Is it time to put an end to the party caucus system as a path toward the nomination of presidential candidates?
In my opinion, yes. It is the case that for those who participate, caucuses are hands-on democracy. But the vast majority of citizens do not participate. For those who do, one has a greater sense of accomplishment than casting a ballot, but the overwhelming majority of people are not part of the process.
One can say -- well, they could participate. Well yes, they could, but it would overwhelm the system of caucuses. Last night (February 3, 2020), Iowa held its caucus using the Iowa walking caucus with all its latest tweaks. With above average but not record turnout, apparently, the system was overwhelmed, the app did not work, and the results are greatly delayed. (The results have not yet come out as I write this.)
I came to a conclusion years ago that Minnesota should give up the caucus system. Finally Minnesota switched to a presidential primary, and the first one will be held on March 3, 2020. How significant it will prove to be is not clear.
I would argue that the party caucus is a vestige from a simpler society. Today everything must be verified, plus there are cyber security concerns that mandate that high level measures of security must be maintained.
A state party does not have the resources to ensure these extra security measures in the present era. I view a state party organization as akin to a small business. It has adequate money to function with a small staff, but not the staff or equipment to run an election (and the caucus process is a primary.election).
Running a primary adds an extra task to state government, but it can assume it. A state-wide caucus forces a small organization supplemented by hundreds and even a couple of thousand volunteers to assume new tasks and responsibilities with very little training.
It is time to rethink the party caucus. A compromise that will not damage Iowa's place would be to allow it to have the first primary in the nation.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Reflections on American Nutrition and Diet Plans
The United States is well known for having one of the lowest percentages of incomes going to food. That is the case, if one eats a diet of inexpensive, heavily processed food. If one eats a diet that avoids processed food, eats natural and organic products and if one has food sensitivities, the US diet is anything but inexpensive.
I have done a lot of research on nutrition. I also have been tested for food sensitivities. While I do not have many food sensitivities, I have some that have far-reaching implications. As a result, I seek alternative products, and my food bills have skyrocketed. My granddaughter, who often has several meals a week, with me has numerous food sensitivities that were making her sick. Therefore I have to keep her sensitivities in mind when I shop. That further escalates the cost.
The bottom line has far reaching implications. American food is cheap if one eats a basic diet heavy on processed and fast food. When we avoid processed and fast food, the American diet is as pricey as if we lived in Scandinavia.
I frequently travel to Europe and have the opportunity to enjoy healthy breakfast buffets in a variety of countries. These are expensive items. Similarly, to buy those items here is also costly.
To be gluten free, for example, is a costly choice. Although I do not have high sensitivity to gluten, I have chosen to avoid gluten laden items because I am supposed to avoid starches, flours, yeast, sugars, etc.
When Americans review their budgets, food often is a last choice, rather than a first choice. Our electronic toys are very expensive. Yet we prioritize them over the needs of our bodies for a healthy diet. As a country we eat greasy fast food or empty calorie-laden foods that are sweet and tasty rather than choices packed with good nutrition. But, at which price, in the long run? The price of health...
I have done a lot of research on nutrition. I also have been tested for food sensitivities. While I do not have many food sensitivities, I have some that have far-reaching implications. As a result, I seek alternative products, and my food bills have skyrocketed. My granddaughter, who often has several meals a week, with me has numerous food sensitivities that were making her sick. Therefore I have to keep her sensitivities in mind when I shop. That further escalates the cost.
The bottom line has far reaching implications. American food is cheap if one eats a basic diet heavy on processed and fast food. When we avoid processed and fast food, the American diet is as pricey as if we lived in Scandinavia.
I frequently travel to Europe and have the opportunity to enjoy healthy breakfast buffets in a variety of countries. These are expensive items. Similarly, to buy those items here is also costly.
To be gluten free, for example, is a costly choice. Although I do not have high sensitivity to gluten, I have chosen to avoid gluten laden items because I am supposed to avoid starches, flours, yeast, sugars, etc.
When Americans review their budgets, food often is a last choice, rather than a first choice. Our electronic toys are very expensive. Yet we prioritize them over the needs of our bodies for a healthy diet. As a country we eat greasy fast food or empty calorie-laden foods that are sweet and tasty rather than choices packed with good nutrition. But, at which price, in the long run? The price of health...
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Avoiding Depression and SAD
We are in the midst of a harsher than normal Minnesota winter. I have not suffered from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) over the years, but have numerous friends and relatives who have (regardless where they lived).
Today's blog is directed primarily to seniors who spend a lot of time indoors in the winter. This winter is especially risky for SAD, because of the snow and cold and because of the Flu epidemic.
Just a few tips to avoid symptoms.
1- Get dressed in the morning even if you are not going out at all. It is depressing to sit in loose fitting pjs or nightgown all day long. Get dressed and get on with your day. You have many things you can do at home. Regular clothes are more cheerful than your old pjs.
2- Avoid wearing drab worn out clothes that you would use to clean out the garage or paint. Looking at yourself in drab clothes (even a glance at the mirror) can make you depressed. Most of us can afford to wear cheerful clothes. This is not the time to wear a grey sweatshirt that you inherited from a family member and which you can not bear. Wear bright or pastel colors. Avoid grey and brown which are drab and depressing. Yesterday I wore I black shirt with little beads and with a yellow tee under it. Very cheerful.
Today I am wearing a white sweater, decorated in blue. Cheerful.
3- Cook a special meal. Bake a special treat. Tackle a cheerful project like organizing your favorite photos. Read a good book. All of these will cheer you up.
4- Pray for spring. Thank the Lord that you have a warm house and warm clothes in the grey winter.
5- Keep the house bright. Open the blinds. Turn on lights. If needed, there are special lights/light bulbs to counter sad, but they should not be necessary if you keep the house bright.
