A Birthday Wish

I believe the reason we celebrate birthdays, is to remind us that time is passing by. Time is very cunning; it silently slips past and makes no effort to remind us of the time we have let pass. How many times do we think about time in a way that places the value on it that it deserves?

Time is all we really have if you think about. And if you talk to someone in their later years you realize that even at the age of 96, the realization that time moved so fast changes nothing. What we need to realize is that in the time we have, building relationships that enrich our lives is the best legacy we can leave.

I volunteer at Hospice and I had a patient that grew up in the Bronx and met Babe Ruth as a kid. He used to take the train to 125^th street in Harlem to see all of the great jazz players at the Apollo Theatre. What I learned as he told me his stories was that every story he told me was about the people he met and the family he loved. He had little interest telling me about his career, he would always turn the conversation back to the people and his family. His life’s memories boiled down to wonderful stories about the people.

My mom died last year and when I think about the 75 years she was given, she spent most of it staying in touch with family and friends. She lived the life of a Saint because what drove her was to add value to everybody’s life she came in contact with. Her legacy, when I tell stories about my mom, is about how she loved to connect with people. She never wanted to talk about herself; she wanted to know about the person she was talking to. It didn’t matter to my mom whether you were the president or the superintendent of the building. She just wanted to learn more about the person she was talking to. She was always willing to help in any way she could.

The older we get the more we understand what is important. Birthdays remind us to refocus our efforts on the things that are important. The people in our lives, the dreams and goals we have are limited to the time we are given. We never know how much time we will be given so every Birthday gives us a day to think about what is important.

This birthday I am away for work. Today I was given the wonderful wishes of family and friends. Talking to my wife and children was the only gift I needed. And it is always a gift to have a loving family!

Since my last birthday 365 days have passed. I can’t get any one of them back but I can tell you that they were not wasted. Most of those days were spent healthy, a part of a wonderful family, many camping trips, college visits, family visits, and many conversations with friends and family. I have a lot of goals and dreams as well. They are on track but they are also prioritized properly. Family first, always.

My wife Justine is a compassionate nurse that comforts family’s at the most difficult times of loss. Taylor is an excellent student working hard to become a medical student. Emily is currently choosing colleges and has many choices because she works hard and is very smart. We have 3 pups that make every return home wonderful because they share their unconditional love that fills our hearts. These are the things that I am so proud to be a part of. A family is the legacy we leave. I couldn’t be more proud of my family.

My Birthday Wish is that everyone takes a moment on their birthday to think about what is important. Tell someone you love them. Send a card to a friend that might be struggling. Hug that kid tighter tonight so they know how much you love them. Remember we are here for a limited time. Use every minute you can to let people know you care.

I have never been happier in my entire life because I have so many wonderful people in my life! I hope you can say the same! Happy Birthday!

Choosing Education that Pays…

Getting a college education is an important first step in many young adult’s careers. It is the beginning of a long journey that could take many paths. But a college education is a very expensive investment and should be viewed the way you would if you were purchasing a home. Can I afford it? Do I want to live here for a long time? What is the quality of the home? I am going to mortgage my life so I want to be sure this is right for me!  

Some people still believe that a college education is worthwhile no matter the cost or investment. Many people believe that without a college education you hinder yourself from many career choices. That may be true, but it depends on the circumstances of each individual and their abilities, goals, and determination. If a High School student barely gets through the curriculum at the High School level, what will change when you get to college? Is it smart to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a traditional college degree? If as a parent you want to invest in your student you can, but is it better to take that money and look at an alternative way to help your kid? Maybe a tech school or even a small business might be a better investment for your money.

It used to be that becoming an electrician, plumber, HVAC tech and many technical certificate programs was a noble pursuit. They are great careers but there is definitely a stigma if you are not planning to attend college. Parents should be honest and help their kids to make a good choice and save a lifetime of regrets. If we are honest, it is not hard to see that some kids have passions that align more closely with the trades than academia. This path should be encouraged, especially when the cost of a college education has skyrocketed.  

Chasing dreams has become a mantra, but you also have to look at potential employment opportunities in your calculus. I know a lot of kids want to be actors, singers, musicians, film makers, song writers, rappers, and there are many anecdotal stories of kids making it simply by posting a YouTube video, but the reality is that is the exception. Dream on but be real! We all have dreams but if we don’t first have a way to create a sound financial foundation, nothing will be more frustrating for the student with an empty wallet in a parent’s basement.

