At least Ohio First has a television commercial that tells the truth and makes sense. It just goes to show that Reform Ohio Now thinks that Ohioans are a bunch of hayseeds. A goat as their spokesperson - what an insult.
These left-wingers have insulted me and the rest of the citizens of this great state. To think that we are too stupid to know what is best for us is the last straw. They want us to give up our rights so they can draw their own legislative districts, get rid of the secretary of state position, and appoint their friends to taxpayer-funded boards. Have we not seen what is going on at the Bureau of Workers' Compensation? Two more unaccountable boards in government are not what Ohio needs.
I encourage all voters to go to www.protectyourvote.org and see for yourself what is really at stake here. The truth is there in writing, and I am confident that most Ohioans will join me and vote "no" on Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 on Election Day.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Why you should vote for Mark Tyler for Kirtland City Council
***** Please note that this post is in no way related to Lake County GOP or any of its affiliates. The views expressed in the following are strictly that of the writer. *****
In my opinion there are many reasons that Mark Tyler is the best candidate for the job of City Council in Kirtland. Most may think I’d start somewhere around “he’s one of two incumbent candidates”; truth is that barely hits the radar in my opinion. It’s his dedication to community, and his willingness to do what it takes to get the job done that has this columnist’s attention. Mark has paved his own way to get everything in life that he has. Born at the Cleveland Clinic on August 15, 1957, he lived in Garfield Heights after birth. His family moved to Lyndhurst, where he was raised and met his wife, Sandy, of 25 years through a mutual friend at his alma-matter, Brush High School.
A resident of Kirtland since 1994, he has been an active member of the Kirtland Kiwanis for over 10 years and is currently serving on the Board of Directors and the Scholarship Committee. He is also a member of the Willoughby Rotary and is a Graduate of Leadership Lake County, Class of 2005. Also a supporter of the Kirtland Music Boosters and Kirtland Athletic Boosters, Mark and Sandy can be seen at most events in Kirtland supporting their city, with his hand on the pulse of his constituents. He has worked in Lake County for over two decades, first as an engineer in the Nuclear Engineering Department at The Perry Nuclear Power Plant and is currently Principal Engineer at the Lubrizol Corporation. His political career started after he became President of Kiwanis, which led to appointments to the City Charter Review Committee and Planning Advisory Committee for the Comprehensive Plan, and eventually being asked to run for city council.
In his last four years in his role of City Council At Large, Mark is the Council Parliamentarian and recently became a member of National Association of Parliamentarians after passing his entrance exam. In this role Mark is responsible for recommending proper procedural motions to comply with Roberts Rules of Order. He also took courses at CSU College of Urban affairs to better himself as a Councilman. The training included classes in Roles and Responsibilities, Council-Mayor relations, municipal finance, municipal law, media relations and ethics. He put his training to good use by working closely with Council and the Mayor to help secure necessary equipment for Kirtland Fire/Rescue to keep their citizens safe. These items included two new pumpers and a new ambulance. He also supported the purchase of three new snow plows for The Kirtland Service Department to keep the roadways clear, such as the newly expanded Route 306, in which he also played a pivotal role.
Councilman Tyler’s goals for the future of Kirtland are to continue work on the 306 sanitary sewer project. Kirtland has entered into an agreement with Lake County Sanitary Sewer District to install a sewer line down the Route 306 corridor to just past city hall (in the Temple View area). He would also like to start work on the Route 306/Route 6 intersection improvement project. This would include extended turning lanes and a new traffic signal. He is also an advocate of independent senior housing in Kirtland. Western Reserve Nursing home currently provides skilled nursing care, however other options such as an independent housing facility needs to be pursued. It is vital to the future of Kirtland that we explore the ideas set forth in Issue Eight. Rezoning of the Downtown area as a Historic Town Center would allow for a plethora of business opportunities. This would generate additional revenue which could provide upgrades in city services without increases in taxes. When elected for a second term, I have no doubt that Mark will continue to actively serve and remain committed to our community to ensure a bright future for the citizens of Kirtland, which is why he will undoubtedly have my vote come November 8.
