Some Brief Personal Reflections :-)

I first began my "odyssey" almost 8 years ago.   Needless I knew that it will evolve as it has.     It was quite appropriate that for my 1750'th wasrite-up that I am reminded of what is possible--and what may well have been shortcomings and oversights.

As Diane Nyad is so fondly keen to remind us all..Onward....May we all be blessed as we "look ahead"--while being ever so grateful :-)   Thank you Ralph Martson for always reminding us of what is truly possible  Look ahead

You know that in the past you’ve compromised your highest values and fallen short of your best possibilities. Forgive yourself, learn from it all, and move forward.

Let go of any regrets and allow new, positive, creative thoughts to take their place. Though you may have done some foolish things, you now have the opportunity to do much better.

In fact, you have the opportunity to far surpass even the best things you’ve ever imagined. Look firmly and enthusiastically ahead, and see the great possibilities.

Feel the beautiful, authentic dreams that live inside of you. Open yourself to the powerful and amazing possibilities that are all around you.

Any previous shortcomings are no longer the issue. You are now beyond all that, and able to live each moment in a positive and purposeful way.

Whatever treasure you seek is already within reach, ready today for you to fulfill, to experience and to enjoy. Look ahead, then get busy bringing those treasures to life and living your dreams.

— Ralph Marston

Notations On the Week That Was.....

It was a good week for World Diplomacy as Iran and the United States broke the ice.   I have been amused by the Public Relations Effort on both sides.   One example of it was the FARS news agency's interepration of the interview President Rouhani gave to CNN's Christian Amanpour.  I was quite gratified to see Ms. Amanpour's upbeat reflection that she wrote for CNN.     I was even more amused as I saw scenes of the dead-enders in Tehran who came out to demonstrate against President Rouhani on his return to Tehran.   However way it is swung view it as a success.  But, the fact that the two Presidents have talked is huge and should be a cause for hope.  .    

This was also a week that saw all 15 members of the UN Security Council came together to compel Syria to be forced to destroy its stock of chemical weapons.    The Clinton Global Initiative 2013 was also held and the commitments at hand were inspiring.  I was especially pleased as I saw a commitment by McDonalds to transform its' menu.

This has also been a tragic week as the World was witness to the carnage in Kenya.   Al Shahab Militants, it appears, were planning this for over a year--and Kenyan Intelligence officials were warned.  The stories on what those murderers did is horrific.    Uncertainity in Europe is also before us with Italy's Government on the edge of collapse and of course, the challenges in the US.

In the United States, The GOP is in the midst of a thug of war over Obamacare  and their view of spending.    The full faith and credit of the United States is also in danger yet again.      I have to wonder whether they remember what Jefferson noted:

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." - Thomas Jefferson

A Mid-Week "thought 4 the week" :-)

Enough said:

On the "Virtual Road" @ CGI 2013//UN General Assembly

It is a very busy week in New York City.  I have been following proceedings of the Clinton Global Initiative and the UN General Assembly.   President Obama spoke--and President Rohani of Iran is about to speak.   I was pleased to see how President Obama's Speech was covered in the official Islamic Republic News Agency.

This is the active channel that would be on-going for the next two days @ CGI 2013:

Also released to http://www.outsiderviews.com--all rights reserved under creative commons 

Notations & Thoughts On the Day//Believing in the Art of the Possible

It was another tragic day around the World.    72 People lost their lives during a funeral in Baghad, Iraq.  39 People lost their lives in a senseless Attack in Nairobi, Kenya.    The President of Kenya advises that he lost relatives in the carnage in Nairobi.

Such senses acts of violence cannot explained or justified.      At community events throughout the day, I was reminded about how we must be so appreciative of all that we've been given.  I was reminded of it today as I saw one of the "Sign People" on a street corner asking for food.   I handed her three of the ready meals I carry with me every day.

I could not help but wonder whether we would ever have the courage to listen to the admonitions from William Arthur Ward:

The more generous we are, the more joyous we become. The more cooperative we are, the more valuable we become. The more enthusiastic we are, the more productive we become. The more serving we are, the more prosperous we become. - William Arthur Ward (1921-1994 writer, educator, and church lay leader) When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. - William Arthur Ward Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. - William Arthur Ward Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting. - William Arthur Ward Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate. - William Arthur Ward It is also worth remembering how we have to never give up--although as a very dear friend of mine reminded us all today, it is easy to get very discouraged--We can be the change: Onward to the New Week w/all its' possiblities

On the Latest in Our World: Brief Thoughts

As the Week-End Looms, finished a column earlier released to "Outsider Views" ...

