Issues for Americas 1% Wealthiest

This short Vanity Fair article from May 2011 is one of the most impacting short articles I have read in a long while. In light of Warren Buffets op ed this past week suggesting that the USA government SHOULD tax more heavily the richest of Americans...the Vanity Fair bit titled "Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%" truly lays out some supportive reasoning along with Buffets apparent willingness to gift more to the US government through higher taxes.

It has always been obvious to me in my adult life that politics, governments and big money run together especially in a democracy. Yet it has now come to the point where one questions if there is any such thing as a pure democracy as it appears that most governments are bought and paid for by various rich corporations and the "top 1%" in most any country. As the USA continues to be mired in the muck of heavy debt, lowering production expectations, and in general a downgrading of the entire culture via ineffective education standards...this article rings home to me that harder times are ahead for my home country and revolution could be just around the corner...unless by some miracle the hyper rich 1% come to their senses.

Anyone who reads much of my material understands pretty clearly that my bent is a "libertarian" mode of political philosophy. I believe in small government, lowest possible taxation and individual freedom and responsibility instead of entitlements and bailouts. Yet, because my government has floundered so poorly in managing the country economically and failed the expectations of the people for honesty and integrity in leadership...it is truly time for the wealthiest of Americans to take action towards securing their country before it is further devastated in the competitive international arena of trade and commerce. There is a strong undercurrent of justified American discontent...and the people of our country have a history of turning quite violent and passionate when put in a corner of desperation.

Without further extrapolation of my viewpoints, I will let these key statements from the article in Vanity Fair make the rest of my case:

...in our own democracy, 1 percent of the people take nearly a quarter of the nation’s income—an inequality even the wealthy will come to regret.

In terms of wealth rather than income, the top 1 percent control 40 percent.

...many of the distortions that lead to inequality—such as those associated with monopoly power and preferential tax treatment for special interests—undermine the efficiency of the economy

The top 1 percent may complain about the kind of government we have in America, but in truth they like it just fine: too gridlocked to re-distribute, too divided to do anything but lower taxes.

Much of today’s inequality is due to manipulation of the financial system, enabled by changes in the rules that have been bought and paid for by the financial industry itself—one of its best investments ever.

Virtually all U.S. senators, and most of the representatives in the House, are members of the top 1 percent when they arrive, are kept in office by money from the top 1 percent, and know that if they serve the top 1 percent well they will be rewarded by the top 1 percent when they leave office.

The rules of economic globalization are likewise designed to benefit the rich: they encourage competition among countries for business, which drives down taxes on corporations, weakens health and environmental protections, and undermines what used to be viewed as the “core” labor rights, which include the right to collective bargaining. Imagine what the world might look like if the rules were designed instead to encourage competition among countries for workers. Governments would compete in providing economic security, low taxes on ordinary wage earners, good education, and a clean environment—things workers care about. But the top 1 percent don’t need to care.

Everyone possesses self-interest in a narrow sense: I want what’s good for me right now! Self-interest “properly understood” is different. It means appreciating that paying attention to everyone else self-interest—in other words, the common welfare—is in fact a precondition for one’s own ultimate well-being.

The top 1 percent have the best houses, the best educations, the best doctors, and the best lifestyles, but there is one thing that money doesn’t seem to have bought: an understanding that their fate is bound up with how the other 99 percent live. Throughout history, this is something that the top 1 percent eventually do learn. Too late.

I think this is the realization that Warren Buffet and other wise people of wealth are starting to comprehend. If they don`t start helping the other 99% to earn a bigger share of the wealth...the 99% will eventually just TAKE IT ANYWAYS. To that end, I suggest America find a way to bring back the growth of its middle class and get people working and off the public "dole". Otherwise...the 1% is in big trouble.

Dust in the Wind

One of my favorite songs from the 70s was Kansas` “Dust in the Wind” which theme was basically how we humans are somewhat insignificant against the large backdrop of time, space and history. While I continue to hear that haunting, beautiful melody in my head, I think I have grown a bit uncomfortable with the message.

