MORE ENERGY NECESSARY

“How can they not read a book twice the size of the largest Harry Potter book and actually expect to know what it says?”

(From Jake, Age 12)

On Friday the House of Representatives passed the Cap and Trade bill, also known as H.R. 2998, Waxman-Markey Energy Tax Bill.  Its final form contained 1500 pages.  In the early hours of the morning in which congressional debate was scheduled, a 300 page amendment was added.  Question:  which of our congressmen read all 1500 pages?  Who read the amendment?  And today’s million dollar question:  who voted on the bill without reading its contents?  Who assumed they knew all that was included without reading the actual legislation?

Let me even quote Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) during committee hearings:  “I certainly don’t claim to know everything that’s in this bill.”  Um, Waxman is the bill’s co-sponsor. 

(Psst... see the words from my son above.)

Sadly, this congressional injustice not only applies to cap and trade.  Remember the billion dollar stimulus package passed in February?

According to CNSNews.com, “Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) predicted on Thursday that none of his Senate colleagues would ‘have the chance’ to read the entire final version of the $790-billion stimulus bill before the bill comes up for a final vote in Congress...  Of the several senators that CNSNews.com interviewed on Thursday, only Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) claimed to have read the entire bill--and he was speaking of the preliminary version that had been approved by the Senate, not the final 999-page version that the House-Senate conference committee was still haggling over on Thursday afternoon.  When CNSNews.com asked members of both parties on Capitol Hill on Thursday whether they had read the full, final bill, not one member could say, ‘Yes.’" 

What?!  Should any of us be sitting down?!  How can our elected representation claim to represent us well if they are not even reading the proposed legislation?  Is our government so eager to flaunt its resume that the legislative branch is not taking the time (and thus discernment) in order to act responsibly?  Is it too strong a statement to declare this practice as ridiculous??

Note:  On June 16th, Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) introduced H.R. 554, which would amend House rules to require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House (See Baird’s project at www.readthebill.org).  Let us watch what our astute congressmen think of this proposal.

Nonetheless, the same thing keeps running through my head.  I think of the saying that “a little child will lead them.”

And then I think of my 12 year old... wishing our congressmen would listen to him.

AR

REMEMBER THE TIME

For all the controversy... for all the people that wanna be startin’ somethin’... for all the stories now plastered on TV...  this is what I wish to say to Michael...

As an 80’s high school graduate, my friends and I spent many moments with you... dancin’ on the beds, singing with our hairbrush microphones, seeing if there was any way we could even partially imitate that moondance.  The winter after graduation, we huddled around our newfound MTV (even though our parents thought we were studying for semester finals!), loving all 14 minutes of “Thriller.”  You entertained us often and much.  Thank you!

When fame surrounds a person, it seems to cast layers around the person’s potentially fragile heart.  Did we ever get a true picture of your heart, Michael?  Were you a lover, not a fighter?  Were you lonely?  What was true?  What was not?  Did you feel respected?

Since none of us truly were acquainted with your heart, let us simply repeat some of the wisdom of your words...

Don’t play the fool for the rest of your life

Work on it brother and you’ll make it

Someday go for what you want and don’t forget the faith

Look at yourself and what You doin’ right now

Stand back a minute just to check yourself out

Straighten out Your life and how you’re livin’ each day

Get yourself together cause you got to keep the Faith...  (“Keep the Faith”)

People always told me be careful of what you do

And don’t go around breaking young girls hearts

And mother always told me be careful of who you love

And be careful of what you do cause the lie becomes the truth...  (“Billie Jean”)

And the dream we were conceived in 

Will reveal a joyful face 

And the world we once believed in 

Will shine again in grace 

Then why do we keep strangling life 

Wound this earth, crucify its soul 

Though it's plain to see, this world is heavenly 

Be God's glow...  (“Heal the World”)

And one more, from “Gone Too Soon”...

