Tag Archives: politics

Jan 14 2013
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Thought for the day

GRACE, WISDOM, AND HUMILITY

I end each of my posts with: Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom, and humility. What do I mean by this and why do I feel it’s worth repeating? According to The American Heritage Dictionary, grace is the “seemingly effortless beauty of charm of movement, form, or proportion. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.” Wisdom is the “understanding of what is true, right, or lasting. Common sense; sagacity; good judgment.” Humility is the “quality or condition of being humble; lack of pride; modesty. Being humble is to show a deferential respect; lacking high station; lowly, unpretentious.”

These qualities are not innate, although being born “nice” is innate. The cliché that children are taught to hate is true. Those who have acquired grace, wisdom, and humility have done so over time. There is no monetary remuneration involved.

So what does it matter? It matters in the sense of your perspective about the world or your small corner of it. It matters in thinking what could be accomplished with these qualities or what could be destroyed by their lacking. It matters as Americans try to recover and cope with all the mass shootings; a breakdown of government; and other world issues. It matters as we try to right the world and stop going up the down staircase (Up the Down Staircase, Bel Kaufman, 1965) as we progress into the year 2013. It matters because you can’t buy these qualities. It matters because these qualities are acquired over time. It matters for January, 2014. And most importantly, it matters that one believes that it matters above all else. So remember…

(c) 2013 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved

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Nov 05 2012
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political

A Natural Disaster Does Not Discriminate

When you’re cold and hungry, your only focus is to get warm and to get food.  Although a distraction would be nice, there is nothing else that will ease the pain of being cold and hungry, including the New York City Marathon that was scheduled for Sunday, November 4, 2012.  The people who are still suffering from Hurricane Sandy need to celebrate their power being restored and not celebrate someone’s athletic success.  This is not to belittle the runners but Sunday was not the time, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Road Runners officials came to realize. Even when the power is restored and people resume their normal lives, the homeless will continue to suffer from the cold and from hunger.  Shelters are available and there are many resources to aid the homeless.  Nevertheless, being cold and hungry, whether it’s temporary or permanent, hurts the same whoever you are.  A natural disaster does not discriminate. 

The photograph below was taken on 126th Street in Harlem, in 1985.  I don’t know what circumstances created this gentleman’s situation, but he graciously granted me permission to take his photograph.  That was twenty-seven years ago and I’m certain that many have since taken his place.  On Tuesday, voters will have sorted through all the rhetoric before they decide which lever to pull to select the next president of the United States of America.  Although much has been promised by President Obama and by Governor Romney, only time will tell which promises will be kept.  When you place your hand on the lever this Tuesday, will you remember the rhetoric or this image?

(c) 2012 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved

126th Street, Harlem 1985

 (c) 1985 Linda Stone Cohen/STEPOUTOFTHEBOXDOTCOM (stepoutofthebox.com).  Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.  Excerpts and links may be used provided that full and clear credit is given to Linda Stone Cohen and STEPOUTOFTHEBOXDOTCOM (stepoutofthebox.com) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Oct 21 2012
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political

Who’s Right and Who’s Wrong

As I wrote in my blog on global warming, someone is right and someone is wrong.  On Monday night during the third presidential debate, President Obama and Governor Romney will try to convince American voters who’s right and who’s wrong.

Obviously, each candidate believes he is the right choice to lead America for the next four years.  With clearly defined opposing views and polls showing that Americans are basically evenly divided – there is no middle ground.  Half of Americans are right so consequently half are wrong.

If Romney had been elected president four years ago instead of Obama, would his decision to “let Detroit go bankrupt” been the right decision?  Would Americans be better off today that they were four years ago?  If Obama is not reelected, will America regret it fours years from now?  Governor Romney is making  his bid for change.  How different is his bid for change today than President Obama’s bid was four years ago?

Economists run data and provide charts to illustrate probabilities.  Political analysts dissect words while experts predict truthful motivation by analyzing body language.  But all in all, it seems that only time will tell.

Did President Bush set out in his first year to do all the things that have defined his presidency?  Since  time is the factor in assessing the results of a president’s cumulative decision-making, it seems that a strong indicator for choice should be character.

