On this special night and during this propitious time, I have been again inspired by the inherent beauty of the season and what it signifies.
Listening to Christmas music tonight on PBS Channel 9 recalled all those wonderful Christmases past, from my earliest memories to the present.
Despite the problems of individual moments in time, the one thing that remains constant and up-lifting is the spirit of love and compassion, which too often seems to be missing from our lives.
But, these things are never really missing, just temporarily obscured by our more worldly pursuits and distractions of the moment.
They are always present, patiently waiting for us to reconnect with what is eternally important in our lives!
All it takes is a single moment to understand this truth, again and again.
For me tonight, that moment came when I listened to a carol, 'The First Nowell'.
Although focused on telling the story of the Nativity, a few verses struck me as transcending that simple function.
'They looked up and saw a star, shining in the East beyond them far.
And, to the Earth it gave great light, and so they continued both day and night.'
Maybe it was my elevated emotional state that allowed me to see these short verses in broader perspective;
that constantly seeking to elevate our inherently good hopes and aspirations is the single act we need to achieve goodness in the world;
that this single act can illuminate the path we need to realize world peace, if we will just continue to do that night and day!
Not really so much to ask, is it?
Just imagine if enough of us tried it more often!
That is my single wish for the citizens of our community of life, which starts with family and friends, but extends much, much further.
Since we are in this life together, why not make it as good as possible for as many as possible?
Blessings to all, and to all a good night....
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
On Becoming a Septuagenarian
--------------------------
'I was born for a storm, and a calm does not suit me.'
- Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the US
--------------------------
Some folks have noticed that I haven't been keeping up this blog very regularly, and asked if I intend to keep doing it.
To them, I acknowledge -and explain- my laxity as well as my intention to resume blogging from time to time.
After all, there is certainly no scarcity of timely subject matter.
Nor have I become bereft of thoughts and opinions on such subjects.
No surprise there!
So, here goes:
---------------------------
Today is my 70th birthday, which makes me a full-fledged septuagenarian!
That 50-cent word literally means 'one who is between the age of 70 and 79, inclusive'.
Seen another way, I've just entered my 8th decade.
But, being older really ain't so bad, especially when you consider the alternative!
And, a less desirable alternative now seems to have been avoided, thanks to the fortuitous early discovery of a serious medical condition that required major abdominal surgery two weeks ago.
Without burdening readers with too much unwanted detail, let's just say that my bile flow from my liver was being impeded by a growth on my pancreas.
Had that condition gone untreated much longer, it would have done me in.
But excess bile in the bloodstream does leave a tell-tale clue; jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin.
So, after multiple tests, procedures and a better diagnosis, a world-class, pancreatic surgeon agreed to perform a 6-plus hour surgery to rearrange my internal plumbing, remove objectionable parts, and allow me to recover and maybe even -eventually- enjoy life as an octogenarian!
This surgery was performed on Monday, December 1 at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.
Details for those interested -and with the stomach for it [pun intended] - can be found by Googling 'Whipple' as an established, fairly radical operation.
The surgery required hospitalization for an additional week, and walking the halls the very next day, before coming home for several weeks of physical recovery.
After 2 weeks, I'm pleased to report good progress, thanks to lots of rest, divine Providence, and the loving care of my wife, Joan, plus the good thoughts and wishes of many friends and relatives.
Next, comes another evaluation complete with tests, plus my first session with a leading Oncologist at Virginia Mason.
Although the surgery was considered successful, because some evidence of cancer was found, and prudence dictates that a protocol of chemotherapy and radiation be undertaken.
Likely, this stage of treatment will begin after mid-January and continue for about 5 weeks.
Such a protocol is considered more of a preventative nature, because of the chance that some malignant cells may have already packed up and are trying to set up residence in some other part of my body.
For those interested in learning more about pancreatic cancer, Googling 'pancan' will produce all the information -and then some- that one would want to know.
This website also offers to mail packets to those requesting them.