Like The Loss Of Sunlight On A Cloudy Afternoon, Gone Too Soon;

Like A Castle Built Upon A Sandy Beach, Gone Too Soon;

Like A Perfect Flower That Is Just Beyond Your Reach, Gone Too Soon;

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight

Here One Day, Gone One Night;

Like A Sunset, Dying With The Rising Of The Moon

Gone Too Soon, Gone Too Soon...  

A tribute to Michael Jackson... We never know when death will come.  May each of us have peace with God now.

AR

IMPERFECT

Hold the presses... yesterday’s news trumps today’s headlines.

Yet another respected politician had his professional bubble burst yesterday, with the admission of heartbreaking infidelity.  The subject is one each of us can relate to... as we have either been hurt from it, engaged in it, or tempted by it.  “Good people” are often involved.

Let me first note that one act does not define a man.  If each of us were judged by singular moments in our lives, I wonder who could stand blameless.  To think that “it is I” is most likely either ignorant, arrogant, or naive.  This side of heaven, no man is perfect.

Publicly, the list of imperfect men and women knows few boundaries...

Bill Clinton.

John Edwards.

John Ensign.

Rudy Guiliani.

Jim McGreevey.

Eliot Spitzer.

And now Gov. Mark Sanford.

(Intramuralist note:  while no women are included in the above, more publicized list, please make no conclusions about female susceptibility.)

Our often forgiving public, no less, seems to have realized that while infidelity certainly indicates disreputable decision-making, it is not a pure reflection of the totality of a man’s character.  With authentic, private repentance, most have more to give.  According to a recent Fortune 500 article, for example, in regard to the power of philanthropy, “Bill Gates has the money. But no one motivates people and moves mountains like Bill Clinton.”   There is much more to Clinton’s character than his previous poor behavior.

But why is it that we have trouble admitting the “good” and “bad” in some?  Why do we seem to ignore the infidelity of specific people?  Why do some seem to bypass the scrutinization...  especially perhaps, in the name of celebrity?

Prince Charles.

Bill Cosby.

Katharine Hepburn.

Paul Newman.

FDR.

Julia Roberts.

Donald Trump.

(There are many, many more for whom the rumors hold more than substantial speculation.)

These persons, too, certainly have much more to their character; they have made positive contributions in multiple areas.  But with the exception of FDR, it sometimes seems as if we hold politicians to a standard that we choose to ignore in others.  Does celebrity motivate us to conceal imperfection?  

Each of us has something to give...  imperfect as each of us is.  We simply need to be wise, graceful, and consistent in handling those imperfections.

AR

AWARE OF “JORDANESQUE”

A-ha!  I got it!  We finally got it!!

Follow me here for a moment...

The 2008 season was not supposed to end that way.  When time expired and New England’s Patriots suffered a “Giant” loss in Super Bowl XLII - ruining what would have been a rare, perfect season, seemingly only 2 reactions surfaced:  either (1) gut-wrenching heartache or (2) unexpected elation.  Distress or delight.  No in between.  We either love ‘em or hate ‘em.  Few football fans remained emotionally unattached.

Less than 2 weeks ago the Lakers won their 15th NBA championship.  Led by shooting guard, Kobe Bryant, basketball fans either (1) cheered or (2) jeered as the Orlando Magic found themselves exiting The Finals more with a whimper than a bang.  For those who have difficulty witnessing Bryant excel (many of whom are still awaiting the coming reign of King LeBron), 1 more publicized “showtime” of Lakers was disgusting.

Let us not forget baseball’s finest, none other than the American League’s Yankees.  “I don’t care if ARod is among the best ever; he plays for New York, and they’re all arrogant and don’t deserve another title!”  Yes, love ‘em or hate ‘em... such is how sports fans follow the Yankees.

The wide world of sports has morphed into passionate emotional displays.  When we support a team, assuming they maintain an adequate level of success, we either see little wrong or gloss over the imperfections that may impede the road to victory.  We support them no matter what... often blindly.  And their adversaries, well, of course, they consistently engage in error.  Their leaders are either evil or incompetent, but there exists no way the adversary could be as wise nor as talented as we.

