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AR

A GOOD NAME

Throughout history, when a name fails to attract a desired level of interest, loyalty, or support, common strategy suggests altering the name...

Arizona State University has the second largest student enrollment in the country.  My semi-risky hypothesis is that they attracted significantly less supporters when their name was “Tempe Normal School.”  Do note, no less, they are not alone.  Until 1963, Texas A&M was known as the “Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.”  Auburn University was once known as “Alabama Polytechnic Institute.” The title alterations seem to have been significantly beneficial.

The ploy extends further than higher education.  Look at the degree to which business has benefitted...  “Blue Ribbon Sports” is now known simply by its “swoosh,” that billion dollar Nike brand.  “Marafuku” became Nintendo, “AuctionWeb” became EBay, and “Backrub” morphed into Google.  Wonder what’s in a name?  My guess is the founders of Pepsi Cola are thrilled with the loyalists who jumped on board now that they are no longer known as “Brad’s Drink.”  

So successful, the strategy also extends into politics...

The anti-abortion movement of the 70’s became “pro-life,” and the abortion supporters are now identified as “pro-choice.”  Funny now that both sides neglect to include the root issue in their name.  (Perhaps they know “life” and “choice” are more pleasing to the ear than “abortion.”)

My current favorite evolver is “global warming.”  The bottom line on this issue is that scientists around the world disagree on its cause, consequences, and the necessitated response.  The dispute centers on whether the warming trends of the mid-20th century are unprecedented - and thus, whether they are man-made environmental deteriorations.  At the beginning of this decade, thanks much in part to the seemingly genuine passion of Al Gore, global warming interest swelled.  But watch what is now happening in the governments of Australia, the Czech Republic, France, Japan, New Zealand, and Poland.  In each of these countries, skeptics are increasing exponentially... not because global warming has proved fiction.  But because it has yet to be proven fact.

Hence, since the idea of “warming” seems inconsistent with the cool temperatures of the summer - or the massive snows of winter, the term, “global warming,” allows wiggle room for dispute.  Global warming has now evolved into “climate change.”  

The Intramuralist does not claim to know if this issue is fact or fiction.  I simply wish to acknowledge that there exists a debate.  Due to that debate, we need more research and respectful discussion - and less partisanship and subjective publicity.  We need scientific assistance in comprehension - and no more PR campaigns aimed more to convince or manipulate.  And thus, we need pause - pause prior to enacting any significant legislation during sensitive economic times that continue a massive spiral of spending.  Spending should be based on fact.

I wonder...  knowing some things remain a mystery to man...  knowing some things are yet to be figured out... I wonder if someday we will alter the term, “climate change,” once again.  I wonder if it will one day be called “the hand of God.”  You never know... could be fiction... could be fact.

AR

SOLID CARE

In light of the perceived promotion for immediate healthcare reform, let me humbly (but hopefully creatively) offer my very unscientific list of current concerns:  

(1)  The need for legislation passage suddenly seems more important than what is actually in the legislation. 

(2)  As noted in previous Intramuralist accounts, our representatives have long been lax in reading the legislation written; a bill of this magnitude should never be voted upon without the actual, individual reading of the bill.

(3)  Canada.  Their socialized system seems to highlight several of the shortcomings of a government designed program.

(4)  Any reform that is massive yet designed to be efficient and effective needs to be clearly communicated with the public it serves.  With the current campaign designed to support reform passage prior to the congressional August recess, clear communication with the public in regard to the contents of the legislation seems a secondary priority.  Give us time to agree or disagree.  Give us time to fully comprehend the suggested reform.

(5)  President Obama has long stated that healthcare reform must succeed in reducing the cost of medical care over the long run.  Last Thursday, the head of Obama’s Congressional Budget Office testified that the legislation he had seen so far did not fulfill that goal.  Hence, until the administration can agree on such, should we not invest the appropriate time it takes - even if that is after August?

 

(6)  Making healthcare available to all is necessary.  It also needs to be more portable and innovative in order to serve our country’s diversified needs well.  Current proposals seem ambiguous in how innovation within care would be affected.

(7)  Is the new way to pay for government spending to simply tax the wealthiest Americans?  And thus, am I alone in wondering if taxing the rich becomes the primary payment method, will the rich soon learn how to save, spend, or hide their money differently?  (psst... if any of them wish to pay my mortgage...)