Follow your dreams but always have a financial plan to achieve your dreams. As an electrician making $75,000 a year, achieving your dreams is easier because you can purchase the tools you need for your dreams whether that is a guitar, recording equipment, video equipment, acting lessons, etc.

Before you take out college loans, use your parent’s hard earned savings take that self-assessment of your skills, desires, and determination. College loans are granted with little consideration for your ability to pay them back, so think really hard and make your own choice about what’s right for you. Don’t make a choice based on someone else or society’s bias toward a college degree. If you start college and get into $20, $30, $50K or more of college debt without a degree you will regret it for a long time. It will limit every other choice you have in life.

Life is too short to be paying back a loan that is worthless to achieving your financial goals. Too many people end up in a place they don’t want to be because they did not take a reality assessment on their skills, goals, and academic abilities. High School is probably a pretty good indicator of your chance of success in college. You may find out later you are ready for college and that is OK. Do what is right for you. Many successful people in this country have been successful without a college degree. Be smart and choose the education that will pay you back with dividends…

 

God’s Assessment of Me…

What if, tomorrow God sent us all a meeting invite with the subject line: Your Life Review, Done by God. How would we react? How would we prepare? Most of us have had our quarterly or yearly review done by our boss or the HR department, but by God? I know it might seem silly but it got me to thinking about my life. And by writing this I hope it gets you to think about yours.

As we know, every good assessment has categories and areas that need to be discussed so that the assessment looks at the most important aspects of what we do in our jobs. But what would God assess? How would (s)he determine if we are achieving success? What is success in God’s eyes?

I don’t know but my guess is God would focus on three categories; Kindness Toward Others (KTO for all of you metric acronym types), Service To Others (STO), and Living Up To God Given Potential (LUTGGP). I think most of us could quickly make a case for the first two measurements and discuss with God the plan we have to do better, but the third measurement is the one that had me thinking and perplexed, LUTGGP. The first thing that came to mind for me was: what are my God Given Skills? And even though I may not have all of the skills I need to be who I want to be - do I have the potential to be that person? You see, it does start to get interesting!

What do I believe was God’s plan for me? I believe we all have a purpose here on earth so we must have been given a plan? Not the step by step type plan but as a pirate might say, “More like guidelines.” What would God say about my potential, and have I lived up to it? Would he say, “Rich, I had so many hopes for you, and it seems you have steered away from every one of the things I gave you the skills to be.” Or would she say, “Rich, you have really taken the lemon of a life I gave you and made lemonade!”

If something is burning in our belly and we conveniently find ways to ignore it, what would God say? “I have given you the passion because I know you have the GGP (God Given Potential in case you forgot) but you have ignored it. Why?” “I did not place the fear there, you did.” “Why do you fear what you desire to do with your life?”

The older we get, the more we seem to reflect on the past. It may be that we just have more past to reflect on, but can it also be that we want to make a positive impact and know time is running out? I am not being doomsday(ish), I just know that time keeps going and we can’t stop time. Someday it will run out for all of us- is all I am saying.

Are we going to be ready for our assessment? Will we have a positive tale to tell? The tale can be as simple as volunteering to help the elderly or disabled. The tale could be you’re a great coach for your kid’s team. It could simply be being the best husband or wife, father or mother you can be. It could be setting your kids up for a bright future, or reading to kids that need help to get to that bright future.

I was just thinking and I thought I would share these thoughts with you. Is that part of my potential? I don’t know but I have a lot of fire in the belly type of things I am and will pursue. I hope I, and you pass the assessment if one ever comes… I hope we all get the promotion!

July 4th 2013

It has been 237 years since the initial Declaration of Independence. It is a miracle we are still free from tyranny but that has only happened because a few good men and woman make it their mission to protect our liberty.

The natural human condition has always been to be ruled by a handful of kings, tyrants, and despots. It seems like a long time ago but it really isn’t. The declaration our founders made was not only an act of courage, it was an act that had not occurred anywhere throughout history in an effort to pronounce individual liberty as the natural state of the human condition. Up until 1776, the individual was seen as a ward of the state, subject of a kingdom, the cog in a society to be used as needed for the good of the ruling class.