In my opinion there are many reasons that Mark Tyler is the best candidate for the job of City Council in Kirtland. Most may think I’d start somewhere around “he’s one of two incumbent candidates”; truth is that barely hits the radar in my opinion. It’s his dedication to community, and his willingness to do what it takes to get the job done that has this columnist’s attention. Mark has paved his own way to get everything in life that he has. Born at the Cleveland Clinic on August 15, 1957, he lived in Garfield Heights after birth. His family moved to Lyndhurst, where he was raised and met his wife, Sandy, of 25 years through a mutual friend at his alma-matter, Brush High School.
A resident of Kirtland since 1994, he has been an active member of the Kirtland Kiwanis for over 10 years and is currently serving on the Board of Directors and the Scholarship Committee. He is also a member of the Willoughby Rotary and is a Graduate of Leadership Lake County, Class of 2005. Also a supporter of the Kirtland Music Boosters and Kirtland Athletic Boosters, Mark and Sandy can be seen at most events in Kirtland supporting their city, with his hand on the pulse of his constituents. He has worked in Lake County for over two decades, first as an engineer in the Nuclear Engineering Department at The Perry Nuclear Power Plant and is currently Principal Engineer at the Lubrizol Corporation. His political career started after he became President of Kiwanis, which led to appointments to the City Charter Review Committee and Planning Advisory Committee for the Comprehensive Plan, and eventually being asked to run for city council.
In his last four years in his role of City Council At Large, Mark is the Council Parliamentarian and recently became a member of National Association of Parliamentarians after passing his entrance exam. In this role Mark is responsible for recommending proper procedural motions to comply with Roberts Rules of Order. He also took courses at CSU College of Urban affairs to better himself as a Councilman. The training included classes in Roles and Responsibilities, Council-Mayor relations, municipal finance, municipal law, media relations and ethics. He put his training to good use by working closely with Council and the Mayor to help secure necessary equipment for Kirtland Fire/Rescue to keep their citizens safe. These items included two new pumpers and a new ambulance. He also supported the purchase of three new snow plows for The Kirtland Service Department to keep the roadways clear, such as the newly expanded Route 306, in which he also played a pivotal role.
Councilman Tyler’s goals for the future of Kirtland are to continue work on the 306 sanitary sewer project. Kirtland has entered into an agreement with Lake County Sanitary Sewer District to install a sewer line down the Route 306 corridor to just past city hall (in the Temple View area). He would also like to start work on the Route 306/Route 6 intersection improvement project. This would include extended turning lanes and a new traffic signal. He is also an advocate of independent senior housing in Kirtland. Western Reserve Nursing home currently provides skilled nursing care, however other options such as an independent housing facility needs to be pursued. It is vital to the future of Kirtland that we explore the ideas set forth in Issue Eight. Rezoning of the Downtown area as a Historic Town Center would allow for a plethora of business opportunities. This would generate additional revenue which could provide upgrades in city services without increases in taxes. When elected for a second term, I have no doubt that Mark will continue to actively serve and remain committed to our community to ensure a bright future for the citizens of Kirtland, which is why he will undoubtedly have my vote come November 8.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
America News & Views Podcast
Be sure to subscribe to the America News & Views podcast hosted by Bob Murphy and Dale Fellows.
Visit the Lake GOP Podcast Page at www.lakegop.com/podcast.html to subscribe!
ODEO USERS: My Odeo Channel (odeo/faab2e36994e1ce2)
Visit the Lake GOP Podcast Page at www.lakegop.com/podcast.html to subscribe!
ODEO USERS: My Odeo Channel (odeo/faab2e36994e1ce2)
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Distribution of Wealth
A young woman was about to finish her first year of college.