 

(8)  One trillion plus dollars.  Need we say more?  How can we spend what we do not have?

(9)  Doing things right is more important than doing things fast.

(10)  And perhaps the concern that intrigues me most... what will the name of a government-run healthcare system be?   Hillarycare?  Robin Hood Care? or McHealth?  (... maybe they, too, will utilize the dollar menu...  I heard it’s cheaper that way...)

AR

FOOLISH

In the words of a seemingly immortal 10 year old, “Shots stink!”

Truth is, the boy is right.  No one enjoys the physician’s proclamation that a new inoculation is necessary (...and men, please withhold your well-intended empathy until an epidural has been placed in the lower portion of your back).

But Thursday’s shot sent my son spiraling downward in anger due to the unexpected pain.  For several moments, more quiet than anything as the tears silently streamed down his face, I simply held him.  Then the tears continued but the self justification of his anger swelled.  “Shots stink!  I shouldn’t have to get them!  They don’t do any good!  They just hurt!”  As the anger persisted, I finally asked him if perhaps we should look at this from another perspective.  At which point words spewed from a mere 10 year old that most of us adults spew as well - just below our breath so their logic will remain uncontested:  “Shots stink!  That’s the way I feel!  And because I feel it, it MUST be right!!”

Scary.  “Because I feel it, it must be right!”

How many of us have justified behavior based upon how we feel?

The woman who left her husband with 3 small children...

The parent who chewed out the coach as his son never entered the game...

The 20 year old girl who shot Steve McNair...

“Because I feel it, it must be right!”

I looked at my son, who can handle a wee bit more transparent conversation, and said, “I’m sorry, but you’re acting like a fool.  When my feelings contradict what is virtuous and true, it is not what is virtuous and true that has now become wrong.”

“But I feel it!  How can I be wrong??”

We are each capable of wrong.  We are each vulnerable to varied temptations, some that entice us more strongly than others.  But we must “live beyond ourselves,” say the wise words of Catherine Marshall, former author and wife of Peter Marshall, the 2-time Senate chaplain.  We must learn to base our feelings upon what is authentic, ethical, and true - as opposed to alter what we believe to be true because of how we feel.  Our feelings, while legitimately held, are capable of being wrong.  They can produce faulty thinking and unethical behavior.

“I’m sorry, Mom.”  It took approximately 40 minutes for my son to comprehend today’s teaching.  My guess is we will speak of it again.  And again.  I shared with him that many of us adults still struggle with the question.  He realized that even those of us aware of said truth still take turns acting as the fool.

AR

MONKEYIN' AROUND

Hey, hey, it’s my birthday
And people say we monkey around
But we're too busy singing

To put anybody down...

Or something like that... what a wonderful day yesterday was. 

Birthday proceedings always amuse me.  We watch people sing, blow out candles, lie about their age, fear their new age, distribute silly gifts - some serious, too.  It can be tremendous fun.  The entire lying-about-your-age-thing has incredible potential for irony.  When we’re under 30 or over 65, our age is quite discernible.  Those who lie are then between the 2 ages.  Hence, it is only a matter of time before lying or refusing to tell simply surrenders to a logic the birthday boy girl has previously refused to acknowledge.  I thus suppose the liar’s motive is to hold fast to a lie for their own, internal, esteeming needs.

Yesterday, though, I attempted something new...

In the morning, instead of prioritizing the activities of the day, planning out my ventures, pondering who would remember and who would call... I released my family and friends from any expectations.  In the morning, I simply spent time in quiet gratitude...

Thank you for this friend...

Thank you for my family...

Thank you for the family I grew up with and admire still today...

No, no one is perfect this side of heaven, but that doesn’t negate the blessing...

I have been blessed by my family and friends... by those who prepared me for now... by those here with me now...  by those who have shaped me... through whom God influenced me...  I would not be who I am today save for the friends and family who intentionally invested their energies in me...

Here... there... close and far away...

Thank God for them... those genuine blessings in my life.

It was a wonderful day.  It is amazing how time focused in gratitude softens the heart and keeps the focus in life where it needs to be...

Off of self.   

My birthday.  A beautiful day.  p.s. Who do you need to say “thanks” for today?

