The Savvy One

Ron Paul, Really?!

2011-12-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ron Paul is actually leading in the Iowa polls according to this article in US News and World Report. Could he really be the Republican nominee?

I like Congressman Paul;s views most of the time (no one agrees 100% with my views), but I'm not sure most far right Republicans agree with him on everything. Unfortunately, his Libertarian slant makes him less conservative than some would like. Personally, this is what makes him the most appealing candidate.

Paul's consistent stance on shrinking government did not attract enough attention in the past. However, the shift in America's primary concerns might just make him the most popular candidate running. His views definitely reshaped the debates.

Can he do it?

Carpe Diem!

2009-10-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Carpe Diem - Dead Poet's Society
Been awhile since I last saw this movie, but this scene still resonates.

Seize the day! Whatever opportunities come your way make them happen today! Live everyday this way. I'm learning to just like you.

Be well!!

UR Pick for Wing-man in a Bar Fight?

2009-10-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal, you find yourself in a bar fight that you didn't create, but there are some bad dudes that don't like your haircut. So, how would you rank these guys (5 being the highest) from 1-5.
Wing Man Ranking

Don't like my choices? Who would you pick? Leave me the name of who and why in the comments.

Enjoy.

twtpoll :: U rank them alive or dead at any age 4 ur next action flik: Steven, Bruce, Jean, Chuck, Jackie (via @averageg)

2009-10-18T14:42:00.001-07:00

twtpoll :: U rank them alive or dead at any age 4 ur next action flik: Steven, Bruce, Jean, Chuck, Jackie (via @averageg)

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21st Century's Teddy Roosevelt

2009-10-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

If only Teddy Roosevelt were alive today. Perhaps we would have a leader that the country to get behind. Today's leaders lack the leadership essence and due to special interest fail the vast majority of us.

Government healthcare not a good option for Americans

2009-09-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

True strength is defined by the empathy shown to the weakest. We long ago discovered that Sparta's version of survival of the fittest would not be our philosophy. Good for 24/7 warriors maybe, but not a great fit for a civilization that values individual rights and freedoms.

The US graciously sends more money around the world than any other nation. Not tax payer dollars, personal dollars. We practice what we preach (most of the time). I fear that as the government takes over more and more Americans will care less and less. Already, I see too many people that assume someone else will take care of it - whatever it is.

An international college student from a Scandinavian country commented during a recent community service project, "My dad would not believe I'm painting this elementary school wall. We don't do this where I am from". Yeah, because you pay high taxes and you assume the government will take care of everything.

Someone recently asked my opinion about the public option for health care. I said that there should be a "safety net" in the country so someone isn't forced to choose between satisfying basic needs and sacrificing their health. However, government is notoriously bad at delivering services. And the more they take control of the more that gets wasted. Government should be in the limited regulation business. The "market" will determine what is needed and some entrepreneur will develop a way to deliver it. Then we (the community) will monitor its effectiveness and efficiency. Now I know free markets should be tempered with Government oversight to keep us safe, but I don't want them taking over the delivery.

Braveheart - Where's Our William Wallce?

2009-09-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

The Scottish people will likely tell you it didn't happen quite like this. Truthfully, the history of William Wallace is a little different than Mel Gibson's interpretation, but the only fact that matters here is that he was an inspiring leader that led his countrymen to great deeds.

I'm not advocating taking up of arms, but we need true leadership. The sort that inspires the average guy and gal to greatness.

Leadership

2009-09-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia has the following definition of leadership:
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. A definition more inclusive of followers comes from Alan Keith of Genentech who said "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership

Looking for a project, let's work together to make a positive change. I'm not trying to save the world, just add back a little sanity, so the world can help save itself.

The Average Guy Mission

2009-09-27T19:57:00.001-07:00

For years I have sought my purpose in life. At one time I thought being a police officer would be a good career, but I found them a little too black and white. Then an attorney and judge, but I found them a little too unwilling to see things in black and white. So, then I thought maybe a politician; US Senator perhaps. Problem with that is most politicians only see grey in their actions, but are black and white in their words. Unbearable!

Now I see my purpose as being the best human I can be and role model for my family. I’ve certainly not lived a pure life. A little purer than some and a little more sullied than others. Ultimately, I’m not the best or worst of us. Just an average guy!

So, I decided to start this blog. My vision is simple. Promote the average guy and gal responsible for making this country great. Don’t get me wrong, we have had great leaders in the past that were anything but average, but today’s “leaders” are more interested in advancing their own prosperity more than they are yours and mine.

Where do I go from here? I will invite people to write about their experiences and frustrations. I will highlight those that I believe speak the truth and I will do my best to ferret out those that are intentionally deceptive.

Join me today. Leave a text. Leave a memo. Leave an essay. Just say hello. Let’s begin making a difference right now. Not tomorrow. If you have read this far, you care. So say something. I know the media loves sensationalism, but here we seek the universal truth.