Link: www.newrepublic.com/article/114780/hassan-rou...

In the United States, the House Republican Caucus was celebrating their latest achievement. They passed a continuing resolution that defunded "Obamacare". They have challenged the US Senate to pass it now. It is not going to pass. Ted Cruz, the Senator from Texas, has committed to do whatever he needs to do to insure that Obamacare is defunded by blocking efforts to raise the debt ceiling of the US Government.

As I have assesed the debate, I have tried to see what alternative the Republicans have to what "Obamacare" has provided. With the advent of exchanges, more people will be able to buy more insurance--which is a boom for the insurance companies. Pre-Existing conditions for children is gone. Pre-Existing conditions for adults will go away as of January 1. Wellness is covered. Lifetime caps have been lifted. For the first time, some semblance of accountability has been put into place for insurance companies. It is not "single payer"--but it has been the first attempt at an incremental improvement in almost 100 years. Heritage Action, American Crossroads and all the others pushing for "Defund" are not coming out with solutions. What is their alternative? The US Government has released https://www.healthcare.gov that provides a broard overview of what is to be expected. There are challenges with the law. The Wall Street just reported about problems with software that is used to actually price the products in the exchanges. 

There are a lot of companies who are "rightsizing" their healthcare. IBM, for instance, is moving to health insurance exchanges. But the idea of defunding Obamacare to government funding (that has been cut dramatically already) and the US National Debt is just plain crazy. What I find gratifying is that Karl Rove, John McCain, Bob Cocker are noting how looney this idea is. When the Wall Street Journal notes how futile the campaign is, it shows the utter futility of it all. Yet, it appears that this is a fight they want to have even though there was an election held. What was gratifying was the courageous decision by the Federal Reserve to continue the monthly bond buying campaign to keep the economy humming. Some expressed "Shock"--but the Fed realizes that with the paralysis in Washington, there is no other "adult" in the room right now.  

Hopeful signs continue to eminate from Iran. I was quite gratified to see Dr. Rohani's editorial in the Washington Post on the eve of his trip to the UN General Assembly. The Foreign Minister, Dr. Zareef, is already in New York. Despite all the overtures, Ben Rhodes of the White House in Washington said that "more is needed". I remain hopeful as the UN General Assembly opens next week. Francois Hollande, the French President, will be meeting with Dr. Rohani. I have also been gratified when I made the rounds of the "Social Grid" as I saw reports of further political prisoner releases as discussions have continued between the impriosned leader of the Green Movement, Mr. Mousavi and the Secretary of the Iran Supreme National Security Council, Retired Admiral Shamkhani. I do realize and accept certain reservations that the noted Iranian Scholar Dr. Abbas Milani noted in his piece in the New Republic when he noted how he did not object to the appointment of the Justice Minister who had signed the order to execute some 4,000 opponents of the regime. But, the transformation has been nothing less than remarkable--and I hope to see further transformation over the ensuing days as Dr. Rohani comes to Washington.

As such diplomatic activity continues, I laughed at Professor Turley's latest column on his blog as he talked about US Senator Lindsay Graham seeking out authorization for a War against Iran. I have tried really hard to understand the current thinking of the Republican Party. I have to wonder what happened to the party that had Jacob Javits who marched with Dr. King, Dwight Eishonhower who had the courage to order the intergration of Schools in Arkansas and built the Highway system and Linclon who fought a war and yet created the continental railroad and began laying out the land grant colleges that has contributed so much to America's development today. I have to wonder why there is so much effort to destroy--with no effort to build. This beautifully crafted column by Professor Turley is available at : Really Long Link

There was also the interview with Pope Francis. What I found fascinating is how he noted that the moral edifice of the Church will crumble if the Church does not return to its' roots of Compassion, Mercy and Service. The interview is available @ Really Long LinkI also was quite fascinated to see his letter to Muslims at the end of Ramadan:

A Letter to Muslims by Pope Francis by Stanneitirepdf

Some noted that US Political leaders need to really take their queue from Pope Francis.

As this week has shown, we do need to remember to learn, to reflect and to build. The question is whether we can overcome it all and live up to the admonitions from this great thinkers:

Take time to sharpen the saw.

- Steven Covey

Take a course in good water and air;

and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own.

Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.

- John Muir

If you paint in your mind a picture of

bright and happy expectations,

you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal.

- Norman Vincent Peale

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous

than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Learning is the beginning of wealth.

Learning is the beginning of health.

Learning is the beginning of spirituality.

Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.

