There has been many a time, especially recently, where another politician stands at a podium, denying that they had any part in unsuitable behavior. They nearly always turn out to be lying. It seems to us, as it may seem to many people, that if we all just admitted we were wrong at first, then there would be far fewer problems.
Except people have a lot of trouble admitting they were wrong, stupid, or unreasonable in their actions. They will maintain, if only publicly, that they were always in the right, and twist their story into knots in order to portray themselves as the sane, rational, glorious beings that they most definitely are not.
The truth is, we all make mistakes. We're human. Some of us make dumber mistakes than others. No matter. What really matters is how we cope with mistakes. As wise people once said or wrote, there are no mistakes, only lessons. And a lesson is repeated until it is learned.
We must all learn our lessons, and in order to do so it is better to admit wrongdoing rather than lie to our friends, colleagues, constituents, family, and ourselves. People who tell the truth and can admit they were wrong and attempt with all their effort to make things right gain the support of those around them far more than those who go along as if they were right all the time.
If we are to truly do the right thing for our reputations, work, country, family, and ourselves, we should tell the truth, and not be afraid to say, well, we were wrong.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Debt Ceiling Vote
We agree with many that comprehensive budget reform must be made before increasing the debt ceiling. This, however, must be done swiftly in order to avoid breakdown. We need a comprehensive plan to stop the wasteful spending.
There are some areas where the government should invest in, but we must invest the money wisely. The government must have a sense of accountability to the people, because it is their money that government is spending. We need to make programs more efficient and evaluate each and every aspect of our government to see if we can cut costs. We should aim not to leach the government dry, but to ensure that we can do an effective job managing the nation on a budget, without going into debt.
There are some areas where the government should invest in, but we must invest the money wisely. The government must have a sense of accountability to the people, because it is their money that government is spending. We need to make programs more efficient and evaluate each and every aspect of our government to see if we can cut costs. We should aim not to leach the government dry, but to ensure that we can do an effective job managing the nation on a budget, without going into debt.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day Thoughts
On this Memorial day, 2011, we must all take time to remeber those who have devoted their lives to the service of this country. We are indebted to these men and women who have at times given their lives so our lives could be better.
As we are asking these people to give an ultimate sacrifice, we should treat veterans and current soldiers with respect. Their lives are difficult. No matter how difficult our lives are now, most do not have to go through them with the fear of death or capture. No, these fears have been thrust upon our soldiers and we must honor them for this sacrifice.
With this in mind, we must also be mindful of how we deploy and use our armed forces. We should not put good, brave people out into harm's way unless it is absolutely necessary. Our armed forces are powerful, but we must also realize the stress put on soldiers and their families is significant, and should not be aggravated thorugh unnecessary conflict.
So during this Memorial day, take time to hope for peace, and honor those who have worked so that our nation could be a better place.
As we are asking these people to give an ultimate sacrifice, we should treat veterans and current soldiers with respect. Their lives are difficult. No matter how difficult our lives are now, most do not have to go through them with the fear of death or capture. No, these fears have been thrust upon our soldiers and we must honor them for this sacrifice.
With this in mind, we must also be mindful of how we deploy and use our armed forces. We should not put good, brave people out into harm's way unless it is absolutely necessary. Our armed forces are powerful, but we must also realize the stress put on soldiers and their families is significant, and should not be aggravated thorugh unnecessary conflict.
So during this Memorial day, take time to hope for peace, and honor those who have worked so that our nation could be a better place.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Politicians Must Stand Up For What They Believe In
It's time some politicians got a spine.
There are many issues being discussed, and there are many people with excellent ideas about how to fix or improve our nation. When candidates run for president or another office, however, their views somehow shift to conform rigidly to party lines, sacrificing their individuality and independence as a result.
These are the people who have brought up interesting points and have been credited for working with others, regardless of who their party is. While this practice can get much more done than partisan bickering, many politicians resort to the safety of adherence to party lines.
Elected officials: do not sacrifice your beliefs just to get elected. We need people to take the lead and be an independent mind in government. We all know what the major parties think. The people want to hear what each individual person can bring to the table. With independence in our politicians, we can hope to fix our problems in a more timely fashion and make our country even better.
There are many issues being discussed, and there are many people with excellent ideas about how to fix or improve our nation. When candidates run for president or another office, however, their views somehow shift to conform rigidly to party lines, sacrificing their individuality and independence as a result.
These are the people who have brought up interesting points and have been credited for working with others, regardless of who their party is. While this practice can get much more done than partisan bickering, many politicians resort to the safety of adherence to party lines.
Elected officials: do not sacrifice your beliefs just to get elected. We need people to take the lead and be an independent mind in government. We all know what the major parties think. The people want to hear what each individual person can bring to the table. With independence in our politicians, we can hope to fix our problems in a more timely fashion and make our country even better.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Politicians Must Stand Up For What They Believe In
With two parties dominating congress and controlling votes, some brave congressmen must step up and break away from this system. The American people don't always want what either of the two parties want, and many of us are tired of the bickering and inaction in our legislature. People want to be able to live their lives with relative economic security and freedom. The actions, or lack of actions, on the part of our congressional "leaders" is staggering. In order to stop the politicking of every single bill, individual congressmen must take the lead and make a stand for their district and the people of this nation. They should not always vote what their party leaders say they should vote. They should be beholden to no one except for the people, not their political leaders.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Upholding Its Values
The US was founded on principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with a strong emphasis on justice and equality. While we have made great strides in our own country to make our society a better place for all, it's time the United States practiced what it preaches in foreign countries which it wields a strong influence in.
The United States is well known throughout the world for having a singular form of government and being founded on principles of justice. But as the US is invading other countries with seemingly no thought to the consequences, locals can get irritated. Some, more irritated than others.