Who would you follow and why? Above is a representation of Mazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Let's find our higher needs together.

Presidents 80's, 90's and 21 Century

2008-08-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

I remember watching Clinton give speeches as the POTUS and while I found myself agreeing with messages in his speeches, I agreed less with his performance and delivery of those promises. I was nonetheless impressed with his oratory skill. In contrast George W has not impressed me and I have even felt embarrassed by him at times.

I also found Ronald Reagan's speeches to be inspirational and found myself agreeing with him and his actions (most of the time).

So, we now have two candidates for president: One a better orator than the other. One more tested than the other.

The interview of both candidates at Saddleback Church Aug 16, 2008 underscored this point for me. While Obama gives flowery speeches and seems to have a command of the English language, he is an unknown quantity. Some say that is the change Washington needs, but I think a known quantity may be a better choice. Especially, when you know the decision maker can differentiate between what is best for them politically and what is best for the country.

Take the question posed to each about "the most gut-wrenching decision" either of them ever had to make. Admittedly, it is tough to go up against a war hero, but irregardless Obama's answer was not even in the same ball park to McCain's "gut-wrenching decision" made in a North Vietnamese prison camp. http://www.thirty-thousand.org/pages/Saddleback_16AUG2008.htm#decision McCain chose the possibility of death and certainly rough treatment to honor a pledge to America and his buddies. He could have come home and while some may have frowned most would have understood.

I think the interview Rick Warren did of both men was a great start to understanding both of them on issues that count. I don't care too much about whether someone has a particular kind of Christian dogma. What I do care about is whether the President of the United States has faith in a higher power. The stresses of that role are unimaginable and I believe that faith plays a huge role in the President's ability to handle day-to-day decisions. I also care about whether a man has been tested in a life or death situation.

That is when you know a man!

Immigrant Nation

2006-10-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

A nation of immigrants, but most of us came here by way of a legal process. Do we need to build a border fence http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061012/pl_nm/security_funding_dc_1 on our southern border? It seems more symbolic than practical. Couldn't we put several billion into enforcing our curent immigration laws?

Hire a few more agents and let them do their job. Immigrants that have come her legally and waited 10 years or more to make it happen must feel betrayed. There should be a better process to let immigrants come and work the jobs that "Americans won't do," however it must be a legal process that works for everyone.

Most of the industrialized world is shrinking instead of growing because of an aging population and fewer children per family. So, a healthy steady stream of immigrants are important to our nation and it has been one of the biggest factors in our success.

Departed

2006-10-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

Saw this flick Sunday night. I recommend you see it. I had no idea what it was about going in and so I had no expectation.
Jack at his finest - I'm told he adlibbed many of his lines.
Lots of twists and turns, right up until the end.
Bottom line, good acting, good story line.

Right or Left, the Middle is Screwed

2006-10-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone else feel left behind from today's current political leaders? I don't care whether you lean left or right no one cares about you. The Democrats say that the Republicans have all the corporate money, but they get plenty of corporate money, too. In the end it doesn't matter because the individuals don't have lobbyists to plead their case.
Why don't we all get smart and start registering as Independents. The two parties take us for granted and never keep their promises to do what is best for America. I don't mean artificially lowering gas prices, but how about not passing legislation that gives oil companies tax credits when they make record profits.
The far right and the far left will keep putting up candidates that agree with their extreme view points and the rest of us (which is most of us) will be left holding the bag.

Weeks Before Election

2006-10-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

So, not long now. We'll see whether the Democrats can gain control of Congress. I think their only message is, "if you hate Bush vote Democrats." However, the Republicans also are lacking a great message, "if you don't want the crazy do-nothing Democrats, then vote Rep." Not a positive message from either group. My guess is that we'll all be underwhelmed by the voter turnout. Essentially, no one in the middle feels that anyone cares what they think or want.

I suppose the most shocking development to come out of Washington recently is the passage of the bill that allows for the building of a "wall" along the southern US border. While this seems to answer some of the screams of the populace there exists skepticism that this will really ever happen. Apparently, some loop holes were built into the bill allowing Congress to weasel out of their commitment in the future. Only time will tell.

What Customer Service?

2004-11-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

Is the customer always right? Is customer service a thing of the past? Does anyone even care anymore? Is customer service quaint like "sir" and "ma'am?" In the world of Home Depot and Super WalMart stores we have learned to rely on ourselves. Store designers try to train us on where to look for the products we want so that we don't need any service. It is all self serve.

Which businesses provide customer service these days; your favorite restaurant, your city government or maybe it is your local grocery store? When you walk into these places do you feel like an invited guest or a nuisance?

I want to know all about your experiences; the good, the bad and the ugly. Everything from crummy waitstaff to crummy mechanics, no story is unworthy for this endeavor.

My mission is to collect anecdotal data related to customer service and compile some sort of database/knowledge base that may someday tell the real story of customer service. Though I am one guy with a mission, I am hoping to access the whole of humanity (well maybe I should narrow it down a bit). Regardless of how big or small it becomes, it starts right now.

