In science class we have all learned about “absolute zero” the temperature at which there is absolutely no heat. With our current President it appears with have a rare example of “absolute zero of altruism”. We have a leader whose acts are based upon “What’s in it for me?”, likely considering the concept of “doing good for others when no one is looking” totally repugnant. The sign on President Reagan’s desk would not survive in the current White House, as it would be replaced by “It doesn’t matter who did that wonderful thing, it only matters that I get the credit”.
I read your column, completely rapt, as I grew up in a household where the mantra was “you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, not because you will get a pat on your back.”
What ARE we teaching our children, ourselves, our neighbors and the world right now? Thank you for your wonderful words and insights, as usual.
That reminds me of my Dad. When I complained/cajoled that some classmates got money for good grades, his response was always “Good grades are their own reward”.
Thank you for the well reasoned thoughts. The present occupant of the office is a chaos monkey of evil. Consider another example of the polar opposite, T. Roosevelt, also a chaos agent, but for (mostly) good. Who also started a war but resigned his office to place himself in harm’s way.
And it must be said, Machado is an argument for the Nobel committee to use much more discernment next time. Her weakness & pandering to a mad man diminishes the award. Appeasing a bully is never the right answer.
Agreeing w Mark, possibly these are terms unused or heard yet virtues that are gift-giving to those with lack that helps. Becoming selfless or putting others first. These are tenets that heal and offer much to the giver.
One forgets that the Tryant Occupanying the White House (TOWH) is a child in an old man's body. It's all about me. Give me what I want, now! He has no comprehension about the well-being of another.
Acts of kindness offering onto, speaking as victim only that he is the president of United States. The unawarded placing up to those who feel cheated, left out. Reading into the psychology of what else to possibly used as material. An acting president or duals of the psyche. To offer to another is an act to offer meaning to one’s… Anytime one sits w power it could go wrong. Grandiosity taken to a level we never seen. One getting their way, a sitting doctor prior.
Bravo John! Everyday I read your column I am so glad you are here!
In science class we have all learned about “absolute zero” the temperature at which there is absolutely no heat. With our current President it appears with have a rare example of “absolute zero of altruism”. We have a leader whose acts are based upon “What’s in it for me?”, likely considering the concept of “doing good for others when no one is looking” totally repugnant. The sign on President Reagan’s desk would not survive in the current White House, as it would be replaced by “It doesn’t matter who did that wonderful thing, it only matters that I get the credit”.
I read your column, completely rapt, as I grew up in a household where the mantra was “you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, not because you will get a pat on your back.”
What ARE we teaching our children, ourselves, our neighbors and the world right now? Thank you for your wonderful words and insights, as usual.
That reminds me of my Dad. When I complained/cajoled that some classmates got money for good grades, his response was always “Good grades are their own reward”.
150% yes!
“So Amy gets $5 for As and $4 for Bs. What do I get?”
“Uh, a warm bed, meals to eat and a family that loves you?”
He is who is he. What’s more amazing to me is that those around him don’t seem to think this is aberrant behavior and are happy be enablers.
Thank you for the well reasoned thoughts. The present occupant of the office is a chaos monkey of evil. Consider another example of the polar opposite, T. Roosevelt, also a chaos agent, but for (mostly) good. Who also started a war but resigned his office to place himself in harm’s way.
Amen!
And it must be said, Machado is an argument for the Nobel committee to use much more discernment next time. Her weakness & pandering to a mad man diminishes the award. Appeasing a bully is never the right answer.
Agreeing w Mark, possibly these are terms unused or heard yet virtues that are gift-giving to those with lack that helps. Becoming selfless or putting others first. These are tenets that heal and offer much to the giver.
One forgets that the Tryant Occupanying the White House (TOWH) is a child in an old man's body. It's all about me. Give me what I want, now! He has no comprehension about the well-being of another.
The papers prior to running, to
get an aspect possibly the person.
Acts of kindness offering onto, speaking as victim only that he is the president of United States. The unawarded placing up to those who feel cheated, left out. Reading into the psychology of what else to possibly used as material. An acting president or duals of the psyche. To offer to another is an act to offer meaning to one’s… Anytime one sits w power it could go wrong. Grandiosity taken to a level we never seen. One getting their way, a sitting doctor prior.