The problems and issues of our growing yet shrinking world do seem quite immense compared to our relative individual positions among the masses. We grow up in a world that pressures us to “conform” or bend with the prevailing winds of thought and culture. I would suggest these prevailing cultural “winds” tend to destroy and “blow away” all the seeds of independence and reason before they can take root in the shallow soils of life. It is pretty hard to think or see straight with all the debris of futilistic/fatalistic thinking and attitudes that whirl around us.

I find myself quite annoyed at this point in life with many of the people around me who have no sense of direction, opinion, or positive “agenda” to live for. Most people seem to plod through each day looking to secure themselves financially, taking care of the many dependents around them or looking for whatever temporary pleasure they can find to fill the void of meaning and security in their short lives. While I think it is important to “do” all those things to an extent, it is not the end-all purpose in life from my point of view. I continue to hold the belief than mankind is capable of marvelous achievements and ecstatic experiences that are only limited by our imaginations and willingness to pursue them into being. We are surround by so much negativity and nay saying in our immediate circles that we cannot breath the air of freedom and independent living that I believe we are all born to experience or at least have capacity for. I think it comes down to OUR attitudes and viewpoints of our destinies. If we THINK we are just “dust in the wind”, we will probably act upon that by flying through life in the air of contemporary thought, ambitionless and without purposeful direction. If we think we are here for a purpose…whatever we imagine that purpose to be…then I suggest taking on the challenge of sinking ourselves into the fertile soil of reason, positivity and hope. Without those things we are all destined to living as “dust in the wind”.

The harsh reality behind all of this is the ticking clock. How much time do each of us have to realize our ambitions or dreams? Do I really have time to mourn the past today as I listen to that ticking clock? Do I have the luxury of time to listen to or read sources that contradict or attempt to deflate my goals and ambitions? Do I really want to run around with the rest of the majority who think they are just “dust in the wind”? I would suggest the answer is a definite NO. To use a Biblical analogy of merit, I would rather be like a “tree that is planted by the water”…that is irremovable and strong because it has stood there through the test of time and high currents of change. Its roots are deep in its own existence. It does not give in easily to floods of despair and external pressures. The tree of an individual`s life should provide shade for the weary, shared fruit for the hungry, and a strong reference point during the floods and storms every life will bring.

I choose NOT to be “dust in the wind”…

Extremism running and ruining our culture

This has been quite a week. First, the USA markets START their long awaited correction to much panic and speculation of where will this all end. Then the Republican "straw poll" in Iowa comes out with the Tea Party favorite Michelle Bachmann in the lead of at least Iowa Republican constituents. It would seem the extreme liberalism of Obama and company could conceivable be replaced by the extreme conservatism of Michelle Bachmann and her NEW religious right.

The only good news that came out of the straw pole for me was that Ron Paul came in a strong 2nd (27% to her 28%)...which by the way seems to glean little press as usual. It is amazing to me how media pundits latch on to the likes of Michelle Bachmann, but remain almost mum on Ron Paul whose many years in Congress and consistent viewpoints without waffling are almost as rare as Dinosaurs are today. He is the only truly experienced federal government leader running under the banner of Republican. Based on his differences with many core platform positions of the Republicans, I continue to find him unfortunately nonviable to win the Republican nomination...and I must assume he remains in that party only as an agent/voice for change and moderation of their errant extremism on many topics.

Let me state for the record that I understand the popularity of Bachmann and her appeal to Christian fundamentalists. The "Anti Obamas" are looking for the opposite matrix to Liberalism, no matter whether they make sense or not. As seems to be part of human mass consciousness, extreme positions are always more interesting and digestible than RATIONAL ones. We seem to be continually more pressured in this world to jump in one box of beliefs or political agendas or another. If people can`t clearly label or define you in societal terms, you have little chance of being heard or understood in the discourse. That is the position I unfortunately (or fortunately?) find myself in. I really don`t show up on the radar screen of any "norm" when it comes to political debate...unless someone wants a TRUE independent viewpoint of what I think is going on...and most people don`t. They only want viewpoints that support their liberal or conservative presuppositions...many of which on both sides are errant in relevance and reason.

