Sunday, June 22, 2008
A reply letter to Florida Senator Bill Nelson from Arnie Sherr June 22, 2008 6:30 AM EST
This letter is in response to Senator Bill Nelson's reply to my original suggestion that impeachment proceedings be started by the Congress against President Bush.
ARNOLD SHERR
June 22, 2008
Bill Nelson, United States Senator (D-F)
Fax: 202.228.2183
Washington, DC 20510-0905
Dear Senator Nelson:
I thank you for your speedy response to my letter referencing a Bush impeachment action.
Given, as you state in your letter, “Many American’s would agree that certain actions taken by this Administration warrant impeachment” you’ve not emphatically stated ‘your’ agreement hereto.
Respectfully sir, “impractical” is yet another of Washington’s political avoid, stall, and/or evade words. Unless we utilize the disciplinary tools so thoughtfully placed into law by our founders we are giving permission to future presidents to abuse presidential powers because as is the mind-set of our elected Senators and Congressmen and women, it is “impractical.” Such convenient excuses are synonymous to placing statutory limits on capital offenses. Certainly if it is acceptable to strip an Olympic champion of their gold metal for steroid abuse, after the fact, then is ever appropriate to strip a past president of his lifetime salary and all other benefits except ‘security’ for his abuse of power and deliberate manipulation and breach of United States Law which is inclusive the act of deliberately misleading the Senate and the Congress is his pursuit of permissions to wage what has proved to be unwarranted military action causing greater than 4000 American deaths, untold thousands of injuries of which a preponderance are life altering, and God only know how many Iraqi deaths. Senator, because it is expected that Presidents should be held to a higher standard, I submit that omitting, fabricating, exaggerating, misleading, twisting, and/or misrepresenting to the Congress and the Senate are “Acts of Perjury.” Doing so impeaches a President’s “I do” at his or her inauguration.
US Constitution, Article II, Section 1
Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” When a sitting President officially and deliberately misleads both Houses and the American people he or she has not “faithfully executed the office of President of the United States, and has not to the best of his or her ability, preserved, protected, and defended the Constitution of the United States."
His or her oath of office carries to every function of the Presidency even if formally swearing-in a sitting President is not performed as by his oath of office he has sworn to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." It is my interpretation that omitting, fabricating, exaggerating, misleading, twisting, and/or misrepresenting to the Congress and the Senate and the American people are indeed breaches of the Presidential Oath of Office and are capital impeachable offenses against “We the People.”
Doing nothing, because it is believed by you, and I submit most of your colleagues feel similarly, that it is "impractical" extends latitude to future Presidents to undermine the integrity of the Presidential Oath of Office and sends an aberrant message to America’s populous, its youth, and to the entire global community that still and always has looked up to the United States as the preferred place to immigrate. Impeachment proceedings against this President will also help to repair our worsening global reputation and example, if you will democracy at work for the entire world to witness.
I urge your sir, please reassess your “impractical” criteria and let “We the People” know, among all within our government that is perceived as broken, that our elected officials will always hold he or she who has been trusted by the American people to occupy the Office of the Presidency of the United States of America “accountable” at all times.
Respectfully,
ARNOLD SHERR
Cc: Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi
Fax: 202.225.4188
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The “Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood” their contributions, their value, their mission
By Arnie Sherr http://sherrent.info/AskArnie.php
“The benefits of giving are as generous as or greater than that which is given” - Arnold Sherr
Apart of the Florida Federation of Italian American Clubs, Inc., an organization made-up of greater than 50 clubs throughout the State of Florida is the “Italian Angels Motorcycle Club,” a group whose aspirations dedicate to helping those with commitments of helping others. I speak herein of the “Italian Angels Motorcycle Club” and their unselfish desire not only to with the set-up at the recent Parrott Heads’ Save the Manatee’s event, but as generous and dedicated purveyors of charity they manned their own booth, cooked and sold delicious Italian sausage sandwiches and Italian Angels tee shirts, policed the entire area efficiently enforcing that the event’s perimeter remain impenetrable by visitors seeking convenient parking and access and all for the benefit of this one of many worthiest of causes.
