Dishonest leadership. A reader sent me an article on the rise of dishonest leadership. The reader is politically conservative. I found it to be very interesting, insightful and well written.
Although most people will read it as a statement about politics, I found it to be insightful about many areas of leadership. I certainly observed dishonest leadership in university administration.
Her first point was to describe one of the major reasons we support dishonest leaders. Her argument is that in conflict situations we are more likely to accept dishonest leadership that promises short-term gains and security. In those conflict situations, stoking the flames of our fear of “them” adds to any conflict. Adding fuel to the fire increases the likelihood of acceptance of any leader who will reduce our fear.
The second major reason for the rise is that rather than focusing on our own gains we think we achieve more if we defeat others. We support dishonest leaders who promise defeat of “them.”
Her final point is a suggestion for how to overcoming the problem. We need to focus on gains within our own group and focus on long-term values. Her suggestions would reduce conflict and reduce the probability of dishonest leadership.
The article is not a long article. I think it is worth reading.
Climate Change. When I was young, some of the most important questions about the application of science were about the use of nuclear energy. For example — Should we develop nuclear bombs? Should we develop nuclear energy plants?
Today, in my opinion, questions about climate change are the important questions of our time about the application of science. I encourage everyone to have an open look at the preponderance of evidence to draw your conclusions. Do not trust a friend or your favorite commentator. Without regard for the cause, I clearly believe climate change is occurring.
I have said before—my personal evidence that we are heating up began with my direct observations that the glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere were shrinking. That evidence was supported in many ways, but pictures from space of our planets ice shrinkage have been dramatic for me.
The reason the topic is so on my mind right now is our weather people keep saying we are breaking records. Last year was the hottest on record and we are hotter this year.
I fear the old tale of the frog. If you throw a frog in boiling water, it will jump out. If you put it in cool water and then light the stove, it will boil to death.
I recommend reading the following article. Even if you do not believe climate change is occurring and/or you do not believe it is caused by humans, every person needs to educate themselves about what will happen if climate change is true. The article presents in a very understandable form the impact heat will have on our planet if the current trends continue.
How Close Are the Planet’s Climate Tipping Points? – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Paris. The Olympics in Paris brought back warm memories of our visit to Paris a few years ago. We had a great week. My favorite location was the Rodin Museum and Garden. In the garden is a huge statue of “The Thinker” facing the incredible sculpture “The Gates of Hell. ” A much smaller thinker sits above the gates pondering the people who enter. I have not often shared my poetry with you, but with the Paris Olympics fresh on my mind, I thought I would share a poem about the Rodin Garden that was published in the Opiate Magazine, Fall Issue, 2021.
In the Rose Garden of Musée Rodin
i
Louvre’s dim halls
brightened by Mona and Monet
brighter yet, Musée d’Orsay —
my struggle … yet to come.
ii
In rich sunlight shone
two luring Thinkers —
one large among the roses
one small amid the damned.
Circles of Inferno
sculpted pain in bronze
lust-less nakedness
overwhelming doom.
Shades shadows cover hopelessness
high souls of the condemned
Les Trois Hombres abutting … but apart
umbrae in isolation.
Molded in forged gates
I see shrieks of agony
know Meditation’s horror
feel everlasting Despair.
Depraved, wicked, evil
embedded before my eyes
Ugolino, saint of cannibalism
leads savages into Hell.
Being a brother’s keeper
doesn’t mean sleeping with his wife —
Paolo, saint of debauchery
leads lechers into Hell.
And twisted, fallen Caryatid
burdened not by good.
crushed by boulder load
no escape, no hope.
iii
Before a brooding Thinker
I reflect, I ponder,
then imagine other gates
cast for other fates.
Covered by a quilt of guilt,
lapses hide among my clutter,
attach to anxieties and fears,
grow tentacles to harm.
Light blinds anxieties clinging
to darkest corners of my mind
and melts fear’s bergs blocking
love’s flow to joy and life.
Below a brooding Thinker,
seek the light how one may,
in deep meditation — humbly I pray
until illuminated, forgiven, free.
Enlightenment entrusted,
from massive doors I turn,
amid soft petals and rose wafts
breathe hope … see beauty … feel love.
iv
If ever one chooses
reflection before Hell’s gloom,
contemplation is suggested
when roses reign in bloom.
This and That
With all the concern for a capitalist economy being expressed in our election, I found the following article very interesting: “Americans Don’t Know How Capitalist China Is” (hbr.org)
At least 7 democrats in congress are in their mid- 80’s. One side says the lust of power is too strong for them to step down. Others say they do not want more Republicans in the House.
Good News
First Responder
Police Officer’s Act Of Kindness Restores Hope For Boy With Down Syndrome (sunnyskyz.com)
Kindness
A Veteran Was Pawning Jewelry To Pay Bills. She Raised $400,000 For Him (sunnyskyz.com)
A part of the Olympics of which I was unaware
Beacon The Therapy Dog: The Unsung Hero Of Team USA Gymnastics (sunnyskyz.com)
Peace
Jerry
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