Reflections Upon Our World: Daily "Thoughts" 4 the Day

As I write this, the situation in the Middle East continues to be volatile but somewhat calm.   I finished this on the death of US Ambassador to Libya and the implications for the Campaign in the United States in "outsiders" a few minutes ago:

Source:
http://www.outsiderviews.com/outsiders-middle-east-watch-9122012-a-tragic-day/, retrieved 9/12/2012

"Outsiders" Middle East Watch (9/12/2012): A Tragic Day

 Link: www.humanrights.gov/2012/09/12/remarks-from-s...

America remembered the fallen yesterday during 9/11. What a horrible day it was!!!

The past 24 hours,though, have continued to remind us all about what a dangerous and volatile World we live in. The US Ambassador to Libya and three other officers were killed when the US Consulate in Benghazi was attacked. CNN is reporting that apparently the attack in Benghazi was planned by thugs that used the protests as a pretext. The US Embassy In Cairo was also breached during this disturbances over the past 24 hours.

This was triggered by a movie posted on YouTube depiciting the Prophet Mohammad in a extremely disgraceful way. I have not seen the clip and will never see the clip. It was quite disturbing to see how America's Right to Free Speech was violated in such an unfortunate way. I was especially concerned when I listened to Governor Romney noting how the Obama Administration's position was one of weakness and that they apologized for American Values. The statement by US Embassy Cairo said in part:

"...“condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims — as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others...:

Although the Administration took issue and noted that it "was not cleared" with Washington, Embassy Cairo did what it felt was right under the circumstances. Governor Romney's campaign has tried to politicize the issue by characterizing it all as an apology. The White House made a decision to back away from it--which I view it as a mistake. The World must understand that such recklessness is not what America is about. What Embassy Cairo did underscored the finest the America has stood for. It would have been in the best tradition of American Foreign Policy for the Romney Campaign not to have spoken out to--as Chuck Dodd of NBC News put it--chase news cycles.

As I listened to Governor Romney, I could not help but wonder what Governor Romney's reaction would be if the founder of the Mormon Faith , Joseph Smith, was depicted in as disgraceful a way as the Prophet Mohammad was. I would be the first one who would tell the World that it was wrong to do so. America is about respecting all faiths and beliefs. It is that strength that would help to sustain it.

On a larger issue, what Governor Romney and his neo-con advisers have failed to grasp is to the continued extent of the anger against the United States on the Arab Street. I will not expect much from the likes of John Bolton and Dan Senor who were at the forefront of the debacle that characterized US Foreign Policy during the Bush Administration. Beyond this matter itself, Governor Romney's reckless attempt to call for a defacto outsourcing of US Foreign Policy to the Israeli Prime Minister is part of this effort which will undermine US efforts to play a constructive role.

The statements by President Obama and Secretary Clinton speak for themselves. I was as baffled as Secretary Clinton was when the US was attacked in a City that the US helped save. All around the World should mourn the loss of these four brave souls who represented the best that America had to offer. May their souls rest in peace and may the almighty grant their families the patience to endure.

Never Losing Hope...and Keeping Faith....

We're at the eve of 9/11.    It is not easy to remain hopeful, but there is no other choice..is there:



We must never ever lose faith.  The faces of the young children must be the driving force for us all!!

Reflections Upon A Summer That Was....

I released this to the Troop 772 Website (Virtual HQ) earlier tonight to reflect upon the Summer that was (Summer 2012):

We have bid farewell to Summer and are gearing up for what is expected to be a very busy Fall and Winter.   Whether it is the Court of Honor, the fund raising goals, Camporee--there is a lot coming up.   As I am quite excited about looking forward, it is also worth looking back to a great Summer that was.
We were blessed to be engaged with our Community throughout the Summer.    I enjoy reading how our Scouts told us about the community engagements they were in.   I was appreciative of the scribes who wrote about Summer Camp as they did.   For those of us who were not able to make such events, we were able to share in the adventures as reported by our Scouts.   We were to be there through the images that we shared.    What such write-ups and events also was a reminder that the success that we enjoyed was becuase of all of you.    It was also because of the committment that we continued to enjoy from all community partners such as the Ocean Institute who were able to work with our Snorkeling Event Leader, Mr. Kuntz as he worked as hard as he did to put this outing together that resulted in some 40+ Scouts and Scouters enjoying quite an adventure that would be unforgetable.  As I read through the "Voice of the Scout" columns that Ali Zand and Ryan Harding reported, I knew that I missed quite an adventure.    In discussions with Mr. Kuntz, he reminded me about how it is the committment of all that make such events possible.    He especially remembered members of the Ocean Institute team who were so instrumental in putting together such a wonderful adventure for us all.  They were:

 Boat Captain Peter Hiestand

Leslie Kretsthmar Tour Director

 Brittany Loust crew

 Shira Greenbaum crew

 Mike Bursk skipper

 Barry Rosenberg crew volunteer

 Lee Gerig crew volunteer

 Jack Small crew volunteer

 Bill Steel Board of Directors ( who referred fo Mr. Kutz as Leslie)

 

We also were able to have Troop 774 out of Encinitas join this as well.   The continent of Evan Wright, Casey Wright, Vince Tori, Lucas Torti, Bengt Osten & Darren Osten had a great time and their note of thanks underscored how much they appreciated the opportunity to join us.        It underscored the spirit of brotherhood that is at the essence of Scouting which we all have a stake in to uphold through a continued reaffirmation of it consistently.     For me, though, there was one event that was ever more memorable:  The Fish For Life Cruise.

 

The Fish for LIfe Cruise grew out of an idea that an old and dear friend of mine had when he took the child of a friend of his who happened to be a Special Needs Child.   He wanted to brighten this special child and it just grew.   Such cruises have started in other cities.     When I had the pleasure to assist in representing us on July 18, I had no idea what to expect.   It was great to meet Jim Everett, the Former Quarterback of The RAMS.  It was just a wonderful scene to observe our Scouts who showed so much care, dilligence and understanding as they prepared to serve the special needs Children and their families.     As they came down the red carpet, they were the stars of the show.   The joy in their faces as their names were called and were greeted by us was beyond words.     As we set sail on what was just a beautiful day, I saw the love and care of the families.    Some children may not have even understood where they were.   But giving the families even a day of respite is something that is truly memorable.    It is such that makes our work as Scouts and Scouters ever more crucial.   I look forward to September 29 when we have been asked to again help as the next Fish For LIfe honors another special group of people:  those of the Greatest Generation who served in World War II and Korea for whom we all as Americans owe a debt of Gratitude.

 

Onward to Fall, Winter and Beyond with all its' possibilities....

 

Summer Camp Historians Report on Summer Camp 2012: http://www.troop772.com/node/3559
Ryan Harding Reports on the San Clemente Trip: http://www.troop772.com/node/3587
Ali Zand Reports on the San Clemente Trip: http://www.troop772.com/node/3594
John Turner Reports on Philmont: http://www.troop772.com/node/3569
Noah Hill Reports on "Fish For LIfe": http://www.troop772.com/node/3555
Hayden Wandrock Reports on Fish For LIfe: http://www.troop772.com/node/3599
Michael Oulmet Reports on the Lake Mead Trip:  http://www.troop772.com/node/3589
Written by M Pouraryan 09-06-2012

 

The "Daily Outsider" Update (9/6/2012)

Finished a "daily write-up" on the Daily Outsider 4 the Day:

Source: http://www.outsiderviews.com/outsiders-newsflash-962012-the-past-24-hours/, retrieved 9/6/2012


It has been an interesting 24 hours in our World.    Now that the Republicans finished making their case, it is the Democrats Turn.   Bill Clinton nominated Barack Obama for a second term as President:





What he did was word for word literally destroy the Republican rationale.  Although statistics  can be skewed, I would be looking to see how the Republicans will counter the case made by Bill Clinton.    To me, the best assessment of it has been Facebook.    The only thing I saw on Mitt Romney's page was how they told the World to "give me a break".   The statement by the Romney Campaign Press spokesman was quite amusing.