The Florida Federation of Italian American Clubs, Inc. was an idea started by a group of dedicated men. They shared a dream to enhance the Italian heritage and culture throughout the State of Florida. They held their first meeting in "Hank's Coffee Break Restaurant" in Vero Beach, Florida, in November of 1976. They contacted the Florida Chamber of Commerce for a list of known Italian clubs throughout the State. In turn, each club on the list was contacted and asked to join in this great dream. The response was overwhelming and a meeting was held in Vero Beach, Florida, to discuss ideas and purpose with a future convention as the target. Through these efforts the first annual convention was held in Vero Beach. By the time the second convention was held, the organization boasted a membership of over twenty-one clubs, almost ten thousand individuals. The Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood are but one of many affiliate clubs throughout Florida that succeeds in fulfilling the Federation’s mission, and I am happy to add, they do it well.
Frankly, since wisdom - speaking for me - comes with age, I’ve never demonstrated voluntary expressions of charity as part of a group. For individuals in need I’ve definitely made many marks, however I am awed by the good that is shaped when it emanates from the heartfully driven efforts of groups and/or organizations like the “Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood,” the “Italian-American Clubs,” and the many other Federation clubs throughout Florida; other charitable groups like them are a growing culture that is weaving goodness and greatness throughout America’s society.
However, after further research, I’ve uncovered of this noble group of motorcyclists a dedication that I and I venture most will have difficulty surpassing has left me in awe.
In the early morning hours of February 24 , 2005, Jessica Lunsford, a nine-year-old girl who was abducted from her home in Homosassa , Florida. Before it was know that she held captive over the weekend, was raped and later murdered by 47-year-old John Couey who was living nearby the Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood put their Harleycan compassion and humanism to work for the ultimate of causes, to help find Jessica Lunsford.
The Group immediately set out to raise monies for the search. They enlisted more than 2000 people to participate in the search who when they signed-up donated $10.00 or more. Additionally, they were able, with no resistance to have the Gulf Coast Harley-Davidson located in New Part Richie donate to Jessica Lunsford’s father Marc Lunsford with a new Harley so he could lead the search for his missing daughter.
Political back and fourths
By Arnie Sherr http://sherrent.info/AskArnie.php
Earlier today Barack Obama recanted an earlier statement that he along with McCain would accept public financing to fund his run in the general election. Of course, McCain is pouting angrily about his worthy opponent’s tactical decision to do what he thinks will advantage his stakes in the months leading up to December 9, 2008. The pundits, well they are doin’ the “he started it; no he started routine for both candidates. Barack spoke too soon about using public funding, but McCain said one thing and voted another, but Barack’s team attacked Cindy for turning over incomplete tax returns, but the McCain campaign scolded Michelle for her misstatement about being proud of this country, and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and so one.
Just like a couple a juveniles, they banter back and forth; only the pundits are keeping score much the same as the announcers that spout obscure stats and theories about strategy at every Ray’s game at Tropicana Field and elsewhere. But you know there is a bigger picture about campaign financing.
Of this campaign and at this point however, each of the two candidate’s proceeds funding-wise and because it is not this one segment of public financing that by itself will revamp campaign finance Barack’s change of mind doesn’t matter. It must start before the primaries.
The way in which the funding system is designed the average well-qualified “Joe” has no way to participate. In order for the playing field to be “Fair and Balanced” (no sarcasm intended), qualifying criteria for each state’s ballot must be attainable to all, who by other more logical criteria are permitted to compete. It is at this point that campaign funding reform is needed.
Campaign donations on federal tax returns must be mandatory – at present it is optional – and on state returns as well. Federal for the general election and the state for its primary. An example might be $1.50 per federal return and $15.00 per state return because as in this past primary there were more than 20 combined candidates.
This is where the Playin’ field gets leveled. In the primary the states shall divide equally the state return election fund. Every candidate campaigns with the same amount of money, no personal funding or outside donations permitted. There are many leadership and economic transparencies that voters will be witness of and may consider when going to the polls - money management, fiscal responsibility, and more.