Like so many other young people her age, she considered herself to be a liberal Democrat, and was very much in favor of the redistribution of wealth.
She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed to him. Based on the lectures that she had participated in at college, and the occasional chat with a very liberal professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.
One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the addition of more government welfare programs. The self- professed objectivity proclaimed by her very liberal college professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father.
He responded by asking how she was doing in school.
Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain that high average, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other young people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.
Her father listened and then asked, "How is your friend Audrey doing?"
She replied, "Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is very popular on campus, college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties, and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over."
Her wise father asked his daughter, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA."
The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, "That wouldn't be fair! I have worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She has played while I have worked my tail off!"
The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, "Welcome to the Republican Party."
Monday, September 26, 2005
have you seen www.protectyourvote.org? Stop RON now!
This is posted from the website
http://protectyourvote.org
It is in regards to Reform Ohio Now and the reasons to vote NO on issues 2, 3, 4, &5. Please visit their website and check out the issues!
Also if you are interested in volunteering please contact Don at trivisonno@young-republican.com. We desperately need people to help make phone calls to Lake County Republicans!
Thanks in advance for your support!
<<<<< Begin transcript from protectyourvote.org >>>>>
Why Vote NO?
Argument Against Issue 2
First, the adoption of this amendment is likely to lead to a significant increase in cases of fraudulent voting in Ohio, as experienced in other states that have adopted similar proposals. The proposed amendment does not contain a reliable method to protect the integrity of votes cast early, nor does it provide adequate safeguards to ensure that only eligible and qualified voters would be able to use these procedures.
Second, this amendment is not necessary because Ohio law already contains generous absentee voting provisions. Currently, any Ohio voter with a legitimate reason for being absent on Election Day can obtain an absentee ballot. In fact, there are 16 reasons that allow absentee voting under current Ohio law, including: military service; health and physical disability issues; work related issues; being age 62 or older; or, simply that the voter expects to be absent from the county on Election Day for personal reasons.
Third, the proposed amendment does not ensure that every Ohioan will have the same opportunity to vote early. The amendment does not establish a statewide standard that must be followed for designation of times and locations for early voting. The rules governing early voting could vary widely from county to county, because the amendment gives each county Board of Elections the discretion to designate the times and locations for early voting.
Argument Against Issue 3
The proposed amendment would change how Ohio political campaigns are funded to benefit the wealthy and labor unions, to the disadvantage of all other Ohioans.
The proposed amendment allows labor unions to funnel unlimited amounts of money into the political process through a new type of political organization that is deceptively labeled a “small donor” action committee. In addition, there would be no obligation placed on labor unions to provide full disclosure regarding the source of this money, that could even be given by non-Ohio sources.
The proposed amendment would give an unfair advantage to wealthy candidates because they would be permitted to use unlimited amounts of personal money in their campaigns. However, unlike Ohio’s current law, the proposed amendment would not permit an individual running against a wealthy opponent to raise additional campaign dollars to make the election competitive.
The proposed amendment would also place drastic restrictions on the ability of all other Ohioans to raise money to combat the undue influence of the wealthy and labor unions in Ohio elections. These restrictions are designed to silence the voices of ordinary Ohioans in the elections process.
Argument Against Issue 4
First, the amendment would remove from the control of Ohio voters the power to establish districts for the Ohio General Assembly and the U.S. Congress, by abolishing the role of elected public officials in these important tasks. The proposed amendment would place this power in the hands of a new commission that is made up of 5 political appointees. Two of the commission members would be selected by judges and the others may be chosen by lot. The members of the commission would not be required to meet any minimum level of qualifications. Once appointed, the commissioners would serve for an indefinite period of time, and would never be accountable to Ohio voters.
Second, the proposed amendment would grant the commission virtually unlimited power to spend Ohio tax dollars, with essentially no control by Ohio voters or other state leaders. No other state commission has this extraordinary spending power.
