I was watching C-SPAN today to see what was being said about the Stimulus Package that is being voted on today. I am rather surprised at how indirect people are, specifically the Democrats, everything that is said is opinions and they often disregard what was proven to be absurd or even flat out wrong.
As it stands from what I can see:
Democrats: Yes on bill
Republicans: No on bill
I, being a Republican, side with the idea that this bill should not be passed. I feel like this bill is an excuse to spend on the "accessories" to stimulate our economy. One thing I have learned in my few years of having to manage my money that the first thing to save money is to cut unnecessary spending. This bill is full of unnecessary spending, rails from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for one. But what about the big question is, who is going to pay for this?
A big question I would have is how many people work for a large company with 100+ employees and how many lost their jobs because they were working for a smaller business? No answers but I'm sure there is a way to stimulate the economy without throwing money at it. As working in the entertainment industry I hear the shortcut that often times is solved in a more economical way -- "Just throw some money at it and hope that it goes away." Well, does it? Not from my experience, the problem always comes back.
The new Republican Rep from Illinois hit the nail on the head. He concluded with a quote from Abraham Lincoln "What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself."
If you are a Rep. in the House - Vote no.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
What does it mean to lead?
So I have made some rather curious observations recently that has spawned my brain into thinking. What makes a leader? What is the duty of a leader? Why is it so hard for people to get what it means to lead?
My recent encounters have shown to me that there are often times two very distinct flaws in leadership or in those who are designated as "leaders". Arrogance and Selfishness.
The more I thought about it the more I realized that arrogance is a flaw that could very easily creep into anyone's way of thinking, especially when they are in a position of authority. Being the head of something or the person who organizes everything and even the person who is supposed to bring balance to a group/society/people they are prone to fall into the mentality of people owe them for their service or that they know better when it comes to any situation or event that may take place. For example, and this could be taken way out of proportion but their is a hint of truth to it, someone may ask how things went - it could be a party, event, job, gathering of any sort, the idea could be they are aware of something in ones life that they know is important to that person and in this case let's say it is a gathering that they were invited to - and the person responds stating that that person was not there. Instead of giving a reason or even stating that they weren't that interested in what it was, just gives a flat answer of nope.
Probably a bad example but the idea that a leader does not take interest in the people he is trying to lead for whatever reason is a sign of arrogance. A sign that they feel they are better than the "flock" that they are leading and in turn makes me believe that they are just another one of the sheep trying to lead the rest of the sheep and have no more knowledge than those around them.
This all leads me to my second thought. Selfishness. This, I believe, is spawned from arrogance. A leader should know that they are serving. Don't expect to receive exuberant amounts of gratitude and praise, time or even money. The job of a leader should be the exact opposite of selfishness and should be a state of selflessness. You may give people food, a place to hang out, advice from time to time, but what really shows a character of selflessness is one that truly shows interest in those they are leading. The job of a leader is more than just saying you care about the people you lead but truly showing a sign of caring, put yourself out there and support your friends or "flock". As a child did you like it when your parents agreed to let you play in little league or supported you participating in drama or music, or did you find a value and pride in the fact that your parents were at your game, show or concert. That they took the time out of their schedule to support you in person and be able to physically be present to tell you "good job, well done."
I know of one person who does this correctly but never gets the recognition or hardly gets it, yet is there every time and if we respond to him we will see him tell us how to improve, when we did good and encourage us to never give up. That leader is Jesus Christ.
From his example, a leader should not be arrogant or selfish, rather they should be humble, a constant servant, encouraging, guide others, selfless, not expect anything in return and hopefully notice when someone is trying to offer something in return. One thing, though, that should not be forgotten is that if our leaders fail, they show arrogance, they are selfish, they do not support us in our endeavors and are not servants - forgive them, remind them what a leader is, but always, always, always forgive them and be to them what they failed to be to you. A friendship is better left in stitches then torn to shreds.
My recent encounters have shown to me that there are often times two very distinct flaws in leadership or in those who are designated as "leaders". Arrogance and Selfishness.
The more I thought about it the more I realized that arrogance is a flaw that could very easily creep into anyone's way of thinking, especially when they are in a position of authority. Being the head of something or the person who organizes everything and even the person who is supposed to bring balance to a group/society/people they are prone to fall into the mentality of people owe them for their service or that they know better when it comes to any situation or event that may take place. For example, and this could be taken way out of proportion but their is a hint of truth to it, someone may ask how things went - it could be a party, event, job, gathering of any sort, the idea could be they are aware of something in ones life that they know is important to that person and in this case let's say it is a gathering that they were invited to - and the person responds stating that that person was not there. Instead of giving a reason or even stating that they weren't that interested in what it was, just gives a flat answer of nope.
Probably a bad example but the idea that a leader does not take interest in the people he is trying to lead for whatever reason is a sign of arrogance. A sign that they feel they are better than the "flock" that they are leading and in turn makes me believe that they are just another one of the sheep trying to lead the rest of the sheep and have no more knowledge than those around them.
This all leads me to my second thought. Selfishness. This, I believe, is spawned from arrogance. A leader should know that they are serving. Don't expect to receive exuberant amounts of gratitude and praise, time or even money. The job of a leader should be the exact opposite of selfishness and should be a state of selflessness. You may give people food, a place to hang out, advice from time to time, but what really shows a character of selflessness is one that truly shows interest in those they are leading. The job of a leader is more than just saying you care about the people you lead but truly showing a sign of caring, put yourself out there and support your friends or "flock". As a child did you like it when your parents agreed to let you play in little league or supported you participating in drama or music, or did you find a value and pride in the fact that your parents were at your game, show or concert. That they took the time out of their schedule to support you in person and be able to physically be present to tell you "good job, well done."
I know of one person who does this correctly but never gets the recognition or hardly gets it, yet is there every time and if we respond to him we will see him tell us how to improve, when we did good and encourage us to never give up. That leader is Jesus Christ.
From his example, a leader should not be arrogant or selfish, rather they should be humble, a constant servant, encouraging, guide others, selfless, not expect anything in return and hopefully notice when someone is trying to offer something in return. One thing, though, that should not be forgotten is that if our leaders fail, they show arrogance, they are selfish, they do not support us in our endeavors and are not servants - forgive them, remind them what a leader is, but always, always, always forgive them and be to them what they failed to be to you. A friendship is better left in stitches then torn to shreds.
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