A digital commonplace for a Regular Guy called Charlie Pharis
What He said: “Change.” What He did: Same old tired political hacks to fill His administration.
What He said: “No lobbyists.” What He did: At least 17 lobbyists in key positions.
What He said: “Bi- and Post-partisanship.” What He did: “I won.”
And on, and on, and on…
I’m re-reading Tom Peters’s little Reinventing Work series. The first book in the series, The Brand You 50, includes this great quote that should be required reading for every American in the face of the mentality that has led to the socialistic government power grab, euphemistically known as the “stimulus package”…
America has always been the Self-Help Nation. Bootstrap Nation. Pioneer Nation. In the early years of our democracy, everybody provided for themselves and their families (and their neighbors in time of need). Nobody expected to be taken care of. Self-reliance, independence, and the freedom that goes with them were what we stood for, what defined us. And then, about 150 years ago, when Giant Corp. arrived on the scene (Giant Govt. came about 75 years later), we started to lose “it.” Our Franklinian “it.” Our Emersonian “it.” We succumbed — exactly the right word — to Babbittry. To Big Corp.-That-Will-Be-Mummy-and-Daddy-for-Life.
My take (redux): It stunk (and stinks) to high heaven.
But … Gloria, Gloria, Gloria … It Is Over!
Oh, that Tom Peters would be heard loud and clear by our alleged “leaders” at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue! Oh, that his manifesto would once again become the watchword of Americans of all stripes! And, oh that it would be before we sink further into the abyss of socialism!
…and the President and his administration just don’t care!
That’s a flashback to the stupid and inane reports from post-Hurricane Katrina, right?
Nope, it’s the current state of affairs…guess it’s all about the race/class of the victims, huh?
Amazing…
This is a test of mobile blogging from my CrackBerry.
It’s me, the guy who used to hang out here. Remember?
I know, I know…you’ve felt neglected over the last little while. The new kids? Yeah, you’ve met them, right?
Well, let’s see…there’s Twitter. Yeah, kind of accomplishes the same thing you used to accomplish, only in 140 characters or less. Not nearly as time-consuming. I know, it’s not the same. Don’t have to think as much, there’s not as large a blank space staring at you, daring you, challenging you. But it is quick and hip and happening. And it goes with me all the time.
Yeah, speaking of going with me all the time, I guess you’ve also met the newest kid on the block, the Curve. I know, I’ve always been a pencil-and-paper planner kind of guy. Never thought I’d be interested in gadget calendars and to-do lists. It’s taking some getting used to, and I’m still not sure it’s any better. Just different. Maybe you know some people who can help me get better at using it more effectively.
What’s that? You miss me? Yeah, truth be told, I miss you, too, old pal. When I was hanging out with the Twitter kid the other day, I realized that a lot of the folks you turned me on to over the last five years or so are hanging out there, too. And I got kind of nostalgic for the good old days. Remember, when you were the new kid on the block? When you were fresh and hip and happening? Before the corporate types took you over? Yeah, those were the days.
Well, just wanted to pop in and say howdy. The Curve kid’s got a blinking red light that calls for me, beckons for my attention. I’ll be back. Soon. Yes, I promise.