Third, the proposed amendment would remove the current protection in the Ohio constitution that prevents the dilution of your vote. The proposed amendment would also delete from the Ohio Constitution the provisions designed to prevent “gerrymandering,” and would permit the creation of legislative districts that break up communities and neighborhoods.
Finally, the proposed amendment would remove from the Ohio Constitution the authority of Ohio’s courts to review the commission’s activities. Therefore, unlike all other Ohio public officials, political subdivisions, boards, commissions, and agencies, Ohio citizens would have virtually no ability to challenge the actions of this elected commission in Ohio’s courts. The commission should not be uniquely unaccountable and placed above the law.
Argument Against Issue 5
First, the proposed amendment would effectively end the local control over Ohio elections that is currently exercised by our bipartisan county elections boards.
Second, the proposed amendment would create a new statewide elections board that would consist of members who are politically appointed for 9-year terms, and would never be accountable to Ohio voters.
Third, the proposed amendment would eliminate the role of Ohio’s Secretary of State in Ohio’s election system. The new statewide board of political appointees would replace our elected Secretary of State. The proponents of this amendment clearly distrust the ability of Ohio voters to choose a public official to be in charge of Ohio’s election system.
Fourth, the proposed amendment would essentially give the appointed elections board a “blank check” to spend any and all tax dollars that it desires. The proposed amendment does not explain why it is necessary to give this group of political appointees the power to spend unlimited amounts of tax dollars, without being accountable to Ohio voters or elected Ohio public officials.
Paid for by Ohio First Voter Education Fund. J. Matthew Yuskewich, Treasurer. 88 East Broad, Suite 1320 . Columbus , OH 43215 .
http://protectyourvote.org
It is in regards to Reform Ohio Now and the reasons to vote NO on issues 2, 3, 4, &5. Please visit their website and check out the issues!
Also if you are interested in volunteering please contact Don at trivisonno@young-republican.com. We desperately need people to help make phone calls to Lake County Republicans!
Thanks in advance for your support!
<<<<< Begin transcript from protectyourvote.org >>>>>
Why Vote NO?
Argument Against Issue 2
First, the adoption of this amendment is likely to lead to a significant increase in cases of fraudulent voting in Ohio, as experienced in other states that have adopted similar proposals. The proposed amendment does not contain a reliable method to protect the integrity of votes cast early, nor does it provide adequate safeguards to ensure that only eligible and qualified voters would be able to use these procedures.
Second, this amendment is not necessary because Ohio law already contains generous absentee voting provisions. Currently, any Ohio voter with a legitimate reason for being absent on Election Day can obtain an absentee ballot. In fact, there are 16 reasons that allow absentee voting under current Ohio law, including: military service; health and physical disability issues; work related issues; being age 62 or older; or, simply that the voter expects to be absent from the county on Election Day for personal reasons.
Third, the proposed amendment does not ensure that every Ohioan will have the same opportunity to vote early. The amendment does not establish a statewide standard that must be followed for designation of times and locations for early voting. The rules governing early voting could vary widely from county to county, because the amendment gives each county Board of Elections the discretion to designate the times and locations for early voting.
Argument Against Issue 3
The proposed amendment would change how Ohio political campaigns are funded to benefit the wealthy and labor unions, to the disadvantage of all other Ohioans.
The proposed amendment allows labor unions to funnel unlimited amounts of money into the political process through a new type of political organization that is deceptively labeled a “small donor” action committee. In addition, there would be no obligation placed on labor unions to provide full disclosure regarding the source of this money, that could even be given by non-Ohio sources.
The proposed amendment would give an unfair advantage to wealthy candidates because they would be permitted to use unlimited amounts of personal money in their campaigns. However, unlike Ohio’s current law, the proposed amendment would not permit an individual running against a wealthy opponent to raise additional campaign dollars to make the election competitive.