The US has often acted in the name of "justice", but some of the irritation in the world, often in the Middle East, is justified. We must be better with the way we form relations with other peoples, not merely blasting aside people who don't agree with us. Being trigger happy on top of a flaming gunpowder casket is not a wise idea. If we hold true to our values all around the world, truly preaching and practicing peace, justice, and equality, our credibility would go up, and we would not be hated as much.
Even if we take these actions, some will still hate us. This may only be natural. At least though, we can make the effort to improve our image around the globe. We can really bring peace to other people's lives. We can moderate conflicts instead of creating new ones. We can take the lead in making the world a better, safer place for humankind.
The United States is well known throughout the world for having a singular form of government and being founded on principles of justice. But as the US is invading other countries with seemingly no thought to the consequences, locals can get irritated. Some, more irritated than others.
The US has often acted in the name of "justice", but some of the irritation in the world, often in the Middle East, is justified. We must be better with the way we form relations with other peoples, not merely blasting aside people who don't agree with us. Being trigger happy on top of a flaming gunpowder casket is not a wise idea. If we hold true to our values all around the world, truly preaching and practicing peace, justice, and equality, our credibility would go up, and we would not be hated as much.
Even if we take these actions, some will still hate us. This may only be natural. At least though, we can make the effort to improve our image around the globe. We can really bring peace to other people's lives. We can moderate conflicts instead of creating new ones. We can take the lead in making the world a better, safer place for humankind.
Entitlement Reform is Needed
Paul Ryan has recenlty proposed an overhaul of Medicare that would significantly change the program. While his version of the solution is not ideal, it certainly is bold and brings up the issue of entitlement reform.
Medicare and other programs will soon get too expensive for the government to keep paying for. As a result, the debt will continue to go up if spending is not slashed. We must now open a debate on the programs that we hold dear. It feels so good to have so many programs, but at the same time, government cannot always sustain it. We must look to ways we can streamline cost for entitlements, cutting out waste, then discussing alternative cutting measures.
Paul Ryan's budget is only the first step towards the process. His solution is not the best, nor should it be adopted, but a discussion must ensue on what we really want from our healthcare and what we really want from or entitlement programs.
Medicare and other programs will soon get too expensive for the government to keep paying for. As a result, the debt will continue to go up if spending is not slashed. We must now open a debate on the programs that we hold dear. It feels so good to have so many programs, but at the same time, government cannot always sustain it. We must look to ways we can streamline cost for entitlements, cutting out waste, then discussing alternative cutting measures.
Paul Ryan's budget is only the first step towards the process. His solution is not the best, nor should it be adopted, but a discussion must ensue on what we really want from our healthcare and what we really want from or entitlement programs.
Reform Needed to Spur Economy
The middle class is reeling after a long recession, which is still not over. In order to facilitate recovery, we must have a middle class tax break in order to help families cope with the economic downturn. Seeing as the middle class is often hurt he most in a recession like this, they should get the tax break, not the wealthiest Americans, who can afford it. Cutting taxes for the rich in a time where we have extreme debt is not prudent or logical.
In addition, we need to make it easier for people to start small businesses. Encourage lending and venture capital, as well as tax breaks for America's smallest companies, which help drive struggling local economies forward as large corporations are sending jobs overseas. renewed economic reform is critical as we aim to rid ourselves of the bonds of this recession.
In addition, we need to make it easier for people to start small businesses. Encourage lending and venture capital, as well as tax breaks for America's smallest companies, which help drive struggling local economies forward as large corporations are sending jobs overseas. renewed economic reform is critical as we aim to rid ourselves of the bonds of this recession.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Time For Peace is NOW
Amid the Arab Spring protests in the Middle East, conflict has spread to Israel and Palestine. In these times of change, no time is better for these sides to make amends and live at peace.
Both of these groups, Palestinians and Israelis, are proud peoples who stand up for what they believe in. While this is to be commended, we must also understand that peace in the region does significantly depend on resolution to this conflict. People are being slaughtered on both sides, and the people do not deserve to be subjugated to such inhumane violence.
So let both sides lay down arms and make peace. We do not need or want prolonged conflict after decades of struggle. Too much blood has already been spilled for one spring. Let peace reign and the times explode into a wonderful summer, were everyone can live without threat of destruction.
Both of these groups, Palestinians and Israelis, are proud peoples who stand up for what they believe in. While this is to be commended, we must also understand that peace in the region does significantly depend on resolution to this conflict. People are being slaughtered on both sides, and the people do not deserve to be subjugated to such inhumane violence.
So let both sides lay down arms and make peace. We do not need or want prolonged conflict after decades of struggle. Too much blood has already been spilled for one spring. Let peace reign and the times explode into a wonderful summer, were everyone can live without threat of destruction.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
A Global Picture
We live in a world that is connected more strongly as time goes by. We have a world economy, vast communications systems, and networks of people that span continents. Many complex factors govern how this global network work, many of which we cannot understand or comprehend. As the world grows more complex, governments (and people) must be careful of what they do. Actions today can not just have an effect in one area tomorrow, but the whole world. While this has been true for quite some time, this principle is becoming more and more relevant as online social tools bring us closer together. We need to understand the workings of the world if we are to persevere in our pursuits. This is not necessarily in foreign countries. We need to understand the complex workings of our own country in order to instigate an economic recovery. As we have said before, problems are much more complicated that they seem at first. The sooner we all realize this, especially those in Washington, the sooner we can make the changes need to make our country and the world a better place for us all. Keeping in mind the changes that will result from our action everywhere, on everyone will help us decide what to do. Actions mean consequences. Let's hope we make the right actions.
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