So, assuming all goes as hoped, about March 1, I should be good to go again, although likely to require more frequent follow-up exams the rest of my life.
While I would not recommend undergoing such an operation without need, there may be a few unanticipated advantages from having it, like losing 20 pounds, eliminating my former cholesterol problem, and greatly reducing the effects of my Type 2 diabetes.
All of this assumes I'm a good boy and watch my food intake more carefully, by eating more, smaller meals that emphasize proteins over carbs and fats, and getting regular exercise.
That sounds pretty good to me, especially considering the alternative!
--------------------------------
One activity that has interested me these last few weeks are the 2 books written by our President-Elect, who has inspired such good expectations -both in the US and worldwide.
While it will be difficult to deliver on all of the goals he has in mind, at least we will begin to seriously focus on them.
So, I hope folks will be patient with President Obama as he takes on a job that has to be the most difficult in the world today!
-------------------------------
Now, I've begun reading "American Lion", Jon Meacham's biography of our 7th President, Andrew Jackson.
An early excerpt neatly states our condition, that certainly still exists today:
----------------------------------
'I was born for a storm, and a calm does not suit me.'
- Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the US
--------------------------
Some folks have noticed that I haven't been keeping up this blog very regularly, and asked if I intend to keep doing it.
To them, I acknowledge -and explain- my laxity as well as my intention to resume blogging from time to time.
After all, there is certainly no scarcity of timely subject matter.
Nor have I become bereft of thoughts and opinions on such subjects.
No surprise there!
So, here goes:
---------------------------
Today is my 70th birthday, which makes me a full-fledged septuagenarian!
That 50-cent word literally means 'one who is between the age of 70 and 79, inclusive'.
Seen another way, I've just entered my 8th decade.
But, being older really ain't so bad, especially when you consider the alternative!
And, a less desirable alternative now seems to have been avoided, thanks to the fortuitous early discovery of a serious medical condition that required major abdominal surgery two weeks ago.
Without burdening readers with too much unwanted detail, let's just say that my bile flow from my liver was being impeded by a growth on my pancreas.
Had that condition gone untreated much longer, it would have done me in.
But excess bile in the bloodstream does leave a tell-tale clue; jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin.
So, after multiple tests, procedures and a better diagnosis, a world-class, pancreatic surgeon agreed to perform a 6-plus hour surgery to rearrange my internal plumbing, remove objectionable parts, and allow me to recover and maybe even -eventually- enjoy life as an octogenarian!
This surgery was performed on Monday, December 1 at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.
Details for those interested -and with the stomach for it [pun intended] - can be found by Googling 'Whipple' as an established, fairly radical operation.
The surgery required hospitalization for an additional week, and walking the halls the very next day, before coming home for several weeks of physical recovery.
After 2 weeks, I'm pleased to report good progress, thanks to lots of rest, divine Providence, and the loving care of my wife, Joan, plus the good thoughts and wishes of many friends and relatives.
Next, comes another evaluation complete with tests, plus my first session with a leading Oncologist at Virginia Mason.
Although the surgery was considered successful, because some evidence of cancer was found, and prudence dictates that a protocol of chemotherapy and radiation be undertaken.
Likely, this stage of treatment will begin after mid-January and continue for about 5 weeks.
Such a protocol is considered more of a preventative nature, because of the chance that some malignant cells may have already packed up and are trying to set up residence in some other part of my body.
For those interested in learning more about pancreatic cancer, Googling 'pancan' will produce all the information -and then some- that one would want to know.
This website also offers to mail packets to those requesting them.
So, assuming all goes as hoped, about March 1, I should be good to go again, although likely to require more frequent follow-up exams the rest of my life.
While I would not recommend undergoing such an operation without need, there may be a few unanticipated advantages from having it, like losing 20 pounds, eliminating my former cholesterol problem, and greatly reducing the effects of my Type 2 diabetes.
All of this assumes I'm a good boy and watch my food intake more carefully, by eating more, smaller meals that emphasize proteins over carbs and fats, and getting regular exercise.
