Bit O’ Sanity

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” – Thomas Jefferson

A new poll found that 1/3 of Americans could not name the three branches of government, but 3/4 could name an American Idol judge.

There is such an element of fear in our society that I could write three posts a day and never cover it all. Why are we afraid? What aren’t we afraid of?

Every day the news tells us about the crime in our communities; the kidnappings, the murders, the accidents, and everything in between. Many Americans only get their news from TV. TV news is built for profit. Built for sensationalism because it sells. Would it really be as interesting if they reported that everything was good, and all those “rates” were dropping?

Well, for starters telling you that crime rates were dropping or leveling off would be speaking the truth. Since the 1980’s, violent crime rates have consistently gone down or remained the same, even when population growth is taken into consideration. Have a look for yourself – Go to www.census.gov, and search on crime rates. It’s all there. The facts.

There are not predators on every corner waiting to steal your child, but you wouldn’t know that if you watch your local nightly news or the ever-sensational Nancy Grace. They would have you believe that your child must be kept under lock and key where you can see them 24 hours a day.

Some think that driving down a specific street means certain death by random gunfire. The majority of shootings occur between people who know each other. Contrary to popular belief, there are not people just waiting on street corners to shoot at passers by.

Those are just the crimes. Our fears run deep. From different cultures and beliefs to medical advancements and technology, I’ll make an attempt to make you think about your fears and those around you. Are they valid? Are they created by sensationalism? What facts support or discredit your fears?

In other words, do they hold a bit of sanity or are they pure insanity?

During the past few presidential elections, there has been a lot of talk about having a beer with the candidates. Pollsters claimed that George W. Bush won both of his terms in part because he was the candidate that most Americans would prefer to make a toast with. Never mind that he doesn’t drink.

I just recently heard a bit on NPR about sipping suds with the President Obama. I get it – He is a cool cat. And, George Bush would surely make you laugh and spit beer out your nose with one of his Bush-isms.

How and when did we determine the measure of a president based on whether we want to get drunk with them? That’s what I don’t get.  I can think of plenty of people that I would love to have a beer with, but the president? Do people actually vote with that kind of thinking in mind? I can picture it now: Asking Mr. Candidate about his view on North Korea with Sweet Home Alabama blaring out of the jukebox, college girls “woo-ing” and slamming shots in the corner, and the cloud of smoke hanging just above your heads.

If so, I am afraid. Maybe a better “social” measure for a good president would be one you want to have a coffee with in your local coffee shop. At least the image of a coffee shop provides a more intellectual view: people playing chess, a local musician strumming at his/her guitar, people reading the latest books, conversations about current events and philosphy.

This beer buddy vs. coffee friend measure exemplifies this country’s divide between the intellectual elite and average joe. Frankly, I don’t want my beer buddies making the decisions that the President is required to make. I want a President who is surrounded by educated individuals who are willing to challenge him intellectually. Not those who want to challenge him to an arm wrestling contest.

Don’t get me wrong. I love to tip back a few, sing along to the cheesy jukebox music, and watch the local drunks act like fools. Shoot, I have been that fool. However, when it comes to the person running this country, I’ll take the guy that seems like a good coffee buddy that wants to get knee-deep in public policy. Even if some might call him “uppity” or elitist.

So, while I think President Obama might also be a good bar buddy, I’ll stick to the vision of sharing a cup of joe and a discussion on issues more pressing than whether or not OJ is guilty.

In April, Pepsi-cola is launching a new version of my favorite nectar containing real sugar instead of the evil high-fructose corn syrup.

I have rid myself of many bad habits and vices, but not that damn Pepsi. It’s an addiction. I practice restraint and limit myself, or I might still be sucking down a six-pack per day. Anyone who knows me would agree that in general, I am a pretty healthy eater. Pepsi is that one product that defies my healthy choices and my commitment to buying and eating local as often as possible.

That giant corporation makes a product that I can not resist, and their ads are a perfect compliment. I bought it – hook, line, and sinker. Come on, don’t tell me that you don’t smile when you remember Cindy Crawford and that vending machine in the dusty desert? It is definitely the taste of my generation.

It’s about time companies like Pepsi get back to the natural sweetener. It just sounds good – plain old sugar. I prefer my corn on the cob, not in my pop! And, you wouldn’t catch me dead consuming those lab-made artificial sweeteners.

Check the shelves for Mountain Dew Throwback to wash down those Doritos cravings.

By no means, am I suggesting that Pepsi will somehow become health food, but I might not feel as guilty about consuming it. I know where sugar comes from, and I believe that it is fine in moderation.

Pepsi with real sugar and skinny jeans on the fashion magazine covers – what more could a child of the 80’s ask for?! What’s next? Big hair and high-tops? Never say goodbye.

