Comments

All this speech and stuff is fine. More often than not we have seen that political leaders give all sort of hogwash promises capsuled in impressive and "seemingly impromptu" speeches. In neck deep sh*@ I am not going to be awed by volubility of words...show me the results and then we will see.

Posted by Xencor at January 21, 2009 3:01 PM

“What are your values? Are you living them out so that others can see them in you?”

Thanks Val - Great question. I have lived two messages since Adam was a boy – they may or may not be values – to me it makes no difference what we call them. Those two messages are simplicity and respect for front line employees. I hope others can see them in me. I’ve been saying for the last few weeks there should always be an ethical framework that managers work within. That framework should in my opinion contain values such as those outlined yesterday by Mr Obama – lets be honest, no one will disagree with what he said about courage, hope, honesty, faith, collaboration and unity. Words matter but actions speak louder – ask any employee who works for a management culture that does not have those 6 values. I wrote about this on my own Blog yesterday under the title “Whatever happened to basic consideration for employees?” http://www.simplicityitk.blogspot.com/

Posted by Trevor Gay at January 21, 2009 3:03 PM

Let us remember that 42 - Bill Clinton was the 1st black president & he ran with 4 Republican Congress surplus years - so that is the bar 44 MUST equal in record time to improve world economies!

I agree with Xencor - we need results! 44's pay for play must become play it to pay off - the debt that is (the nefarious twins Geithner & Holder need not apply)!

Posted by Contraire at January 21, 2009 8:12 PM

Honesty ... that is a tough one. Abraham Lincoln was honest (except when he wasn't!). Jimmy Carter was too honest.

Posted by Mike L. at January 21, 2009 8:56 PM

Every human being has at some point done something expedient when he/she ought to have done something right. The point about values is they remind you which way your compass should be pointing and they will snap you back on track with the requisite guilt and wish to make amends for straying. A leader with no values has no compass and no concept of how things should be. Such people are reckless in action to the point of being a danger to those around them.

Remember: because you can it does not necessarily follow that you should.

Posted by Sean at January 22, 2009 3:42 AM

Talk doesn't reveal values - where people spend their time and money reveals them. So we'll see...

Posted by Mark Walsh at January 22, 2009 4:19 AM

Is the unity being highlighted in this post the unity the pastor spoke about? You know that day when white finally does right?

What a joke.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 7:34 AM

Lighten up, JB. It's gonna be alright. You must be among the few who did not laugh and do not know the history of the saying or the great love of the man. Being born and raised in Alabama 87 years ago, if anyone could be engulfed in bitterness he might be. But he clearly isn't. He stands strong and dignified, being able to laugh when others continue to sigh.

The good Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery is a frontline Civil Rights LEADER who laughs at himself and whose tent is very large indeed, supporting unions that most wish not succeed. JB, here is a question for you: Are you white and doing right? I'm black and need not, Thank God, step back. My cousins are brown and are getting along. Some are red too and getting ahead.

Coming from Dr. Lowrey's particular perspective there is a sense of balanced humanity and meritocracy.

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 8:49 AM

Yawn.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 9:10 AM

Is that all you have? Weak.

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 10:00 AM

Words matter. How you say them matter. Words (and speeches) are how you communicate and inspire.

A leader is - ultimately - only as good as the people who follow him or her. So, as for President Obama's promises, it is up to us, We the People to change America for the better (and to - yes - hold him accountable for his actions.) He sets the tone, articulates the vision, makes the change possible, but the government can't do it all. So, why don't we all lighten up a bit, step back, take a breath, and give him some time and room to work - and get to work ourselves. For one thing, we could agree that we're going to do our best to discourage pettiness and toxic trolls. There's big difference between civil, spirited debate and immature ya-yahhing.

My personal values check is: Can I look at myself in the mirror?

And, I loved Dr. Lowrey's benediction. As Judith notes, you need to know the context.

Posted by Mary Schmidt at January 22, 2009 10:14 AM

I apologize. I henceforth will not give any more opinion that differs from what Judith Ellis espouses. For if I do I am weak, uptight, and among the unhip. Sorry. Honestly. Sorry.

I promise to just lighten up whitey! And do righty!

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 10:28 AM

I (and others) may not understand the context/history of the saying that Rev. Lowery mentioned, but Rev. Lowery obviously didn't understand that the words he chose offended and aliented so many people- in an inauguration that was purposed to pull people together.

Please do not chastise people for not being in the know on this "inside joke." His comments came across as racist and reluctant to move beyond the 60's era. That might not have been what he meant, but that is what he communicated to the majority of the people who watched his comments. I am not arguing that he is a racist guy (I don't make judgments like that on one flippant comment), but I am just saying that his choice of words did not move the nation forward. It was not wise of him to speak those words.

Posted by Todd at January 22, 2009 10:54 AM

Is Lowery in Obamas cabinet?
Will he have any effect on how Obama governs?

I doubt it. So don't get hung up on it.
This is just something the pundits pointed out
to cause a little conflict and make some news.