Today is very cold. We had snow overnight. But, the sun is shining and it looks very bright out, even though the streets and driveways are treacherous.
Look for signs of optimism -- the sun, your family, your friends, and dispel the signs of gloominess in your life.
Today's blog is directed primarily to seniors who spend a lot of time indoors in the winter. This winter is especially risky for SAD, because of the snow and cold and because of the Flu epidemic.
Just a few tips to avoid symptoms.
1- Get dressed in the morning even if you are not going out at all. It is depressing to sit in loose fitting pjs or nightgown all day long. Get dressed and get on with your day. You have many things you can do at home. Regular clothes are more cheerful than your old pjs.
2- Avoid wearing drab worn out clothes that you would use to clean out the garage or paint. Looking at yourself in drab clothes (even a glance at the mirror) can make you depressed. Most of us can afford to wear cheerful clothes. This is not the time to wear a grey sweatshirt that you inherited from a family member and which you can not bear. Wear bright or pastel colors. Avoid grey and brown which are drab and depressing. Yesterday I wore I black shirt with little beads and with a yellow tee under it. Very cheerful.
Today I am wearing a white sweater, decorated in blue. Cheerful.
3- Cook a special meal. Bake a special treat. Tackle a cheerful project like organizing your favorite photos. Read a good book. All of these will cheer you up.
4- Pray for spring. Thank the Lord that you have a warm house and warm clothes in the grey winter.
5- Keep the house bright. Open the blinds. Turn on lights. If needed, there are special lights/light bulbs to counter sad, but they should not be necessary if you keep the house bright.
Today is very cold. We had snow overnight. But, the sun is shining and it looks very bright out, even though the streets and driveways are treacherous.
Look for signs of optimism -- the sun, your family, your friends, and dispel the signs of gloominess in your life.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Reflecting on 2017 -- Is America Still a Global Leader?
In 2017, with a new administration, we witnessed an acceleration of a trend that had already begun, namely the retreat of the United States from global leadership.
One can go back in time to trace the origin of the retreat, but arguably it was present during the Obama administration when there was an acknowledgement of the arrogance that had emerged during the years of US "superpowerdom" (my term). The assumption of global leadership did not start out that way after World War II, but, gradually over time, the arrogance of power seeped in. The statement that the US was the one indispensable power (late 1990s) is a manifestation of that arrogance. That view has tended to underlie US foreign policy up to the present, and it has not publicly been negated.
Ironically, the assertion of the current US administration headed by President Donald Trump that the US has been shortchanged in a variety of negotiations and deals is both a reaffirmation of the "indispensable" argument and a retreat from that policy. It is a two edged sword.
The current administration does not accept the fact that to be the #1 power means one has to make a lot of concessions and in some cases seemingly lose power and advantage in the short term. The TransPacific Partnership (TPP) is a case in point. The goal was to limit China's influence in Asia. The US was willing to make some sacrifices short term to achieve its long term goal of maintaining power in Asia and containing the power of China, the largest, most ambitious power in Asia. The withdrawal of the US from TPP has created a power vacuum in Asia which China will cheerfully fill to the long term disadvantage of the United States.
For those of us who are students of foreign policy, this is a painful time, regardless how we view the US in the world. The international order which we have known our whole lives is breaking down. Whether we see the US as a winner or a loser in this process, we have to recognize that the world order which we studied, lectured on, and accepted as reality is breaking down. Uncertainty lies ahead.
This is just a preliminary analysis. I plan to reflect more on this in the future.
One can go back in time to trace the origin of the retreat, but arguably it was present during the Obama administration when there was an acknowledgement of the arrogance that had emerged during the years of US "superpowerdom" (my term). The assumption of global leadership did not start out that way after World War II, but, gradually over time, the arrogance of power seeped in. The statement that the US was the one indispensable power (late 1990s) is a manifestation of that arrogance. That view has tended to underlie US foreign policy up to the present, and it has not publicly been negated.
Ironically, the assertion of the current US administration headed by President Donald Trump that the US has been shortchanged in a variety of negotiations and deals is both a reaffirmation of the "indispensable" argument and a retreat from that policy. It is a two edged sword.
The current administration does not accept the fact that to be the #1 power means one has to make a lot of concessions and in some cases seemingly lose power and advantage in the short term. The TransPacific Partnership (TPP) is a case in point. The goal was to limit China's influence in Asia. The US was willing to make some sacrifices short term to achieve its long term goal of maintaining power in Asia and containing the power of China, the largest, most ambitious power in Asia. The withdrawal of the US from TPP has created a power vacuum in Asia which China will cheerfully fill to the long term disadvantage of the United States.
For those of us who are students of foreign policy, this is a painful time, regardless how we view the US in the world. The international order which we have known our whole lives is breaking down. Whether we see the US as a winner or a loser in this process, we have to recognize that the world order which we studied, lectured on, and accepted as reality is breaking down. Uncertainty lies ahead.
This is just a preliminary analysis. I plan to reflect more on this in the future.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Polling in the Current Era: How reliable are polls?
How accurate are polls? We are finding them less accurate and reliable than ever before. Our specialists are more sophisticated in profiling voters, for example, or trends, but... and it is a big but, most people either do not have landlines or do not answer the phone unless they recognize the caller's name.
So, polls or any other efforts that rely on the phone will be far less effective.
I take myself as an example. I no longer answer the phone unless I recognize the number or caller.
When I am at home, the phone may ring about a dozen times a day. I rarely pick up the phone until I know the caller.
Once in the recent past, when the phone rang, I recognized the number which belonged to the service account on my computer only to discover after some conversation and the caller's access to my computer, that the caller was a spoofer. My computer was compromised, and I can no longer use that computer. It was a very costly phone pick up. I had to reset my passwords, copy out critical files, report the cyber intrusion to the police, my insurance company, etc. I spent about a week correcting what I could, and I cannot download any of the files and put them on my other computer since they may be contaminated. I am handicapped on a number of projects.