That sounds pretty good to me, especially considering the alternative!
--------------------------------
One activity that has interested me these last few weeks are the 2 books written by our President-Elect, who has inspired such good expectations -both in the US and worldwide.
While it will be difficult to deliver on all of the goals he has in mind, at least we will begin to seriously focus on them.
So, I hope folks will be patient with President Obama as he takes on a job that has to be the most difficult in the world today!
-------------------------------
Now, I've begun reading "American Lion", Jon Meacham's biography of our 7th President, Andrew Jackson.
An early excerpt neatly states our condition, that certainly still exists today:
And yet, Meacham hastens to add, while the personal shapes political culture, it does not preclude the pursuit of principled policies. Jackson, he argues, agreed with Adams's "central point: politics is brutal because it engages the most fundamental human impulses for affection, honor, power and fame. Great principles and grand visions are ennobling, but at its best politics is an imperfect means to an altruistic end."
----------------------------------
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Triaging Detroit
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results" - Albert Einstein
--------------------------------
Being faced recently with my own health crisis has, in some respects, helped me put the so-called Auto Industry crisis into better perspective.
Here are a few additional thoughts:
• The 'problem' has not just happened overnight! There has been a long history of missteps and mismanagement which are not likely to be quickly or easily resolved by government rescue plans.
• Many solutions are already known, which for various reasons have not been implemented sufficiently to address the root causes of the 'problem'.
• A 'hands-off' approach - as advocated by so-called 'free market' advocates - would certainly efficiently remove some problems, but might also create other problems that could prove worse.
[Such an approach might be analogous to rejecting any medical treatment, thereby relegating the patient to die a 'natural' death]
• Government will get blamed for any demise of the Auto Industry, regardless of who is in power, or what action is -or is not- taken. That is a given that needs to be understood.
But, this problem should NOT be externalized to the government for resolution, nor should citizens be so burdened.
• Before any government funds are granted, they ought to be invested in viable solutions that are proposed by the individual Auto Companies themselves, because they need to become part of the solution, too, and be accountable, both for results and for repayment of government investments.
• The United Auto Workers are the common thread that unite the Big Three auto makers, because that union has historically played the companies against each other in a corporate blackmail scheme to get ever-higher wages and benefits. The UAW is a big part of the 'problem', and would like this to be seen as an 'Industry' problem, not a 'company' problem.
• Republican Governor Pawlenty of Minnesota has recently characterized the 'Big Three' this way:
- Chrysler is owned by some of the wealthiest people in the world, who recently bought it with their eyes wide open.
- Ford is in trouble, but doesn't need funding now, only a future line of credit.
- GM is simply a 'basket case'
By this assessment, and if government has to pick winners and losers, we could cut GM loose to fend for itself, ask Chrysler for an iron-clad payback plan on any viable proposal they develop that seems reasonable, and set aside funding a Ford line of credit.
• Comparing the Banking and Auto industries -and any 'deals' that might be provided - is like comparing apples and oranges, but understanding they are both fruits.
Each industry -and each company- needs to be responsible for diligent management, paying back any government funds provided and protecting citizens interests!
------------
If we agree that keeping a viable auto industry is in our country's best interests -like the Aluminum Industry- then, there are some things the government can do to help.
For example, we could commit to buy AMERICAN produced vehicles for government use, and offer incentives for others to do the same, like tax credits, or contractor requirements.
The government could/should buy all of its military vehicles, trains, buses, SUV's for Secret Service use and General Service Administration fleets, with the caveat that producers reasonably compete with worldwide prices in the future.
The government can set aggressive standards for fuel efficiency, use of sustainable materials, ease of maintenance, longer obsolescence goals, lesser frills and the lower costs that would accrue to these type of standards.
The auto industry has been notoriously slow to grasp; accept and innovate safety, fuel efficiency and environmental improvements for decades, and this behavior must be reversed!
