Aristotle said, “it is not once, nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world.”
Marc Champion, of the Wall Street Journal, writes that Tony Blair resigned his post as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom because of his association with President George Bush. BBC News reports that Christian Cox, a US Citizen, living in London, wrote to the BBC news website to express her concern about the amount of abuse she receives because of her nationality.
When I went to college in England, Ronald Reagan was President. And do you now what the Brits said to me?
“Only in America could a movie star be a President.”
I agreed. Only in America. I was not proud of the fact that Reagan was our President. Are you kidding? Ronald Reagan was a brilliant orator but not a scholar. Years later when were traveling through Ireland during the Supreme Court’s plenary session relative to America’s next President, Gore or Bush. All stratum’s of Irish society throughout the whole of Ireland said,
“Bush will take the Presidency.”
Now think about it. Isn’t it fascinating the UK could see the obvious, yet we who were so close couldn’t see it? What does that tell you? Socrates said we are incapable of evaluating ourselves objectively. If you know objectivity is impossible why would you not seek independent council throughout all of your life irrelevant of your station, role and function?
Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “once the mind has been stretched by a new idea, it will never again return to its original size.” Being educated in England had been a lifelong dream of mine. Why? Because I think big. I love history. I am avid believer history repeats itself. Going to school abroad taught me more than international culture. I learned global economics, currencies, history, art, etc. from an entirely different perspective. But more important I learned tolerance and acceptance. I studied art history and French for years in high school and in college, but until you live in a foreign country you realize how much you don’t know.
I took my oldest son when he was thirteen years old with me on a business trip to England. I will never forget when he said to me,
“Mom which is better, Philadelphia or London?
“Neither Mike. They are different.”
My son fell in love with England just as I did twenty five years prior.
For those Americans abroad dealing with how our President is affecting the world at large, I would suggest you put yourself into the world’s shoes. The biggest mistakes I have made in my life are when I did not sit in the shoes of the person across the desk from me. When we expect others to see only our perspective we are guaranteed failure.
Irrelevant of your role, CEO or President of a nation, you will make mistakes. It will happen. As Einstein said, “a person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.” So how is it one could be so foolish or stupid to think you would either not make a mistake or not take responsibility for it? How pompous and arrogant can one nation or person be?
No one can tolerate deceit. What’s wrong with making mistakes? What’s bad about them? I have the learned the most in my life from the mistakes I have made. Even Aristotle said, “the fruits of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Did George and Cheney cheat their way through history class? Is that the problem? Because I cannot figure out for the life of me how so many smart people take dumb pills. Which part of understanding the cause and effect of denying your mistakes do you not get? You lose credibility. What are you? A liar.
If you aren’t sure what to do ask questions, ask for help. Do your due diligence. Research the problem. You would think someone who attended Yale would have studied history and Alexander. He was the world’s greatest conqueror. I always find it fascinating when learned men have both the hubris and the stupidity to repeat mistakes others have made before them. The disappointment is not that they take down their own nations, it is the domino effect and the lives they destroy.
Arstitotle also said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” How sad the fragile ego that cannot seek guidance and advice? What is it the ego fears? The discovery of being wrong. The ego saves face. The cost irrelevant. All ends justified. Only the ego’s desires matter.
I love history. Why? History is the study of nations, people and mindsets. I will never-forget sitting at dinner with the local Chairman of the Republican Party and he said to me, “Ev, if a CEO of a major company did what Bill Clinton did, he would have been fired.” I looked at him and laughed.
“What country and what company are you talking about? Are you nuts?” I said to him.
There was major discourse. It was the most ridiculous statement I had ever heard in my entire life. What planet do people live on in this world that actually think that? I have been in corporate America my entire life. And I can tell you first hand that is unadulterated crap. If anybody thinks a CEO would be fired because he fools around with a woman is either drunk or on drugs. I should know. I have been victimized by sexual harassment ad nauseam.