BIll Clinton did not call them a liar by name, but he basically called them out on the discussions on medicare and welfare.    Steve Schmitt, who ran the McCain campaign in 2008, noted that there is NO one on the Republican side that can make the argument that he did. Even Clinton Detractors have said that he's one of a kind.   Not  withstanding his personal shortcomings, he's truly one of a kind.   

The President will make his case for re-election tonight during his acceptance speech.   The campaign season starts after tonight.   I have noted that the President has a fight on his hands and it is not going to be a "cake walk".  But the case by Bill Clinton is compelling and the choice couldn't be clearer.    Bill Clinton reminded the country almost 20 years ago that the era of Big Government is over.   But Government can be smarter and the reporting done by Government Executive that I have noted here is a perfect example of it that must be told.

There is only so much, though, that a President of the United States can do.  Europe continues to be "anemic".  Moodys' just did a downgrade and there was further bad news.  Spanish banks have just received another cash infusion.    Deposit flights from Spanish Banks have picked up pace.    One key development has been the cabinet reshuffle in the United Kingdom.  In assessing the reshuffle, I was quite shocked to see Jeremy Hunt get the Department of Health portfolio.     There has been an apparent sharp turn to the right because a commitment to reform was not there.    There is also an apparent realization that the austerity is not working.  That's why there has been an apparent commitment for a third runway at Heathrow and a further 40 Billion Pounds in infrastructure spending to help jump start the economy.

As I assessed the UK situation, one thing I continue to wonder is whether the Republicans are studying the UK cuts and the predicament being faced by David Cameron.     David Cameron seems to have understood that the "old way" of cutting is not working.    Niall Ferguson talked about when Europe's Lehman Moment will arrive at America's shores.     Beyond Europe, there is also the Jobs Report that is due Friday.    

A lot to continue to reflect upon.....

Thinking About the Americas......

I finished a "Americas Watch" In "Outsider Views" earlier:

It has been quite a month in the US Presidential Campaign. Millions are being spent daily and the Republicans just finished their convention. The Democrats, in the United States, are about to begin theirs. The Republican Convention was quite a show. It featured Governor Christie, Former Secretary of State Rice and a whole host of other Governors and Senators. I was particularly amused by how they laid out the case against President Obama. As I listened to these speakers, it seemed to me that life began back in 2009 and nothing that happened before 2009 did not matter. It did not matter that the US Economy almost collapsed, two wars were waging and the Auto Industry was about to be out of business. Governor Romney asserted that he wanted the President to succeed. I have no doubt that he believed it. But the action of his party left a lot to be desired. There were also many factually challenged speeches that all the pundits have discussed at length. The only one I had a particular problem with was the so-called "Apology Tour" that Governor Romney has referred to. I have not been able to find anywhere where the President has apologized. Beyond the "apology tour", I was concerned about Governor Romney's Five Point Plan. It includes his view of what Government should look like and the plan to restructure Government as we know it. The problem is that there are no real specifics and the broad layout of the plan in question is simply not adding up. They also noted that they want the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) repealed and replaced. I have yet to see their "replacement plan"--beyond the traditional free market ideas that seems to be more of the same.

As I listened to highlights of the Republican Convention, my mind drifted back to 2009 when Barrack Obama took the oath of office as President of the United States. He told the Country and the World that, "....We remain a long nation..but in the word of the scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things...". I reflected upon that statement as I heard John Boehner, the Speaker of the House, note how he would throw Barack Obama out of the bar. I remembered that admonition as I heard highlights of the Bully From New Jersey, Chris Christie, thunder away. I remembered as Mike Huckabee, the Preacher, tried to preach his vision. Someone once said that the vision presented was "Bush's Economic Policy, Cheney's Foreign Policy & Rick Santorium's Social Policy. The question is whether they will be able to sell this to the Country or not.