Even today, England still holds on to a class structure that assigns future hopes to the status of which you are born; heredity. Even today, the opportunity to move through classes is limited and not likely to happen. The world is still full of places that do not live by the rights we hold to be self-evident. It is where our concept of “exceptionalism” comes from, and rightfully so.

Unfortunately our current President doesn’t understand why the United States is exceptional. We are exceptional because we value the individual over the government, we believe that are rights come from God, and we never turn our backs on people that want to be free. We have spilled more blood and treasure on behalf of others than any other nation. That is why we are exceptional. Not because we are rich in treasure, but because we are rich in spirit, honor, and faith in God. We do not worship man, we are skeptical of the will of man. That is why the US Constitution that evolved out of the Declaration of Independence and our founding fathers is relished by so many and considered a miracle.

Our country was founded by a small group of visionary leaders that succeeded in convincing a majority of people that the individual believing in faith and God was the key to a prosperous and meaningful future. At times they must have felt isolated as so many of us do now. But they persevered over the most difficult odds. They knew what they were offering was worth their lives and sacred honor.

On July 4^th 2013 we must remember that the US Constitution was a miracle and can only endure if we continue to respect and defend it. We must defend it with all the gusto our founders defended her with. It is the least we can do to protect the last best hope on earth…

God Bless America.

Determined to Agree

The political world has created a barrier to real debate on very important issues to every American. It seems contrived by politicians to keep citizens divided all the while they drive the government in the direction they prefer. It seems at times that every political question divides us no matter what the question is so the question is: Is there any issue most Americans can agree on?

Freedom in general terms: Can Americans agree that freedom is important? I think so. I believe if you ask Americans if they believe that freedom is important an overwhelming majority would agree.

Free Markets: The question of free markets is often asked with qualifiers that blur the overall concept of free markets. If you ask Americans: Do you believe that the economy benefits when citizens are able to own and run businesses with little interference from government? A majority of people will agree. If you ask: Should businesses be able to run their business any way they choose without any government oversight? Most people would disagree. America was built on free markets and is wealthy because of free market capitalism. It has been a concerted effort of demonization of capitalism which has led to an acceptance of government regulation.  

Government Regulation: Can Americans agree there is too much government regulation? I believe most would agree. Can Americans agree there is a role for government regulation? I believe most would agree. The problem is we have political parties that are pandering to every special interest and every special interest is looking to regulate something that creates an advantage for them. This must stop. Most Americans would agree.

Immigration: Can Americans agree that immigration has been good for America? I think most would agree. Is allowing people that have broken our laws to get here a policy Americans want continued? I believe most Americans want immigration fixed. Most Americans want a secured border. Most Americans want immigrants that are here to assimilate and not to take advantage of our generosity through welfare programs. Most Americans don’t want to see children of illegal immigrants kicked out of the country but they are conflicted on the remedy. So why not just secure the border to start?

Gay Marriage: Most Americans believe that gay couples should have all the legal rights of married heterosexuals. Most Americans see this as a fairness issue. Civil Unions are supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. The definition of “marriage” has always been a union between a man and woman. A majority of Americans believe in marriage as a sacred tradition. Why not allow civil unions the same benefits and leave the definition of marriage alone? The other option is to remove any government benefits related to marriage and civil unions.

Debt and Deficit: Americans agree the federal government and all levels of government spend too much and therefore take too much in taxes. Americans agree we should spend less and balance the budget by reduced spending. Americans manage their budgets and believe government should do the same.

Taxes: Most Americans hate taxes and fear the IRS. Most Americans support a simplified tax system. Most people believe everyone should pay into the system. When asked the question should the “rich” pay more too many people agree. But with a flat tax the billionaire paying 15% of a billion pays a lot more than a person that pays 15% of $10,000. If asked the question whether or not taxes should be flat a majority of Americans would agree.

There is a lot we as Americans can agree on but it is not in the interest of politicians to ask the right questions. The American people need to reject politicians that don’t agree with us…

 

Is Social Media Undermining the Right to Privacy?

Too many people post too much stuff about their comings and goings, where they are eating, what they are buying or feeling at every hour of the day. I am not going to comment on the way people choose to share their lives because I engage in social media sites as well, but my concern is the message it sends to kids.