For the general campaign the federal election fund shall be divided equally between the two nominees; would this be the case now, Barack would not be dealing with the scolding’s he must tolerate for his flip-flop.
I firmly believe, under this campaign funding ethic, American’s would actually be voting for the “better of the two good’s.”
Just as of other challenges the Congress makes them complicated, therefore difficult debates append; vetoes, filibusters and then angry and frustrated citizens. Immigration is another example; simply take away the jobs and those here illegally will self-deport. I went fishing for bass once; I tried fishing without baiting the hook – you fill in the rest.
To summarize, do I really care whether or not Obama uses public funding? NO. Do I give-a-hoot whether Cindy McCain shows her complete tax returns or not? NO. Could I care less, about the “McCain started it, no it was Obama, he did it first,” routines? You can bet your bippy (dating myself) I don’t.
What I am passionate about is that every American who genuinely feels qualified and believes he or she will benefit “We the People,” has an equal opportunity not only to run, but also to be President of the United States of America.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Divisiveness
‘causing disagreement or hostility within a group so that it is likely to split’
Discordant
‘in disagreement, or incompatible’
Troublesome
‘producing annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety, especially in a recurrent way’
Disruptive
‘interrupting usual order or progress’
Conflict-ridden
‘a disagreement or clash between ideas, principles, or people’
Dissonant
‘incompatible or inconsistent’
Jarring
‘to have an irritating, unsettling, or unpleasantly disturbing effect on somebody or something’
Harsh
‘severely scrutinizing, critical, and rigid in manner’
Inharmonious
‘characterized by disagreement and conflict’
Cacophonous
‘a disagreement or clash between ideas, principles, or people’
More synonyms are
‘cruel, unkind, unsympathetic, callous, ruthless, unforgiving, inconsiderate, troublemaking, unruly, disorderly, unsettling, upsetting, and disturbing’
Arnie Sherr writes of his interpretation of
Above are listed twenty two synonyms of the word “Divisiveness.” All American’s who are even lightly exposed to what is turning out to be America’s longest Presidential primary, without exemption have heard the word “Divisive” used over and over to describe what is in-part portrayed as a cause of our broken government. Our primarily two-party political system (the Independent party slowly growing) is so far apart on the basic but most important issues facing America’s immediate and long term futures, it seems that what used to be a middle-ground for achieving compromise has become a mega-crevice too wide for either side to navigate for acceptable positive solutions. It is said by some in both Houses, what used to be opposite-sides-of-the-isle friendships are no more; that much of the fun of being senators and representatives has deteriorated significantly. Many are retiring back into civilian life, as a result.
But, let us leave the political scene for a moment and travel, if you will and if the following scenario is applicable, to a prior but failed marriage. Whatever the grounds portrayed by the respective lawyers and officiating courts, the route-cause of all that fails between human beings is “divisiveness;” whether of marriage, business partnerships, singing groups, friendships, neighbors, sports teams, and others similar, it is the unwillingness to meet in the middle with open minds and an earnest desire to negotiate without ‘discordance’, ‘trouble’, ‘disruption’, ‘conflict’, ‘jarring attitudes’, ‘harshness’, and so on that blocks progress, reconciliation, harmony, and unity.
What I envision after having defined the above list is a stubbornness and narrowness of minds. When one takes a position and is unwilling to listen to opposing positions, the latitude for reconciliation, solutions, and unity are indeed sabotaged. When the state of “divisiveness” evolves into “stubbornness” then reason is sacrificed and positive results are generally at risk, especially when power is striven intrusively.
Politically, at least in relation to election campaigns “divisiveness” is practiced tactically and is prevalent for this purpose. But in this context it is important to realize than campaigns are not negotiations, they are sales presentations. Therefore, “divisiveness” is appropriate and justified as each attempt selling their plights for the benefit of attracting the greater numbers of buyers, or voters as in the case of political campaigns. And, just as in sales the caution “buyers beware” applies, so it does in political campaigns. It is the voter’s obligation to gather, verify, challenge, debate, inquire, and whatever else is necessary to decide for whom of the candidates he or she feels is worthy of their respective support.
