What has America become...
A place where a no-talent like Paris Hilton becomes a celebrity...
A place where notoriety and infamy pave the road to fame...
A state of mind that encourages humiliation, embarrassement and downright disdain for entertainment...
A public arena where ripping an opponent somehow makes you a more viable candidate for political office...
A media realm where the louder you shout, the stronger your argument...
Journalism at large, entertainment advice, advice for sports parents and spectators, and a few random musings!
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Friday, October 08, 2004
Dick Cheney...wow!
Which of the below might be true?
Which of the below might be true?
- Dick Cheney is a pathological liar
- Dick Cheney thinks the American people idolize him to the points where they will accept his word--particularly if he sounds authoritarian enough--on Iraq or anyother subject
- Dick Cheney thinks the American people are so scared of another terrorist attack (or their own shadow) that they will believe just about any assertion about an Iraq-Al Quieda connection, the war in Iraq, the war of terror or the coalition
- Dick Cheney does not have a very good memory (never met John Edwards before!)
- Dick Cheney does not believe journalists will research his statements for accuracy
- Dick Cheney lives in a fantasy world where his beliefs and assertions--regardless of the presence of facts to the contrary--govern his public statements
If any of the above are accurate, the American people should be extremely concerned that Cheney works in our government, represents our country and brokers decisions that impact our everyday lives (i.e., energy commission meetings in 2001). Beyond mystification that sounding resolute, strong and authoritarian substitutes for accuracy, fairness, honesty and integrity.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Why aren't more faith-based people rabid environmentalists?
Many faith-based people lean toward conversative attitudes (i.e., the Religious Right), which often extend beyond hot-button political issues, such as a woman's right to choose and prayer in school, to economic and envionrmental policies. So, often, the views do not embrace a conservation perspective, but support or fail to address views and actions that lead to the continued employment of fossil fuels, the deployment of a military strategy to retain and extend access to needed resources, and business practices that endanger communities and place sensitive natural areas at risk.
If people with strong religious convictions truly believe that the earth is a gift from a higher power, then, would they not undertake every effort to nurture and preserve our home? If nature is indeed, as they profess, the higher power's creation, why are they not screaming at the top of their lungs to treat the earth with the respect attendant to that view? Why do they not treat earth with respect for its gifts, instead of treating it as bounty to be exploited for selfish pursuits?
Many faith-based people lean toward conversative attitudes (i.e., the Religious Right), which often extend beyond hot-button political issues, such as a woman's right to choose and prayer in school, to economic and envionrmental policies. So, often, the views do not embrace a conservation perspective, but support or fail to address views and actions that lead to the continued employment of fossil fuels, the deployment of a military strategy to retain and extend access to needed resources, and business practices that endanger communities and place sensitive natural areas at risk.
If people with strong religious convictions truly believe that the earth is a gift from a higher power, then, would they not undertake every effort to nurture and preserve our home? If nature is indeed, as they profess, the higher power's creation, why are they not screaming at the top of their lungs to treat the earth with the respect attendant to that view? Why do they not treat earth with respect for its gifts, instead of treating it as bounty to be exploited for selfish pursuits?
Orwell as GM
When a baseball team struggles, general managers render noble pronouncements such, "There's plenty of blame to go around for our performance this year, starting with me." Then, they dismiss everyone around them to show the fans they mean business and seek improvement--except themselves!
Most recent case in point--the dismissal of Bob Melvin as Seattle Mariners' manager. Despite Ichiro's record-breaking season, Melvin simply did not have the horses to compete in a tough division. He didn't sign Rich Aurilia, whose mediocre performance coerced his release in July. He didn't decide John Olerud, Edgar Martinez and Jamie Moyer had another quality year when they were clearly on the downside of their illustrious careers. Despite apparently available resources, he didn't fail to sign a significant free agent in the off-season.
Yet Bill Bavasi, who is responsible for those activities, cleaned house. Except for his room. Will Melvin's dismissal revitalize the Mariners? Unlikely. Unless his successor has a young pitching staff that suddenly blossoms into the next Atlanta Braves. Unless upgrades at numerous positions are executed. Unless the American League West competition quickly loses its competitiveness.
Melvin's communication skills were lauded by his players. His on-field strategy was solid. Perhaps, he can be criticized for failing to "his mark" on the team. But, smart leaders work with the strengths and personalities of their team and shape their style to optimize the performance of that team.
Funny, too bad we couldn't see two equally rare events in this memorable 2004 baseball season--the single season hits record and an enlightened baseball leader walking the walk instead of talking the talk.
When a baseball team struggles, general managers render noble pronouncements such, "There's plenty of blame to go around for our performance this year, starting with me." Then, they dismiss everyone around them to show the fans they mean business and seek improvement--except themselves!
Most recent case in point--the dismissal of Bob Melvin as Seattle Mariners' manager. Despite Ichiro's record-breaking season, Melvin simply did not have the horses to compete in a tough division. He didn't sign Rich Aurilia, whose mediocre performance coerced his release in July. He didn't decide John Olerud, Edgar Martinez and Jamie Moyer had another quality year when they were clearly on the downside of their illustrious careers. Despite apparently available resources, he didn't fail to sign a significant free agent in the off-season.
Yet Bill Bavasi, who is responsible for those activities, cleaned house. Except for his room. Will Melvin's dismissal revitalize the Mariners? Unlikely. Unless his successor has a young pitching staff that suddenly blossoms into the next Atlanta Braves. Unless upgrades at numerous positions are executed. Unless the American League West competition quickly loses its competitiveness.
Melvin's communication skills were lauded by his players. His on-field strategy was solid. Perhaps, he can be criticized for failing to "his mark" on the team. But, smart leaders work with the strengths and personalities of their team and shape their style to optimize the performance of that team.
Funny, too bad we couldn't see two equally rare events in this memorable 2004 baseball season--the single season hits record and an enlightened baseball leader walking the walk instead of talking the talk.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)