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The President of the United States holds the title of Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces and as such is the nations top soldier whether he actually served a day in uniform or not. No one other than the men who have sat behind the desk in the Oval Office can imagine the terrible burden it must be to sign the document to send even one soldier into war and possibly end their lives. It is impossible for the rest of us to comprehend the pain a President must feel when the first flag draped coffins are returned home and know he was responsible. It is equally impossible to believe that any President in our history has ever done so lightly or without great deliberation as to what is best for his and our country. Time and time alone are their ultimate judges. Historians will and have gone over every word spoken, every document written and every picture taken for every President alive and dead and for all those to come. Mistakes have been made in every war but historically those mistakes were in the politization of said war or in the actual prosecution of the war.
We are all human; especially Presidents, politicians and generals, and as such, let us all lay our biases aside, at least for this one weekend a year and remember our fellow Americans with kindness, grace and humility. Remember who we are as a nation and what we fight for, Freedom. Remember to thank our Armed Forces and our Presidents for those freedoms we enjoy and strive to earn those freedoms in our everyday lives.
ocdevilsadvocate
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( 3.1 / 442 )Watching the news daily I have had to wonder "How long will this Carrie Prejean story go on"? Unfortunately, the answer came to me while watching the Sunday Today Show. It will last as long as Donald Trump can squeeze out the last drop of publicity from this sham of a news item.
For anyone who might not know; Donald Trump, the Marilyn Chambers of self-promotion, is the owner of the Miss USA Pageant. Carrie Prejean is the winner of Miss California and runner up to Miss USA. Miss Prejean was asked a question concerning the passage of a bill recognizing gay marriage and the answer she gave; that she personally, believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman is when all hell broke loose. The question was written and asked by openly gay celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and when he did not receive the answer he wanted has proceeded to insult, vilify and try to destroy Miss Prejean in the media. Those are just the basics; the story gets much more interesting the deeper you delve.
Enter Shanna Moakler; Miss USA 1995, who is a spokesperson for the pageant. She has condemned Miss Prejean for answering the question honestly. Ms. Moakler and Perez Hilton's main arguments seem to be that the contestants in the pageant are required to represent all Americans and by stating what 70% of Americans believe Miss Prejean is not being inclusive. What they do not seem to understand is that; first of all we live in the United States of America (hence the name of the pageant) and everyone is permitted to have their own opinions. Secondly, that Miss Prejean started her answer by stating just those sentiments and how happy she was to live in such a country. Thirdly, she also started her answer by apologizing to anyone she might offend. And, finally if the pageant is so concerned about the contestants giving offensive answers then why were the judges permitted to asked loaded and potentially offensive questions?
The second argument being brought out is, by my count, 2 “semi” nude modeling photographs Miss Prejean had professionally taken when she was 17 years old. Now a couple of things about this seem disingenuous; firstly the photos show less of her body than when she and all the other contestants paraded for the swimsuit part of the competition. Second, the current Miss Rhode Island posed topless for Maxim magazine and there are no repercussions for her. Thirdly, it seems that Miss Prejean had breast augmentation surgery for the contest but guess what, the pageant paid for the surgery. Finally, Ms. Moakler was the 2001 Playboy Playmate of the Month at which time I think she had to pose totally nude. Is the pageant concerned about the ethics and morals of its contestants? Why don’t they look at their spokespersons? What kind of message is Ms. Maokler sending? And what about it’s judges? What kind of message is being sent by having a judge like Perez Hilton? Mr. Hiltons claim to fame is as a nasty, insulting, self-promoting blogger who spends his day criticizing celebrities (he could not have chosen an easier target). I suppose the old adage is still true “those who can do and those who can’t criticize”.
But, I digress; let us get back to Donald Trump. “The Donald” could have stopped this media crucifixion almost immediately but he saw an opportunity for incredible amounts of publicity. I mean how often are we still talking about the Miss USA pageant weeks after its conclusion? Not very often I would dare say. But is a young woman’s reputation really worth the cost? And where are groups like NOW, the National Organization for Women? Is Miss Prejean not a woman anymore because of her beliefs? Is she and millions of other women in this country not worth your defense? Maybe you should rename your organization to NOWALAYBWWB (the National Organization of Women As Long As You Believe What We Believe). It is a bit long so I will let you work on that at your leisure. I have also been hearing that there is a large number in the gay and lesbian community who do not agree with the treatment of Miss Prejean. Where are you? Do you really want the likes of Perez Hilton and Shanna Moakler to be the faces of your struggle? Guess what? By your silence that is exactly what has happened.