So, now I am finding it is not even possible to answer the phone when I recognize the number. I need to hear the voice.
A friend was recently asked to do some calling for a charity. Three people of 100 whom she called picked up the phone. She has had the same experience with other volunteer organizations.
The poor response rate makes it unlikely that polling can be reliable. How can we work out way out of this problem?
So, polls or any other efforts that rely on the phone will be far less effective.
I take myself as an example. I no longer answer the phone unless I recognize the number or caller.
When I am at home, the phone may ring about a dozen times a day. I rarely pick up the phone until I know the caller.
Once in the recent past, when the phone rang, I recognized the number which belonged to the service account on my computer only to discover after some conversation and the caller's access to my computer, that the caller was a spoofer. My computer was compromised, and I can no longer use that computer. It was a very costly phone pick up. I had to reset my passwords, copy out critical files, report the cyber intrusion to the police, my insurance company, etc. I spent about a week correcting what I could, and I cannot download any of the files and put them on my other computer since they may be contaminated. I am handicapped on a number of projects.
So, now I am finding it is not even possible to answer the phone when I recognize the number. I need to hear the voice.
A friend was recently asked to do some calling for a charity. Three people of 100 whom she called picked up the phone. She has had the same experience with other volunteer organizations.
The poor response rate makes it unlikely that polling can be reliable. How can we work out way out of this problem?
Why Leadership Today Is Harder Than It Used To Be
It is hard to be a leader today. In the era of the internet, social media, and open communication, everything a leaders says or does is videotaped, recorded, repeated, researched, and there.
This is true for all of us, but writ large for people in the public eye like governors, senators, the president, etc. In the corporate sector, CEOs are extremely well rewarded but still walk a tightrobe.
See Oscar Munoz and United.
Every word of President Trump's firing of James Comey of the FBI was analyzed and parsed. Had Roosevelt's actions during World War II been thus analyzed, the long term effect would have been far different.
Every comment an official makes is remembered far into the future. Ten, twenty, or thirty years mean nothing in this age.
Many have reluctance to serve in high profile positions. And understandably so. It takes a lot of fortitude to withstand the publicity. On the one hand high profile figures have to aware of the world around them, On the other hand, they have to turn off the noise about themselves.
While show business personalities may say, I don't care what they write about me, so long as they write about me, that may be harder to endure when you are in the public square.
This is true for all of us, but writ large for people in the public eye like governors, senators, the president, etc. In the corporate sector, CEOs are extremely well rewarded but still walk a tightrobe.
See Oscar Munoz and United.
Every word of President Trump's firing of James Comey of the FBI was analyzed and parsed. Had Roosevelt's actions during World War II been thus analyzed, the long term effect would have been far different.
Every comment an official makes is remembered far into the future. Ten, twenty, or thirty years mean nothing in this age.
Many have reluctance to serve in high profile positions. And understandably so. It takes a lot of fortitude to withstand the publicity. On the one hand high profile figures have to aware of the world around them, On the other hand, they have to turn off the noise about themselves.
While show business personalities may say, I don't care what they write about me, so long as they write about me, that may be harder to endure when you are in the public square.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Where to Look for Leadership?
Look inside of yourself, first!!!
Too often we are searching for leadership -- at home, at work, in the community, you name it! We don't see leadership. We see colleagues and friends reluctant to step up and assume leadership. And so we lament.
There is a dearth of leadership!
Wait a minute... did we step up?
Or did we appoint ourselves observers of a leaderless world...
Where were we when an opportunity to step up presented itself? Did we look down at the table? Did we avert our eyes?
Did we say... X will do it, I am too busy...
That was probably the reaction of everyone else as well...
When leadership opportunities present themselves, respond! Opportunities exist all around us. It is time to step up and take control when the opening occurs....
Then there will not be a leadership vacuum all around us.... Start with ourselves...We can be leaders. Just do it...
Too often we are searching for leadership -- at home, at work, in the community, you name it! We don't see leadership. We see colleagues and friends reluctant to step up and assume leadership. And so we lament.
There is a dearth of leadership!
Wait a minute... did we step up?
Or did we appoint ourselves observers of a leaderless world...
Where were we when an opportunity to step up presented itself? Did we look down at the table? Did we avert our eyes?
Did we say... X will do it, I am too busy...
That was probably the reaction of everyone else as well...
When leadership opportunities present themselves, respond! Opportunities exist all around us. It is time to step up and take control when the opening occurs....
Then there will not be a leadership vacuum all around us.... Start with ourselves...We can be leaders. Just do it...
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Whatever happened to bipartisanship?
Years ago, we frequently saw examples of bipartisanship in legislation and policy. Our country had a bipartisan foreign policy that, at its core, continued from administration to administration with small changes and tweaks.
In recent years the opposite is true. Each administration seems intent on erasing a predecessor administration's record. Candidates bluster about all the stuff they will do on Day 1. Especially amusing since Day 1 is Inauguration Day. They mean Day 2, but Day 1 is more dramatic.
At an administrative level, this means that the US is more unpredictable for foreign policies. We always had an element of unpredictability but now it may mean reversals as much as continuity.
In domestic policy, we have been seeing various phenomena resulting from the collapse of bipartisanship. On the one hand, we see gridlock, the most dominant characteristic. We also discover that our political parties, especially the current Republican Party, have such great differences within them that they have created a new kind of gridlock.
The opposition party has increasingly become less a partner than an outsider. The fact that a health bill could be legislated in the House of Representatives without consulting the Democrats is symptomatic.
Everyone agrees that the Affordable Care Act can be improved, but the language of "repeal and replace' is the language of destroy and replace. Not fix, but demolish, before rebuilding. I have not read the bill passed by the House (neither have a lot of House members) but it has a lot of the Affordable Care Act in it despite the rhetoric.
