Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Sequestration – A Meaning Within a Definition


Sequestration… the first things I think of when I hear the word sequestration is isolating a jury for deliberations. The other thing that came to mind was deep sea drilling for oil and gas. So then I thought, exactly how does sequestration apply to the federal budget? If I listen to the talking heads on either side of the political spectrum all I can get from them is the big ticket budgets that will be impacted by this sequestration… and what a disaster it will be for this country and our economy. So, in my inquisitive style, I set off on a journey of understanding. The following is what I found and, in my mind, what I think it all means.

                Marriam-Webster defines sequestration (noun) as a legal writ authorizing a sheriff or commissioner to take into custody the property of a defendant who is in contempt until the orders of a court are complied with. The secondary definition given is even more interesting… Sequestration (noun) – A deposit whereby a neutral depository agrees to hold property in litigation and to restore it to the party to who it is adjudged to belong. Read this definition and understand and recognize what it is saying and what it means to you. Now, the Congressional Research Service defines sequestration as "In general, sequestration entails the permanent cancellation of budgetary resources by a uniform percentage. Moreover, this uniform percentage reduction is applied to all programs, projects, and activities within a budget account. However, the current sequestration procedures, as in previous iterations of such procedures, provide for exemptions and special rules. That is, certain programs and activities are exempt from sequestration, and certain other programs are governed by special rules regarding the application of a sequester.”(http://uspolitics.about.com/od/thefederalbudget/a/What-Is-Sequestration.htm)

So here I sit, dumbfounded, in front of my computer. The Marriam-Webster identifies that the root of their definition dates back to the 15th century.  The Congressional Research Services’ definition, the best I can tell, only dates back to 1985 as part of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of that same year. Ok… let’s see if I understand… the legislative and executive branches here act as the “commissioner who takes into custody the property of a “defendant”…”? Further, once the sequester kicks in, Congress or the Federal Government is the “neutral depository” that will hold our property, or taxes dollars, and are required to restore that property to who it is adjudged to belong? In my feeble mind, I think I understand what the accepted definition of sequestration means. However, because the citizenry of the United States cannot be left to try to understand these complex things on our own, the Federal Government re-defines sequestration as it applies to the federal budget. In perfect style, the Federal Government has taken something pretty simple and managed to make it into something so confusing that most Federal Courts cannot likely agree what this definition really means.

One man’s opinion on sequestration is this… I think it should happen. Before I get the rhetoric thrown back in my face, let’s be clear on why I feel this will ultimately be good for the country. But first let me be clear on this point… my position is born not of listening to the liberal press’s pontifications or any right-wing talking-points. I tend to look at the facts, or do my best to get to some semblance of truth to help formulate a position. I also live by the creed “if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem”, and this approach tends to make me more honest and realistic when assessing problems and/or issue. But I digress… The last 5+ years should be a wake-up call for the country.  We have adopted policies during both the Bush and Obama Administrations that have weaken the very foundations of our financial systems. Obama’s reckless spending, aided by a mixed House and Senate is leading us down a path of financial ruin not just as a nation, but as individual citizens. As an individual who could potentially benefit from tax increases on more wealthy Americans, I oppose the measure. Common sense kicks in and it tells me that raising taxes on ANYONE at this stage is bad for everyone! The answer in not to spend ourselves out of recession. Ask Japan how that approach served them?

Look, I favor a strong defense personally, but the military industrial complex is bloated, wasteful, and downright inefficient. The cuts that will go into effect as part of the sequestration are actually pretty timely. Sure, it is going to hurt for a little while, but we will survive. Think of it the same way we do our own household budgets. You might think it sucks giving up cable television because you cannot afford it, but over time, you may actually grow not to miss it at all, maybe rediscover music, and spend more time talking to your family members? You see, Congress and the President want us all to believe that they are making the right decisions for us. I think we all know that is questionable at best. The spending on both the Federal and State levels is disastrously out of control. There is no motivation or commitment to control spending. Government sees the only viable option is to raise taxes. This is a counter-intuitive approach and is grounds alone to send these folks back to civilian life so that they may have even an ever so slight taste of the pain we are all going through.

I want to circle back to one last point as it relates to the Marriam-Webster definition of sequestration. Again, Sequestration (noun) – A deposit whereby a neutral depository agrees to hold property in litigation and to restore it to the party to who it is adjudged to belong. This begs the question, if these cuts go into effect, what should be done with the proceeds of these spending cuts? To me, it is very simple… deficit reduction or tax cuts. Congress and the President need to restore this property back to the party who it SHOULD BE adjudged to belong, which are the American people. I’m going to throw out a suggestion since many families are starting to plan their summer vacations… take that money, or money from tax returns, and pay down your personal debt. I am not saying don’t go on vacation; just go to Lake George instead of Myrtle Beach or Disney World. Conceptually, Congress and the President need to do the same thing. President Obama, pay for your last vacation before you plan for your next vacation!