Now if only they would say they are only using fair-trade raw sugar…

Dear guy in seat 11F from MSP to SJC on February 13, 2009,

You may have studied and practiced law, but your behavior and language are representative of an immature frat boy. Your suit did nothing to make you seem respectable and intelligent.

As I sat next to the lovely couple from Fargo, the woman and I could not help but raise our eyebrows and scoff at your never-ending conversation with your seat neighbor about your apparently exciting life. Airplanes are small, enclosed spaces that we all must share. You do not share well.

Every other word was F**K, we heard about your “bareback” adventures, your drunkin stoopers, your gambling habits, and your expecting wife. We were happy to hear that you try to keep yourself controlled now that you are married.

I am sure the guy next to you appreciated all your advice about his relationship and life. Of course, you are well-qualified to give such advice to complete strangers. I am sure he will take it to heart.

You know, I was extremely annoyed by your use of f-bombs, which is strange. I am not easily offended by language. In fact, I have been known to drop a few strategically placed f-bombs of my own. It took me about 2 hours into my sleepless, loudly interrupted flight to figure it out.

Your volume and complete disregard for passengers around you is what was repulsive. You spoke loudly enough for 3 throws back and forward to hear you. You did not notice if there were children or others who might be sensitive to your choice of words. As a lawyer, I would expect you to have a more robust vocabulary, but then maybe that is why you are getting into sales now.

One thing I did learn from you is that I will always be aware of those around me on an airplane or in a close environment. Other than that, I relished in getting off that plane and away from your loud, obnoxious existence.

Oh, and yes, we all know that you “forgot” to turn your mobile phone off the entire flight. Just another example of your oblivious, self-absorbed approach to life.

My thoughts are with your wife and child on the way.

Once in a while I read a story that reminds me why I help people. I have never rescued someone from a fire and saved their life like William Carroll. To be honest, I’ll probably never be in that situation. If you have not already, please read this story from the Boston Globe and watch the video.

40 Years

These people are a reminder that every decision I make, and every second I give to another person may result in a life-changing experience.

We can’t all be firefighters and spend our lives helping and rescuing people, but we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. By giving a little of your time, or some spare change, or a few extra cans of tuna, you can change the course of someone’s day. Even looking someone in the eye and offering a friendly hello can mean a lot.

Aside from how you can affect those around you, there is no greater joy that giving.

I often try to ignore those sensational news stories that we grab hold of and never let go. I just couldn’t do it this time regarding the California mother who recently gave birth to 8 babies. The story has emerged in parsed snippets, and we still don’t know much. However, we do know that this person lives with her parents and has 6 other children between the ages of 2 and 7. WOW!

The judgemental comments are flying on the online news sites and the TV talk and news shows. Most people are complaining about who will pay for these children, or why someone would want 14 children, or where the father is hiding? Why would a doctor provide fertility treatments to a woman with 6 children?

It’s a moral argument with many perspectives, and we may never know the story of how this came to be. What I do know is that there are now 14 children whose basic needs are compromised because of someone’s science experiment, and another’s need for attention. The mother found it “wrong” to abort some of the fetuses, but she had no problem artificially creating them. Both of these actions are “messing” with the natural process, or as some would argue God’s plan.

I know. Now my judgement is glaring. I don’t care. Children are not toys or badges of honor or here for a ticket to welfare, as so many have suggested here. For those people, I would remind them that welfare has limits and this woman won’t even be able to care for her children let alone get rich on welfare dollars.

Having a child may be one of the greatest joys in life, and for some it may be their gift from God. But, having a child is also the biggest responsibility one will ever have. They depend on you for their basic human needs including food, comfort, bathing, etc.

You are responsible for nurturing another life, and preparing them with the skills to become a part of a challenging society. Your actions and/or inactions will help to mold and shape their personality, their values and morals, and their behavior.

Do the math here…These children will be neglected at one time or another. Even if there are five full-time caregivers, that is still almost 3-to-1. Ask anyone you know who cares for children how challenging it can be to keep up with even one child. As far as we know right now, there are three adults in that house. They might get tired and “go crazy” with all that action, but the children are the ones who will suffer.

While I find her and the doctors actions inappropriate, I find the future for these 14 children even more disheartening. The best thing this mother could do right now for her children is to find some nice loving parents who are willing to provide homes for a few of them. Give them a fighting chance. Think of their future instead of your own selfish needs. Selflessness is the purest sign of a parent’s love. Putting the needs of these children ahead of whatever pain it might cause to give them up would display a true act of love.

How many times have you heard “think outside the box”? When someone says that, I typically think they are suggesting that I look at the alternatives. You know, maybe there is a better way to do something.

