Generally I believe the United States should spend less time, money, and effort protecting the world and allocate most of those resources to protecting our own borders and citizens. So I would rather we had not gotten involved in Iraq. But we are there and there is a lot of debate about whether we should remain. Today's Wall Street Journal has an article that is a worthwhile read.
I believe we should outline clear objectives that are attainable in the next year, acheive them, and then get out of there. We live in a global society but it's time for America to move away from trying to solve all the world's problems--especially since much of the world does not even share our opinions on issues.
Iraq is not YET another Vietnam--58000 troops haven't died and we havn't spent 12--20 years there(depending on what dates you use for Vietnam conflict). But it's time to quit arguing about the past, set clear objectives and move toward them NOW.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Back to the Future--College Daze
My 4 years at University of Richmond (1964--68) were a continuation of high school. I had fun, studied more, but I really learned how to survive and succeed. I thought that task had aready been accomplished, but as I started college I still had a lot to learn. Academically I was never at the top of my class, but always managed to stay above average.
Several times I got reminders whenever I wasn't making the grade. The first time was my initial 6 week report where I had an F and two D's out of 5 classes. Scared the shit out of me--wound up turning the F and two D's into an A & two B's. Never had another D but had three F's in early reports and always managed to turn them into at least an A or B by semester's end. Any B or C grades always stayed a B or C. The only A grades I ever got in college started as a D or F. If I enjoyed a subject I usually did fine. But several times classes in my major (economics) started disastrously. Anytime I started with a lousy grade I could succeed with a sustained focused effort. In that regard my life has not changed--when I have an important goal and/or if the shit hits the fan I can pull rabbits out my hat. But when I don't really care I can be a huge slacker.
During college I learned how to survive and succeed-- sometimes on my own--other times through team work. I was in a fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) and formed lots of close friendships. I participated in track, soccer, and basketball and we won several intramural championships. l loved sports and had a great time working on many teams. My senior year I was awarded the Tom Taliferro athlete of the year award. Tom was a frat brother (class pledgemate) who was killed in a car accident in 1966. Getting that trophy was an unbelievably great feeling for me. Tommy was one of my earliest close friends to die unexpectedly. The last time I saw him was a Friday afternoon when he asked me to come with him on a trip to Ohio where he planned to propose to his girl friend. I remember asking him why should I go on a trip like that--I would be a an alternate driver with no date in Ohio all weekend. He fell asleep on the return trip on Monday and hit a bus. I'll never know whether going with him would have saved his life or perhaps ended mine. It's one reason why I believe more in the laws of nature, circumstance, common sense, and shit happens than in the all mighty being.
As for classes I enjoyed most of my economics courses--but not all. Favorites were micro, money & banking, investment theory & practice. Worst was economic history. Latin, which was mandatory, was the biggest waste of time that ever occurred during my campus life. The courses that provided the most practical experience for me were 2 semesters of speech classes. Learning how to research, prepare and deliver a presentation to an audience was an awesome experience. It was a skill I had not really sharpened before those classes, and I have used that skill ever since in my business career. The only topic I recall was a speech I prepared on boxing--I used the Emille Griffith vs Bennie "Kid" Paret fight to the death as the intoduction and I could give a compelling speech either for--or against boxing. I thought about trying out for the debate team after taking speech but the designated topic each season wasn't anything I was really interested in researching. If it had been about the pros and cons of boxing or most any sports topic I'd have been all over it.
As I approached graduation wondering what the future held, one maor issue I did not have to face was the draft and the Vietnam War. Because of knee surgery I was classified 1-Y which meant I did not have to serve in the military. At the time it was a major relief, but years later I think that military service could have helped me mature in a different way than I did. During college I worried about not having money and needing to start a career. I worried about being a college graduate private taking orders from a high school sergeant. I worried about going to Officer Candidate School, leading troops in Vietnam and getting shot. None of those senarios appealed to me. But in 1966 during a pre-draft physical all the military worries disappeared. My brother Mark did serve in the military and Vietnam. He survived but still has many emotions over his military service. He is starting to share them in his web blog and I read them with interest. I casually think about what my life would be like had I done the same thing. I ratioanize that I could still have perfectly good knees and be in a grave somewhere like 58,000 comrades. But when I really consider Vietnam I'm just damn glad Mark and I are still alive.