The Senate, with its customary sense of being the "superior" chamber, despite co-equal status, has said it will create its own bill.
The drama will continue. But it is a good example of the collapse of bipartisanship.
The other pending issue - tax reform - will doubtless demonstrate the same tendencies when its turn comes.
The collapse of bipartisanship affects all of us on a daily basis but what it does internationally to the image and status of the United States has not yet been fully assessed.
In recent years the opposite is true. Each administration seems intent on erasing a predecessor administration's record. Candidates bluster about all the stuff they will do on Day 1. Especially amusing since Day 1 is Inauguration Day. They mean Day 2, but Day 1 is more dramatic.
At an administrative level, this means that the US is more unpredictable for foreign policies. We always had an element of unpredictability but now it may mean reversals as much as continuity.
In domestic policy, we have been seeing various phenomena resulting from the collapse of bipartisanship. On the one hand, we see gridlock, the most dominant characteristic. We also discover that our political parties, especially the current Republican Party, have such great differences within them that they have created a new kind of gridlock.
The opposition party has increasingly become less a partner than an outsider. The fact that a health bill could be legislated in the House of Representatives without consulting the Democrats is symptomatic.
Everyone agrees that the Affordable Care Act can be improved, but the language of "repeal and replace' is the language of destroy and replace. Not fix, but demolish, before rebuilding. I have not read the bill passed by the House (neither have a lot of House members) but it has a lot of the Affordable Care Act in it despite the rhetoric.
The Senate, with its customary sense of being the "superior" chamber, despite co-equal status, has said it will create its own bill.
The drama will continue. But it is a good example of the collapse of bipartisanship.
The other pending issue - tax reform - will doubtless demonstrate the same tendencies when its turn comes.
The collapse of bipartisanship affects all of us on a daily basis but what it does internationally to the image and status of the United States has not yet been fully assessed.
Friday, May 5, 2017
Surviving an Injury (or Illness) with Grace and Humor
Surviving an Injury (or Illness) with Grace
and Humor Norma Noonan
Whether young or old (and especially as we age), we all
experience an injury or illness that can disrupt or change our lives. I suffered a serious injury in the summer of
2016 in an auto accident. Besides
bruises over much of my body and a giant hematoma on my left thigh, my right
leg was fractured in two places: the tibial plateau (which required surgery)
and the top of the foot which did not require surgery but needed a long time to
heal.
I was in the hospital and rehab for one month and in a
wheelchair at home for another month (unable to put weight on my right leg) and
then slowly began to walk again with a walker and later a cane. Now I
walk without assistance.
One learns many lessons including patience during the long
recovery period. I had wonderful care in
the hospital and rehab and had to exercise even though I could not put weight
on the leg. I learned how to use a
walker (I had previous surgery in which I used a walker without learning how to
use it).
I learned a lot about people’s kindness since I had many
visitors in the hospital and at home over the months of my recovery. There was much to learn about gratitude,
both that I had survived the accident and that people (family and friends) were
so helpful.
I went from wondering “why me?” to accepting that we all
have a cross to bear, and this would be one of mine since I have a permanent
reminder in my leg (in the form of a piece of metal shaped like a flagpole with
little banners).
But, I also learned the grace of good humor. In the early months I had to repeat the
story of the accident countless times, while wishing that I did not have to
tell the tale again and again. But, of
course, people are curious, and they were hearing it for the first time whereas
I was telling the story for perhaps the 100th time.
Eventually, however, some humorous incidents struck me. In November (3 months after the accident) the
young PA who saw me in her office announced that I could drive. At that time, I was walking slowly with a
walker, could get into the passenger side of only lower-slung cars (and then
only backwards), and had a painful right ankle and foot swollen two-three times
its normal size and unable to respond quickly.
How was I to drive with my recovering right leg? Clearly a 25 year old does not understand
fully the healing process. It was
several months more before I felt the leg was strong enough to drive.
Perhaps even funnier are the questions I get about whether
the metal implant in my leg will be removed.
I point it that it is holding my tibia in place under the knee and will
never come out. This is perhaps the
funniest of all the questions since implants generally are never removed. Another friend, confusing my situation with
knee replacement surgery, commented that my knee should feel better after the
surgery. I keep telling her that there
was nothing wrong with my knee before the accident so how can it feel better
afterward when it was fine beforehand and now has an implant.
Another statement (or question) is: it doesn’t hurt anymore, does it? Well, does a surgically repaired leg ever feel
normal? If I walk too much or stand too
long, it aches at night. There is almost
never a time when it feels normal (that is, as it did before the accident). It feels strange when I sit, when I stand,
and when I move.
I sometimes quip in response to the question: does it hurt? Only when I move.
I feel certain that others, who have had major surgery on
any part of the body involving permanent implants, get similar questions and
have a similar reaction.
For those of us who have endured long illnesses or serious
injuries, we have to have the grace to say – well, no, it does hurt a little,
but I will live with it. It takes a
little time to see the humor in these well-meaning but peculiar questions, but
that is life.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Just a quick note on the gap of time between postings
There has been a huge gap of several months between blogs. Shortly after my August 2016 posting, I was in a serious auto accident. I had a bad leg fracture and have been in recovery for some months.
At some point I am going to write a blog reflecting on the process of recovery.
At some point I am going to write a blog reflecting on the process of recovery.
The Two Faces of Christmas
It is December 23 and I am preparing for two holidays over the next two days. A secular holiday and a religious holiday take place on December 25. They have co-existed for many years, but the coexistence has become more tenuous in my opinion. Both holidays have a long heritage and overlapping roots.
The religious holiday is clear. December 25 is day on which it is believed that Jesus was born over 2000 years ago. That holiday centers on a religious observation of the birth of Christ and brings with it beautiful music, classic church services, warm thoughts of peace and good will and family gatherings. An exchange of gifts is based on the legend of the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus.
