in God. It shows that 87% identify themselves with a specific religion. Again, this has nothing to do with his basic premise of pious vs. religion.

He then goes on to "prove" his opinion that Americans seem to be hypocritical because there is crime, poverty, and war in our society. He talks about how the Conservative Christian movement has shown itself to be hostile to immigration, how supposedly Christian politicians have not effectively developed a universal health care system, and how a Christian President led the country into Iraq. All of this, he feels, proves that we are more pious than religious which he equates with hypocrisy. He fails to allow for three critical points. One, if you have 9% of over 300 million people, that still leaves over 25 million people who are not religious. Two, not all of those who are religious are conservative Christians (or even Christians at all). Three, just being a Christian (as shown on his blog) does not make you unified in your opinion.

There are Christians who believe that we need to develop a universal, government-run health care system similar to Europe or Canada and there are others who believe that we should remove insurance companies from the health care system and promote free market pressures by allowing for Medical Savings Accounts on a wide scale. Both have the potential to promote universal health care, both have the same goal, both are supported by "religous" people. Does having the argument mean that we are pious and not religious?

There are Christians who believe that we should immediately withdraw from Iraq because we should never have been there in the first place. There are Christians who feel that the "Golden Rule" that he refers to (actually an adaptation of Hammurabi's Code), is the absolute justification for entering Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is apparently easy for him to lament about our failings, and while I agree with his statement, "How as a society are we living up to this religious imperative? We could do better." I have to disagree with his basic premise that we are hypocrits because we have these failings as a society. I would argue that we are failing as human beings (as are most of the world's "civilized" countries) because we have these failings.

Thoughts anyone?

63 Years Ago Today....

It is important to remember those who fell, and those who survived the D-Day invasion of Normandy 63 years ago today. It is still one of the greatest military moves in history as almost 9400 men perished storming the beaches of France to ultimately win Europe's freedom from the Nazis.

It is almost fitting that another of the Nazis' mass graves was found in the Ukraine this week. It serves as a reminder that those men died so that others may not have to face the threat of racism, ethnic cleansing, torture, random acts of violence, and the host of other atrocities carried on under Hitler's regime. May it never have to be done again.

Thoughts anyone?

Sick and tired....

An interesting analysis of the O'Toole/Sharpton mailing on the Aleppine Elephant shows that neither party is immune to stupidity. It's too bad, because I actually know one of the candidates, Todd Caliguire, and he is a decent man running for decent reasons. I would hope that he rises above the advice of the so-called political experts and run on his beliefs. I have maintained repeatedly that the electorate would flock to a straight-shooting decent person who does not play partisan, down-in-the-mud, fear-mongering, crap politics that have become the norm. Tell us what you stand for, why, and what that means to us, then step off the stage and let us decide.

In the meantime, I've gotten an e-mail from WKetchup (of all places) talking about how Hilary Clinton is espousing the need for her to lead us towards socialism. Being an e-mail, I immediately checked WKetchup's website (interesting but devoid of the press release), and snopes.com (no reference there either). I have spoken before about how severely dangerous this woman is, but this would be further proof!!

Alas, can't my party get it's head out of it's donkey and find a decent well-grounded candidate that isn't a closet socialist? Where is FDR when you need him?

Thoughts anyone?

Error in judgement?!?

In today's Bergen Record there is a story of a school superintendent who reads a speech from the Internet to her National Honor Society students without crediting the author. As her defense, she states that it was an "error in judgement" and that since it was in the "public domain" she didn't feel the need to credit the author. I'll leave the debate about her fate to her school board and the other pundits who will no doubt hop right on this.

Instead, I want to question a growing belief that things on the Internet are public domain. At what point did we decide that the move from paper to digital negates the copyright of an original work? Does the fact that I type my thoughts, opinions, and statements here on-line make them any less mine than if I disseminated them on paper? Why do we believe that it's OK to download papers, quotes, music, movies, or anything else of the Internet without paying for them or at least creating their creator?

Does no one else see that this actually harms the growth of the Internet? If my original work can be passed off without credit or compensation, what is the incentive for me to "publish" it on the Internet? Lastly, if educators feel this way too, who is left to stand against plagiarism?

Please let it be known, I certainly would love you to reprint any of my articles, there's even a way to e-mail a copy to friends at the end of each post. Nothing would make me happier than to know that I've said something that strikes enough of a chord that you think it bears repeating. Please do that, but please let people know where you heard it first.

Also, be assured that if I ever re-enter the world of public education, the fastest way to fail my class (not just the assignment) is to copy work from anywhere and pass it off as your own.

Thoughts anyone?