I still had to figure out a post graduation career. I went to the University of Richmond hoping to attend law school. Back then their law school graduates had the highest percentage of first time passers of the Virginia bar exam than any other law school. As I approached graduation, I had no debt--but no money. Since law school required money I had to go to work.
Several times I got reminders whenever I wasn't making the grade. The first time was my initial 6 week report where I had an F and two D's out of 5 classes. Scared the shit out of me--wound up turning the F and two D's into an A & two B's. Never had another D but had three F's in early reports and always managed to turn them into at least an A or B by semester's end. Any B or C grades always stayed a B or C. The only A grades I ever got in college started as a D or F. If I enjoyed a subject I usually did fine. But several times classes in my major (economics) started disastrously. Anytime I started with a lousy grade I could succeed with a sustained focused effort. In that regard my life has not changed--when I have an important goal and/or if the shit hits the fan I can pull rabbits out my hat. But when I don't really care I can be a huge slacker.
During college I learned how to survive and succeed-- sometimes on my own--other times through team work. I was in a fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) and formed lots of close friendships. I participated in track, soccer, and basketball and we won several intramural championships. l loved sports and had a great time working on many teams. My senior year I was awarded the Tom Taliferro athlete of the year award. Tom was a frat brother (class pledgemate) who was killed in a car accident in 1966. Getting that trophy was an unbelievably great feeling for me. Tommy was one of my earliest close friends to die unexpectedly. The last time I saw him was a Friday afternoon when he asked me to come with him on a trip to Ohio where he planned to propose to his girl friend. I remember asking him why should I go on a trip like that--I would be a an alternate driver with no date in Ohio all weekend. He fell asleep on the return trip on Monday and hit a bus. I'll never know whether going with him would have saved his life or perhaps ended mine. It's one reason why I believe more in the laws of nature, circumstance, common sense, and shit happens than in the all mighty being.
As for classes I enjoyed most of my economics courses--but not all. Favorites were micro, money & banking, investment theory & practice. Worst was economic history. Latin, which was mandatory, was the biggest waste of time that ever occurred during my campus life. The courses that provided the most practical experience for me were 2 semesters of speech classes. Learning how to research, prepare and deliver a presentation to an audience was an awesome experience. It was a skill I had not really sharpened before those classes, and I have used that skill ever since in my business career. The only topic I recall was a speech I prepared on boxing--I used the Emille Griffith vs Bennie "Kid" Paret fight to the death as the intoduction and I could give a compelling speech either for--or against boxing. I thought about trying out for the debate team after taking speech but the designated topic each season wasn't anything I was really interested in researching. If it had been about the pros and cons of boxing or most any sports topic I'd have been all over it.
As I approached graduation wondering what the future held, one maor issue I did not have to face was the draft and the Vietnam War. Because of knee surgery I was classified 1-Y which meant I did not have to serve in the military. At the time it was a major relief, but years later I think that military service could have helped me mature in a different way than I did. During college I worried about not having money and needing to start a career. I worried about being a college graduate private taking orders from a high school sergeant. I worried about going to Officer Candidate School, leading troops in Vietnam and getting shot. None of those senarios appealed to me. But in 1966 during a pre-draft physical all the military worries disappeared. My brother Mark did serve in the military and Vietnam. He survived but still has many emotions over his military service. He is starting to share them in his web blog and I read them with interest. I casually think about what my life would be like had I done the same thing. I ratioanize that I could still have perfectly good knees and be in a grave somewhere like 58,000 comrades. But when I really consider Vietnam I'm just damn glad Mark and I are still alive.
I still had to figure out a post graduation career. I went to the University of Richmond hoping to attend law school. Back then their law school graduates had the highest percentage of first time passers of the Virginia bar exam than any other law school. As I approached graduation, I had no debt--but no money. Since law school required money I had to go to work.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
When & How I Will Die--Update
I originally wrote an article about this on 01/31/05 and mentioned that with my arthritis perhaps a simple fall could take me beyond this life. My brother Mark commented that "I have often wondered if falling will take me out. Not yet. But a quick, abrupt fall into eternity is preferable to many other scenarios I can conjure."