The issue for both men is not whether they are good husbands, good fathers and good men. I believe both are and both serve as wonderful examples for us all to emulate and follow. I also am personally offended by anyone who has questioned Governor Romney's Faith. In my view, the commitment to Family and Community that is epitomized by the Mormon Faith is something that all in the United States must learn from. The question, for Americans, is not whether character matters. From a personal perspective, I am confident that Americans will judge their personal character. The question, though, is what they believe and how they will lead the United States (and the World) during the next 4 years. During the campaign, there has been a lot of talk about whether the United States' fate will be the same as Europe. I'll be releasing some thought in a new edition of Europe Watch Soon. I would hope that the US Republican Establishment will take its' queue from David Cameron's Predicament as he reshuffles his cabinet and embraces a key realization that the double dip recession the UK is faced with will not go away anytime soon. The Democrats will now have their say. This is as the Economy continues to be anemic. The Chairman of the Federal Reserve has noted that the Economy is not vibrant and they will be ready to move as required to sustain the momentum. The Democrats will have a chance to make their case on whether they have begun the turn-around or not. What is critical is for the Democrats to create a vision of a "Smart/Responsive" Government. They have to basically make the argument whether the policies proposed by Romney/Ryan is a step to the past or to truly work to create a sense of the Smart/Responsive Government that becomes a true partner in the development of Society and insures that the less fortunate are given the fighting chance to rise up to the challenges being faced. What is critical to note that the Democrats should not take anything for granted.

Beyond the Americas, though, there are other notable events going on throughout the Americas. Occupy Canada is very much at the forefront of opposing the policies of the Harper Government. They have called for a nationwide movement on September 17. Down in Mexico, Felipe Calderon is about to be relegated to the dustbin of history. He leaves a very troubled legacy for the New President to overcome. 50,000 people have died in Mexico because of the War he started. The Country has become increasingly militarized and Civil Rights in Mexico has been destroyed. The Mexican Economic Malaise has become ever more. But I am gratified by the prospects for Peace in Columbia. It appears that the President of Columbia has moved towards peace with the FARC. The need to pull the rug from under the drug trade is absolutely paramount as the war rages on in Mexico and people continue to die. Source:

Remembering An Eagle

It has been an interesting few months both on the politcal, economic and social scene. It will especially interesting and fun couple of months as the US Political scene gathers steam here and now. Earlier, I finished a retrospective on Neil Armstrong which I released to the Troop Website and to "outsiders". As I finished this, I reflected upon the elements of the Scout Law that I hope all always remember to adhere to. What is clear is that men like Neil Armstrong showed us the way.... Source: http://www.outsiderviews.com, retrieved 8/30/2012 Image Source: US Scouting Services Project, retrieved 8/30/2012

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, left us this past Saturday. He left a legacy of service and commitment that would be remembered for generations to come. Throughout this week, the tributes have been never ending--and Rightly so. Many know that amongst his many achievements was that he was an Eagle Scout. He was one of 2 Million who have had the distinct honor to have achieved that rank as we celebrate 100 years of the Eagle Scout Rank this year. It is also quite remarkable to note that over 90% of all our Astronauts who walked on the Moon were also Eagles. . As we remember his achievement, it was this first signal that began the transformation of the World and the true beginning of human's quest for the heavens: “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” The President of the United States ordered all flags to be flown at half staff on the day of his Funeral--August 31, 2012. May his soul soar in the heavens as our Country remembers him....

The Ruthlessness of Barack Obama | The National Interest Blog

Another interesting month, to say the least!!
 Finished this on Obama's Foreign Policy....
The Ruthlessness of Barack Obama | The National Interest Blog

The Need Never to Give Up.....

Today is two years since a fateful day that changed my life. As I thought about, I ran across this Emerson Poem that reminds us all never to give up, never to give in and always, always be optimstic: Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little coarse, and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice. Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble.

Continuing to Think Things Thru: Reflections On Life

This is as powerful an impetus to live the kind of life that one should live as I have ever seen. Earlier, I shared it w/the circle of friends on Facebook....I always hope and pray that the Almighty grants me the strength, the wisdom and the courage to live that kind of life: “ Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry. ” Mark Twain

A Reminder.......

A "reaffirmation" of how life should be lived...very powerful!!!

Thinking Things Thru......