So...will Americans run to the opposite extremes this next election towards ultra conservative views as held by Ms Bachmann? While I admit I am just now getting familiar with her platform and have never met her...here are come of her reported key viewpoints that give me pause on supporting her or the Republican platform if they go this direction (many taken from THIS article about her Iowa showing):

Michelle seems to prefer the religious totalitarianism of the "Dark Ages" to the Renaissance and "Age of Enlightenment". This says to me that she thinks we should go back to blind Papal authority and "allegiance to the King", versus reason and educated self opinions. I am quite sure she would like to edict Christianity as the official religion of our country. This is of course patently unconstitutional in my view.

She and her husband consider the late Francis Schaeffer, a protestant leader who died in 1984, to be a great "philosopher" that they base many of their views upon. I`m sorry, but theologians are rarely philosophers. Philosophy is SCIENCE. Theology is FAITH based...and in this case "fundamental". I have read Francis Schaeffer and I think he would turn over in his grave to hear he lived for a philosophy versus for his "faith".

While she calls herself a "lawyer" (yep, just what government needs...ANOTHER lawyer), her degree came from the O.W. Coburn School of Law; Michele was a member of its inaugural class in 1979. "Originally a division of Oral Roberts University, this august academy, dedicated to the teaching of “the law from a biblical worldview,” has gone through no fewer than three names — including the Christian Broadcasting Network School of Law." While I have oft been critical of President Obama, at least his law degree came from Harvard. Credentials?

She continually talks about having "heard Gods voice" and justifying even her most irrational positions based on "God told me so". I think most Americans would feel very insecure with the most powerful leader of the free world being able to base her views and judgements on the whims of her "ear to God". She is obviously anti-gay, anti immigrant, and has had very little exposure in her life to minorities or other religions. How is she going to be qualified to represent ALL Americans in this great land of diversity?

Let me say again, I understand why millions of Americans would be tempted to support and be intrigued by this Christian, white middle class rooted, Sarah Palinesque creature of political imagery. We unfortunately still live in a very segregated republic where our 50 states tend to be very different from each other when it comes to racial and economic stature. It is very difficult to find a leader in this day and age who can appeal to the broad base of diverse Americans. Yet, I am convinced that it is going to take someone of a much more inclusive and diverse background than Ms Bachmann to sincerely represent the interests of the broadest base of American ideals.

And once again, my greatest perplexity lies with the Republican party which seems so ineffectual in finding a true, broad based leader to lay out a plan for our country that really solves problems versus simply white washing the truth with broad strokes of religious or political fundamentalism. God help us if this is our best option for curing America`s many long term ills.

If I were the Benevolent Dictator...

...I would replace politicians with business people.

As President Obama and Congress continue down the road of one of the least productive, most conflicted governments in our history...I can`t help but wish for a recall vote on these 525 people who lead our country`s government. Where are the tough minded, realistic leaders we need who can add and subtract simple numbers before they make decisions like...going to war, promising more entitlements or giving our money away to foreign states?

I am quite convinced that most average, middle class business people in America could do a more productive job running our government and balancing our budgets than these losers some call congresspeople. Our system of government with its primarily two party system has fallen to new lows in functionality, ineptitude, and outright corruption.

Should you want to elect me as your representative in the federal government...or better yet, make me "benevolent Dictator"...here is what I would do and the simple math that would be behind it:

PRIORITY NUMERO UNO...BALANCE THE BUDGET!

How do we do this? Well, first, we eliminate all unnecessary expenditures and freeze or reduce government wages until the people in government prove themselves more productive. I would tie Government salaries and benefits to productivity goals. For example, each division or organization in government would have a set annual budget and any overspending would come directly out of their wage or salary base.

Congressional leadership would be looked at as PART TIME jobs for SUCCESSFUL Americans who can afford to serve their country part time...just like the original congress. They would not have lifelong income and benefits from the public coffers just because they got elected. They would meet on a quarterly basis and work maybe 12 weeks per year...about their current pace since most of them spend 70% of their time on political posturing, fundraising and getting re-elected. They would live IN their constituencies and truly represent their local citizens. No more CAREER politicians in Washington DC. This would be a service-representative job only...something like being on the board of a public company. They would be elected to two year terms and every representative would campaign with equal amounts of public campaign funds. No PACS or corporate/private donations to buy elections with. They won`t even be allowed to use their personal funds for campaigning. Let’s see how each candidate does in managing a small campaign account for maximum results...a requirement for getting into office by demonstrating effective spending!