I now wonder if my hope for a long, fruitful life and a peaceful passing is realistic. It's certainly a goal, but events remind me there is no guarantee. During RAAM (Race Across America) a rider was killed on June 23 in Colorado when he was hit by a car. Yesterday in Atlanta a runner was struck by a car while training as she crossed an intersection. I didn't know either one, but I do know both of them were pre-occupied with safety while training. Bob Breedlove was my age and rode ultra cycling events. Pat Foell was my next door neighbor's best friend.
These deaths were unexpected and happened instantly--one minute they were doing what they loved to do--and then they were gone from this life. Both of them left behind families and friends. They both obviously had many future goals--as both athletes and human beings. Neither one had a chance to say farewell. Many stories just like these happen every day. I have lost friends who died too early. But I've also seen other friends who died from debilitating physical and/or mental disorders that caused tremendous pain and heartache--sometimes to them and always to their family and friends.
If I am not destined to live 30--40 more years in good health and sound mind, then maybe leaving like Bob Breedlove and Pat Foell--or taking that quick, abrupt fall into eternity is a good way to go. Nevertheless I hope it's not too soon! In a post on his web log my brother Mark said about his combat during Vietnam called Death By Chance, "Shit happens. I saw it. Somehow I survived it. It's still there waiting to happen.... I am never totally safe. In that respect I am still on patrol, hoping nothing will happen but entirely aware of the potential."
So am I, Mark, so am I.
I now wonder if my hope for a long, fruitful life and a peaceful passing is realistic. It's certainly a goal, but events remind me there is no guarantee. During RAAM (Race Across America) a rider was killed on June 23 in Colorado when he was hit by a car. Yesterday in Atlanta a runner was struck by a car while training as she crossed an intersection. I didn't know either one, but I do know both of them were pre-occupied with safety while training. Bob Breedlove was my age and rode ultra cycling events. Pat Foell was my next door neighbor's best friend.
These deaths were unexpected and happened instantly--one minute they were doing what they loved to do--and then they were gone from this life. Both of them left behind families and friends. They both obviously had many future goals--as both athletes and human beings. Neither one had a chance to say farewell. Many stories just like these happen every day. I have lost friends who died too early. But I've also seen other friends who died from debilitating physical and/or mental disorders that caused tremendous pain and heartache--sometimes to them and always to their family and friends.
If I am not destined to live 30--40 more years in good health and sound mind, then maybe leaving like Bob Breedlove and Pat Foell--or taking that quick, abrupt fall into eternity is a good way to go. Nevertheless I hope it's not too soon! In a post on his web log my brother Mark said about his combat during Vietnam called Death By Chance, "Shit happens. I saw it. Somehow I survived it. It's still there waiting to happen.... I am never totally safe. In that respect I am still on patrol, hoping nothing will happen but entirely aware of the potential."
So am I, Mark, so am I.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
What a Pity
Yesterday a municipal election was held in Atlanta--if you want to call it that. In my District 6 less than 20% of registered voters turned out to vote for a critical city council post. Voter turn out in most elections is pitiful--so many citizens follow the president but are apathetic about issues closer to home. Last year in the presidential election lines at some precincts wrapped around the building. This year the same precincts waited 30 minutes before a single voter showed up.
For over 230 years our forefathers and present day soldiers have fought to preserve our independence and right to exercise our individual preferences in democratic elections. All the lives that have been lost in wars in our own country and all over the world during those 230 years are suppose to be about preserving that right. Perhaps most Americans today feel voting in elections doesn't matter anymore. When citizens are apathetic, government officials listen to those with money and influence. But it does matter. In District 6 when 2 candidates are separated by 6 votes with 48 provisional votes to be counted, it matters a great deal.