I a registered republican and I must say its sickens me what Republicans did to Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton is the only President we have had in The White House that is both a scholar and every man. I would invite everyone with a brain to comment on this one. Those people with brains wouldn’t dare comment. You can’t actually equate someone’s private sexual exploits with lying to the world about the cause of a war? You cannot be serious. Don’t even come here with that one. Do you know what the Brits were doing about Bill Clinton? They were laughing at us. The fact that Republicans equate Clinton with Bush is beyond my comprehension.
The Republican machinery was so mad because Bill won, they wanted to get back at him. Hillary was absolutely right. It was a vast right wing conspiracy. You know and I know it. A bunch of sanctimonious schmucks. All those guys were fooling around. They always are. You know how I know? Those are the sames guys who are making passes at me. At that really disgusts me. And here’s the other thing on the sex issue. If there is one lie I can forgive it’s sex. Because guess what? I don’t want to know what my husband is doing with anybody else ever. And if you ever tell me, I’ll have to come through my computer and beat the crap out of you. So those who throw stones are living in glass houses. If those pharisaical morons had listened to Einstein you know what he would have told them? “Before God we are all equally wise and equally foolish. God may be subtle, but he isn’t plain mean.”
At a minimum tell the truth you idiots. Say we made a mistake you freaking nuts. Poor George doesn’t understand what he’s done to this nation in the world. What’s even sadder is most American’s don’t get why the world hates Americans so much. I do. Twenty five years ago I was on a plane from London to Frankfurt and I’ll never forget how a Texan treated a stewardess. He grabbed her by her buttocks and in other parts that were repulsive to me. Today, I would stand up and pour my drink on him. Back then I was young and didn’t know what to do. But at that moment I was embarrassed and humiliated to be American.
All George needed to say was:
“We had false information and rushed to judgement. It was a grave error on our part and I take full responsibiity. Given our current situation, here are our options….”
Einstein would have told George, “Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.“
And as it related to business? Its the same thing. How many times have I seen the guy at the top who is so sanctimonious in his station yet screwing the little guy? He’s getting paid $45 million and screwing the little guy. Why? That’s what I loved about John Reed. Finally a guy with a brain and integrity. He took the job as head of the NYSE for $1.00. In one fell swoop he restored integrity to NYSE. What a novel idea.
Instead life is about screwing everybody isn’t it? Its about greed. Because what’s the point in doing the right thing? Why would anybody care about the fact that HALLIBURTON has BEEN SCREWING the United States? Hey, what’s the big deal? Cheney was Halliburton’s CEO, but I don’t think we should bring attention to that should we? Good Republican soldiers don’t open their mouths. Just do as your told. Never admit your mistakes. Denial is so much better isn’t it? Destruction irrelevant. It is the golden rule of business right boys? All that really matters are profits and greed.
Elliot Spitzer set a glorious example on Wall Street. Mayor Bloomberg was so concerned IPOs going abroad he spent $700,000 on a study. Lots of integrity there. Get elected, then figure out how to redo the system. $1.4 billion in fines was a coo wasn’t it? All in the name of justice. And mostly without going through the court system. You are truly brilliant Governor. Now what do we do about fixing the IPO system? I mean the problem wasn’t really fixed Govenor Spitzer. But then you knew that didn’t you?
Final lesson is never admit your mistakes. After all what does Einstein and Aristotle know anyway?
Copyright 2007 Ev Nucci
38 Comments
May 16, 2007 at 2:45 pm
I’m totally exhausted and inspired all in the same breath after reading this carefully crafted document.
Side note: With the complexities of this society comes a need to hide what is true from those seeking answers – ERM
May 16, 2007 at 3:02 pm
As a Canadian, I would like to simply share what most Canadians feel about Bush, Cheney and the other cast of characters that are shaping our future….”we are afraid….we are very afraid!”
On a happier note, love the photos of your son in England.