So, I will tell you that tomorrow night when the clock strikes 12 midnight, don’t be worried that sequestration is in motion… be thankful! The Federal Government needs to look at the problem for what it is and not run around looking for someone to blame, whether it be the past administration, their colleagues, or wealthy people. This will be the first step in the direction of correction. We will realize that, although it hurts, we will be better for it later. Don’t let the talking heads on the radio and television scare you… we will survive because we have to and because we are America, and that’s what we do! Happy Reading!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

What Is The Music Of Your Life?

I need to confess… when I picked this topic, I thought it would be an easy one to write on. Then I sat down and realized that music was very important to me and out of respect and reverence, I needed to take my time and do this topic its justice. Albert Einstein summed it up well when he stated, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” I picked this topic to be a bit less serious and entertaining topic than my previous subject… but quickly realized what I always knew in my heart and mind… Music has been the one constant in my life and acts as the catalyst of my memories and brings them to life.
            I will share something that my wife and kids knows only too well… no matter what I am doing, work, play, eating or sleeping, I have music playing (and usually very loud) all of the time.  I wish I could point to a reason or an event as why this is the case, but I cannot. I do not come from a particularly musical family. I mean, I grew up in a house where the radio was always on, and my older brothers and sisters had varying tastes in music that contributed to my eclectic taste. I did take trumpet lessons for about a month when I was in fourth grade, but that never materialized. I am fortunate enough to have musically talented daughters who love music. Although my wife is a pure “80’s child” when it comes to music, she too is a lover of music. I have used music to help teach history lessons as a teacher for a short time in Troy High School. I have used music as a means to help raise money for those in need. So as you can see, music is that common link to all things important in my life, but allow Plato to summarize what I am trying to say in its proper perspective, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
            So, allow me to give you a flavor for the kind of music that I enjoy. It starts with the great classical composer, Gregorian Chants sung in Latin, 1950’s crooners, 1960’s British Invasion, 1970’s pop, jazz fusion like Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago, 1980’s MTV age music, some rap music, and finally some country music. Again this is just a taste of the type of music I enjoy. Through my brothers (thanks Tom and Don), I developed an appreciation for bands and singers such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, B.B. King, Chicago, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Crosby Stills & Nash, and Led Zeppelin. My personal music library even includes such greats as Frank Sinatra, The Bee Gees, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Rod Stewart. It is funny, but when we get into these types of discussions on Facebook and other social media, people get pretty emotional about their musical tastes. I know one person for sure (NV) that I will be volleying back and forth with after he reads this post.
            Now, to the heart of the matter… What makes a great song? Is it the lyrics, is it the rhythm or the beat, is the type or genre, or is it a combination of all of these things? Of course, I have an opinion and my opinion is… drumroll please… I am a lyrics guy mostly. Although you should never underestimate a stiff beat or a killer hook… the lyrics are the thing that usually attracts me to certain artist. I am in a constant state of utter amazement of the creative lyrics that many of these artists write. For me, it really starts with John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Individually or collaboratively, the lyrics that these geniuses have etched on paper continue to define modern music as we know it. Another great songwriter that I know many of you will take issue with me on is Phil Collins. Many of you only hear to the songs played on the radio, but the artistry of words that this man can call his are nothing short of amazing. I’m not asking you to agree, but if you have a chance to listen to some of his lesser known songs, you may not skewer me too bad. Hannah Harrington in her book Saving June said that “It's just nice, I guess. Knowing that someone else can put into words what I feel. That there are people who have been through things worse than I have, and they come out on the other side okay. Not only that, but they made some kind of twisted, fucked-up sense of the completely senseless. They made it mean something. These songs tell me I'm not alone. If you look at it at that way, music... music can see you through anything.”
            I would be remiss if I failed to mention other great song writers such as Carole King, Bernie Taupin, David Crosby, Barry Manilow (that’s right), Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, Peter Cetera, Freddy Mercury, Daryl Hall, Jim Croce, John Denver, Bob Dylan, Lionel Ritchie, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Jim Morrison, and so many more that I didn’t mention but are no less significant. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard one of these artist's/writer’s songs and wished I had written it myself. I wish my mind could only grasp the kind of talent that these people possess(ed). If you are not feeling what I am telling you… look at the lyrics to Let It Be (Paul McCartney) or Woman (John Lennon). And since I threw most of you into a loop with the mention of Phil Collins, listen to the lyrics of little known songs like You Know What I Mean (Face Value) or We Said Hello Goodbye (No Jacket Required). There are so many songs by Phil Collins/Genesis that I could list, but I urge you to explore on your own if you are so inclined.
            For those of you that are attracted to the funky groove, hard hitting base, or wailing guitar, there is no shortage of songs that make you tap your foot or bang your head. I am not a fan of Heavy Metal Rock but one of sickest songs that I have ever heard is from the short-lived band Living Colour… Cult of Personality. That is one of those songs that just hit you right in your core… for me anyways. Other great songs that fit this bill are The Chain (Fleetwood Mac), 25 or 6 to 4 (Chicago), almost any Santana song, Sultans of Swing (Dire Straits), White Room (Clapton & Cream), Lucretia McEvil (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Bad to the Bone (George Thorogood) and so so so many more.
            So, I hope this post took you down memory lane, if only for one fleeting moment. Music is to be cherished. I found that it is not appropriate to criticize other’s taste in music because that is like questioning their lives or their heritage. There are many that will read this that would never have the guts to say they like Barry Manilow or the Bee Gees… and you don’t have to. In the silence of your home, it’s you, the music and the memories that count, not what people think of your taste in music. I also want to issue you a challenge… next time you are in your car at a traffic light and you hear a John Denver tune that you really like… don’t roll up your window and turn the radio down so the person next to you can’t hear it… I challenge you to crank the music up, crank the window down and let that person next to you and the whole world know that you “Thank God you’re a Country Boy!” I will leave you with this final thought as eloquently stated by Johann Wolfgang van Goethe, “A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” Happy Reading!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Legislating Morality – Abortion and Stem Cell Research/Use