- Jim Rohn

All rights reserved

A "Mid Week" Thought 4 the Week on Our World :-)

It has been another challenging week in the United States.    But, there are always hopeful signs.  I commented on some of the latest from Iran in Outsider Views when I noted about recent hopeful signs in Iran.    It was also a disappointment, though, to see how the latest massacre in Washington did not move Congress to at least look at how to control the proflieration of guns in America.   I was so gratified by the courage of Howard Schultz, the Starbucks CEO, when he wrote an open letters to customers asking that they do not bring guns to Starbucks stores where such actions was allowed.  This is as I saw a study in the American Journal of Medicine about the debunking of the myth pushed by National Rifle Assocation  on how more guns makes America Safe.    I did have a good laugh when I heard the US Speaker of the House noted how he spoke for the American Family.  

The need to be hopeful and optimsitic is at times, challenging.   The need to find a sense of joy in life and reflect upon it and ba thankful for it should be key.  This simple clip I ran across underscores it--and we must always remember: :

Finding Joy Movie: Helen Keller said, "The best and most beautifiul things in life cannot be seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart." Some of the most beautiful things in life are also the most simplistic.

Onward :-)

Reflections of a Tragic Day in Washington....

As I begin a new week in "Outsiders", I wanted to begin with commentary on the upcoming struggle on the debt ceiling and government funding as the new Federal fiscal year  is before us. But the tragedy of September 16 in Washington has prompted me to reflect upon this day.

America woke up Monday Morning to another mass shooting. What was different about this one was that it was in the nation's capital, Washington. It was at the Washington Navy Yard that is home to the Naval Sea Systems Command. As I comment on this, US Media is continuing its' coverage and comments on what happened today. There has been extensive discussions on the shooter's background and affiliations. What I see is a man who was clearly disturbed--and that mental state had an extremely tragic ending on Monday.

I was very hopeful that Sandy Hook would shock America to transform itself. It did not happen because the Gun Lobby prevailed. Two State Senators in the US State of Colorado who voted for Gun Control were recalled because they had the courage to take a stand. The prevailing view that somehow Guns protect rights and freedoms is a myth perpetuated by the National Rifle Association that seems to have no end. I would be curious to see what the NRA will have to say about this one. 

Of all the comments, I think the Chief at the Washington Hospital Trauma Center was the most eloquent when she noted that America had to change. She pleaded with America to get her out of the business of treating gun shot wounds. I understand from reports that the shootings are so prevalent that Army Doctors go to this hospital for training to be ready to deal with such wounds. She is absolutely powerful in this clip:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Urban violence is a scurge--a cancer that should be eradicated. The question Americans have to ask is this: Can America finally have the courage to confront this? 

Also released to http://www.outsiderviews.com under the "Americas Watch" Series--all rights reserved

As the New Work Week Looms.....Remembering.....

There may well be setbacks & challenges, but as Henry Henrichs notes, "...

"Was yesterday a disappointment?
I am sorry.
But this is another day.
The earth has turned around since yesterday.
Face the New Day with good cheer!"

& as the Chinese Remind us all, 

“If you want happiness for an hour

take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day
go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year
inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime
help someone else.”

Onward!! :-)

"Thought 4 the Week"

Today was a special day.     I remember 12 years ago as those planes slammed into the World Trade Center.   I spent this day in a day of service and remembrance.   After tending to some morning family obligations,  I spent my morning erving at my local Catholic Church's Outreach Ministry, reflected upon all blessing throughout the day in a quiet moment and ended the day attending my local City's Patriot's Day remembrance.

As I reflected upon that day, I saw this from Jonathan Luckwhood Huie.  Of all the daily thoughts I review, this is probably the best I have seen that truly brings to light the true nature of life and all that we need to be thankful for.    The words themselves go to the heart of what we should think about and prioritize--by remembering what matters most--Family, a sense of love for community and realize what's important and not worry about what some may or may not think.    We need to live, love, fail if we have to--but continue to "get up" and "go out' and make it happen.  "Onward" must be the rallying cry as we remember:

 

A life rooted deeply lives and grows in memory.

- Mary Anne Radmacher

People living deeply have no fear of death.

- Anais Nin

How different our lives are when we

really know what is deeply important to us,

and keeping that picture in mind,

we manage ourselves each day

to be and to do what really matters most

- Stephen Covey

One thing I know: the only ones among you

who will be really happy are those

who will have sought and found how to serve.

- Albert Schweitzer

It is a better thing to weigh and measure priorities

in the illuminating light of your own mission

than to have your activities formed by the

impressions and expectations of others.

- Mary Anne Radmacher

How much do you engage yourself in what's truly real

and important in life? That's the individual question.

- Ted Danson