The right to privacy is a constitutional, God, given right that we should cherish. We should be able to live our lives without interference from anyone including and especially government agencies and bureaucrats. The right to privacy is as important as the right to free speech which is greatly improved with the advent of social media. Social media has given a voice to so many more Americans, and it has broken the “log jam” of newspaper editors that used to control the flow of information. But what about protecting our privacy?

In Utah, as we speak, a new DOD data center that is being built in the name of security is going to be capable of watching and spying on every American citizen without their knowledge. In the name of keeping people safe, the federal government is preparing to make our lives less safe and endangering our right to privacy. We will be less safe from the prospect of an over reaching and controlling government. I want to allow the government to track terrorists but at what cost? What information will we allow them to gather on us? And from where we will allow them to gather information on law abiding citizens?

So here is my fear. As kids spew their lives on every social network without an ounce of consideration, how likely will they be willing to protect the rights of privacy and our other constitutional rights? Their willingness to share their information may cloud their judgment on constitutional limits. It will be easier for the younger generation to shrug off as unimportant the ability and reality of government agencies tracking our every move. They are so accustomed to being tracked by friends, why not the government? And not only government, corporations and advocacy groups as well.

Between the lack of civics and history in the public school curriculum, the acceptance of information dumping on social networks, and the ability of federal government to track our every move, what will become of privacy? What will become of our nation? What will become of our Constitution? What will become of our liberty?

Determination Should be Unleashed & Protected

The economy and the markets have shown exceptional resilience in the headwinds of an out of control spending tornado that is Washington DC and the federal government. Imagine if we had an administration in Washington that wanted the economy to thrive? We would be in the greatest economic recovery in history right now.

Why is it that we continue to limp along instead of steam rolling down the economic highway? Burdensome regulations and an expanding amount of money being drained from productive uses. The current administration has a strong belief in the “goodness” of government and sees its primary role as wealth distribution. The evidence is in the numbers. Welfare programs have exploded, taxes have been raised on the most productive in our society, and the new healthcare law is not about health but rather an effort to make healthcare a right so that everyone gets the same fair but poor care from providers. This government believes our problems are a result of free markets instead of understanding free markets are the solution.

Small and big business alike are managing to squeeze out more productivity from their current operations even with all of this effort to undermine them. So I come back to the point that if we reduced our government footprint and let business and individuals decide where to spend their own money, our economy would be on fire!!

This country is blessed with so many people that are determined to succeed. Most of us have been brought up to work hard and take care of ourselves and our families. If we have a little extra we show our compassion through donations. But we have a generation that has been exposed to the idea that fairness is more important than self-determination and free markets. They have been told that community is more important than individual freedom. They have been told government = community. That equation is dangerous and false. Communities thrive when individuals are free to decide their own fate. Government is not a community it is a necessary evil. Everything government does has unintended and often bad consequences to our individual liberty and economic viability.

We still have a generation that is determined to protect individual rights but I am afraid that the next generations are being wooed to place that determination in government mandates. We must teach individual determination and reject government as a community if we hope to survive as the greatest Nation on earth… We owe that to our posterity…

The World is Always Changing

One thing that remains constant is change. Nothing stands still in life and if you think about technology the change can make your head spin. Some change is good, some change is bad, and some change is just change.

What I know will change is the way social networks are utilized. Facebook will become a place people peruse as will Twitter just to stay “connected” with interesting or trending stories. The need to post and let others know what we’re doing is getting old fast. My kids have already reduced their Facebook footprint by 75%. I peruse but have lost interest in posting because I really don’t think people care much about what I do or think. Most of the time I don’t care if you are at Dunkin Donuts getting a coffee or having lunch with someone I don’t know.

The “experts” of social media are talking to the same people. They have too much time on their hands and most are simply self-promoting their service or consulting practice. I often wonder what they could be producing if they weren’t producing tweets. If all you do is produce tweets how do you stay an “expert” except in tweeting?

In the end it will be human face to face interaction that will change the world. Yes, there are apps and technology that makes connecting easier but too much information is simply too much information.

I think change is in the air and people are looking for more meaningful interactions. We will see many abandoned websites, blogs, twitter and facebook accounts littering the internet. Heck we already are.

You know what they say: everything gets its 15 minutes… Remember to look up from that phone and say hello to someone. It is a change you might find refreshing…

Why Are There Poor People in America?