Next, we would eliminate all financial aid or support for countries or organizations (like the United Nations, etc) who do not share our country`s values. Dictatorships, Kingdoms, Military Juntas or Communists need not apply for one penny from our public coffers. From my current foreign aid list this would save our treasury about $45-50 Billion per year.

In addition, our fine military would be pulled out of any foreign location that is NOT a declared war zone. We can no longer afford to be the world`s policeman...and this step alone would save our treasury more than half of our country`s $1 Trillion dollars per year in military spending. That is $500 Billion per year that could pay off our national debt of $14.2 Trillion in roughly 28 years. We would continue to spend effectively on defense of our borders and domestic protections of rights and liberties. We would NOT fight all our neighbors battles...unless they PAY for our resources.

Welfare and unemployment benefits would be totally reorganized. We would continue to help the truly needy, homeless and handicapped in our society, but no longer would we reward welfare mothers with monthly payments per child or food stamps per mouth to feed...only to have many of these same people playing the Lottery, cashing their checks at the local liquor store or shoring up the hundreds of Indian casinos throughout our country. If you are on welfare or unemployment, you better not be caught in any of these establishments...AND you will be required to work at least part time for the system that is supporting you. That may mean cleaning the streets in your local community, helping take care of the elderly, handicapped or orphans, or simply licking stamps on envelopes the government will be using to send tax rebate checks with a THANK YOU to their productive citizens.

That`s right...my program will include a tax REBATE to any American who pays more than 15% of their income in federal taxes. I would instill a federal flat tax of 15% during this emergency period in our national economy on ALL income...with the goal of reducing it to 10% when the national budget is balanced and national debt paid off. I assume this would take roughly 4-5 years with my new productivity and tax program. With this saved tax revenue staying in the hands of business and consumers, tax revenues would actually GROW from increased profits within our country. The government and its constituents would be much better off with 10% of Trillions than 40% of Millions. More people would have jobs, pay taxes and be off the welfare and entitlement rolls that are killing our country economically.

The Feds now consume over $2.5 Trillion per year. A 15% flat tax against total GDI (Gross Domestic Income) of $15 Trillion is $2.25 Trillion...so the federal budget remains about the same, but the income will come from a wider range of taxpayers at a lower percentage level. This leaves more productivity and discretionary spending for consumers within our domestic borders...which in turn heats up the economy to provide more revenues for paying off national debts faster. Oh...and no "estate taxes"...which is a form of double taxation. This money belongs to the families or beneficiaries designated by the producers of those funds...who have already paid income tax on that money. The government should survive very nicely on that 10-15% of GDI thank you.

With this new 15% flat tax on ALL individual and corporate income across the board along with the huge reductions in government costs and outlays for non-constitutional activities...our national budget should be balanced and the engines of our economy will once again burn hot with world leading entrepreneurial activities, robust profits and high flying markets within 4-5 years. The cost of collecting taxes would be reduced by over 30-40%. Yes, I would have to find new jobs and programs for unemployed government workers and accountants...but there are more productive, humane things for them to be doing in this world anyways.

And then there is Tort reform. Legal costs and judgments in America are using up 25-30% of our GNP depending on who you talk to. There is very little "standardized justice" in our system. One plaintiff gets $1000 for a cut off finger in an accident while another lady gets millions for spilling hot coffee on her lap. These irrational judgments and awards hurt the general public more than anyone else as costs of these judgments are passed on to the market. I would push the courts to standardize all penalties which would also effectively reduce healthcare costs to our aging population because medical malpractice awards would be reduced as well as caretakers and Doctors insurance rates. This benefits us all in a productive society. Mistakes happen and people need to be compensated...but no instant millionaires...sorry.

Now...we also have to put limits on all the natural resource gougers of the world. OPEC would no longer determine gas and oil prices for our country...the domestic market would. Within 5 years I would make the USA oil and gas supply independent by developing our own tremendous resources and buying additional supply TEMPORARILY from FRIENDLY nations like Canada, and yes, maybe even Russia. Why are we supporting and getting supply from Arab countries and Venezuela who hate our guts and our values and do not support democracy or free enterprise? I would also take a large chunk of our savings from foreign wars and oil prices and put tremendous effort and finance behind renewable energy sources that are cheaper, cleaner and longer term in supply. This would be one of the FEW industries who get a tax "break" from the flat 15%.