I will attempt to take on another hot-button topic while not committing blogging suicide here. As always though, I start with a brief disclaimer. I, personally, do not believe in abortion as an acceptable means to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. However, my position does not make me anti-abortion. Allow me to explain this seeming contradiction. I believe that human beings and the society in which we live dictate or establish acceptable behaviors. Whether we like it or not, or for whatever reason this option has become socially acceptable, it is a person’s right to decide what they can do with and to their bodies. Although I see abortion as an act of murder for which there are laws in this country that deal with that crime, “society” has deemed it acceptable to take an unborn child’s life. Abortion is the law of the land, but it does not mean you have to participate in its practice. Therefore, I do not agree with abortion, but recognize that it is the law of the land, and more importantly, a choice that should be left up to an individual without the need for legislation.

                I think that this issue is important because many tend to judge people and their moral standing based on which side of this issue they stand. Like most Americans, my position on abortion, stem cell research and use does not define me or who I am. My position here should not be judged as Conservative, Liberal, Evangelical, or uninformed. Take my opinion for what it is… apply your own critical analysis on the topic with my words above and develop your own informed position on these topics.

                Before we get down to the nitty gritty, I would first like to comment on the concept of “legislating morality”. The whole concept of legislating morality really befuddles me. To reiterate the point I made above, I do not judge an elected official on his or her position on moral issues. But, the thing that always makes me shake my head is the actions taken when it comes to moral legislation. Let’s take this one step further… United States Senators and Congress members will talk out of one side of their mouths about moral issues as if they were the moral authority all while their actions reflect the total absence of any personal moral compass. In other words, we should not be subjected to such hypocritical actions and votes on the floor of Congress by a body of people whose moral compass generally points to those positions that garner the most money or influence.

Now, back to the topic of abortion… I do believe that the act of abortion is wrong. However, society has decided that abortion is not only acceptable but a right. Roe v. Wade (January 22, 1973) established via Supreme Court decree that abortion is a fundamental right under the United States Constitution, thereby subjecting all laws attempting to restrict this right to strict scrutiny. Again, this right was established via court fiat. This is an act of moral legislation, although not specifically passed by Congress. I understand and support the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion. The reason I can support this ruling with a clear conscious is because I believe in God. I believe that God has given every one of us the gift of free will. I believe that God enlightens us as humans to choose that which is right and just. If you individually judge that abortion is acceptable not just socially, but morally, you should have the ability to receive this treatment. Having made this and other moralistic decisions in your life, I believe that when you have your day of judgment in front of God, you will answer for all of your decisions and actions on earth. Either way, we do not need to rely on an act of legislation or a court decision to validate what we all know is a moral question.

Another area of moral legislation that I don’t quite grasp is that of stem cell research and use. Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms that can divide (through mitosis) and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells (these are called pluripotent cells), but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues (Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell). So, what does all that scientific mumbo jumbo mean? What it means is that the cures for many known and unknown diseases lie in the potential to be uncovered and gained through stem cell research and transplant. The political “right” has tied stem cell research to the abortion question. Again, staking a political position tied to a moral belief. Let’s be clear on this issue and draw the proper distinctions before we attach the “moral’ stigma to it.