Also an ancient pagan tradition of celebrating the end of the year with various festivities has long been combined with Christian celebrations. Historically at various times, there was less or more emphasis on the end of the year celebrations.
In an increasingly secular world, some aspects of Christmas have been embraced while omitting the religious aspect. Music has been secularized and romanticized (White Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas, Rudolph..., etc.) to reflect a nostalgic holiday marked by family traditions, decorations, and social gatherings. This could be described as a Hallmark Christmas as reflected in their film festival which begins at Halloween and ends at Christmas. I love the film festival which gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling at this time of year and even makes me feel good about snow. It is principally secular. Traditional carols have more or less disappeared from the airwaves, but one can still find them on religious channels. I have been recording programs called "The Joy of Music," which EWTN drops into its schedule at various times, including the middle of the night. I then listen to these programs at my convenience. These classical concerts are well worth the effort.
The transformation of an early medieval saint (Nicholas) into Santa Claus is a further reflection of secularization. Santa Claus has become ubiquitous and not just in the West. Christmas trees have also become universal whether called a holiday tree or a New Year tree. Children, especially in our society, get too much and expect multiple presents.
Gift giving generally has been stepped up over our life time, and the shopping season has become the difference for businesses between operating in the black and operating in the red. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) now begins sometime in November and continues to early December when supplemented by Cyber Monday which seems to last at least a week (instead of just the Monday after Thanksgiving). Personally I do a lot of my gift shopping, mostly online, during the protracted Black Friday season. I admire those who have decided to run against the grain and reduce gift exchanges in their families. It takes courage.
For many people, the next two days will be a blur of family gatherings, food, and gifts, gifts, gifts. Many will not go to any church at all. Some because they do not believe; others because they don't have the time with all the other activities. Some will attend a short carol-prayer service on Christmas eve as a token tribute to recognizing Christ. My church will have masses lasting well over an hour, and closer to two if one arrives in time to hear the music before the mass begins both on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Some friends feel sorry that I go to a long service, but what is Christmas after all?
Whether we say happy holidays or Merry Christmas is perhaps less important than how we personally celebrate. To people whom I know I prefer to say, Merry Christmas. To people whose background I do not know, I am inclined to say, happy holidays. Often a split second choice. I love the fact that there are religious stamps that actually say Christmas. Kudos to the post office.
With two holidays competing for our attention, we who are Christian have to make tough choices and priorities. The secular is winning out over the religious holiday, and coexistence is becoming harder.
The religious holiday is clear. December 25 is day on which it is believed that Jesus was born over 2000 years ago. That holiday centers on a religious observation of the birth of Christ and brings with it beautiful music, classic church services, warm thoughts of peace and good will and family gatherings. An exchange of gifts is based on the legend of the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus.
Also an ancient pagan tradition of celebrating the end of the year with various festivities has long been combined with Christian celebrations. Historically at various times, there was less or more emphasis on the end of the year celebrations.
In an increasingly secular world, some aspects of Christmas have been embraced while omitting the religious aspect. Music has been secularized and romanticized (White Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas, Rudolph..., etc.) to reflect a nostalgic holiday marked by family traditions, decorations, and social gatherings. This could be described as a Hallmark Christmas as reflected in their film festival which begins at Halloween and ends at Christmas. I love the film festival which gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling at this time of year and even makes me feel good about snow. It is principally secular. Traditional carols have more or less disappeared from the airwaves, but one can still find them on religious channels. I have been recording programs called "The Joy of Music," which EWTN drops into its schedule at various times, including the middle of the night. I then listen to these programs at my convenience. These classical concerts are well worth the effort.
The transformation of an early medieval saint (Nicholas) into Santa Claus is a further reflection of secularization. Santa Claus has become ubiquitous and not just in the West. Christmas trees have also become universal whether called a holiday tree or a New Year tree. Children, especially in our society, get too much and expect multiple presents.
Gift giving generally has been stepped up over our life time, and the shopping season has become the difference for businesses between operating in the black and operating in the red. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) now begins sometime in November and continues to early December when supplemented by Cyber Monday which seems to last at least a week (instead of just the Monday after Thanksgiving). Personally I do a lot of my gift shopping, mostly online, during the protracted Black Friday season. I admire those who have decided to run against the grain and reduce gift exchanges in their families. It takes courage.
For many people, the next two days will be a blur of family gatherings, food, and gifts, gifts, gifts. Many will not go to any church at all. Some because they do not believe; others because they don't have the time with all the other activities. Some will attend a short carol-prayer service on Christmas eve as a token tribute to recognizing Christ. My church will have masses lasting well over an hour, and closer to two if one arrives in time to hear the music before the mass begins both on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Some friends feel sorry that I go to a long service, but what is Christmas after all?
Whether we say happy holidays or Merry Christmas is perhaps less important than how we personally celebrate. To people whom I know I prefer to say, Merry Christmas. To people whose background I do not know, I am inclined to say, happy holidays. Often a split second choice. I love the fact that there are religious stamps that actually say Christmas. Kudos to the post office.
With two holidays competing for our attention, we who are Christian have to make tough choices and priorities. The secular is winning out over the religious holiday, and coexistence is becoming harder.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
How important is the leader;s legacy?
Today I heard Bill Hybels give another wonderful leadership presentation (8/11/2016) on the four lenses of leadership.
All of it was very good. I have been thinking about one of his points - the rear view lens. Basically it dealt with the legacy of the leader.
Since Hybels is now in his 60s, I suspect he is thinking about his legacy after 40 years at Willow Creek.
For me, the question is multidimensional. What kind of legacy have I left? What kind of legacy am I building?