Irrespective of campaigning it is apparent that our government is every of the twenty two synonyms above of the word “divisive.” Whether in the House of Representatives or in the United States Senate, the 4.5’ center-isle that divides the right from the left may as well be as expansive as the mega-crevice of which I have previous referred. There are no campaigns to be won, only challenges to be solved, needs to be filled, and America’s prosperity for which to be planned. Until those of our “government” unite then how in “God’s” reverent name will the American people come together as one?
Many street corners throughout this great land host anti-war/anti-troop demonstrators and in close opposing proximities are pro-war/pro-troop demonstrators. Most times these groups are so divided that animosities display back and forth; minimally, violence has been reported to have broken out.
If you’ve ever been part of a divorce, partnership dissolution, team break-up, or other I’m sure you’ve looked back after a time and reflected, if only I had…
“To communicate with others or another in manners that best achieve a mutually desired result ensuing the best proven, taught, or otherwise learned methods as proficiently as known or able, is infallible.”
- Arnold Sherr
What is best for America; is it that which is best for America’s majority?
By Arnie Sherr http://sherrent.info/AskArnie.php
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, most of America has not the time to take in every political media source because they are not simply busy doing that which Americans should embrace with passion in order to provide for the families those things their parents, regardless of the financial stations, would have liked to provide for them, but instead struggle aimlessly to keep their homes free from foreclosure, to keep their credit ratings at respectable levels, to hold on to what may be insecure employment situations, to maintain 401K’s and deposits to college savings funds for their kids, to meet the ever escalating gasoline prices at the pumps, to pay the rising food prices which are a direct result of growing gasoline prices, to hold on to their emergency funds if they have been fortunate enough to accumulate same, to meet the growing costs of health care; its rising deductibles and exclusions, to afford the high cost of flood insurance which has been a derivative of the overwhelming amount of and degree of natural disasters that have devastated parts of America - not to mention the globe, and to put all of this in a simple sentence; to survive against the greedy ambitions of those elected officials that decide ultimately what should be best for “We the People” rather than exceeding to their own selfish motives; I call them America’s “Cashocrats.”
The coming general election is not about the right or the left; it is about America’s population that is between the farthest reaches of the right to the farthest reaches of the left. When it gets down to reality, every American rich and poor, young and old, male and female, of every race, of every sexual orientation is faced with the economic challenges dividing “We the People.” “We the People” are facing challenges unlike ever before; we face terror, we face losing our sovereignty, we face losing the American dream, we face losing our dominance as the world’s source of goods and commodities, we face losing what all of the world has of America; a picture of streets paved in gold and opportunity for all, we face unhealthy foreign investments in and for control of American companies and real estate because of our devalued dollar against the Euro, we face being held hostage by OPEC, we face an America where it is not “big brother” in whom we live in fear but the megacorps that do now and will continue to ultimately shape “We the People” into “We, their People.” Whatever your human difference it is not relevant if we permit ourselves to continue this, our present destination to a submissive life at the will and direction of Special Interests who have and will continue their dominance through those we elected to pass our laws, mold our policy, protect our rights, and guarantee all of the above, the “Cashocrats.” They, like those who have earned academy awards, act and perform so well to portray themselves as dedicated to “We the People.”
We must be one people, not Democrats, not Independents, and not Republicans. We must search our hearts for what is best for those if us who comprise the majority of “We the People.” We must forget our personal greed and do what is meaningful for all of “We the People.” So I urge all Americans to reach deep down into their hearts and see beyond their bank accounts, their dreams of individual wealth at the expense of “We the People” and I am sure there are in every American family examples of relatives who struggle from day to day, from week to week, from year to year to pay utility bills, put food on the table, and more. Americans have always been a caring and compassionate people, giving to others around the globe who are starving, devastated by tsunamis, massacred by dictators, and more; it is now time to think inside of America’s borders and elect for our next President, he or she in whom we each individually believe will abandon the “Cashocrat” ideology and act once again for as our Founders had written, “We the People.”