Think a Jets’ fan acknowledges the superior game management by Brady and Belichick?  Or those in Boston compliment Kobe on his Jordanesque closing skills? 

The “A-ha” moment, my friends, is that as a culture, we have allowed this passionate, polarized emotion to transcend into areas where it does not belong and it is often unhealthy.  We have wrongly encouraged our culture to see Democrats and Republicans more along the lines of Yankees and Red Sox, as opposed to the public servants that they are.  No one party has all the right answers.  No one party has all the wrong answers.  Like it or not, there are members of each team that positively contribute to the lineup.  There are talented point guards on each team and some quarterbacks that are pretty amazing.

But sadly, we hide behind loyalty as if it is noble.  The conflict is certainly understandable.  Loyalty is a trait far too uncommon in current culture, and many of us work diligently to instill this in our children.  However, the danger of political loyalty is similar to that directed toward MLB, the NFL, or NBA:  loyalty breeds blindness...  and blindness may keep us from recognizing when even Brady or Bryant has an excellent idea and thus makes an incredible play.  Instead, we greet the play with skepticism and doubt. 

Remember, sports fans, even for the dreaded adversary, some quarterbacks are pretty amazing.

AR

SHOW THEM THE MONEY!

From yesterday’s edition of The Cincinnati Enquirer:

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Ted Strickland reversed his longstanding opposition to gambling Friday, saying Ohio should add electronic slot machines at the state’s seven horse tracks, including River Downs in Anderson Township and Lebanon Raceway in Warren County.  "This is the best course of action to meet our balanced budget obligations,’’ he said at a Statehouse news conference.  "If the economy was robust, I probably would not have made this decision.”

Let us not feel a need to opine about the perceived oppressive perils of organized gambling.  (Although if I see one more very large, older man or woman, wheeled up to the slots, even on oxygen, inserting their last best hope into the machine’s narrow, eternal black hole, the temptation to utilize sarcasm will certainly increase.)

Yet the question remains:  does money trump principle? 

Strickland has long been opposed to gambling, but the economy is tough.  Government funds are limited, and budget cuts are painful.  Face it, friends, each of us works diligently to avoid that which is painful, and no elected official - Democrat or Republican from any state or federal body - likes to eliminate funding for a voting bloc currently favorably disposed toward the decision-making bureaucrat.  That could be personally painful come November.

Yet wisdom is arguably in question if money is the motivating factor.  Let me go a step further... when else has money been the motivator for our government?  When has the motivation for enacting legislation been money - but, knowing a discerning public would note the hypocrisy, when have our elected officials articulated noble principles that they instead hid behind?

Was there any such motive behind the bank bailout?  The auto maker bailout?  Any of the previous sanctions applied to Iraq?  Or do I dare ask, are they contemplating any such motive in regard to a healthcare overhaul?  Remember that current debated proposals establish the federal government as an insurance provider, and requiring insurance may be mandatory. 

Is the real reason our federal government is contemplating taxing soft drinks and those popular energy drinks not because they are bad for us, but rather, because it is an excellent source to obtain income?

At least Governor Strickland was honest with the citizens of Ohio, acknowledging his underlying motives.  The greater concern is when the true motives are not acknowledged.

Think that never happens?

Interesting.

AR

WARNING: MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF NUTS

Yes, I am fearful we are going nuts.

There are all sorts of them.  Cashews, almonds, walnuts, brazils, filberts, peanuts, pine, and pecans...  There exist immeasurable means of preparation.  Dry roasted, honey roasted, salted, shelled, redskin, blanched, granulated, not to mention that wonderful cinnamon glazed.  Next we must choose what form we desire the protein to come in... whole, half, pieces, mixed...  It certainly makes it hard to choose.  Some are grouped together via creative packaging; some are not available at the local grocer; some are available only from preferred networks.  And some people, too, are allergic, making obtaining nuts currently impossible.

I am sorry to say, but the cost of nuts has soared.  I remember boiled peanuts from Plains, Georgia being significantly less expensive 25 years ago.  It is challenging to continue paying more for protein... something that gives us the energy to go on and keeps our bodies in solid shape (thank you, Dr. Atkins).