I can look back at my work in building the political science department after Myles Stenshoel passed the baton to me in 1970. I can especially look back at creating and building the faculty development program at Augsburg from 1980 to 1987. I can look back at the 18 years in which I lifted the MA in Leadership program out of the doldrums and made it a strong program although one that requires continued vigilance, re-thinking, and re-buioding because of the changing market.
My legacy is also the many, many students with whom I worked in about 50 years of teaching.
But should we really focus on our legacy? Is there a selfish dimension to that? Isn't it enough to say I did the best I could. The programs continue. If we don't harm the programs entrusted to us, then we are maintaining or building. Creating and building are always positive, but should we dwell on the issue of legacy?
I am not sure of the significance of worrying about legacy.... I have to ponder this further...
All of it was very good. I have been thinking about one of his points - the rear view lens. Basically it dealt with the legacy of the leader.
Since Hybels is now in his 60s, I suspect he is thinking about his legacy after 40 years at Willow Creek.
For me, the question is multidimensional. What kind of legacy have I left? What kind of legacy am I building?
I can look back at my work in building the political science department after Myles Stenshoel passed the baton to me in 1970. I can especially look back at creating and building the faculty development program at Augsburg from 1980 to 1987. I can look back at the 18 years in which I lifted the MA in Leadership program out of the doldrums and made it a strong program although one that requires continued vigilance, re-thinking, and re-buioding because of the changing market.
My legacy is also the many, many students with whom I worked in about 50 years of teaching.
But should we really focus on our legacy? Is there a selfish dimension to that? Isn't it enough to say I did the best I could. The programs continue. If we don't harm the programs entrusted to us, then we are maintaining or building. Creating and building are always positive, but should we dwell on the issue of legacy?
I am not sure of the significance of worrying about legacy.... I have to ponder this further...
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Finding a Calling
A lot of people are unhappy in their work life, even if earning a good salary. They are not satisfied or fulfilled by their work. No matter what the title, the work seems to be drudgery and tedious.
They are tired of commuting, tired of stress, tired of office gossip, and tired of trying to juggle their personal and professional lives with so little satisfaction.
It is easy to say: Step back. Assess your role. I can say this, sitting in the comfort of my living room, not on the freeway at 7 am.
But, that is exactly what we have to do. Step back from our daily lives.
Find a place to be alone, whether that is a park, a beautiful forest, a chapel, or even your bedroom.
Ask youself: What do I want? What am I missing? What am I willing to give up? What am I willing to do?
I recently read an interesting story of a family who gave up their 2000 square foot house for a 270 square foot house and found greater happiness and more time to do what they valued.
How we spend our time and our money usually tells the story of what we want. If there is a disconnect in our lives between what we want and what we are doing, this is the time to correct it.
Don't put it off...
They are tired of commuting, tired of stress, tired of office gossip, and tired of trying to juggle their personal and professional lives with so little satisfaction.
It is easy to say: Step back. Assess your role. I can say this, sitting in the comfort of my living room, not on the freeway at 7 am.
But, that is exactly what we have to do. Step back from our daily lives.
Find a place to be alone, whether that is a park, a beautiful forest, a chapel, or even your bedroom.
Ask youself: What do I want? What am I missing? What am I willing to give up? What am I willing to do?
I recently read an interesting story of a family who gave up their 2000 square foot house for a 270 square foot house and found greater happiness and more time to do what they valued.
How we spend our time and our money usually tells the story of what we want. If there is a disconnect in our lives between what we want and what we are doing, this is the time to correct it.
Don't put it off...
Monday, June 13, 2016
Finding Leadership among Us
We often lament the lack of leadership in high places. But, what about the immediate world in which we move every day?
There are leaders all around us, not always positional leaders, but leaders in everyday activities.
To find leaders among us, just look around. Be aware and observant. Leadership is there. We have to recognize it in ourselves and in others.
Don't shy away from leadership if you find yourself in situations where leadership is required and needed.
If situations require leadership, be awake to its call...
There are leaders all around us, not always positional leaders, but leaders in everyday activities.
To find leaders among us, just look around. Be aware and observant. Leadership is there. We have to recognize it in ourselves and in others.
Don't shy away from leadership if you find yourself in situations where leadership is required and needed.
If situations require leadership, be awake to its call...
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Why It Is A Big Deal...
Not long ago, when we were watching the news, my 8 year old granddaughter asked: " Grandma, has there ever been a girl president?"
(Remember, she is 8 years old. She does not know that it is politically correct to say woman.She thinks in terms of girls and boys.)
"No, I told her. If Hillary becomes president, she will be the first."
Well, Hillary is now the first woman presumptive nominee of a major party and thus has a chance to become president. And while some women are rejoicing because of this historic feat, others are saying it is no big deal.
Yes, we have come a long way, but there are still elusive barriers. Whether we call them a glass ceiling or a labyrinth, or whatever, the path to success is not always there.
Younger women who have no difficulty getting a good first job when they get out of college wonder why we older women are sometimes skeptical about future opportunities They have not yet encountered their first major barrier or, if they have, they did not recognize it. It will come later very likely.
I teach a graduate course in women and leadership. It is not infrequent that a woman tells me: "You know, I just read something in one of the books that made me realize that I had encountered the same situation, but did not recognize it at the time."
I am more attuned to the signs of discrimination against women, in part because I have seen and experienced so much, and in part because of the awareness that comes with teaching such a course regularly. I am always learning about new issues, large and small, obvious or subtle.
Whether one supports Hillary Clinton for president is not the key issue here, but the fact that a major party will have a woman candidate for president for the first time is a very big deal. Savor the moment.
(Remember, she is 8 years old. She does not know that it is politically correct to say woman.She thinks in terms of girls and boys.)
"No, I told her. If Hillary becomes president, she will be the first."
Well, Hillary is now the first woman presumptive nominee of a major party and thus has a chance to become president. And while some women are rejoicing because of this historic feat, others are saying it is no big deal.
