DUH!

I tend to do a lot of thinking in two places – in bed in the early morning (between 1 and 3 am) and while driving. I recall countless times I worried some idea to the ground and then came up with a short tag line that summed it up. In my morning computer session I’d save these tag lines to a small desktop file (if I could remember them!). Days later I’d scan the list of tag lines. My reaction then was not wondrous. More like – ‘well, duh, that makes no sense,’ or ‘too obvious to have value!’

Here are two: “Life is intensely personal;” “Hope is in the eye of the beholder.”

I know it seems so clear to you as a reader. You are probably wondering what I was thinking when I came up with the lines. But then you hadn’t experienced the long, complex logic chain I dealt with to finally arrive at an end point. That’s when the tag line emerges, normally. After all the strain and work of thinking through a complex train of thought. Of course this thinking took place in the dark of night, in bed, when tired. Most likely I fell asleep a few times and the ‘long train of thought’ seemed even longer!

It these lines were intended to be funny then I would understand them better. But I know they were not funny. They were very serious. Of course hind sight makes that even funnier! And I am laughing as I write this.

On to other matters. Perhaps I can shake the DUHs?

So Greeks voted overwhelmingly to authorize its government leaders to seek easier terms with Eurozone decision makers with regard to reworking their debt agreement. The world community awaits how this crisis will be worked out but I return to my recommendation that the Disney Corporation be contracted to turn the nation into a tourist destination and entertainment park. Magic Mountain of the Gods would be a no brainer attraction. The Odyssey Adventure ride would be another. For the underage group Plato’s Play Dough Kingdom might be fun. Of course there would be gambling and other adult entertainment available for the parents. What fun to think what entrepreneurs can come up with to balance the budget! Especially from a group of Disney class wizards.

International Threats to America: Let’s see, how many are there?  Global warming counts as one, at least. So too non-potable water for billions of Earth’s inhabitants. Drought prolonged for California and the Southwest in general. ISIS surely is on our list of threats. And of course Putin and his silly war games. Even if he means them as games to test our readiness and resolve, Putin surely knows that the game is dangerous; one of his forays could go terribly wrong – a crash of a jet fighter, a malfunction on one of the bombers, even a stray bullet or missile firing. Should that happen, the game is over. War would be on, you can be sure of that. And so wasteful of spirit, mind, and resources.

Russia needs to focus on its own ship of state. It has serious economic problems. Although infrastructure has been repaired somewhat, there is still much to do. Same here in America. And Russia didn’t do that to America; we did it to ourselves while focusing on Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East and the simpering of Israel’s leaders (Netanyahu, mostly). 

Focus. It is an important aspect of all organizations be it a corporation, family or nation. Or charity. The organization needs to continually focus on its mission to be certain it is spending its resources on THE key purpose for its existence. And then more focus on operations so that the long-term vision of the organization is served well and sustainably.

Yes, focus. It takes a lot of focus to do the right things, and to do them right.

That is a simple statement. But apply it to a city’s government, a library’s governing board, a park district’s functioning, or a church’s organization. Each must struggle with what is most important for it. Should they apply the filter lens of mission and vision to their operations, they might find help in staying on course.

Same with nations. Is America truly focused on its mission of freedom, equality, pursuit of happiness for all? Of course we only focus on our own internal mission and vision, but we are also a witness to the world on the same topics. And our history has assisted those who have asked for our help. And we have shared with them to ensure their peace and prosperity. We don’t do this for them; we only help. The hard lifting they must still do themselves from within their own borders.

Russia as well must do this. A proud nation with an ancient history, Russia has still received help from others from time to time. Their focus was clouded by yearnings of empire like so many world powers. It usually spelled a downfall for each of them, including Russia. It might well be the time for Putin to turn his focus on his own people and their welfare. That is a mighty focus and mission.

Perhaps then the world community could focus as well on peace and well being of its peoples.

Well, duh!

July 7, 2015