These 2 candidates were divided on a major issue, i.e. should a controversial parking deck be constructed in Piedmont Park. For the past year many debates, editorials, & articles have discussed the pros and cons of this issue. Everyone I asked had deep feelings one way or the other. It was like attempting to debate the abortion issue--everyone passionate, decided and ready to defend their position to the death. But yesterday less than 6,000 out of 30,000 voters showed up.
I have never missed voting in an election since becoming a registered voter. I've never decided the outcome of a single election, I have sometimes voted for obscure names for individual offices because I couldn't find any real information on either one. I've only voted for a major presidential candidate in 3 out of 10 elections because only having 2 choices is not enough in my opinion.
But I always show up and vote. What a pity so many others don't.
For over 230 years our forefathers and present day soldiers have fought to preserve our independence and right to exercise our individual preferences in democratic elections. All the lives that have been lost in wars in our own country and all over the world during those 230 years are suppose to be about preserving that right. Perhaps most Americans today feel voting in elections doesn't matter anymore. When citizens are apathetic, government officials listen to those with money and influence. But it does matter. In District 6 when 2 candidates are separated by 6 votes with 48 provisional votes to be counted, it matters a great deal.
These 2 candidates were divided on a major issue, i.e. should a controversial parking deck be constructed in Piedmont Park. For the past year many debates, editorials, & articles have discussed the pros and cons of this issue. Everyone I asked had deep feelings one way or the other. It was like attempting to debate the abortion issue--everyone passionate, decided and ready to defend their position to the death. But yesterday less than 6,000 out of 30,000 voters showed up.
I have never missed voting in an election since becoming a registered voter. I've never decided the outcome of a single election, I have sometimes voted for obscure names for individual offices because I couldn't find any real information on either one. I've only voted for a major presidential candidate in 3 out of 10 elections because only having 2 choices is not enough in my opinion.
But I always show up and vote. What a pity so many others don't.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
The Invisible Hand--Free Market Systems
In several earlier posts I have criticized our government because of how it has either interfered with the free market or not lived up to citizen's expectations. Here is how I came to firmly believe that the role of government in our country should be scrutinized constantly and limited to the greatest degree possible.
During my sophomore year in college I took a political science and an economics course thinking that one of those subjects would be my major. At the same time I also got a job at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. My task was to look up drivers' records and post them as an MVR (way before computers). It was drudgery but it paid more per hour than I had ever earned in my life and I could work as much as my class schedule allowed--I was thrilled. I was given about 30 MVR requests and marched off into the file cabinet bowels of the DMV. When I turned them in to my supervisor 90 minutes later I was told it took 3 hours to record 30 MVRs and was told to re-check them. When I came back about 75 minutes later and they were all correct I was told again, "It takes 3 hours (180 minutes) to do 30 MVRs."
Besides learning that I could get a lot of school work done while recording MVRs I decided that the profit and entrepreneurial motives of our capitalistic economy were a lot more appealing to me than government bureaucracy. It also led me to major in economics instead of political science (the professors for each class also influenced me but that's another story). As I studied economics I decided that supply and demand operating in the free market should determine the outcome of economic activity. It's not perfect but it's more efficient and trustworthy than any career politician I know.
During my sophomore year in college I took a political science and an economics course thinking that one of those subjects would be my major. At the same time I also got a job at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. My task was to look up drivers' records and post them as an MVR (way before computers). It was drudgery but it paid more per hour than I had ever earned in my life and I could work as much as my class schedule allowed--I was thrilled. I was given about 30 MVR requests and marched off into the file cabinet bowels of the DMV. When I turned them in to my supervisor 90 minutes later I was told it took 3 hours to record 30 MVRs and was told to re-check them. When I came back about 75 minutes later and they were all correct I was told again, "It takes 3 hours (180 minutes) to do 30 MVRs."
Besides learning that I could get a lot of school work done while recording MVRs I decided that the profit and entrepreneurial motives of our capitalistic economy were a lot more appealing to me than government bureaucracy. It also led me to major in economics instead of political science (the professors for each class also influenced me but that's another story). As I studied economics I decided that supply and demand operating in the free market should determine the outcome of economic activity. It's not perfect but it's more efficient and trustworthy than any career politician I know.
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