How would I handle the global economic crisis? Just give me discretionary spending on 1% of the national budget to build an international organization that would focus on transaction technology and governance policies for international economic exchanges. We would eliminate the Federal Reserve and fiat currencies, taking all the middlemen out of the global currency exchanges and force the banks back to fundamentals of what they are supposed to do best...store local funds and live on reasonable interest loans and credit. All currencies would become digital and based on a return to the gold standard. No country would be allowed to support unrealistic economies by printing worthless currencies to falsely sustain their imbalances...as the USA has been doing for decades now.

This step alone would produce 30% or more increased GNP as the informal economies would have to come under the umbrella of traceable transactions. Just imagine 30% more revenue to be realized throughout the world and under standardized taxation. This would be a huge step towards more responsible stewardship and tracing of economies. This process of digitizing currency alone would put a huge dent into illegal drug trafficking.

While we are on that subject, I would eliminate all laws that are not covered under the Constitution. That means people would be free to consume and live freely. If they want and can afford to take drugs, that is their right as long as they don`t endanger or affect another person’s rights. This alone would probably reduce our prison populations and costs by more than 50%. Addicts would be cared for humanely and at the local level with treatment centers and education programs...not prisons. The revenues from taxing and controlling these drugs would more than pay for the treatment and education centers.

OK...and how would we take care of all the poor or displaced workers in our country? We would take some of the money saved from foreign pursuits and invest more in education and vocational training institutions. If people are unemployed, they should be getting re educated in more productive fields of study. No more $25 per hour unionized broom pushers. You will need relevant technology training or true service training to make that kind of money.

Oh and credit...it would be illegal for a citizen to owe more than 30% of their annualized income to banks or credit companies. There would be no more "credit swapping" to cover up banking institution`s risk levels on bad loan portfolios. Banks will NOT be too big to fail but would be forced to have sufficient reserves to cover every penny owed their depositors.

Finally, the unintended consequences of this dream scenario would be...America would be the preferred country to invest in again. We would have the lowest competitive tax rates, the best services and the best debt free lifestyle of anywhere in the world. With secure borders and high standards for getting into our system, other countries would be FORCED to imitate our standards and lifestyles if they want to compete in the world. We would once again become the world’s bankers. China would owe us instead of us owing them.

Ok ladies and gentlemen...that is my platform. Please vote for me whenever there is an election for "Benevolent Dictator"...:)

Is Panama safe?

(This is the first blog of a series written since related to "Living in Panama". Please refer also to  "Pros and Cons of Living in Panama",  "Is Panama an Illusion?"  and "Further Notes on Panama Living")

I often field the question from foreigners to Panama along with friends and family...is Panama a safe place to live? From my 6+ years living here I usually answer that I feel as safe here as most any major USA city. Sure, the culture is different, there are MORE poor people per capita, and "stuff" happens anywhere as well as the USA.

I have not taken the time to pursue crime statistics lately between the USA and Panama so most of my views are based on perception and first hand experience which admittedly can be relative. Part of that perception is simply gleaned from news coverages. I subscribe to Google news services that feed me daily news on certain topics I like to follow. One of those topics is obviously Panama, yet I have not filtered that news heavily enough to leave out news from Panama City, FLORIDA...so I actually get daily news from both Panama City s.

As I browse recent weeks of these headlines, it strikes me that the news is much more violent on the average from Panama City, Florida than from the Republic of Panama. This actually doesn't surprise me since there are many more guns per capita in the USA and probably (again...perception) more drug users and gang bangers than in my adopted resident country.

Here are a number of recent Panama City, Florida headlines that backup my perception:

(First two are just in today)
Man dies in Panama City Beach shooting...
Shooting suspect denies being gang member...
Women charged in check fraud...
Three arrested, one sought in pill / hostage case...
Severely burned man arrives at hospital wearing only his underwear; he's arrested on meth charges...
Man charged with attempted bank robbery after bomb scare...
15 charged in meth ring...
Boil water notices issued...(I thought this only happened in the Republic of Panama)
Man charged with aggravated battery...