During the third debate,  Americans should do more observing than listening.  Haven’t we really heard it all by now?  At this point in the campaign, each candidate should be exhausted.  Who will show it?  Will tempers flare?  Who will appear as a leader of the free world and who will provocatively appear condescending.  Inasmuch as the third debate will focus on foreign affairs, who will provide the best “presidential look” for our allies and adversaries?  Remember the truth in the familiar saying – a picture is worth a thousand words.

(c) 2012 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved

Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom and humility.       Until tomorrow…

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Oct 14 2012
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Political Humor

Global Warming

Global warming is destroying the earth.                                                                                          

No it isn’t.

Yes it is.

                                        Who’s right?

                                         Who’s wrong?

I’d rather be right about being wrong.

Wrong that global warming is destroying the earth?

No, wrong that it is.

                                        But it isn’t.

                                        But it is.

I don’t think we should continue this conversation.

At least you’re right about that!

(c) 2012 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved

Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom and humility.        Until tomorrow…

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Oct 05 2012
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Political Humor

Romney’s First Day as President – Monologue

I can’t believe that I won.  My first day in the oval office.  What should I do first?  Let’s see, oh yes, my number one campaign promise. (Shouts out window) ALL YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE WITHOUT JOBS, GET UP!  I DON’T HAVE A JOB FOR YOU YET, THAT’S GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME, BUT GET UP, GET DRESSED, PRETEND THAT YOU HAVE A JOB TO GO TO.  There, my first presidential order.  Okay, what should I do now?  Oh yes, fire Big Bird.  I’ll let Paul do that.  After breakfast I’m going to clean up the mess that Obama created.  I know that his heart was in the right place but he just didn’t know what he was doing.  Do I know what I’m doing?  Look how lay back he was at the first debate.  He should have asked me about that 47 percent thing.  Probably thought that I had a good comeback so he didn’t want to give me the opportunity.  Ha, I had nada!!!  Anyway, I’ll run the country like a business.  That’s what I do, that’s my thing.  People always say, do your thing!  I’ve said it before, I don’t mind firing people so all you lazy people out there who can’t get on board, well, steer that ship overseas.  No, I can’t say that.  That’s almost 47 percent of the population.  That might take care of the budget, though.  They’re takers, not contributors, so no tax revenue lost.  Let some other country deal with all the poor, I mean, disadvantaged folks.  Hey, I’m alone, I can say poor if I want to.  I hope this place isn’t bugged.  I’m hungry.  I wish someone would bring me my presidential breakfast, coffee at least.  Where’s that room service number.  I’ll fire whoever was supposed to bring me my breakfast.  There, already created one new job!

Ah, a mirror!  Let’s see how presidential I look early in the morning.  I’ve got that little smirk down pretty well.  Not too smirky, keep it sincere.  And my sad puppy eyes seem to draw people in, although Ann can’t stand it.  I’ve got to stop blinking so much but I can’t help it when I’m nervous.

Look out world, I’m at the helm now!  I’ll fix America’s image.  Russia, China, take notice.  I’m not going to put up with your shenanigans!  I’m tough.  I’ll take on the entire world if I have to, uh, I shouldn’t say that, I might have to.  Anyway, I’m not afraid of anyone.  As Bush used to say, “Bring it on!”

Ooh, someone’s at the door.  Maybe someone has finally brought my presidential breakfast.  (Opens door) Big Bird!  How did you get in here?

(c) 2012 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved

Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom and humility.       Until tomorrow…

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Oct 04 2012
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political

The Bullies Wear Suits

“Do I get that raise?”

“In this economy, I would have to be stupid to give you a raise.  You’re lucky to have a job.  You’re not that bright you know, but you’re a good person.  I like you, really, I do.  But again, you’re not too bright but because I like you,  you’re still here.”

“About that raise?”

“If you worked 24/7 your work would not be as good as my least performing employee.  Be glad that you have a job at all!  You do want your job, don’t you?”

“Not really, but I’m willing to work for you because I’m your only employee.  Remember, everyone quit because you’re a bully.  You’re stupid, mean, incompetent, and can’t do your job!  If I quit, then you can no longer be a boss.  Get it?  You do want your job, don’t you  Now, about that raise!”