And so perhaps we should control the ebb and flow of nuts in this country.  Perhaps we should socialize both its production and availability.  If we overhaul the nut system in this country, perhaps we could save billions!  Hail, Plains!  We need our nuts!!

Hmmm... forgive my sarcasm... but the Intramuralist foresees two significant hiccups (in addition to the gestational reactions)...

Hiccup #1:  The nut system overhaul claims to save us billions but cost us trillions.  It is money we do not have.  Do you know where our government currently finds its bill-paying, auspicious pot of gold?  We continue to borrow money from China, and frankly, the Chinese are not known to be crazy about our nuts.  (They have also been known not to be too fond of our values.)  My friends, no single entity in this country is allowed to operate at a continual, annual loss without either being eliminated or going bankrupt.  For the US government to continue borrowing - justifying being an exception to this rule - it is worrisome indeed... even if it is simply about nuts.  

Hiccup #2:  If the government controls the nuts, the government will discern which nuts are worthy - and which are expendable.  Since the initial nut costs are nothing short of outrageous, they cannot afford to take care of the nut-eaters who are a perceived financial drain on the system.  In other words, the government will be picking out the pistachios.  Perhaps, in fact, the pistachios will no longer exist.  We will then as a country miss out on what even a green, little nut can contribute to our culture.

People who need nuts should get nuts.  Even Macadamia.  But government assuming control of everyone’s protein choice seems arguably Orweillian.  If the control seizing also entails the utilization of a checkbook with zero money left in the account, then financial foolishness is at the very least an incredibly valid question. 

Time to snack on the Thai lime chili cashews in my cupboard.  Perhaps the break will enable me to refrain from acknowledging all the nuts involved in this process.

AR

FIRST PRIDE, THEN THE CRASH

“Too much pride can put you to shame.  It's wiser to be humble.”

I will never forget that moment.  Any time an impressive record is broken (save arguably by Bonds, B.), we watch... cheer... we look forward to the day.  When Mark McGwire broke the single season home run record in 1998, the family of the man who previously held the record, Roger Maris, was in attendance in order to personally offer both congratulations and respect.

But would we congratulate if we felt the felicitations fueled arrogance?

On May 1, 1991, baseball legend, Rickey Henderson, stole his 939th base, passing Lou Brock as baseball’s career leader.  He was given a microphone to address the crowd, at which time he first thanked God, his fans, and family, and then he added, “Lou Brock was the symbol of great base stealing.  But today, I’m the greatest of all time.”

Who then rushed to congratulate him?

Even though Henderson says he reviewed his statement with Brock beforehand - and it was said in reference to his idol, Muhammad Ali - Henderson soon knew he had committed an offensive error.  According to Dennis Manoloff in his interview for Baseball Digest, Henderson contritely commented, “As soon as I said it, it ruined everything. Everybody thought it was the worst thing you could ever say. Those words haunt me to this day, and will continue to haunt me.”

Why do the words haunt Henderson?  Why does he now express regret?

Perhaps Henderson is disappointed that his words seem to have overshadowed his accomplishment.  Perhaps he gave us an insight into his character which he had hoped to keep less transparent.  Perhaps he is only regretful - as opposed to remorseful, not truly understanding the extent of his error.  Or perhaps, just perhaps, baseball’s stolen base king stumbled upon an unwritten truth:  arrogance is unattractive.

Whether within sports, politics, the workplace, or within relationship, no one responds well to arrogance.  To be unpretentiously proud of an achievement is valid, but arrogance is an attitude of superiority; it presumes the way we think, behave, or perform is better than all others.  When expressed, arrogance squelches both the efforts and opinions of others.  It shuts down dialogue and erases any good.  Just ask Rickey Henderson, as perceived arrogance erased the primary memory of his accomplishment.

Whether arrogance is real or simply perceived, it remains unattractive.  Each of us could learn much in that regard.

P.S.  It is wiser to be humble.

AR