By Arnie Sherr http://sherrent.info/AskArnie.php
Arnie Sherr wrote: Improving this single attitude makes your days fly by. You wake up excited to work. You make the right decisions. You get more done in less time. Improving this attitude affects everyone around you. They believe in you, trust you and want to support you.
This one attitude can change your entire life for the better.
A vital attitude with which you may constantly improve is YOUR PASSION.
As a young man I had endeared tremendous passion. But my father, a loving but insecure man calmed my dreams by directing me ‘not to’. Dreams are the fuel of passion; the residue of innate interest; embedded dedications to something; they are anything that serves to dictate a person’s future and the magnitude of achievement thereof. Never permit anyone to douse your fires of passion; they are your calling. If you wish, they may be perceived as God’s gift and a natural vehicle for huge achievement, monetary milestones, powers of influence, and magnets that attract the respect of others above, equal to, and below your achieved standards of accomplishment.
This past Thanksgiving I was invited graciously by the Son of my neighbor Sarah to join them at Sarah’s grandchildren’s home to share with them Thanksgiving festivities. The alternative was a boring and rather depressing evening at home; quite alone. I was and am humbled by their gracious invite and also by the warmth extended at their most loving home.
Having been introduced to their entire family, one of Sarah’s grandsons Kyle who has accumulated a collection of matchbox and hot wheel cars estimated at approximately 1000; neatly stored in large totes in a room especially designated for toys and such. In fact, Kyle’s dad demonstrated this eight year olds’ passion for cars by flashing quickly pictures of exotic cars from within the pages of an exotic car magazine; Kyle, without even a second’s hesitation identified these pictures as if having studied them for far more years then his eight years to the present.
As a believer in passion and dreams I was and continue to be impressed that one so young should be gifted with such innate interest and passion. Bring so impressed, I researched and created pictorial and written histories of the Lamborghini and Bugatti automobiles mounted impeccably, each in their own 11.5” x 11” frames. For Kyle such passion is the recipe for immense success. Persons like Bill Gates and Donald Trump are supreme examples of successful hobbyists. I think it was Andre Agassi who said, “I am so blessed to enjoy such a great success by doing my hobby.” Donald Trump said, “To be successful it is imperative that a person must love their work; live for everyday; be excited to get up every morning and conquer more horizons.” I believe Kyle has that kind of passion and all around him should do everything to encourage, support, and feed his passion and interest.
Passion is not fickle; is not temporary; is not overrated. It is a gift from God and should be revered and respected with every fiber. A unique thing about passion is that as goals are met, passions increase. This is why the worlds wealthiest continue to strive. For them, practicing their ‘hobby’ is not ‘work’; it is their joy of living.
I hope I am alive to know of Kyle’s achievements!
Not prepared, but ready!
By Arnold Sherr
The following list of skills which, according to Dawn Rosenberg McKay, are necessary if our youth are to survive in the workplace.
Dawn Rosenberg McKay is a career planning professional with eighteen years of experience. She is the author of several books on this subject.
Experience: Dawn has been the Career Planning Guide on About.com since 1997. She ran a job and education information center at a large public library for over five years, working with clients who were going through career transitions, such as career change and job loss. Dawn also assisted new high school and college graduates during the transition from school to starting a career. She has led workshops on resume writing, job interviewing, networking and job searching on the Internet. Dawn is also the author of The Everything Practice Interview Book and The Everything Get-a-Job Book, both published by Adams Media, as well as several civil service test preparation books that were published by Peterson's and Pearson Education.
Education: Dawn completed the Career Development Facilitator Certificate Program at Hofstra University in 1999. She also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Hofstra and a Master's Degree from the City University of New York - Queen's College.
Dawn wrote the following as published on About.com: What Skills Will Your Child Need to Succeed?
We all want our children to be successful in life. We hope to one day see them in satisfying careers with the promise of growth. The thought of seeing our children in dead-end jobs saddens us. We wonder, though, if there's anything we can do to help ensure that they are successful.