Mr. Trump will be going on National television on Tuesday to render his verdict on the future of Miss Prejean as it pertains to the Miss USA contest. At that time we will see what the pompous, pouting prince of publicity seekers is made of, I am hopeful it is sturdier stuff than his “hair” but I won’t be holding my breath. Whatever the outcome Miss Prejean can be proud that she stood firm and voiced her convictions and did not succumb to the media and activist pressure. She has shown much more tolerance and grace than those who purport to preach tolerance, but have shown that it is only tolerance to those who believe as they do.
ocdevilsadvocate
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( 3.2 / 440 )It has recently been brought to my attention that personal political views are being espoused as fact in high school classrooms and this is very troubling to me and I hope to you. Being the son of a pair of teachers I am quite aware that these professionals are human and, as such, have a right to their own opinions and beliefs. Being an American citizen affords you these rights; but, you have a higher calling as an educator and molder of young minds to present the facts in an unbiased manner. Please understand that I am not saying that you shouldn’t present all sides of a subject; to the contrary, all sides should always be presented. In doing this you stimulate discussion and critical thinking which should be the goal of all educators. But please, please, please don’t present personal views as fact without historical backup.
Allow me to present an example. When studying the American Presidents; our 39th president, Mr. Jimmy Carter, was exhibited as being a much maligned figure in history and our 40th president, Mr. Ronald Reagan, as an over-rated figure. Now, personal opinion aside, the facts are the facts.
Fact #1: When Pres. Carter was in office the “Misery Index” (combining the rates of inflation and unemployment to create a barometer of the economy) was at an all time high of 21.98% which was up from 12.68% under Pres. Nixon. His last year as president the inflation rate was at 12.5% and unemployment rose 7.2%. Just as an example at the end of Pres. G.W. Bush’s presidency the inflation rate was only 8.83%. And. Finally, during Pres. Carters’ administration the prime rate went from 7% to 20% and the home mortgage rate rose to 18%.
Fact #2: Pres. Carter presided over a steady decline in American influence around the world. He atrophied the U.S. military by severe cuts in spending and through the lack of support to the Shah of Iran, a longtime American ally, permitted the Iranian Revolution by religious extremists who jailed our American diplomats. And, just to add insult to injury, presided over one of the greatest U.S. military embarrassments of the 20th century; the botched rescue attempt of said diplomats. If presidents can receive the credit for American snipers shooting pirates then they can take the responsibility for the failures as well.
Fact #3: The Carter Administration’s attempts at Mid East peace were equally shambolic. While he brought both parties to the “Peace Table” he coerced concessions from Israel in his effort to gain “peace” while asking for and receiving nothing in return from Arafat and the Palestinians other than the “promise” of a cease fire of rockets and suicide bombings of Israeli civilians. In essence Carter befriended known terrorist organizations, recognized as such by the U.S., Israel and the European Union, who in their own Charter stipulate “to hasten the judgment day by murdering all Jews”. Needless to say the rockets and bombers did not stop.
Fact #4: President Carter created the Department of Energy and the Department of Education starting the spending hundreds of billions of dollars on two of what have become the most underachieving and least innovative government bureaus in all of Washington, and that is saying something. They were created to “secure and diversify energy supplies” and to “improve the quality of and to innovate public education”. How has that worked out for us?
President Jimmy Carter rode into the White House with an overwhelming Congressional majority (61 Senators and 292 House Members) which was much larger than President Obama. Four years later he was essentially ridden out of town on a rail with the resounding electorate vote of 44 out of 50 states. At a later time we can examine the similarities of President Carter’s economic, domestic and world views and those of our current President but right now I wonder, “In what way are President Carter and his administration maligned”? The facts are the facts so, again, I ask you as educators to absolutely present all sides fairly and keep your personal opinions to an absolute minimum. Let our children come to their own conclusions through your direction in debate and research.
ocdevilsadvocate
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( 3.2 / 463 )Last week I spoke about the responsibilities of business owners in the Service Industry. Yes; business owners, managers and employees must all be held accountable for the product they sell. Does this mean that customers have no responsibility for their actions and behavior when in said places of business? The answer is a simple and resounding NO! Simply because a guest pays for a service does not mean they have free rein to demand, belittle, damage or insult the business, the owners or the employees.