May 16, 2007 at 3:24 pm
ERM, I absolutely agree on your point relative to the complexities of our society. However, rule 101 of life is tell the truth. You cannot escape the truth. Not now or ever. And that is where George went wrong. The sad and horrid reality is how his arrogance has affected the world. I live in a highly complex world…trust me. I am privy to highly highly confidential information…..I will be the first to to tell you that you cannot in any way shape or form spill you guts. I am not an idiot. But I am a scholar! And the sad truth is that George and Cheney thought they owed no one anything. That is where they made the most heinous error of all. How dare they do that. Even in the complex world I live in, trust me, I must always know what is right and what is wrong.
May 16, 2007 at 4:32 pm
ERM,
Here’s the other thing I always council people on. Whatever negative there is, take it out and put it on the table. Why? Because you immediately establish credibility. Cowards hide. Those with courage address that which is weak and ugly.
May 16, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I love the post. It kind of reminds me of a Bill Bonner book (or two).
I don’t think that one needs to go abroad to get an objective view. We live in an information age where we can bring the world to us via the Internet and books. The big problem in our society has been a hedonistic shift in people born after WWII. They have never known true hardship and can only be characterized by their temerity. You can put information on there; people have to be willing to accept it. People would rather go to the bar and destroy brain cells than go to a library and activate them.
May 16, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Amen to you Invest in Gold! I am with you 1000% Amazing that someone else gets the incredible thought of actually reading and learning. What a novel idea isn’t it? Thank you for supporting my incredibly simple mind.
May 16, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Abraham Lincoln says: “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all of the time.”
The problem with many especially those who are in authority is that they could not “Admit their mistakes gracefully” even though, they do understand that those who is ignorant of history is bound to repeat its mistakes.
Well, those never admits wrong loves pride more than facts. We ought to “listen to what has been said, and especially to the unspoken – therein lie nuggets of truth and beauty.”
May 16, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Sam, well said. I could not have said it better. Thank you!
May 16, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Sylvia,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Its really important for Americans to hear how the world feels about our President. On a lighter note, my son just finished his freshman year at Columbia. I turned around and he grew up.
May 16, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I am always amazed at those who defend the arrogance of this current administration. The arrogance of our country, and many of our citizens – as if being an American some how gives one the only real view of what should be. To have leaders who never admit to their mistakes, especially when their mistakes are so huge and affect so many, and to have citizens who defend them is impossible to understand.
The total lack of any real understanding of the history of the world in general ( and how history affects and must be taken into account when making decisions ) is made obvious my this administrations mistakes. The world has always seen us better than we see ourselves.
This administration has done nothing more than set us back to a time where we are again considered priggish, boorish and uneducated Americans with Imperialistic goals.
I grew up in many places, so do not necessary share the views of many in this country. I don’t always understand them either and often feel at odds with them. I am appalled and have been since day one at the ineptness of the present “regime” but am at loss as to how they got their in the first place.
They were elected by people who would have done better to know a little more about …..anything really, but history is a good start. Maybe more knowledge by the constituency would have prevented us from electing people who refuse to own up and take responsibility for one of the largest mistakes in history to date.
My only problem with Clinton, and remember I am at this point a rather ” liberal Democrat”, is that when a man of such power allows a nineteen year old to give him a blow- job he is misusing his power making me question his character. I would not have this type of character question if the blow job had been given by say… Margaret Thatcher.
But yes it was a witch hunt.
This was delightfully though provoking.
May 16, 2007 at 9:47 pm
I totally agree with your thoughts. As for Prez Bush, he has done some irreparable damage during his tenure..and there is no way anyone can compare him to Prez Clinton! There was no need of endangering young American lives in Iraq. He just ended up spending billions of dollars and making new enemies in his tenure.After all his blunders, he still is unwilling to accept his mistakes! Amazing.
May 16, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Cooper, aaaaahh. It is so refreshing to believe that there are indeed thinking people in this country.
May 16, 2007 at 10:08 pm
AboyfromIndia, Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. Can you believe that people in the US actually believe what Clinton did was worse than what Bush has done? Is that incomprehensible or what? Amazing. It is without a doubt the Republican machinery of stupidity!