Wall Photos

The Year 2012 has been a bit challenging at times. But, the blessing of life are something that I cherish everyday. What continues to sustain me is a profound senses of faith despite all that is going in the World today which I, at times, feel quite hopeless. As I remember the day I started this and then "outsiders", It was to do what I could to leave my mark on this World. I hope I will continue to live up to the admonition above and make sure that what I write about, reflect upon and act on lives up to these simple truths. I pray that the Almighty grants me the strength and the wisdom to do so as I continue on with this blessed journey.

Thought 4 the Week: GOP Needs Divine Intervention

I have been busy with new year business. The year has started as always as exciting as ever. As I write this, Mitt Romney has achieved frontrunner status and the race is pretty much beginning to take shape. But, the GOP continues its' effort by fighting the last battle that does not address the basic underlying structrual challenges the United States Faces. Tom Ferguson talks about this in a very "matter-of-fact" way:
GOP Needs Divine Intervention

Pete Gray’s Story

Working on Winding Down The Year...I find it so strange how somehow I read a story (almost everyday) that inspires me to do better and do
my utmost to reach out....Pete Gray's story is one such story that ie a true example for us all.....onward to 2012 w/all its' possiblities...
Pete Gray’s Story

A Lot to Think About....

Working on Winding Down 2011 and gearin' up for 2012 while listening to one of the best defenses of Islamic Culture....



'via Blog this'

YouTube U: The Power Of Stanford's Free Online Education | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation

Fascinating How Education is Changing....

YouTube U: The Power Of Stanford's Free Online Education | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation:

'via Blog this'

Zazie Je Suis Un Homme French & English Subtitles

Remembering...and understanding!!!

What a Journey.....

There is a lot to be thankful in our world. I began my journey when I started this on Blogger and then transformed this into a Personal Portal that has showcased some of my thoughts as I have been through the highs and lows. As I sit here in Memphis and thinking about the roadmap ahead, I can't help but continue to be excited about the possiblities. There is still so much to do, so much to see and so much to reflect upon. The devleopment of "outsiders" has been in that vain.

As I work to wind down Q3 2011, a moment of pause is in order. I noted this in the thoughts I released to "Outsiders" which I will also release here to reflect upon a sense of sanity and continued appreciation for all that there is in our World. I have tried to live up to all of that to remmeber, reflect and understand..and yes the most important thing of all--To Laugh:

Take time to laugh.
It is the music of the soul.
Take time to think.
It is the source of power.
Take time to play.
It is the source of perpetual youth.
Take time to read.
It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray.
It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved.
It is a God-given privilege.
Take time to be friendly.
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to give.
It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work.
It is the price of success.
- Anonymous

The Stuff
==========

I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband unexpectedly died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a
classroom of students.

As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.

With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is
very important.

Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves.

None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end.

It can be taken away at any moment.

Perhaps, this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."

Her eyes beginning to water, she went on,"So I would like you all to make me a promise.

From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home,find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see - it could be a scent-perhaps of freshly baked
bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently
to the ground.

Please look for these things and cherish them for although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life.

The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted.
We must make it important to notice them, for at any time ...it can all be taken away."

The class was completely quiet.

We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently.

That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.

Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today.

Go barefoot.

Or walk on the beach at sunset.

Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double-dip ice cream cone.

For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.

~Author Unknown~

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address (with intro by President ...

It has been an interesting Month..I have truly lived up to the old Chinese Admonition that "may you live in interesting times". I have had to revisit and be reminded of many old beliefs....One such being Steve Jobs iconic speech at Stanford which I shared with my Social Network....

One must forever remain hopeful....

Onward to a new week and a new month with all its' possiblilties....

V-Thought 4 the Week: Is Capitalism Doomed?

Gearing up 4 the new week..I worked thru this past weekend..and really fell off my chair on this..and did
share it w/friends on Facebook...it is quite bothersome...A lot to think about as the minefields before us all is
ever more disconcerting...

Is Capitalism Doomed?

Finding inspiration to be grateful

As I Am working thru to finish off the second quarter of 2011, I was grateful to see this article in the Register remembering and reflecting about what is right about our World despite all the challenges--I enjoyed the interview with her...

Finding inspiration to be grateful