Posted by zed at January 22, 2009 11:00 AM

I would point out that I didn't see one article or pundit comment on it and that I saw and heard it in real time. But I won't say that, lest I receive a rigorous flaming from people who conflict on whether words matter (Mary says yes, Zed and Judith say no, I mean lighten up its nothing!) but can agree that anyone who doesn't tow the line of this love fest is a toxic troll. Ooops sorry. Ok for real now I will be doing righty.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 11:12 AM

I am not hung up on it.
However, there are two things that are worth pondering, if at least for a few moments.
1) This would, undoubtedly, be a massive news story (and liberal "cause of the day") if the political roles would have been reversed. Could you imagine if a white guy said some equivalent saying? The left would be calling for his imprisonment for "hate speech." Seriously.
2) I don't know if Obama had any knowledge of what this guy was going to say, but after the hatred and racism spewed by Rev. Wright, it would be wise for the Obama administration to keep clear of this stuff.

Posted by Todd at January 22, 2009 11:13 AM

JB - You're just fine, dude.

Todd - You do what is best for you. We are indeed in many respects "beyond the 60's era." But this brilliant compassionate leader IS by his years and history alone both in and of the Movement and progressive thought. I honor him!

As I pointed out earlier, the good Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery is one of the most forward thinking intelligent voices of democracy and meritocracy out there. He is one of great love, as his many years of preaching and doing show.

Here's a question for you too, Todd: Are you white and doing right?

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 11:21 AM

Who the hell are you or anybody else to judge if someone is doing right by your standards?

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 11:23 AM

Sorry I let that slip. Again I apologize. I will conform to whatever you think whites should do. I will bury my dignity, turn off my thought process, pretend not to see things, take on a false guilt and put everyone else ahead of me academically, professionally, and personally.

Again I will do what you say is right for a white person.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 11:28 AM

Judith,
I don't know what you mean by your question. Are you serious, or are you trying to rhetorically put me down?

What relevance does my skin color have to my observations pointed out above?

I would prefer to take the approach of MLK and focus on the strength of ideas, not skin color.

Posted by Todd at January 22, 2009 11:42 AM

Todd

Individuality and common sense are not allowed on this board. Please find another board that will tolerate your pragmatism and productive discussion.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 11:52 AM

Approach or not, did you answer the question, Todd?

In your eyes, is whiteness a put down?

Blackness is not for me.

Let's not escape into fantasy land, please.

Dr. King was a man of great love and peace but he was most certainly NOT naive.

JB - Dude, it was said that you were good. Get over it!

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 12:17 PM

Judith

I am good?? Really?? Oh Happy Day!!!! The great one has proclaimed I am good. I just knew if I fell in line good things would happen!!!

Well Todd??? which is it??? I also demand to know, being now a disciple of the thought police, for I have seen the whiteness on your soul!!!

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 12:29 PM

"I will bury my dignity, turn off my thought process, pretend not to see things, take on a false guilt and put everyone else ahead of me academically, professionally, and personally."

Ah, finally truth from JB. Fear and perceived notions of superiority are indeed terrible things, for they cloud reality of who these others must be in order to exist comfortably.

Meritocracy is a part of democracy. We are forever becoming "a more perfect union."

Together, JB, we can do it. If I can take your hand I will gladly be a better person you will see. Without which honesty we will never be "a more perfect union" for the world to see.

"Everything, everything, every little old thing, everything is gonna be alright." Sing it again. "Everything...

Peace...

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 12:39 PM

"I have seen the whiteness on your soul!!!"

Ah, JB, you are poetic indeed. I just don't know what this means.

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 12:41 PM

JB - Gotta run to a meeting. But perhaps I'll return later this evening. I wish you the best--really.

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 12:43 PM

Geez, people. How old are you? Let's re-focus on the original question. (And Judith didn't say words don't matter.)

We should have a discussion of race in this country. We can even disagree and we've got to get it all out in the open if we're going to address it intelligently. That's the best of us.

As President Obama said, it's time to leave behind childish things.

Posted by Mary Schmidt at January 22, 2009 12:44 PM

I am talking about equality.

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The assumption of "perceived notions of superiority" says everything anybody needs to about what feelings you truly harbor in your heart.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 12:49 PM

It is true we should be as one, but I can't wait for the day when women do what is right.

Now don't take me out of context on that.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 1:01 PM

JB - You fell for the bait. Ah, you are easy indeed.

Mary - I shall do just as you have suggested and move forward. Thank you for your words, all of them. buy cheap brand viagra

Gotta go! Ciao for now.

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 1:45 PM

I am easy, not right being white, uptight, unhip, and harbor feelings of superiority over others.

Unity indeed.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 1:56 PM

Fell For The Bait? Nice try. The usual last desperate claim when no logical argument can be brought forth to refute the opponent, they pretend that they masterminded some scheme and that the foolish prey fell right into some trap. Claim your victory, for I failed to see your brilliant trap, then I am indeed doing something right.

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 2:14 PM

JB - You are simply no match for me. How's that for humility? :-)

Mary - That's all -- really. :-)

Now, I really gotta go! It's been real!

Walking to my car, NOW!

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 2:21 PM

Judith

Put on some Cannonball Adderly and relax ;-)

Posted by JB at January 22, 2009 2:26 PM

Cannonball Adderley and Miles together? Genuis! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-3x-dSHKew

Sweet! Thank you, JB, for the mention.

Posted by Judith Ellis at January 22, 2009 5:09 PM

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