A lack of incentive: no matter how bad your behavior, the federal government will step in and give you everything you need to live.

Culture: there is a lack of will to shame people for failure. Allowing people to blame others for their own failures is rampant. A lack of faith in God.

Education: The lack of accountability in education (mostly public inner city education) has perpetuated ignorance and unemployment.

Political correctness: Looking the other way and making excuses for groups of people have left them in the squalor of poverty and limited opportunity.

Attack on Capitalism: Capitalism is the greatest economic system in the world. It has been attacked and has too many people willing to let the attacks stand no matter they are lies. Class warfare is evil and must be stopped. It lays the foundation for excuses and envy.

To fix poverty all we need to tap is the survival mechanism. If you don’t work you don’t eat. If you don’t go to school you don’t become a ward of the state. If you don’t like it leave.

It will take less than a generation to change the future of millions of Americans. It is not harsh or mean it is simply teaching a man to fish.

Freedom Is Always On The Line…

The only way to live a determined life is to be free to succeed and fail. The reason the United States has been the beacon for so many productive immigrants, is the hope and opportunity to follow the individual dream. If you work hard you have the same opportunity to succeed as Bill Gates of Microsoft.

The education system has failed many of our youth by ignoring the reason for this country’s unbridled and unmatched success, freedom. Freedom from a government that stifles the individual spirit. The Constitution is the foundation of the freedom we enjoy and too many politicians are quick to ignore it as an outdated document. It is not outdated because it was developed in the principle of human nature.

Security is not a replacement for freedom. If you search for security from government, you will pay with your freedom. Freedom is always under attack by politicians and people that seem to have your best interest at heart. They are often under educated in the study of human nature and history.

To continue to have access to a determined life, you must protect freedom by staying or becoming educated in our constitution and republic. You can’t expect to remain free to dream if you ignore the politics that is threatening your future.

Stay determined!

If You Could Be Anything, What Would You Be?

I would choose to be exactly who I am. I am very happy with the life I have created. It is not perfect but it is a life where I have a fulfilling family life, I get to pursue my hobbies, and I have a job that I enjoy. I am still striving to be more but I am content with my progress.

Too many people feel they are dealt a deck of cards and they have no opportunity to sweeten the deck. That may be true in cards but it is not true in life. If you want to change your trajectory in life, your career, your hobbies, all you have to do is determine the path and take steps to reach your goals and dreams.

I am on a trajectory to become a teacher, educator, speaker, inspirational figure, for the next generations. I am laying the groundwork by writing books, music, and preparing myself to have a positive message that will inspire people to do more with their lives. It has been a long journey but it is very rewarding. I have mostly been ignored but that has not stopped me. I don’t need anyone else’s “permission” to do the things I love. You should do the same thing I do with the critics; I ignore them!

Don’t wait another minute; the clock of your life is ticking. Take a simple step right now by writing down three things you would like to do this year and then put your mind to take action. You will not regret it!

A New Year; Ignored!

Happy New Year! Like you I am looking forward to a better year. If 2012 was a great year for you, I hope 2013 is even better. I never do resolutions but I do assessments of the goals and dreams I have been working on, and make adjustments.

Resolutions are short term promises we make to ourselves. I believe they are destined to fail because they are usually not well thought out. I am a believer in plans that fit a much longer term view of my goals in life.

I have done my assessment of 2012 and I am happy with my achievements toward my long term goals. I am up to 6 books but more importantly they lay the groundwork for my goal to become a full time speaker when I retire. I am trying to inspire others to follow their dreams. I am looking forward to helping our youth understand how government impedes on the individual dreams they hold. I want people to understand how important our history is to our success. Knowing the past improves the future.

I have written enough new songs to start working on my next musical project.

I have also become a volunteer at Evercare Hospice where I am blessed to be a companion to people that are near the end of their life’s journey. It has been a rewarding experience and I look forward to the visits each week.

Overall it has been a productive year personally but our company continues to struggle in this economic environment. I am optimistic that things will work out for the best. I truly believe in fate and what happens is meant to be.

I am going to start adding interviews of people that are living a determined life. Currently I have interviews that I did while hosting my Blog Radio show leading up to the 2012 election. The interview with Walter Williams is a proud moment for me!

So buckle up and get ready for the ride that will be 2013.

I wish you a prosperous New Year! Never give up. Stay determined!