The proposed amendment would also place drastic restrictions on the ability of all other Ohioans to raise money to combat the undue influence of the wealthy and labor unions in Ohio elections. These restrictions are designed to silence the voices of ordinary Ohioans in the elections process.
Argument Against Issue 4
First, the amendment would remove from the control of Ohio voters the power to establish districts for the Ohio General Assembly and the U.S. Congress, by abolishing the role of elected public officials in these important tasks. The proposed amendment would place this power in the hands of a new commission that is made up of 5 political appointees. Two of the commission members would be selected by judges and the others may be chosen by lot. The members of the commission would not be required to meet any minimum level of qualifications. Once appointed, the commissioners would serve for an indefinite period of time, and would never be accountable to Ohio voters.
Second, the proposed amendment would grant the commission virtually unlimited power to spend Ohio tax dollars, with essentially no control by Ohio voters or other state leaders. No other state commission has this extraordinary spending power.
Third, the proposed amendment would remove the current protection in the Ohio constitution that prevents the dilution of your vote. The proposed amendment would also delete from the Ohio Constitution the provisions designed to prevent “gerrymandering,” and would permit the creation of legislative districts that break up communities and neighborhoods.
Finally, the proposed amendment would remove from the Ohio Constitution the authority of Ohio’s courts to review the commission’s activities. Therefore, unlike all other Ohio public officials, political subdivisions, boards, commissions, and agencies, Ohio citizens would have virtually no ability to challenge the actions of this elected commission in Ohio’s courts. The commission should not be uniquely unaccountable and placed above the law.
Argument Against Issue 5
First, the proposed amendment would effectively end the local control over Ohio elections that is currently exercised by our bipartisan county elections boards.
Second, the proposed amendment would create a new statewide elections board that would consist of members who are politically appointed for 9-year terms, and would never be accountable to Ohio voters.
Third, the proposed amendment would eliminate the role of Ohio’s Secretary of State in Ohio’s election system. The new statewide board of political appointees would replace our elected Secretary of State. The proponents of this amendment clearly distrust the ability of Ohio voters to choose a public official to be in charge of Ohio’s election system.
Fourth, the proposed amendment would essentially give the appointed elections board a “blank check” to spend any and all tax dollars that it desires. The proposed amendment does not explain why it is necessary to give this group of political appointees the power to spend unlimited amounts of tax dollars, without being accountable to Ohio voters or elected Ohio public officials.
Paid for by Ohio First Voter Education Fund. J. Matthew Yuskewich, Treasurer. 88 East Broad, Suite 1320 . Columbus , OH 43215 .
"Reform" Issues - Don't Be Fooled!
Don`t be fooled by the liberal special interest groups!
On Nov. 8, Ohioans will be asked to vote on four constitutional amendments being promoted as "reform." These are not reforms at all. State Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 represent a deceptive effort by left-wing activists to rewrite Ohio`s constitution for their own partisan advantage.
It`s time to stand up and fight this stealth campaign to make Ohio`s elections less accountable. Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 would:
Empower special interest groups by allowing them to contribute 10 times more money to the political process than individual voters (and keep those contributors secret!)
Create complicated, new legislative districts drawn by appointed bureaucrats who do not answer directly to the voters
Allow those appointed bureaucrats to spend unlimited tax dollars with no direct accountability
Give out-of-state millionaires the ability to spend their own personal fortunes to influence Ohio’s elections
And deliver the management of Ohio’s elections to a faceless board of political cronies who are appointed by politicians and judges.
Who`s behind this special interest power grab? Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, Stonewall Democrats, the Ohio Environmental Council, Common Cause and Citizens for a Progressive Ohio, to name a few - all groups that supported John Kerry in the last election.
So what can you do to STOP this partisan effort to hijack Ohio`s elections?
1. VOTE NO on Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5. Encourage fellow Republicans, like-minded Independents and discerning Democrats to VOTE NO as well. Our NO votes are the only thing standing between these liberal groups and their effort to dismantle the integrity of our elections.