May 17, 2007 at 12:31 am
It’s quite surprising to know that Clinton’s work for his country is so under-rated. He was a very suave and competent president,and I believe he took America towards greater prosperity.Bush seems to be quite foolish.He has proven this time and time again!Recently he gave the Queen a very ‘Royal welcome’,for which she wasn’t quite prepared!
)
May 17, 2007 at 1:02 am
Aboyfromindia, You are very wise for one so young. What’s interesting is how one’s perspective can cloud your judgment. For example, because I travel to New York City all the time and my oldest son attends college in NY my husband read this post and though he thought it was well written and scholarly, he disagrees with me. He always has when it comes to anything to do with the United States and our safety. I was in the World Trade Center two days before it was bombed interviewing someone. He lives with the fact that I easily could have been there the day it happened and easily could have been killed. So in his twisted mind, he would rather everyone be in Iraq. Now it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. But you cannot talk to my husband rationally about this. Do you know why? All he can see is his wife and his son dead. Therefore, he is totally and completely skewed in his thought process. I, on the other hand, can be much more objective about it than he.
So the rationale is Bill Clinton was promiscuous…and George is defending the country. Its absolutely ludicrous isn’t it? However, you cannot talk rationally to people who fear death so completely. I do not fear death.
May 17, 2007 at 1:41 am
Yes..i can understand.The WTC attack did change many people’s mindset..not surprisingly at that!It was the biggest terrorist attack in American history. As an Indian I can imagine how it feels like, when your country becomes a victim of terrorism.Terror is commonplace in India. We are now used to live with it and are no longer scared to die.In the recent past, there have been incidents where the local populous has caught terrorists with their bare hands..a welcome change!
May 17, 2007 at 9:28 am
Really? The local populous caught terrorists with their bare hands? You mean they actually caught them themselves and turned them over to the police? The Pakistanis right?
May 17, 2007 at 10:31 am
Yes ! they were caught by a mob..and handed over to the cops.This happened 2 yrs back.Pakistanis pay unemployed youth in Pakistan to take up terrorism as a profession.On the other hand, they present this ‘anti-terror’ face to the US and the world.Recently a US army general had said publicly that Pakistan is supporting terrorism but was forced to hush up by the US government!
May 17, 2007 at 11:10 am
Great Post. I linked to it on My View of “It”
May 17, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Wow, it seems like this is going to be my most challenging comment to put out on the net! As you already know, I’m a Malaysian and sad to say due to the impact of 9/11, most or not maybe all Muslim nations have been victimised for this action. Even Pay-Pal doesn’t accept us, what did we do?
To me frankly, Bush and the ‘gang’ have got all their priorities screwed up. When will all this end? How many lives must we sacrifice before we say “We Were Wrong”? (oops sorry,not we but HE)
This is the first post that I have ever read that is actually very thruthfull and straight to point, “Learn, from the mistakes of the Past” !
May 17, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Nihal, Thank you. And are you serious? Paypal does not accept any Muslims? That is incredible to me. And if you note as I said, my own husband does not agree with me.
Yet what Bush did was divert the issue from one country to another. And how can you destroy all people because of the actions of a few? Its hypocrisy isn’t it? Its the same thing the Islamic radicals are doing to Americans isn’t it?
Its the pot calling the kettle black……..yet no one seems to see the ridiculousness of it do they? Why is that?
Yet my own husband is clouded in his very own perspective because all he can think about is the possibility of his wife and child being killed. And yet I do not fear death. Not one bit.
May 17, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Carol, thank you. I just want to wake the world up…..what are we doing to one another? This is a global issue…………NOT AN AMERICAN ISSUE………….
May 17, 2007 at 12:56 pm
ABOYFROMINDIA,
Are you familiar with the policies of the US towards India and Pakistan? Duplicity at its best!
May 18, 2007 at 10:58 am
Hey Ev – first, can I just how great your son looks here in London!
Can I offer some perspective on your posting from the viewpoint of a British European?