AR

AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

As Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor began Senate confirmation hearings Monday, the Intramuralist was somewhat disturbed by the plethora of opinion that seems presupposed for either rubber-stamping or opposing the nomination.  Justice Sotomayor deserves our respect, and we deserve transparent answers prior to a lifetime High Court appointment.  In lieu of partisan proclivity, I wish to ask the following:

10. Who are the 3 people who have influenced you most professionally?  Were they all like-minded?  Who have you most admired that has thought differently than you?

9.  Tell us:  what do your supporters claim about you that is untrue?  And what do your detractors claim about you that is true?

8.  Do you feel as if the Supreme Court has become more influential in recent decades, expressing jurisdiction in regard to unprecedented arenas or topics?  If so, what do you feel are the positive and negative consequences of that activity?

7.  Many have commented on your ethnicity.  Some even disrespectfully.  What bearing, if any, does your Hispanic heritage actually have on your decision-making?  Has it ever been cause for personal, subjective error?

6.  President Obama has identified what he terms “empathy” as a requirement for his judicial appointees.  To whom and how do you extend judicial empathy?  What does that look like?  And is it possible to empathize with a person, but still acknowledge their wrongdoing?

5.  Which is more important:  your personal political opinion or a strict interpretation of the Constitution?  If Chief Justice John Roberts was asked the same question, how would you advise him to respond?  Hence, when your opinion differs from the law, how does that impact your professional thought process?

4.  “Lady Justice,” Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice, is depicted clutching a downward double-edged sword in her right hand and measuring scales in her left. The sword symbolizes reason and justice, while the scales weigh the strengths and opposition of a specific case. Perceived as “an allegorical personification of the moral force in judicial systems,” why, in your opinion, is Lady Justice typically depicted donning a blindfold?  What is she intentionally attempting not to see?

3.  How does the role of God and the hand of human justice fit together?

2.  Of your 6 decisions that have previously been reviewed by the Supreme Court, 4 of them have been overturned.  What have you learned from those rulings?  Have you been emboldened?  Have you been humbled?  Have you thus ever changed your opinion?

And number 1...

Remembering that you represent all Americans and must serve as an impartial justice, how do you feel about the Yankees, Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and LA Lakers?  In other words, do tell:  who is “America’s team”?  :)

AR

THE LEADER OF THE BAND

7 years ago we sat in Dave Thomas’s franchise, enjoying those old fashioned hamburgers, when my jaw dropped, and we must have suddenly looked aghast.  Previously uneventful, lunch  evolved somewhat excitingly when my 9 month old son threw his hands in the air, and his cast - which extended from his fist to mid-forearm - went flying through the air!  “Please don’t hit anyone!!” I agonized, as the small, purple plaster mold went airborne.  Thankfully, it quickly came to rest at the feet of another table, and gracefully, the table’s young family joined us in the succeeding laughter.

A few months later - after a second, post-Wendy’s casting - one that would not be spontaneously released due to perspiration, the doctors felt Joshua’s finger had sufficiently healed.  A 2”x 4” had fallen across the tops of Josh’s knuckles, slicing his middle proximal phalange in 2.  While only a fractured finger, the immobilization was necessary, as a 9 month old is not likely to avoid any interference with his hands.

After removing the cast, the orthopedist said if an additional incident occurred to feel free to return.  At that time, his resident in the room quietly muttered the following, loud enough for us to hear but quietly enough to be debated:  “Of course, if something else does happen, you don’t have to come see us.  It’s not like Josh will be playing in the orchestra one day.”

My son, Joshua, is an amazing child.  He goes where seemingly some will never go.  He touches people in ways the rest of us cannot, and he hits and throws a baseball as well or better than many adults.  In Josh, we were given an unexpected gift.  On day one, we realized the necessity of releasing him from all those parent-created expectations that each of us manufactures for our children.  And even though we believe those expectations to be justified, the truth is, we have to release all of our children from those expectations.  It is just that with Josh, we knew it right away.  Josh has Down syndrome.

Go with me, though, to the legitimate concern I have for Josh in today’s growing political debate...

Good men and women are debating the need to reform healthcare.  Healthcare needs to become more affordable and portable.  Unfortunately, though, many current reform suggestions would make American healthcare more expensive and less innovative.  My parental concern is that in any reform proposal, we need to ensure that people are guaranteed the medical attention they need.  No man or woman should be viewed as a “number” - someone subjectively judged as a potential “drain on the system”... someone who in government’s eyes is viewed as costing society more than they can give.  