2. VOLUNTEER. Sign up here, or contact your county Republican Party to ask how you can help. We need volunteers to distribute literature, make phone calls, go door to door, etc.
3. CONTRIBUTE. We need financial support to help in the campaign against these reckless amendments. Any amount is welcome. Make a secure contribution, or contact our headquarters at (614) 228-2481.
One of the liberal groups driving these amendments wrote on its website recently, “This is our chance to drive a stake into the heart of the Ohio GOP.” That statement alone reveals the true partisan agenda of this effort.
The time to act is now. Join the effort to defeat Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Learn more at www.ohiogop.org
On Nov. 8, Ohioans will be asked to vote on four constitutional amendments being promoted as "reform." These are not reforms at all. State Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 represent a deceptive effort by left-wing activists to rewrite Ohio`s constitution for their own partisan advantage.
It`s time to stand up and fight this stealth campaign to make Ohio`s elections less accountable. Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 would:
Empower special interest groups by allowing them to contribute 10 times more money to the political process than individual voters (and keep those contributors secret!)
Create complicated, new legislative districts drawn by appointed bureaucrats who do not answer directly to the voters
Allow those appointed bureaucrats to spend unlimited tax dollars with no direct accountability
Give out-of-state millionaires the ability to spend their own personal fortunes to influence Ohio’s elections
And deliver the management of Ohio’s elections to a faceless board of political cronies who are appointed by politicians and judges.
Who`s behind this special interest power grab? Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, Stonewall Democrats, the Ohio Environmental Council, Common Cause and Citizens for a Progressive Ohio, to name a few - all groups that supported John Kerry in the last election.
So what can you do to STOP this partisan effort to hijack Ohio`s elections?
1. VOTE NO on Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5. Encourage fellow Republicans, like-minded Independents and discerning Democrats to VOTE NO as well. Our NO votes are the only thing standing between these liberal groups and their effort to dismantle the integrity of our elections.
2. VOLUNTEER. Sign up here, or contact your county Republican Party to ask how you can help. We need volunteers to distribute literature, make phone calls, go door to door, etc.
3. CONTRIBUTE. We need financial support to help in the campaign against these reckless amendments. Any amount is welcome. Make a secure contribution, or contact our headquarters at (614) 228-2481.
One of the liberal groups driving these amendments wrote on its website recently, “This is our chance to drive a stake into the heart of the Ohio GOP.” That statement alone reveals the true partisan agenda of this effort.
The time to act is now. Join the effort to defeat Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Learn more at www.ohiogop.org
Friday, September 09, 2005
"Pop" culture and the libs on the left...
Well, here goes. Certain unnamed people have trusted me to writing a story, and best I can tell they're either NUTS or I don't do that bad of a job. I’ve decided to jump on my proverbial soapbox. For those of you who know me, you know that one thing I love to do is complain, and vent… A LOT! Recently a friend and I had a fairly long dialog resulting from the following lyrics from System Of A Down, and their latest song “B.Y.O.B.” The refrain of the song repeats the following:
"Why don’t Presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?"
Next to the obvious statement “Last I checked people are signing up to fight for our rights”, I pointed out that those same “ poor who are going off to fight the war” are the reason these buffoons can spew their idiotic rhetoric in the first place. A few days had passed, and another situation was brought to my attention. This time Indra Nooyi, the CFO of Pepsico (yes, the makers of Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Tropicana, Quaker, and GatorAide) decided to take the following un-grateful stab at the country and it’s citizens, which last I checked included Indra. The following is a quote from one of her recent speeches.