First, it’s a sad fact that people too often confuse the government of a country with its people. Any American deserves to be treated for who they are, not as a representative of George Bush. I’m particularly sensitive to this, because of the great hospitality I have experienced abroad – in the US, certainly, but also in African and Middle Eastern countries where, despite considerable historical resentment towards Britain, I have been received with courtesy and even kindness. I hope that I exhibit some of the same hospitality towards guests in the UK, and I’m very sorry if my countrymen and women don’t do the same.
Then again, there are politicians and leaders who shamelessly exploit a current of anti-Americanism for political gain. French president Chirac’s surge in popularity as a result of his opposition to the US and the Iraq war was a case in point. Taking a position is easy when it results in the plaudits of the crowd and requires no action. (The French saw sense later, and Chirac ends his term as the least popular president of the Fifth Republic.)
Yet even if you take away those who want to exploit the situation, the fact remains that the US president and government are unpopular, and for a very simple reason. The US is the world’s most powerful nation, and the president and government are seen as exploiting that power for their own ends. These might be personal gain (Halliburton and Cheney) or political kudos (Bush), but that is the perception, and it is an enduring one that is difficult to shake, especially when US policy affects people personally in their daily lives – as Nihal says it does, above.
I don’t have any political insight to offer on this, or easy solutions – except this: encourage more American youngsters like Ev’s son to travel. Let them see the world, and take back some of that knowledge for when they come to rule the country. And let the rest of the world understand, on meeting them, that they are the true voice of America, not the small group that runs the country, for better or ill.
May 18, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Well, I love this post. I couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks for the comments and the links. You’re right, most people don’t help in general.
May 21, 2007 at 6:21 am
Donald, excellent perspective and thought provoking comments. I agree with you 100%. The future rests in our youth.
May 30, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I think everything in America has become too politicized.
it seems Cheney was hired to push Aspartime through the FDA by using his connections – not because its safe.
According to a friend who has a Master’s in Regulatory Sciences from a top University, where he also teaches,
“The FDA is not there to keep American’s safe from harmful drugs – its there to keep the people’s faith in the system”.
If only the government would focus on running the country and keep its nose out of everything else!
June 1, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Wealth Building Lessons, I could not agree more. My husband doesn’t agree with this post at all……but that’s OK. We can think differently can’t we? And have different opinions.
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July 17, 2007 at 8:55 am
This will be short. It amazes me that our country is in the situation we now find ourselves. The in-fighting, the hatred, the lies and half-truths that are being spewed out by the media, the politicians, the public. Yes, our country has troubles. Why don’t we fix the problems, rather than fixing the blame?
July 30, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Yes, but you can always tell them that we kicked there asses in the Revolution, War of 1812, and bailed them out in two world wars.
Besides, they have lousy cuisine. Ever hear of a good English restaurant?
July 30, 2007 at 3:55 pm
To Wealth Building-
Actually, it was Donald Rumsfeld that pushed the poison known as aspartame. This is very well documented, as he was the past CEO of Searle at the time, and got a multi-million dollar bonus.
You are correct about FDA. They do not even test any drugs. They pass judgment on industry tests as submitted to them. That’s well documented, too.
July 30, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Morgan Lighter…you are one smart cookie! I’m with ya!
July 30, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Digital Nomad…I’m withya my brotha…there is no such thing as great English cuisine! Then again…neither is there great “american” cuisine…so what’s that tell ya???? There is great “french cuisine” and great “italian!” … but right now you have me ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on what have the American’s spread??? Mcdoodoos….which has spread everyone’s big fat butt!
July 31, 2007 at 9:16 am
Hot dogs, barbeque, potato chips, corn on the cob? Heck I don’t know…need to watch the Food Channel more.
July 31, 2007 at 9:28 am
You are too funny. Hot dogs…that’s great! Barbeque? Chips…brilliant. Really good for the buttocks as well! They don’t help my legs do they…I’ll remind my trainer as I’m doing that darn crunches. Oh, and let’s not forget about twinkies shall we? You have me ROTLMAO again!
August 7, 2007 at 11:08 pm
love this post — and I can’t believe I’m saying this to someone who’s a registered republican!
August 8, 2007 at 5:13 pm
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