I recently went through a re-org at work. Nothing drastic in my daily tasks, but new management and a new style of doing things including communicating. Honestly, I think of myself as a pretty open-minded person. I’ll travel just about anywhere. I am not afraid to get dirty or break something. I’ll eat just about anything, at least once. I even agreed to go to a haunted house for the first time at 33 – it didn’t happen, but I was willing.

However, when it comes to work, I often find myself sticking to the good old tried and true. It’s easier to go with old faithful, right? When you have relied on a method or a tool for years, it’s like that same sandwich you order at the local deli EVERY time. Sure there are a lot of other sandwiches that sound good, some that might even taste better or be healthier. But, why mess with a good thing?

The recent transition at work is proving to be a situation that pushes me and a number of co-workers outside our comfortable boxes. Some are taking it in stride and scrambling to adapt. Others seem to be struggling and grasping to old faithful with death grips.

I have thought a lot about my own participation in the change. While I have my moments, I am proud to say that I have found my rose-colored glasses. Not only am I able to see some of the benefits, but I find myself looking at new ways to do things.

My thoughts about this have led me to look at why some people handle change well – maybe they skip a beat or two, but they seem to grow from the challenges. Yet others cling to old ways, and refuse to move forward. Fear freezes some people – They remain in their safe box.

I think that people who are able to challenge themselves in their work and try new things are the kind of people we all want on our team. We want the person who is “flexible” in our corner. Brainstorming and finding new ways to do things is what drives us and makes the 40+ hours a week we spend working exciting and energizing.

I have had many jobs – probably too many for my age. But, you know, I think the changes and my ability to adapt have opened my eyes to the kind of co-workers that I like. And, the kind of co-worker I strive to be. Each day, when I leave the office, I want to say, “Rene, you kept an open mind, you challenged yourself and your co-workers, and you looked for ways to improve your work EVEN IF it required you to think outside the box.”

In the age of the new Obama administration, this word is as common as spots on a leopard. People are hopeful that his election will change the paths of the many young African Americans living in poverty. People are hopeful that his actions will improve the economy, and somehow eliminate our debt, create millions of jobs, AND cut taxes. People are hopeful that President Obama will end wars, keep us safe, and create peace in the Middle East.

I have never described myself as hopeful, particularly in respect to a politician. To be frank, I am not very hopeful that all of the above mentioned things will happen during this administration, or even in my lifetime. However, I cannot help but feel a little hope when I see the crowds that show up for him, the renewed interest in government in this country, and the constant barrage of hopeful news surrounding President Obama’s every breath.

I stopped to think about all this, and why I find myself hopeful, even if reservedly. Sure I can appreciate the magnitude of our actions in electing a minority to the highest position in the land; Something else I was not hopeful to see in my lifetime. I breathed a big sigh of relief at the long overdue change in the White House.

But, let’s face it. Congress makes laws. There was no revolution to overturn the archaic, out-of-touch lack of representation of average Americans. The top 1% has a third of the money and about 95% of representation in the federal government. The president may do his best to give the middle class a voice, but we will be drowned out by the shouts (or the $$) of that 1%.

Exactly what is it that I am hopeful about then? For the first time in my 30+ years life, the President of my great country is an intellectual. Yes, I said it, an intellectual. No, not a nerd, not a snob, but a person who values hearing opinions on both sides of an issue. A person who shows the hunger to learn, and truly wants to hear what the citizens he represents have to say. A person who makes speeches pitched at higher than a 5th grade level.

President Obama may not solve all of our problems, or keep even half of his “promises”, but I argue that he will help to improve our image and inspire us to challenge ourselves and our fellow Americans. After all, he is the most powerful leader in the world! Leaders should be just that. Leaders should sound intelligent, challenge themselves, the lawmakers, and their citizens. Leaders should welcome diplomatic relations with political and world leaders from different schools of thought.

He has already instilled hope in the apathetic and apolitical, and inspired dialog between opponents. But, I think the real hope that President Obama brings to this nation and the world at large is a new-found respect for intellect and challenge.

I believe it is time we put the days of folk speak behind us, and hold our leader(s) to higher standards. After all, aren’t they the ones making decisions on behalf of the millions of citizens and representing us to the diverse and powerful world?

While you might find my blog’s name intriguing or even a bit strange, I think you will see by my writing that I am a bit of sanity and a bit of insanity all rolled into a warm flaky croissant of sorts…Maybe out of sorts.

Oh bother. Either way, what I am trying to say is that like most of us, I am a mixed bag. At times, I write feverishly with passion and wild abandon. Other times, I am thoughtful and somber re-writing and then re-writing again to say things just right.

I look forward to this journey, and hope that you will enjoy sharing the road with me.

Oh, and I am not Irish by blood, but close by association. I can probably sing or hum more Irish songs than many Irish people. I also know how to pronounce Smithwicks, and that is saying a lot! However, the name has nothing to do with that, it’s just a side note in case you were wondering.