Such seemed the mindset of the resident - believing Josh having a functional set of fingers was unnecessary - and truthfully, the doctor’s ignorance identifies perhaps Joshua’s most challenging hurdle:  surpassing the low expectations our world often has for the disabled.

When the resident coarsely commented about our son’s lack of potential for future musical performance, I offered a wise smile and said, “Who knows... Josh might even direct that orchestra one day.” 

Excuse me... I have a trumpet to purchase...

AR

ACCURACY

As a self-absorbed and overly ambitious young lawyer, Fletcher Reede has a habit of giving precedence to his employer, breaking promises to his young son, Max, and then lying to both.  Soon Max (showing us once again that age and wisdom do not necessarily accompany one another) wishes before blowing out the candles that his father would be incapable of lying for a period of 24 hours.  The resulting, fictitious tale, starring Jim Carrey in “Liar Liar,” borders on hilarity.  An inability to deceive can at times be comically inconvenient.

All right, friends.  It is time to make a critical distinction:  there is difference between lying and simply being wrong.

When Reede tells his son he missed his birthday celebration because he had to work late - when instead he was engaged in copulation with a woman significant to future professional promotion - that is deceit.  That is a lie.

But to lie means to intentionally mislead.  We can lie by purposely articulating falsehoods - or by purposely omitting truth, truth which would impact the public’s otherwise accurate perception.

Years ago, many of us were grievously disgruntled when no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq.  The valid rationale for that grievance is that the existence of WMD’s was offered as a primary reason for invasion.  So the question is did the Bush and Clinton administrations - both of whom publicly acknowledged WMD’s during their tenure - did they lie to us? 

Or... let me ask the unpopular question... were they simply wrong?  Let us not diminish the error.    Being “wrong” may well qualify as foolish, idiotic, and/or ignorant.  Being “wrong,” however, is not immoral.   If being “wrong” is iniquitous, then arguably the integrity of each of us in jeopardy.  

This past Sunday, Vice President Biden was asked by George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s "This Week," how he could explain the inaccurate forecasting utilized as motivation to pass the economic stimulus package.  When the Obama administration urged passage of the stimulus plan at the beginning of this year, they claimed that with the stimulus, unemployment would peak at 8 percent in 2009; whereas without the stimulus, unemployment would rise to 9 percent in 2010. (See page 5 of "The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.")  We're still in 2009 and unemployment has already reached 9.5 percent.  Biden’s explanation was, “We misread how bad the economy was.”

So the question is, when the administration was initially drumming up support for the stimulus package, did they lie to us?  Or were they simply wrong?  Being wrong is not unethical.

While the verdict remains out in regard to the success of the stimulus package (and thus should serve as significant pause in regard to enacting a second package), there is no evidence that anyone in the Obama administration knowingly lied to us.  

Watch.  Pay attention.  Give each administration your respect.   Seek that accurate perception.

AR

LARGE

(With respect and appreciation to Bonnie Tyler, for her catchy, musical hit, “Holding Out for a Hero,” originally released in 1984, also appearing on the phenomenal “Footloose” soundtrack...)

Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods? 

Where's the great white Hercules to fight the rising odds? 

(psst...  do you have a hero?  ...do you long for a hero?)

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed? 

Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need 

(Are there still any heroes?  With respect to the deceased, Michael Jackson made some amazing, unparalleled contributions to the music industry.  He was so innovative - and he danced like no other!  But the current worship by some is cause for discomfort.  It seems as if we may be treating Michael more as hero than human.)

I need a hero 

I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night 

he's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast 

and gotta be fresh from the fight 

(What about Steve McNair?  He was a hero, yes?  An actual Titan?  True, “Air McNair” was esteemed in that way, having a solid reputation as an NFL quarterback who was a tough, effective leader both on the field and in his community.  The sad circumstances of his untimely death again remind us, however, that no man is fit to be the object of worship.)

I need a hero 

I'm holding out for a hero till the morning light 

He's gotta be sure and he's gotta be soon 

And he's gotta be larger than life 

Larger than life 

Larger than life.  Perhaps such is the misnomer.  Who on this planet is capable of being assigned perfection?  Hero status, if you will?  Not Michael Jackson.  Not Steve McNair.  Even Solomon, the one history praises for desiring wisdom above all else, eventually allowed idolatry to be his downfall.  He began to worship that which was undeserving.