Yes, we have come a long way, but there are still elusive barriers. Whether we call them a glass ceiling or a labyrinth, or whatever, the path to success is not always there.
Younger women who have no difficulty getting a good first job when they get out of college wonder why we older women are sometimes skeptical about future opportunities They have not yet encountered their first major barrier or, if they have, they did not recognize it. It will come later very likely.
I teach a graduate course in women and leadership. It is not infrequent that a woman tells me: "You know, I just read something in one of the books that made me realize that I had encountered the same situation, but did not recognize it at the time."
I am more attuned to the signs of discrimination against women, in part because I have seen and experienced so much, and in part because of the awareness that comes with teaching such a course regularly. I am always learning about new issues, large and small, obvious or subtle.
Whether one supports Hillary Clinton for president is not the key issue here, but the fact that a major party will have a woman candidate for president for the first time is a very big deal. Savor the moment.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
When Leadership Is Missing...Advice to managers...
We are living in turbulent times. People have lost faith in institutions and organizations. Managers who are expected to be leaders often feel as if they are drowning. As a result, they cannot provide leadership to their employees. They may even lash out (in a quiet but nonetheless worrisome way) to their direct reports as they seek to anchor their own positions. This exacerbates what may already be a troubled work environment.
We are all busy -- often too busy to have time to reflect. Managers and other responsible "leaders" should step back, take a deep breath, and figure out what they are doing. We all have been guilty of acting too quickly and without thought. It is time to step back, to be thoughtful, and to see what is necessary to do.
In these uncertain times, a manager has to support his/her employees and direct reports. This is not a time to rile people (not that there is ever a time when it is okay to rile people). A manager should be ensuring a good work environment rather than exacerbating an already troublesome environment.
Such activity may not be perceived as leadership but it is. Leadership in a team engages the workers and permits the team to survive and thrive.
Creating a hospitable work climate may appear a small task but it is a major achievement...
We are all busy -- often too busy to have time to reflect. Managers and other responsible "leaders" should step back, take a deep breath, and figure out what they are doing. We all have been guilty of acting too quickly and without thought. It is time to step back, to be thoughtful, and to see what is necessary to do.
In these uncertain times, a manager has to support his/her employees and direct reports. This is not a time to rile people (not that there is ever a time when it is okay to rile people). A manager should be ensuring a good work environment rather than exacerbating an already troublesome environment.
Such activity may not be perceived as leadership but it is. Leadership in a team engages the workers and permits the team to survive and thrive.
Creating a hospitable work climate may appear a small task but it is a major achievement...
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Significance of Iowa Caucus
A couple of weeks ago, a friend, who is a naturalized citizen, asked me about the significance of Iowa in the electoral process. I replied that it is the first caucus and therefore gets a lot of attention. I added a few points but I really did not get to the heart of the question.
As far as I can discern, an important part of the significance of Iowa is to winnow out some of the candidates (two candidates dropped out last night even before the vote counting ended. Some others may be considering withdrawal. A few candidates (mostly governors) even left the state before the caucuses.
On the Republican side, the last three cycles in Iowa have resulted in the victory of a candidate who is either a known evangelical or acceptable to evangelicals. Huckabee (2008), Santorum (2012), and Cruz (2016). 63% of attendees self-identified as evangelicals according to CNN. From that perspective, victory in Iowa in the prior two cycles did not result in further success.
In Iowa emphasis on the ground game or campaigning at the grassroots is important in both parties, as it is in New Hampshire, the first primary state. Cruz and Sanders had very good ground games. Obama had a very good ground game in 2008.
On the Democratic side, the Iowa caucus form of selecting delegates is complicated. Since Minnesota Democrats copied the format of the Iowa caucus, I experienced the peculiar system. One has to have a viable caucus with a minimum of 15% (I think) of those attending. It is not a clear vote. Delegate apportionment is also strange since 52-48 would wind up as 50-50 in terms of delegates. The actual vote is less significant than the percentages at each caucus or county.
The Republicans have a more straightforward voting system.
Iowa is not a mirror of the nation, but it serves an excellent role in helping to identify the front runners and winnow out the candidates with minimal support.
As one who participated in numerous caucuses in my younger years, I have come to believe in the value of the primary. I would greatly prefer that each state have a primary. Perhaps we would have a series of grouped primary dates in the winter and spring. It would be a much clearer image of popular preference within each party.
As far as I can discern, an important part of the significance of Iowa is to winnow out some of the candidates (two candidates dropped out last night even before the vote counting ended. Some others may be considering withdrawal. A few candidates (mostly governors) even left the state before the caucuses.
On the Republican side, the last three cycles in Iowa have resulted in the victory of a candidate who is either a known evangelical or acceptable to evangelicals. Huckabee (2008), Santorum (2012), and Cruz (2016). 63% of attendees self-identified as evangelicals according to CNN. From that perspective, victory in Iowa in the prior two cycles did not result in further success.
In Iowa emphasis on the ground game or campaigning at the grassroots is important in both parties, as it is in New Hampshire, the first primary state. Cruz and Sanders had very good ground games. Obama had a very good ground game in 2008.
On the Democratic side, the Iowa caucus form of selecting delegates is complicated. Since Minnesota Democrats copied the format of the Iowa caucus, I experienced the peculiar system. One has to have a viable caucus with a minimum of 15% (I think) of those attending. It is not a clear vote. Delegate apportionment is also strange since 52-48 would wind up as 50-50 in terms of delegates. The actual vote is less significant than the percentages at each caucus or county.
The Republicans have a more straightforward voting system.
Iowa is not a mirror of the nation, but it serves an excellent role in helping to identify the front runners and winnow out the candidates with minimal support.