The bottom line of this illustration is that crime and violence happens in both Panama City s. We all have a choice of believing or not the media slants towards the news. Sure, many media love to sensationalize the crimes, blood and guts in the streets throughout the world. And sure, we all want to be made aware of the dangers around us...and probably which neighborhoods to avoid from a probability basis of bad things happening to YOU.

My summary view on personal safety in both Panama City s,... and probably many other reportedly dangerous places like Colombia and Mexico...is that your personal safety depends on where you go and who you associate with. I would suggest that violent crimes apart from petty theft rarely occur against the average good citizen. Much of the violence in Panama, Colombia, Mexico AND the USA is based on drug deals gone bad, either between the suppliers or the users. Most of the cause and effect of that is because when someone in that world steals or cheats you, you can`t call the police or consult your lawyer. That whole world (the drug one) is based on the most banal, animalistic aspects of what it means to be human and survive.

I don´t think crime and violence should be a deterrent for people wanting to work or retire in Panama or most other Latin countries. The biggest issue for most "Northerners" or Anglo s will be if they can adjust to the different culture, language and service levels these cultures feature. For some Panama, Colombia, Mexico and other Latin destinations are "paradise". For others it is "hell on earth". I think it just depends who you are and where you go. Same goes for Panama City, Florida...

I will not...

I will not crave for that which I cannot have
I will not give what is not mine to give
I will not kiss my enemy or slap my friend
I will not suffer fools lightly

I will not have my dreams squashed by the limits of your imagination
I will not lose hope because of your despair
I will not spend my short time on this earth waiting for you to love me
I will not devote one day to a cause or person I don´t believe in

I will not accept your lack of respect
I will not give in to the invasion of my privacy
I will not be judged by you neither be your judge
I will not live for you nor expect you to live for me

I will not be limited by your limits
I will not be easily talked into surrender
I will not go through life aimless or without direction
I will not demand more of you than I demand of myself

I will not cower in the face of adversity
I will not easily wilt against life`s pressures
I will not live as if I am dying
I will not die without dignity

--Ed Thurston 2011

Fire in the Belly

As a marketer, I have always been attracted to interesting expressions and oft times wonder about their origins. One of those expressions that came to mind today was ¨fire in the belly¨.

Some synonyms I find in the dictionary related to this expression are: ambition, aspiration, coveting, craving, hankering, hunger, itch, pining, thirst, urge, wish, and yearning. Another meaning I found that strikes home is ¨…referring to severe motivation, or hunger that causes action!¨

Lately I have found myself disappointed and perplexed at the lack of passion and conviction in what people around me are doing… or better yet, NOT doing. So many efforts to me seem like an exercise in futility and drudgery. Most people have no focus or explanation for what they are doing in their lives on a daily basis. Just the challenge of getting from point A to B is more than many can handle…let alone think about Z.

I was talking with a friend tonight who said ¨…the higher expectations you have for yourself, the higher the stress level¨. So it would seem that many people avoid stress by maintaining LOW expectations? I guess that way you can never be disappointed or disillusioned. Yet, somehow that form of living seems very unattractive to me. I think we need more of that ¨fire in the belly¨ in order to better ourselves and the conditions around us. We have become way too compliant and accepting of the ¨status quo¨ and the marginalization of excellence or superiority. In this world, everyone loves to read or hear about the downfall of great people. We like to bring the successful and courageous down to our level of commonality. We don´t want to feel inferior to anyone, therefore we respect no one and strive to moderate the imaginations of those free spirits around us who dare to dream and act on those dreams. Worst than that, we allow others to stomp out the fire of our own imaginations and ideas. This is a form of invisible murder of the human mind and spirit…performed by a mass ritual of educated mediocrity and peer pressure to conform to norms.

Of course, the easiest excuses towards not reaching our goals relate to not having the ¨things¨ we need to succeed or feel comfortable. Somehow we feel without the right clothes, right car, right family, enough money or the right team to work with….we just can´t get started. We find a thousand and one excuses not to do the things we WANT to do. We find more reasons why we CAN`T accomplish something than reasons why we CAN. We`re too young or too old, too poor or too rich, under qualified or over qualified. When we have the time we don´t have the money. When we have the money we don’t have the time. Life seems to be this continuous continuum of the stars not being in alignment for our dreams or ambitions. Are there reasons for this lack of accomplishment?