"To begin, I’d like you to consider your hand. That’s right ... your hand. Other than the fact that mine desperately needs a manicure, it’s a pretty typical hand. But, what I want you to notice, in particular, is that the five fingers are not the same. One is short and thick, one tiny, and the other three are different as well. And yet, as in perhaps no other part of our bodies, the fingers work in harmony without us even thinking about them individually. Whether we attempt to grasp a dime on a slick, marble surface, a child’s arm as we cross the street, or a financial report, we don’t consciously say, “OK, move these fingers here, raise this one, turn this one under, now clamp together. Got it!” We just think about what we want to do and it happens. Our fingers – as different as they are – coexist to create a critically important whole. This unique way of looking at my hand was just one result of hot, summer evenings in my childhood home in Madras, India. My mother, sister, and I would sit at our kitchen table and – for lack of a better phrase – think big thoughts. One of those thoughts was this difference in our fingers and how, despite their differences, they worked together to create a wonderful tool.
As I grew up and started to study geography, I remember being told that the five fingers can be thought of as the five major continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Now, let me issue a profound apology to both Australia and Antarctica. I bear neither of these continents any ill will. It’s just that we humans have only five fingers on each hand, so my analogy doesn’t work with seven continents. Clearly, the point of my story is more important that geographical accuracy!
First, let’s consider our little finger. Think of this finger as Africa. Africa is the little finger not because of Africa’s size, but because of its place on the world’s stage. From an economic standpoint, Africa has yet to catch up with her sister continents. And yet, when our little finger hurts, it affects the whole hand.
Our thumb is Asia: strong, powerful, and ready to assert herself as a major player on the world’s economic stage.
Our index, or pointer finger, is Europe. Europe is the cradle of democracy and pointed the way for western civilization and the laws we use in conducting global business.
The ring finger is South America, including Latin America. Is this appropriate, or what? The ring finger symbolizes love and commitment to another person. Both Latin and South America are hot, passionate, and filled with the sensuous beats of the mambo, samba, and tango: three dances that – if done right – can almost guarantee you and your partner will be buying furniture together.
This analogy of the five fingers as the five major continents leaves the long, middle finger for North America, and, in particular, The United States. As the longest of the fingers, it really stands out. The middle finger anchors every function that the hand performs and is the key to all of the fingers working together efficiently and effectively. This is a really good thing, and has given the U.S. a leg-up in global business since the end of World War I.
However, if used inappropriately –just like the U.S. itself -- the middle finger can convey a negative message and get us in trouble. You know what I’m talking about. In fact, I suspect you’re hoping that I’ll demonstrate what I mean. And trust me, I’m not looking for volunteers to model.
Discretion being the better part of valor ... I think I’ll pass.
What is most crucial to my analogy of the five fingers as the five major continents is that each of us in the U.S. – the long middle finger – must be careful that when we extend our arm in either a business or political sense, we take pains to assure we are giving a hand ... not the finger. Sometimes this is very difficult. Because the U.S. – the middle finger – sticks out so much, we can send the wrong message unintentionally.
Unfortunately, I think this is how the rest of the world looks at the U.S. right now. Not as part of the hand – giving strength and purpose to the rest of the fingers – but, instead, scratching our nose and sending a far different signal."
With these things being said, here is my question. Where, in the freest land in the world, do you get off making such statements, and then not leaving the country? Is it just me or does it seem like these people are coming to the Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave JUST to make a quick buck? What would happen to these people if they were to try similar in their home countries. Finally why are we, as Americans, supporting people like this, by supporting what they do, and the companies that they work for? My hope is that in reading this article you understand that we need to look at ourselves, and what we support. We need to be accountable for whose pockets we are putting money into, and the organizations that those people support. I welcome any and all ideas or comments on this article, and encourage you to look at what you support on a daily basis.
"Why don’t Presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?"
Next to the obvious statement “Last I checked people are signing up to fight for our rights”, I pointed out that those same “ poor who are going off to fight the war” are the reason these buffoons can spew their idiotic rhetoric in the first place. A few days had passed, and another situation was brought to my attention. This time Indra Nooyi, the CFO of Pepsico (yes, the makers of Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Tropicana, Quaker, and GatorAide) decided to take the following un-grateful stab at the country and it’s citizens, which last I checked included Indra. The following is a quote from one of her recent speeches.