Most workplace bullying scenarios do not end up this well.  According to a 2007 Workplace Bullying Institute survey by WBI-Zogby, bullying creates stress related health issues that include debilitating anxiety; panic attacks; clinical depression, and post traumatic stress.  The study cites that PTSD occurs in 30% women and 21% men.  Even if you’re not a direct target of bullying, the study reports that witnessing bullying is vicariously traumatizing and can produce the same health issues.  WBI-Zogby reported  that out of 7,740 respondents to a survey, 37% of workers had been bullied and that 72% had been bosses.  However, any worker can be targeted by anyone in his or her work environment.

Currently, in New Jersey, employees are protected from workplace bullying by the “Healthy Workplace Act” Senate No. 333.  The synopsis of the Act cites that, “the social and economic well-being of the State is dependent upon healthy and productive employees.”  According to the Act, “it shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to subject an employee to abusive conduct or to permit an abusive work environment” and to retaliate in any manner against an employee because of a  complaint or legal action.

This bill was originally sponsored on March 5, 2010 as A673 by Assemblywomen Sheila Y. Oliver (D), Valerie Vanieri-Huttle (D),  and Linda R. Greenstein (D).  In 2011, Greenstein moved to the Senate to complete the term and then introduced the same bill as S2515.  On Jan. 10, 2012, Senator Greenstein introduced the bill to the Senate as S333.  It has been referred to the Senate Labor Committee for the 2012-2013 state legislation session.  Senator Linda R. Greenstein (D-14) can be reached at sengreenstein@njleg.org.   Check with your particular state for workplace bullying legislative updates.

Basically, it’s simple.  You can no longer be a bully in school or in the workplace, no matter who you are.  Similarly, school administrators are legally responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of each student against abusive behavior.  The coined phrase, “boys will be boys” and “girls will be girls” must be eliminated.  So if there are any bullies out there, JUST STOP IT, and make it a good day for everyone.

(c) 2012 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved

Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom and humility.       Until tomorrow…

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Oct 03 2012
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political

Getting Through the Day

“Is is true?”

“Is what true?”

“Today is your fiftieth birthday?”

“Oh no, please not the ‘turning 50 crap.’  But for your information, I am not over the hill, thank you.  I have reached the hill!”

“What’s it like to have finally reached that infamous hill?”

“It feels somewhat fulfilling, maybe a little scary because people will expect me to put the years of wisdom I have accumulated towards something significant.”

“In that case have you done it yet?”

“Have I done what?”

“Reached the goal you wanted to achieve before you turned fifty?”

“It depends on what goal.  If you mean making sure my kids are successful, then the answer is yes.  If you mean do I have my dream job, then the answer is no.”

“So you’re saying that you’ve never quite figured it out.”

“Something like that, but I have accumulated years of wisdom!”

“So why don’t you apply that wisdom to creating your dream job?”

“I have a job.”

“Is it your dream job?”

“No, it’s a job I hate.  My boss is a bully.  I am harassed all day.”

“Why don’t you quit?”

“Can’t.  Too many responsibilities.  Sometimes I feel like a kid on the school playground.”

“Were you bullied in school?”

“Just by one kid and someone like him grew up to become my boss!”

“How did you handle the bullying in school?”

“Back then, you learned to run fast or tough it out, just to get through the day.  That’s what I’m doing now in this job, I suppose. ‘ Toughing’ it out just to get through the day.”

“Bummer.”

“Who says that anymore?”

“I know, sorry, it slipped out.  Anyway, it’s never too late to figure it out.”

“I can’t make any changes in my life.  I have too many responsibilities.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Do you think that you’ll ever have that dream job?”

“I’m fifty already.”

“So what does that mean?”

“It means that last year I was forty-nine and next year, hopefully, I’ll be fifty-one.”

“Sort of stuck in the middle?”

“Something like that.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“I don’t think that there is a problem.  I’m basically happy.”

“Being basically happy is a wonderful goal, yeah, really!  Look, why don’t you just do it?”

“You’re absolutely right.  I should quit my job or at least end this harassment at work and pursue my dream job.  But I don’t know what I can do about the bullying at work.”

“There is a law against bullying in the workplace.”

“Really, didn’t know that.  I’ll look into it and make a change today!”

(c) 2012 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved

Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom and humility.       Until tomorrow…

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