Some of these changes can be eased greatly by the simple introduction of true competition between manufacturers, and others
by being realistic and forward-looking goals and standards.
Most of these things don't require the outlay of much Federal funding, and only outdated policy, special interest political power and inertia seem to be standing in the way of real progress.
it's time these obstacles are overcome, but only the Federal government can make it happen.
Let's get this done without further delay!
-----------------------
Incidentally, for those interested, I am recovering from major surgery and expect to be back home by early next week.
I appreciate the good wishes and concerns expressed by many people, and expect to further clarify my situation soon.
-----------------------
--------------------------------
Being faced recently with my own health crisis has, in some respects, helped me put the so-called Auto Industry crisis into better perspective.
Here are a few additional thoughts:
• The 'problem' has not just happened overnight! There has been a long history of missteps and mismanagement which are not likely to be quickly or easily resolved by government rescue plans.
• Many solutions are already known, which for various reasons have not been implemented sufficiently to address the root causes of the 'problem'.
• A 'hands-off' approach - as advocated by so-called 'free market' advocates - would certainly efficiently remove some problems, but might also create other problems that could prove worse.
[Such an approach might be analogous to rejecting any medical treatment, thereby relegating the patient to die a 'natural' death]
• Government will get blamed for any demise of the Auto Industry, regardless of who is in power, or what action is -or is not- taken. That is a given that needs to be understood.
But, this problem should NOT be externalized to the government for resolution, nor should citizens be so burdened.
• Before any government funds are granted, they ought to be invested in viable solutions that are proposed by the individual Auto Companies themselves, because they need to become part of the solution, too, and be accountable, both for results and for repayment of government investments.
• The United Auto Workers are the common thread that unite the Big Three auto makers, because that union has historically played the companies against each other in a corporate blackmail scheme to get ever-higher wages and benefits. The UAW is a big part of the 'problem', and would like this to be seen as an 'Industry' problem, not a 'company' problem.
• Republican Governor Pawlenty of Minnesota has recently characterized the 'Big Three' this way:
- Chrysler is owned by some of the wealthiest people in the world, who recently bought it with their eyes wide open.
- Ford is in trouble, but doesn't need funding now, only a future line of credit.
- GM is simply a 'basket case'
By this assessment, and if government has to pick winners and losers, we could cut GM loose to fend for itself, ask Chrysler for an iron-clad payback plan on any viable proposal they develop that seems reasonable, and set aside funding a Ford line of credit.
• Comparing the Banking and Auto industries -and any 'deals' that might be provided - is like comparing apples and oranges, but understanding they are both fruits.
Each industry -and each company- needs to be responsible for diligent management, paying back any government funds provided and protecting citizens interests!
------------
If we agree that keeping a viable auto industry is in our country's best interests -like the Aluminum Industry- then, there are some things the government can do to help.
For example, we could commit to buy AMERICAN produced vehicles for government use, and offer incentives for others to do the same, like tax credits, or contractor requirements.
The government could/should buy all of its military vehicles, trains, buses, SUV's for Secret Service use and General Service Administration fleets, with the caveat that producers reasonably compete with worldwide prices in the future.
The government can set aggressive standards for fuel efficiency, use of sustainable materials, ease of maintenance, longer obsolescence goals, lesser frills and the lower costs that would accrue to these type of standards.
The auto industry has been notoriously slow to grasp; accept and innovate safety, fuel efficiency and environmental improvements for decades, and this behavior must be reversed!
Some of these changes can be eased greatly by the simple introduction of true competition between manufacturers, and others
by being realistic and forward-looking goals and standards.
Most of these things don't require the outlay of much Federal funding, and only outdated policy, special interest political power and inertia seem to be standing in the way of real progress.
it's time these obstacles are overcome, but only the Federal government can make it happen.
Let's get this done without further delay!
-----------------------
Incidentally, for those interested, I am recovering from major surgery and expect to be back home by early next week.
I appreciate the good wishes and concerns expressed by many people, and expect to further clarify my situation soon.
-----------------------
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