"To begin, I’d like you to consider your hand. That’s right ... your hand. Other than the fact that mine desperately needs a manicure, it’s a pretty typical hand. But, what I want you to notice, in particular, is that the five fingers are not the same. One is short and thick, one tiny, and the other three are different as well. And yet, as in perhaps no other part of our bodies, the fingers work in harmony without us even thinking about them individually. Whether we attempt to grasp a dime on a slick, marble surface, a child’s arm as we cross the street, or a financial report, we don’t consciously say, “OK, move these fingers here, raise this one, turn this one under, now clamp together. Got it!” We just think about what we want to do and it happens. Our fingers – as different as they are – coexist to create a critically important whole. This unique way of looking at my hand was just one result of hot, summer evenings in my childhood home in Madras, India. My mother, sister, and I would sit at our kitchen table and – for lack of a better phrase – think big thoughts. One of those thoughts was this difference in our fingers and how, despite their differences, they worked together to create a wonderful tool.
As I grew up and started to study geography, I remember being told that the five fingers can be thought of as the five major continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Now, let me issue a profound apology to both Australia and Antarctica. I bear neither of these continents any ill will. It’s just that we humans have only five fingers on each hand, so my analogy doesn’t work with seven continents. Clearly, the point of my story is more important that geographical accuracy!
First, let’s consider our little finger. Think of this finger as Africa. Africa is the little finger not because of Africa’s size, but because of its place on the world’s stage. From an economic standpoint, Africa has yet to catch up with her sister continents. And yet, when our little finger hurts, it affects the whole hand.
Our thumb is Asia: strong, powerful, and ready to assert herself as a major player on the world’s economic stage.
Our index, or pointer finger, is Europe. Europe is the cradle of democracy and pointed the way for western civilization and the laws we use in conducting global business.
The ring finger is South America, including Latin America. Is this appropriate, or what? The ring finger symbolizes love and commitment to another person. Both Latin and South America are hot, passionate, and filled with the sensuous beats of the mambo, samba, and tango: three dances that – if done right – can almost guarantee you and your partner will be buying furniture together.
This analogy of the five fingers as the five major continents leaves the long, middle finger for North America, and, in particular, The United States. As the longest of the fingers, it really stands out. The middle finger anchors every function that the hand performs and is the key to all of the fingers working together efficiently and effectively. This is a really good thing, and has given the U.S. a leg-up in global business since the end of World War I.
However, if used inappropriately –just like the U.S. itself -- the middle finger can convey a negative message and get us in trouble. You know what I’m talking about. In fact, I suspect you’re hoping that I’ll demonstrate what I mean. And trust me, I’m not looking for volunteers to model.
Discretion being the better part of valor ... I think I’ll pass.
What is most crucial to my analogy of the five fingers as the five major continents is that each of us in the U.S. – the long middle finger – must be careful that when we extend our arm in either a business or political sense, we take pains to assure we are giving a hand ... not the finger. Sometimes this is very difficult. Because the U.S. – the middle finger – sticks out so much, we can send the wrong message unintentionally.
Unfortunately, I think this is how the rest of the world looks at the U.S. right now. Not as part of the hand – giving strength and purpose to the rest of the fingers – but, instead, scratching our nose and sending a far different signal."
With these things being said, here is my question. Where, in the freest land in the world, do you get off making such statements, and then not leaving the country? Is it just me or does it seem like these people are coming to the Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave JUST to make a quick buck? What would happen to these people if they were to try similar in their home countries. Finally why are we, as Americans, supporting people like this, by supporting what they do, and the companies that they work for? My hope is that in reading this article you understand that we need to look at ourselves, and what we support. We need to be accountable for whose pockets we are putting money into, and the organizations that those people support. I welcome any and all ideas or comments on this article, and encourage you to look at what you support on a daily basis.
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