I will state for a third time in this blog that I am personally against abortion. However, abortions are legal and happen in this country every day, unfortunately. I feel that if there is an opportunity to turn something as horrible as abortion into something positive, like the use of embryonic stem cells, we should consider the opportunity. I know my position here is a bit confusing. I cannot/will not validate a person’s decision to have an abortion. I will also premise my next statement by saying that I am a very strong supporter of organ donation and transplantation, as it gave me an extra 22+ years with my brother Don. Let’s use the cells of these aborted babies to advance or save another human beings life. This may be the only way that we can honor a life that will never live. The reality is stem cell research is not the driver behind decisions to have an abortion. Medical scientists continue to develop amazing medical advances through the research and use of embryonic stem cells. I think, under the circumstances, the government should not restrict the use of embryonic stem cells for this research and use based on a moralistic position alone. The technology is there to use these cells in a responsible way, and this advancement will potentially improve or give life to another human being. In my view, this is not much different than organ transplants or blood transfusions with the exception of where these cells are harvested.

In closing, I would say that if I could save or improve one life through a tragedy like an abortion, it is the right thing to do. I have a child with special needs, had a brother that lived to have a family as the result of a heart transplant. I have also seen many friends and family members suffer and die at the hands of cancer and heart disease. God not only gives us a choice, he also gives us opportunities. Let’s leave politics out of such questions. If there needs to be some regulation over certain areas, that is something we can consider, but don’t let politics take away an opportunity to improve a life. I believe that the doctors and scientists along with politicians in this country have an obligation to share with us those medical breakthroughs without having to maintain a political or special interest scorecard. Just one man’s opinion… Happy Reading!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

How Do I Judge Success?

Before I go into the details on how I judge success I would like to say that I am my own worst critic… and this is a good thing! Writing this particular blog post is a bit of a journey of self-discovery. Pulling my thoughts together here was both painful and therapeutic at the same time. I only hope that this post, as well as the other before and those yet to come, leave you with something positive.
So… success… I will try to start by establishing a baseline or perspective of what success is. Is success reaching a clear established goal? Is success where you or your organization rate versus your peers? Or, is success tied to happiness? Success is certainly not only linked to these general concepts. I will talk in general terms first, and then relate all this back to my personal view of success for myself. I think you will see that this topic is more subjective than objective.
                The On-Line Business Dictionary (ww.businessdicionary.com) has a very “institutional” definition of success. The finer points of the definition touch upon time, parameters, goals, objectives, and tasks. Webster’s Dictionary defines success as “the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence”. On Yahoo Answers personal contributors use such words as live, choice, freedom, be yourself, achievement, dreams, fame, friends, honesty, security, and happiness. Perhaps the most famous and widely-acclaimed definition of success was penned by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who stated:
 “The definition of success — To laugh much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one’s self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — this is to have succeeded.”
                I felt it was important to point out these different points of view and to make this critical point… Success is not found in how others define you, but is found in how you define yourself!
                On a personal level, I do not see myself as successful. I have had successes in my life, most importantly being my family. I do not or cannot define my life as a success for many reasons, chief being that I fear that if I do see my life as successful, then satisfaction and contentment slips in. These are two of the biggest things I fear in my life! One of the downfalls of success, if attained, is not having all of the people that helped you reach success there to share it. Of course, I have my beautiful and loving wife and kids to share individual successes with, but when I do have “success” I often find myself thinking about the people I cannot share that success with. I understand that this is not necessarily the healthiest approach to life, but when life doesn’t follow the script we have laid out for ourselves, we find our ways to cope.
                The way I view success in others, whether it be an individual, group, or entity can be summed up with one word, “integrity”. I have witnessed many people reach “success” under somewhat suspicious circumstances. What good is success if you took shortcuts to get there and cannot look at yourself in the mirror each morning? I think that is worse than failure. Second place? Hell, last place is more acceptable if I can say that I did it the right way, with integrity.  That is how I view success externally. Don’t tell me about your successes… let your actions do all the talking!
                So, as we set our next goal or face our next challenge, my personal advice is to accept the challenge with integrity and with as much sincerity and vigor as possible. Don’t let anyone define success for you, and always be your greatest and most vocal critic. Enjoy individual success, but never rest on your laurels. Keep pushing and try not to let so abject “success” be your driving force, and use self-reflection as a tool often. Don’t let life pass you by while admiring your own success. Happy Reading!