If we are to take lessons from history, I think of people who had ¨fire in the belly¨ for what they wanted to accomplish in life. People`s financial heritage had little to do with whether or not they succeeded. Without necessarily evaluating the ¨morality¨ of their accomplishments, three or four figures stand out to me from histories recently read. John Adams, Teddy Roosevelt, Henry Ford and Warren Buffett…just to name a few. While each of these figures were fallible men with weaknesses and failures in their lives…they each forged change and controlled a certain amount of their destinies based on various aspects of ¨firebelly¨ attitudes towards life and the circumstances of their days.

John Adams helped forge the USA Constitution and was one of the most outspoken writers and debaters of the first ¨Continental Congress¨. Teddy Roosevelt wasn´t content with staying within the tapestries of his rich family heritage and chose instead a life of adventure, travels and pushing the limits of his own political and philosophical barriers. Henry Ford overcame immigrant farmer roots to become the icon of America´s industrial age by promoting mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with higher wages for workers. Ford had a global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. Warren Buffet converted his childhood knack for door to door selling of chewing gum, Coca-Cola, and weekly magazines into the largest most profitable holding company in the world called Berkshire Hathaway.

None of these people performed their miracles overnight. I´m quite sure none of them saw the end from the beginning. They probably had NO IDEA how effective and long standing their accomplishments would be. Yet, the common thread I read in all of these and other like people was their commitment to their own unique ideas, philosophies and standards. The essence of these men…they lived and breathed the ¨fire in their belly¨ which to my viewpoint was the root ¨cause and effect¨ of their success in life…even amidst well documented frailties and failures.

On a much smaller and personal scale, my Grandfather who was a strong father figure to me growing up, had a unique approach and sense of life´s calling that demanded much of this ¨fire belly¨ approach. In the early 1900s he became part of a strong religious awakening in America as a first generation naturalized citizen of Norwegian roots. Most immigrants of those days…like today…were from poor disenfranchised populations in their home countries looking for a new start and better way of life. These people honed their skills of individual survival and doing whatever needed to be done in order to survive and grow with the new opportunities this foreign land afforded them. And yes, religion has always played a strong role in giving the poor and disenfranchised hope and will to live… pushing forward to a better, ¨God given¨ future. Without significant education or traditional preparations, this teenage cowboy from the Minnesota plains experienced and pursued his own approach to a spiritual way of life that was in no way part of mainstream religion. Yet, my grandfather carried his religious experience to a level of leadership and ¨ministry¨ to where he built his own church in my old hometown in the 1930s, raised his family in his tradition of faith, and influence hundreds who have since influenced hundreds to live in ¨the fear of God more than the fear of Man¨.

While I admittedly have grown into more secular understandings of life than my Grandfather had, I still have to live in awe of his ability to build a church, a home, a family and a following simply on the strength of faith and devotion to his personal cause. While he died a relative pauper, he lived rich in the belief of his cause and fervency of dogma. He was a self taught printer, always found a way to have the newest gadgets such as wire recorder, then reel to reel tape recorders (5 of them that I remember from childhood), a decent big car (primarily a Oldsmobile fan), and writer of many religious and philosophical articles. I am quite sure in today´s times he would be a better blogger than me. He read and read…and his library was the root of my own thirst for reading and knowledge. His large library included all sorts of subjects and not just ¨Christian¨ ones. My first reading of the Quran was his copy…and this was in the 1960s.

So in some ways I suppose the apple has not fallen far from the tree…though many might not agree with that statement. Yet, I pursue a circle of personal friends and associates who have ¨fire in their belly¨. I am easily bored or impatient with people that have no ambition or “zip” to their daily lives and activities. The longer we live, the more we realize how short our time of opportunity is. While it’s nice to believe in an afterlife…the only life we are assured of is the here and now. I think we each need to go with our ¨fire bellys¨. Wherever our passions, ideas or creativity takes us…we need to embrace them and carry them to their ultimate ends. We can´t all be Henry Fords or John Adams…the times don’t always demand that of us. But as my friend and I discussed tonight on the phone using a golf analogy…¨It is up to us to tee the ball and hit it as good and far as possible. Beyond that we cannot control how the winds of fate will affect that ball, but we must have passion to hit it none the less¨.