Take a minute and leave your comments. You never know when you might see them again:-)

Fight Crime with Education

2004-11-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

Fight Crime with Education. No I don't mean sending a bunch of teachers out with rulers to subdue drug dealers. However, sending them out before they become drug dealers and before they enter school might actually be the ticket.

Little controvery exists suggesting that education equals a negative. Quite the contrary. Conventional wisdom and modern research tell us that education has the power to eliminate many of our social ills. I don't live in a fantasy world where people stop preying on other people just because they are educated, but in my world people with an education become people with opportunities and people with opportunities are not as quick to jeopardize their future by breaking the law.

Take a look at the following article from the Washington Times:
http://washingtontimes.com/national/20041119-120848-3361r.htm
It won't be cheap, but sound investments seldom come cheaply; the upside is priceless.

Arafat Endorsed Kerry

2004-11-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

.I know this is old news already, but people need to understand that the same foolish "global" community that supported Kerry also awarded Arafat the Nobel Peace prize. It appears that the majority of American people figured that out, as well. While Bush didn't win in a landslide he did certainly win and the country shows a significant divide in ideaology. Typically urban areas overwhelmingly supported Kerry (or actually disliked Bush), but....
that was then this is now:
So, what is the deal with people with losing bumper stickers on their cars. I don't really want any bumper sticker on my car anyway, but if I have one that brands me a loser that is especially bad. Honestly, if you still are holding onto that Gore for President sticker quit. You need to move on. Put your energy into today and tomorrow. Yesterday has sailed and so has your respect.

Based on the "work" being done by the current controlling party all the Democrats need to do is come up with a unified message. Something they seem unable to do. Why can't we have someone from the people representing us. Not a career politician. Someone that really doens't want to job of a politician to represent our concerns. Not a bunch of people that are more worried with being re-elected than they are with getting something done.

Democrats, this is your election to lose!

America's First (Black) Woman President

2004-11-17T22:35:00.000-08:00

President Rice. Wow! I like the sound of that. Would those "crusty old white guys" really nominate and elect a black woman? The short answer is I don't know, but I would love for this country to explore it further. Though some less enlightened folks may not be ready, I think many more would be quite eager see it happen.

For example, most Ca Republicans view things in a more progressive light. They learned that existing in a "blue" state means compromise. Native Californians come by this progressive slant naturally. It must be something in the water or maybe it's the cheese. Nevertheless, Conservatives in the Golden State learned to pick their battles wisely. Instead of trying to ram through a conservative social agenda, they focus on a conservative fiscal agenda. Our very popularly elected governor personifies this compassionate conservatism.

The big guns of the Republican party now appear to be more moderate in their social views making them more palatable to moderate Democrats. Those same moderate Dems and Independents looking for something less partisan might find President Rice a good compromise. Condoleezza Rice's conservative views do not sit well with the Far Left, but the Far Left leaders of the Democratic party don't have the support of most Americans including more moderate Dems and conservative leaning Independents.

So, I nominate Condoleezza Rice for the 2008 Republican ticket.

Well, that's what I think. How about you?

THIS PROVES MY POINT ABOVE. CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE AND SUPPORTING LINK. LEFT LEANING CARTOONISTS ARE ALREADY CHOKING ON THEIR STUPIDITY http://hundredpercenter.blogspot.com/

Can't Outsource This American Job

2004-11-16T15:20:00.000-08:00

Outsourcing, the buzzword of the political season. Unfortunately, those that lose their jobs to overseas competition won't find much solace in these words. However, a uniquely American job still exists that can never be outsourced. The American Cowboy!

American Cowboys learned their craft from South American Gauchos and Mexico Vaqueros, but the American Cowboy truly embodies the spirit of America. The world first learned about them through dime novels and then through movies. Both of these mediums depicted cowboys in a somewhat fictional manner. Nonetheless, this American institution gave birth to the modern sport of Rodeo and even America's leaders from Theodore Roosevelt to George W Bush claim this rich heritage.

America exports the cowboy image around the globe, which personifies the American spirit; wild, independent and free. Often these values seem misunderstood by the global community as brutish, pig-headed and undiplomatic. Even America's closest allies quickly point to these values as weaknesses rather than strengths. But when the world community looks for a defender of freedom the American Cowboy gets a phone call. Think about it for a minute. When the non-threatening soft spoken government bureaucrat fails and you need a champion you start looking for a rough and tumble sort of fellow.

To quote Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, "Those that don't know him won't like him and them that do sometimes don't know how to take him. He ain't wrong he's just different". One could describe America the same way. Never looking for a fight, but never turning away from one either, especially when the stakes include freedom. Outsourcing this job will never happen.

The Savvy One Explained

2004-11-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

I do not purport to know more than anyone else. I pray only for wisdom and hope for sanity. Not a sage for the ages, but a student of life. No subject escapes my opinion; science, nature, politics, music or entertainment. I am a renaissance man!