In the midst of our heated political debate there is anger and resentment from either side.
"Pay more taxes . . . No live within the income."
"Let's go to war . . . I like peace."
"They are greedy . . . You are too."
"The bankers are crooks . . . The government was behind it."
"Don't cut entitlements . . . Establish a budget."
" Give me, give me . . . Why should I?"
" I drink tea . . . I occupy."
"That politician lied. . . . So what they all do."
I have followed the dialogue with interest. On the current level we will never find common ground. There is nothing on which we agree. May I suggest a paradigm shift?
Human nature never changes. Selfishness and its byproducts; greed, power, wealth etc. are common vices of all people in all ages. The history of individuals and also that of rulers is that people love power and wealth. The Constitution spread the power from central government to the local states, hence to the counties and cities. The hope was to give power to the local people. We are each individuals who combined as a culture, constitute this nation. Our government is a reflection of us.
A culture is a group of people with common values. Today, we are a divided people. We have lost our common culture. It does not appear that the unifying force will come from D.C.
When we as a people return to the values our grandparents believed in, we can again be a united nation.
My grandparents and your grandparents believed in a set of core values. Those core values are honesty, integrity, personal responsibility, charity, thrift and love for all people. Those values were the culture of this nation. Why did we discard the unified culture for this current mess? When we again live and proclaim a common culture/value system, then the divisions will begin to evaporate.
Jesus came to proclaim peace on earth - goodwill toward all people. His message is the one hope we have of recreating a common culture; the hope of once again being a unified nation. DR. MLK made great strides by proclaiming that message. Our government is a reflection of who we the people really are.
I can not change the world. But I can certainly change the way I do business. Do I demand honesty of myself? Do I insist that each bargain is fair to all involved? Do I choose peace or anger? Do I choose truth or propaganda? Do I support corrupt politicians because they serve my purpose?
When our society is willing to live by the golden rule in our home, in our business, in our community, in our union; and yes, even in our personal investment strategies; we will see positive change. There is no doubt that then these very ideas will invade the corporate boardrooms and yes even the halls of Congress. Our government and industries are merely reflecting who we are and what we are willing to accept. These values were once the character of our country.
MLK prayed that people would be known for their CHARACTER and not their skin color. When we are a people of character, we will only elect people of character. Our country will have to reflect our value system.
JFK is so frequently quoted as saying,"Ask not what your country can do for you, Rather ask what you can do for your country." We can all do something for our country. We can live lives of character and then demand the same from the politicians.
I am "Deputy Dave - the Broker" Please let me know your thoughts.