Let us take hotels as an example. There are many different types of hotels that range from very simple to very luxurious. The prices of these properties will vary due to things like location, size and the amenities offered. But suffice it to say that you would not expect the same accommodations in a $50 a night motel as you would a $500 a night suite hotel. Surprisingly though the rules for behavior for both are very similar; treat the room as if you are an invited guest and follow the rules of the house. Would you go to a friend’s home and sneak in extra people when they were asleep? Would you throw your trash on the floor or stain the beds and break the furniture? Would you stay up late into the evening drinking and having a party while your friends were trying to sleep in the next room? Finally, would you smoke in the room or house of a friend when you were specifically asked not too simply because you felt discriminated against or just put upon? I dare say that if anyone did these things in your home they, at the very least, would never be invited back. So, why do them when staying in a hotel? Just because you are paying to stay there? Newsflash! You are paying for the accommodations, the location and the convenience it affords you; you are not buying the hotel. If you are not pleased with your room you have the ability to talk to the management and complain (remember you catch more flies with honey than vinegar). If they are unwilling or unable to help you with a reasonable request then you always have the option to take your business elsewhere.
By the way, on the smoking part, the law stipulates that hotels and restaurants must now be non-smoking in many parts of the country. The businesses are simply following the law, so if you have a problem with the law go to your state legislature and light up there. That would be the democratic and courageous way to express your discontent.
There are also many different types of restaurants with an even greater disparate range of prices. But, again, the rules of behavior are similar. First of all it is your responsibility as a customer to know the type of restaurant you are entering. Ask the front desk staff at your hotel for some information, read the menu before being seated and talk to host/hostess. If the prices and food are to your liking then proceed, if they are not just say thank very much and try the next place. Once seated order a drink and take your time reading the menu. Ask the server any questions you might have about any item, they should be trained to have your answers. If you do this simple thing you will never be forced to say those words that every restaurateur despises “This isn’t what I expected”. It is your responsibility, as much as the restaurants, to understand what you are ordering. Something as simple as a Club Sandwich may be prepared differently in different restaurants. If something as egregious as your steak not being cooked to your specifications occurs simply ask for it to be corrected. Most restaurants will do everything they can to make your meal a pleasant one.
Understand that your attitude and behavior is infectious to the staff as well as to the customers around you. Maintain a reasonable volume level to your party’s conversation. If you have children control them. Simply because you have children does not mean you need to share them with everyone else in the dining room. No one likes unruly adults or children.
Finally, if you have a problem with the service you received inform the manager. A poor server reflects badly on the restaurant and I assure you they want to know. You may leave less than the normal 15% gratuity but let the management know why. If the food was the problem then also ask to speak to the manager when the problem occurs, normally they will try to make things right immediately. Don’t wait till the check arrives and you have eaten your meal, no one will take you seriously at that point.
It all comes down to a matter of good manners and respect. To paraphrase the late, great John Lennon, ‘The respect you take is equal to the respect you make”.
ocdevilsadvocate
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( 3.1 / 380 )There’s a reason it’s called the “Service Industry”
In these current uncertain economic times the “Service Industry”, restaurants, hotels, casinos…etc, is taking an especially hard hit. With less disposable income one of the first things families do is cut back on perceived luxuries. They cut their vacations shorter, they travel closer to home, and they don’t eat out as often and so on. Because we live in a family resort town this puts our livelihoods under extraordinary stress.
The question arises “What can we do, as business owners and employees, to survive these troubled times?” Well, as business people we all know that we must control our costs by purchasing more carefully and watching waste. We must control our personnel costs by hiring and scheduling more effectively. Also, we must monitor our energy costs by conserving fuel and electricity whenever possible. These are all things that are tangible and through vigilance attainable. But what about the customer, after all we are in the “Service” industry; just by the name alone the product we sell is ourselves and our ‘service’.
Ocean City became a resort destination because of our unique natural location and beauty. We grew by hotel, restaurant and condo because people enjoyed our beaches and weather. Families have come for generations to swim, to sun themselves and forget about their daily lives and troubles for 1 or 2 weeks a year and we have thrived as business owners and as a community. Now we find ourselves wondering how to keep our guests coming back and wanting to spend their limited dollars with us. And that is where that word ‘service” rears its head.
The dictionary defines service as “work done or duty performed for another or others”. I believe that the best way to guarantee that our guests return to our businesses is to provide them with the best product through the best service possible. This can be achieved by constant employee training and reinforcement, by owner and management commitment to a high standard and by instilling pride in the workplace. Those properties that take their customers for granted and treat them as if their patronage doesn’t matter will fall by the wayside very quickly in these economic times, no matter if you are a young property or a well established business. Treat your guests with respect and give them the best product you can at a fair price and most of them will return and even better yet they will send their friends.
One final thought, don’t think for a minute that there will always be another customer following the one you just lost because of a non-caring, arrogant attitude. I promise you, if you want to remain in business in these tough economic times, every customer needs to be thought of as a potential return customer. The day's of endless lines for mediocre products served by untrained, unpleasant people are over.
ocdevilsadvocate
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