Friday The term ‘one percent’ is widely identified as those who are perched on top of the system and, accordingly, living the champagne life - while the rest of us, the ninety-nine percent, struggle. They are most commonly typified as the inhabitants of Wall Street. It has become a pejorative. That is all, of course, a generality. Some work their butts … [Read more...]
The Spectre of Socialism
Saturday The spectre of Socialism is again haunting the West. Those old or educated enough to have an awareness of Socialism’s dreadful history view its possible re-emergence as incomprehensible. Yet it is entirely understandable. Those who advocate Socialism, usually the young, are desperate for change. They are correct in believing that the world must change if they … [Read more...]
Being Prepared
Wednesday Being prepared is a great virtue, but underneath it sits the ability to successfully predict, the intelligence to formulate appropriate strategies in accord with those predictions and, most importantly, the courage to implement them. Only then can one truly be prepared. Such are the marks of success in all human endeavours. But, how can one 'be prepared' in this … [Read more...]
Be Prepared
Monday 'Be prepared' is the Baden Powell motto. Being prepared is a great virtue, but underneath it sits prediction - the ability to successfully predict, the intelligence to formulate appropriate strategies in accord with those predictions and the courage to implement them. Only then can one be prepared. Such are the marks of success in all human endeavours. But, how can … [Read more...]
The Urge to Conform
Thursday The urge to conform is not, in one sense, strange or misguided. The 19th century was the peak of Western Civilization. It was an age when men strived for reason; when individual rights, including the right to speak and write freely, were sacrosanct. To hold tenaciously to those values was the mark of decency and the foundation of society – a community of shared … [Read more...]