Today we had the governor of Washington announce he was running for president and his #1 priority would be climate change; I think he is on the right track. I am not supporting any candidate at this point, but I do believe the human race has a major threat to it’s survival; climate change. Earth will survive the worst-case scenario of climate change, but the human race as we know it will not. I agree with President Lincoln that America is the last best hope of mankind. America must lead the world in addressing climate change, and our next president must express the will to be the leader of our survival as a species. 12 years is not a long time; but many scientists are saying that is how much time we have left to change our direction, or the worst case will likely take place.
Category: Self improvement
When is a liar made? Is a person forever a liar after misspeaking once? Does lying or misstating to the same person, or group twice make you a liar? If you lie to a group of people thousands of times make you a liar? I guess it is in the eye of the beholder. I think we all recognize what we would call a liar when we see the behavior. I believe when you disbelieve or doubt a person due to prior experience then you are dealing with a liar. But can’t a liar tell the truth,or be on the side of truth based on experience also?
We elect our representatives to be leaders and protect our interests, but increasingly this view is being challenged. We see people gain the office and appear only interested in keeping the job, or moving to higher paying positions in government or lobbying. As citizens we are the ultimate accountability system for our government. We have to challenge dark money (which may come from a foreign power – how do we know where it originated?) and protect our power. We (the citizenry) must maintain the ultimate power in our republic and make sure the representatives are ours, and not working for other groups, countries, or corporations.
We live in a world where people seem very comfortable with hatred and intolerance for others. It seems like the poisonous logic of bigotry is on the rise around the planet sometimes. It is more important than ever for all of us to balance ourselves with expressions of love, selflessness, and courtesy. The truth is that our species owes it’s success to people working together. All of our major religions ask that we show love and respect for others. This Valentines Day lets use our love, empathy, and resources to move our society towards more balance and beauty.
We live in a time where people are stepping up to identify those who are unworthy of trust due to previous misdeeds. I appreciate the freedom hat we have in our country to stand up and speak truth to power. Thank goodness that there are fewer and fewer taboo subjects where people are supposed to feel too ashamed to speak up. I hope that the press and social media continue to be tools of accountability, and justice as we strive for a more perfect union.
” Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.” ― Tony Schwartz
Questions to ponder: Is this a description of what we call balance? What causes us to want to take a side before thoughtful consideration? Does fear, or ego (or both) cause us to act hastily?
He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears.”― Michel de Montaigne
Questions to consider: What is the fear useful for? Why are we afraid? What actions can be taken, or knowledge gained to eliminate the fear? Are our actions or plans a valid cause for fear?
“You can’t change who you are, but you can change what you have in your head, you can refresh what you are thinking about, you can put some fresh air in your brain.” – Ernesto Bertarelli
Thoughts on the quote: Does your past determine who you are? What control do we have over our future? How do we bring about change? How do we strengthen our will?
The Speaker of the House led the way in the effort to bring sanity to the American government. Putting civil servants back to work protecting our health and safety was badly needed for them, and for us. I am hopeful that the worst is over because the Speaker made a point of not mocking or ridiculing the President (when he was an easy target after caving on his meaningless shutdown). I hope the Speaker will continue to give lessons on civility, and mature governance. We are fortunate to have Nancy Pelosi’s leadership and balance at this time in our history.
If you want more from your life, and want to listen to an ongoing conversation on ideas for doing it – listen to the Jocko Podcast featuring Jocko Willink, and Echo Charles. The podcast is predominantly about living and being your best through the lens of business consultant, former US Navy SEAL, and Jiu-Jitsu master Jocko Willink. A quote from the show that I feel sums a lot of the shows humor and good advice is – “When in doubt; get after it”.
Ethereal Bulwark 