No one on Earth is larger than life... no matter how strong... no matter how fast... no matter how fresh from the fight.

AR

CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN

According to the Barna Group, 9 out of 10 adults admit that their faith plays a meaningful role in their life.  Quoting the California-based, marketing research firm, “It is still fashionable in America for people to believe in God.”  Hence, with the abundance of conviction, why does there still seem to exist significant chaos, lack of peace, and hypocrisy among us?  It would seem that faith should impact its followers.  Tell me:  has faith changed you?  Deeply changed you?  What difference does faith make in how you think and behave? 

We hear multiple, admirable persons articulate their religious beliefs... often in rather public moments...

“I feel so amazing... I’m so blessed... I thank my God, Jehovah, for letting me stay - get healthy through this match...” 

- Serena Williams, after winning yesterday’s Ladies Singles Championship at Wimbledon

Has your faith changed you?

“I am a Christian, and I am a devout Christian. I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that faith gives me a path to be cleansed of sin and have eternal life.” 

- Then Presidential Candidate, Sen. Barack Obama

So how has faith changed you?

“First, I want to thank God, man, ‘cause without Him, none of this would be possible.”

 - Orlando’s favorite Superman impersonator, Dwight Howard, upon reaching the NBA Finals

Yes, but has faith changed you?

“Today, I thank God for Watergate. It taught me the greatest lesson of my life, the paradox of power: that he who seeks to save his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for Jesus’ sake shall find it.” 

- Chuck Colson, former White House Special Counsel, whose transformation has been undeniably radical

I do not claim to know the inner workings of the hearts of the men and women above; all may be admirably genuine.  The essence is that for those whose faith is authentic, it is reasonable to believe that it would impact how they think and behave - how we think and behave...  unless, of course, instead of adopting a faith, we simply advocate a cafeteria approach...

“Cafeteria plans” are popular in the workplace, for just as individuals may opt for their food of choice, employees may choose benefits of their choice.  They select the benefits which are most applicable to their family needs.  I often wonder if such is the case for faith and explains the sometimes lack of authentic change in behavior and belief.  Instead of adopting the full menu, we pick and choose which aspects of God we wish to believe in... usually accepting the benefits that are easiest to both explain and apply.  That way (how nice) we can continue to base our actions on what feels good or keeps others happy - as opposed to what may be best or even true.

Authentic faith is hard.  It is hard due to the totality of change that should accompany the application.

AR

THE MEANING OF THE DAY

She’s hot.  She holds a flame to which no one comes close.  Moreover, she seems metallic, made of pure copper hung on a framework of steel - save for that torch’s flame, which is coated in gold leaf.  She is also green, which currently seems to count as the hippest adjective in colloquial conversation.

But too, the gifted statue has served as the first glimpse of America for millions of immigrants... inspiring those who truly comprehend that freedom comes at a cost.  Remember it is she who stood firm while her neighboring twin towers collapsed. 

Tell me:  what does liberty mean?

lib⋅er⋅ty  [lib-er-tee] –noun, plural -ties.

1.  freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control.

2.  freedom from external or foreign rule; independence.

3.  freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.

There is little doubt the huddled masses yearn to breathe free.  Free as citizens.  Freedom in our soul.  The question is what does freedom actually mean.  Are we free from despotic control?  Free from interference and obligation?  

According to our greatly admired, 16th President...  “We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others, the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name - liberty.”

Which man is truly free:  the one who may do as he pleases with the product of his labor?  Or the one who believes he can do as he pleases with the labor of other men?

As Independence Day approaches, perhaps we should look at the liberty the celebration commemorates:  our independence from the perceived overextending law and obligations, arbitrarily placed upon us by the Kingdom of Great Britain.  Independence Day is thus more than fireworks...  more than picnics and parades... more than baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet.  (Actually, since the government now controls GM’s top-selling brand, perhaps the 4th of July is more about Chevy than previously fathomed.)  

It is a day to celebrate the freedom of control, interference, obligation, restriction, and hampering conditions arbitrarily placed upon us.  I pray our current government - especially those who continue to contemplate further obligations - understand the meaning of the day.

AR