As one who participated in numerous caucuses in my younger years, I have come to believe in the value of the primary. I would greatly prefer that each state have a primary. Perhaps we would have a series of grouped primary dates in the winter and spring. It would be a much clearer image of popular preference within each party.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Fear of Retirement
For people whose career has been central in their lives, there can be a genuine fear of retirement. We all know stories of executives who retired and dropped dead suddenly a month or two months later.
Perhaps their raison d'etre evaporated, but perhaps they did not plan for the transition in their lives.
Officially I have been retired for several years. I continue to teach in a graduate program, do research, and am engaged in multiple activities. I "retired" later than the normal age, but, whether we retire at 62, 66, 70 or any other age, the fact remains that one has to prepare.
The people who think that golf (or any other single activity) will fill the void are usually disappointed. I do know people who golf three or five days a week, but for most of us that would not provide fulfillment.
Volunteer work, much needed in many areas, is a partial solution. So many organizations need volunteers, both secular and religious. Two churches in my city have given up their big annual garage sale or craft sale because they can no longer get enough volunteers to organize and staff these projects. The call for volunteers is unceasing.
If you need more income, there may be part-time jobs you can pursue that will bring in some supplementary income. Not a lot of money but perhaps enough to pay for a vacation or pay for your Christmas gifts.
Crafting can be both fulfilling and profitable. I know someone who designs and creates original Christmas displays like wreaths and centerpieces that she sells at craft sales each year. I have several of her works and I treasure them.
If you are a good reader, retirement is a good time to get started on that pile (or piles) of books you have bought over the years and never had time to read.
Some people (including me) turn to writing. A novel...a memoir...a family history...and so on...
Exercise programs designed for seniors are another example. You have been behind on your exercise for years. Now is the time to catch up....
Travel of course is very fulfilling, and cruises and tours are filled with newly retired (and long retired) people. But, one cannot travel every day of the year. Nonetheless, planning trips, going on trips, and recovering from trips take a good deal of time...
All of these are possibilities... Exercise your imagination... Be creative... Use your talents.
Perhaps their raison d'etre evaporated, but perhaps they did not plan for the transition in their lives.
Officially I have been retired for several years. I continue to teach in a graduate program, do research, and am engaged in multiple activities. I "retired" later than the normal age, but, whether we retire at 62, 66, 70 or any other age, the fact remains that one has to prepare.
The people who think that golf (or any other single activity) will fill the void are usually disappointed. I do know people who golf three or five days a week, but for most of us that would not provide fulfillment.
Volunteer work, much needed in many areas, is a partial solution. So many organizations need volunteers, both secular and religious. Two churches in my city have given up their big annual garage sale or craft sale because they can no longer get enough volunteers to organize and staff these projects. The call for volunteers is unceasing.
If you need more income, there may be part-time jobs you can pursue that will bring in some supplementary income. Not a lot of money but perhaps enough to pay for a vacation or pay for your Christmas gifts.
Crafting can be both fulfilling and profitable. I know someone who designs and creates original Christmas displays like wreaths and centerpieces that she sells at craft sales each year. I have several of her works and I treasure them.
If you are a good reader, retirement is a good time to get started on that pile (or piles) of books you have bought over the years and never had time to read.
Some people (including me) turn to writing. A novel...a memoir...a family history...and so on...
Exercise programs designed for seniors are another example. You have been behind on your exercise for years. Now is the time to catch up....
Travel of course is very fulfilling, and cruises and tours are filled with newly retired (and long retired) people. But, one cannot travel every day of the year. Nonetheless, planning trips, going on trips, and recovering from trips take a good deal of time...
All of these are possibilities... Exercise your imagination... Be creative... Use your talents.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Overcoming Fear of Being a Leader
Everyone is capable of leadership, but some fear to step forward. I don't know why. My guess is that these individuals were not encouraged to speak up or speak out from childhood. I suspect that the childhood tendency to hold back has extended into adulthood.
Everyone has the opportunity to lead at sometime or someplace. Whether at work, in the playground, at church, or any other place you can imagine. Taking up the challenge when it presents itself is the challenge.
In the few years since I have been semi-retired, I have had more opportunity to engage in community activities. I have seen numerous people step forward to take on leadership roles. Awkward at first, they soon rise to the occasion and do a great job.
I once heard that fear of public speaking can be about as great as fear of dying. I sometimes think that fear of being a leader is not far behind.
Everyone has the opportunity to lead at sometime or someplace. Whether at work, in the playground, at church, or any other place you can imagine. Taking up the challenge when it presents itself is the challenge.
In the few years since I have been semi-retired, I have had more opportunity to engage in community activities. I have seen numerous people step forward to take on leadership roles. Awkward at first, they soon rise to the occasion and do a great job.
I once heard that fear of public speaking can be about as great as fear of dying. I sometimes think that fear of being a leader is not far behind.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Seeking Perfection in Leaders
We all dream of the perfect leader, whether at work or in politics. Let us face facts. No one is perfect. Everyone has a blemish of some sort. With some it is more obvious.
In politics, in particular, we look for the leader who can solve all the problems. The glib promise much and deliver little. The realists are more guarded in their promises and are often bypassed.
Over the years as I have participated in search committees to hire managers and executives, I have seen more than I would like of seemingly "perfect" candidates who soon turned into disappointments. The same in politics... where disappointments are more obvious and public.
What we should look for in a leader is integrity, honesty, realism, vision, and courage. Not perfection. More to follow...
In politics, in particular, we look for the leader who can solve all the problems. The glib promise much and deliver little. The realists are more guarded in their promises and are often bypassed.
Over the years as I have participated in search committees to hire managers and executives, I have seen more than I would like of seemingly "perfect" candidates who soon turned into disappointments. The same in politics... where disappointments are more obvious and public.
What we should look for in a leader is integrity, honesty, realism, vision, and courage. Not perfection. More to follow...
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