In 1990, then Secretary of Labor Lynn Martin wondered the same thing and formed the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). Martin asked the Commission, comprised of representatives from schools, government, unions, and corporate America, to examine the demands of the workplace and to determine whether American youth are capable of meeting those demands. After a year of talking to employers, supervisors, workers, and union officials, the Commission identified a set of competencies and foundation skills, known as SCANS, skills that everyone entering the workforce must have.
SCANS Skills
Following are the eight areas the Commission identified as being essential for both students who are going directly to work after high school and those who are going on to college.
SCANS skills are made up of five competencies and three foundation skills. Competencies and foundation skills are intertwined -- They are used together and should be learned together.
The Five Competencies
Resources
· allocates time
· allocates money
· allocates material and facility resources
· allocates human resources
Interpersonal
· participates as a member of a team
· teaches others
· serves clients/customers
· exercises leadership
· negotiates
· works with cultural diversity
Information
· acquires and evaluates information
· organizes and maintains information
· interprets and communicates information
· uses computers to process information.
Systems
· understands systems
· monitors and corrects performance
· improves and designs systems
Technology
· selects technology
· applies technology to task
· maintains and troubleshoots technology
The Three Foundation Skills
- Basic Skills:
· reading
· writing
· mathematics (arithmetical computation and mathematical reasoning)
· listening
· speaking - Thinking Skills:
· creative thinking
· making decisions
· solving problems
· seeing things in the mind's eye
· knowing how to learn
· reasoning - Personal Qualities:
· individual responsibility
· self-esteem
· sociability
· self-management
· integrity
Ms. McKay, I could not be more in-line with what you’ve written. However, I submit that endearing at least a preponderance of the above KSA’s (Knowledge, Skills & Attributes) does not a successful employee make!
Over my lifetime I have, as an integral part of my professional responsibilities recruited, interview, hired, and trained numerous individuals for a vast selection of career paths. Many were adept at most that is of your list; many were not so pre-equipped. But more important than bearing an arsenal of the above, I was more impressed with an applicant’s intellectual prowess, comprehensive probabilities, and all forms of communication vehicles. Much of the above may be learned while on the job. With the exception of a select few that possess certain innate qualities, many of which are less likely learned by the time an individual is of age to enter the workforce, most may only be able to function tasks as they may realistically lack innovative, flexible, and uniquely creative challenge solving skills and as well, leadership potential; knowing and doing are for many, very far apart.
Comparative results proved after from having hired those persons I believed were coachable with important innate attributes like positive mental proclivities, assumptive nature, energetic, creative in both thinking and executions, outgoing and personable, and a demeanor which attracts and encourages enthusiasm and conversely, sedates hostilities.
I am complicit that those who would be equipped so well as to be all that you list would most likely be the 20% of the Pareto rule. Realistically, your depiction is but a dream, certainly not a probable reality for a couple of reasons:
1. Of your list you suggest parents teach this prodigious quantity
2. I challenge anyone to find even a small group of parents so well equipped as to be able to adequately achieve what you suggest of them
As a manager, an employer, and as a human being I feel it is my responsibility to, after hiring according to the profile I have designed for my staffs, to gradually introduce these KSA’s, as many as is possible in the order of their relevance, as part of ongoing development and training program. It is too bad present day corporate culture has forgotten these basic human generosities.
Moreover, even with all you and I have related, our youth are much less motivated than when I was a much younger and ambitious career prospect. I’ve spoken with many employers and they all seem to agree today’s youth want jobs, but do not want to work once they are employed.
So, if parents are to ingrain within their kids anything, it should be a “work ethic.”
I am regretful that verbal parental teachings are majorly insufficient to a winning result. What is proved effective are those parents who by example practice excellent work ethic not only at work, but at home and with and of everything they undertake, even the fun things and family activities. It takes a well honed and engrained “performance ethic” to contribute equally and impressively within the larger “work ethic.” Most times when children are witness to hardworking parents, they absorb subliminally from that which they are exposed. However, this is but one quality; when practiced at work it falls under the category of “work ethic.” Morality spans all and has no boundaries; you have it or you don’t.
Employers who seek morality among applicants may find better attrition, a larger promotion pool, and excelled productivity. Employees who practice an excellent “work ethic” generally grow and prosper without limitations.
