Wake Up, America!: This Isn't Normal

By Richard Brody

Whether one agrees, or disagrees, with the politics, perspectives, opinions, point - of - view, or rhetoric, we are witnessing today, there should be, agreement, we're observing conditions, etc, which, we have not observed, in America, in recent memory! It may be world - conditions, the threat of terrorism, hatred, bigotry, prejudice, or other factors (including greed, and personal/ political agendas, and self - interest), but, there appears to be, little, to no attempt, to seek any common ground, meeting - of - the - minds, or bipartisan efforts! Our present President, often seems, to focus on slogans, and being popular with his base, core supporters, rather than all Americans. Several months ago, President Barack Obama, during a partisan, political speech, said, This isn't normal, and to this writer, that analysis seemed, not only accurate, but indicates, the potential threat, to our way of life!

1. The late comedian, George Carlin, after the atrocities, which occurred on September 11, 2001, warned of the potential dangers, of going too far, in reacting to these terrorist attacks, and, thus, abandoning, our commitment to protecting all our American freedoms. He proclaimed, if we do that, then, The terrorists win, because they would have achieved one of their primary objectives, of disrupting, and changing our mindsets. We must avoid taking the populist, simplistic, approaches, and pursue, well - considered, relevant, sustainable solutions, which simultaneously, make us safe, while being careful, to also, protect, all our freedoms, to all our citizens.

2. Regardless of one's opinion of President Donald J Trump, one should, and must recognize, he is a master at inspiring and motivating, those who feel, either neglected, oppressed, or resentful, by using rhetoric, which often, goes further, than merely, bordering on, vitriol! If we don't protect all of our freedoms, including those stated in the Constitution, or which, have become an essential component and expectation, we will eventually, begin to become unrecognizable, etc. What ever happened, to civility, and any attempt at compromise, bipartisan cooperation, and serving/ protecting all freedoms, instead of merely those, which are self - serving, etc?

3. The United States appears to be, more divided, than at any time, in recent memory. It seems to be, far beyond policy and/ or political differences, but, rather, an essential battle for the core, vision, and what America will stand for, and represent!

4. Traditionally, we have been the leaders of the free world, defending freedoms, etc, and human rights. Mr. Trump has referred to himself, as a Nationalist, which brings negative connotations, to many. He has often contradicted himself, and made it, more about dollars, and cents, than common sense, ethics and morality!

This isn't normal, because we are the United States of America, and we are being divided and polarized, rather than unified! Wake up, America, before it's too late! We've seen this before!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wake-Up,-America!:-This-Isnt-Normal&id=10035227] Wake Up, America!: This Isn't Normal

Why Do Some People Stay In Touch With Their Ex

By Oliver JR Cooper

If one's relationship has just come to an end, they could decide to cut their ties and to move on with their life. As a result of this, they are not going to want to stay in touch with their ex.

One Step Back

Doing so could be seen as something that will stop them from being able to put the past firmly behind them. And, if one didn't really get on with the other person or if they simply grew apart, this is going to make perfect sense.

In this case, staying in touch would be similar to keeping a car that no longer works - it wouldn't make sense. Their time with the other person has come to an end and it will be in their best interest to let go.

A New Beginning

Now that their relationship has come to end, they can focus more of their energy and attention on other areas of their life. They may decide that they want to spend some time in their own company.

Through doing this, it will give them the opportunity to get back in touch with who they are. Alternatively, one might not need to do this, as they might already be only too aware of what their needs are.

External Feedback

The people in their life could understand why they no longer want to speak to the person they were with. If one wasn't in a relationship that was very healthy, they might be relieved that one is taking this approach.

They would have seen the amount of damage that this was doing to them, and they might have even encouraged them to walk away before. But even if their relationship wasn't unhealthy, they could still support their decision.

A Pattern

If one was to look back on their life, they may find that this is how they have always behaved. So, no matter what their relationships were like in the past, their behaviour would have been the same.

Then again, one might have held on in the past and came to see that this was not doing them any favours. Their change in behaviour will be the result of an experience or a number of experiences that had a big impact on them.

A Different Approach

But for every person who behaves in this way, there are going to be plenty of others who don't. When one can relate to this, they are not be able to just walk away; they will need to stay in touch with their ex.

Therefore, once one is no longer in a relationship with someone, they will still be part of their life. One is then not going to want to be too close to them, but they won't want them to be too far away either.

Two Experiences

If one was in a relationship that wasn't dysfunctional, it could be said that this kind of behaviour makes sense. But if they didn't get on, it can be a lot harder to comprehend what is going on.

When it comes to the former, they will probably respect each other and there will be all the positive experiences that they had together, and they might have mutual friends. Yet, when it comes to the latter, there is unlikely to be any respect between them and there will be all the negative experiences that they have shared.

One Factor

What one could find is that staying in touch with their ex makes it easier for them to handle how they feel. This person, as well as their others exes, could provide them with the support that they need to make up for their inner instability.

If they were with someone who was abusive, being this way is going to make it harder for them to cut their ties with someone who is not good for them. Their inner instability will cause them to hold on and it would have been one of the reasons why they ended up with someone like this to begin with.

Another Factor

One's emotions are going to be out of control and this will make it harder for them to be able to control their behaviour. But while someone who stays in touch with their ex could be emotionally out of control, they could also be emotionally dead.

When this takes place, it is not going to be a way for them to settle themselves down; it will be a way for them to gain resources. Having their ex in their life can allow them to have sex, gain money and receive other benefits.

Two Extremes

The person in the first example probably won't find it hard to empathise; whereas the person in the second example probably will. Empathy is vital when it comes to being able to treat other people as separate human beings, as opposed to objects that are there to be used.

Ergo, when one sees another person as an object that exists to fulfil their needs, it is going to be a challenge for them to realise that this person also has feelings and needs. And, if they were to get to a point where they no longer need them, they could discard them.

Awareness

If someone does use people, it is unlikely that they would feel the need to change their behaviour. On the other hand, if one feels emotionally unstable, they might look into what they can do to settle themselves down.

With that said, if someone can see that they stay in touch with their ex (or ex's) for the wrong reason, it might be a good idea for them to reach out for external support. This can be provided by the assistance of a therapist or a healer.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Relationships:-Why-Do-Some-People-Stay-In-Touch-With-Their-Ex?&id=9874159] Relationships: Why Do Some People Stay In Touch With Their Ex?

Fighting the Incivility Virus

By Frank Pray

Civility may not open a mind, but incivility will close it. Most of our communication is goal oriented: We want something. That goal might be a vote, a kiss, a job, a better deal, admiration, or information to make a decision. Unless our message is received, it will not affect a change of mind or heart. So, there is a practical reason to be civil in a debate or argument: it means we will improve our chances of getting what we want.
Incivility also closes the mind of the one who is being uncivil. Incivility rests on the premise that the other party is too stupid, ignorant, evil, or thoughtless to grasp the truth. This extreme labeling closes your mind that the other person's view may have some have some valid points. Usually, neither party in a debate or argument has all the information, skill, wisdom, or good judgment to be 100% correct. An insult closes the door on any data that could correct an error in your understanding.
Incivility can also close the door to compromise. Incivility is a wrong long remembered. Anger with a person who has insulted you will mean that it is much less likely you will cooperate with that person to reach a "win-win" outcome in a negotiation.
Incivility also breeds an "us vs. them" mentality. We see ourselves in exaggerated self-esteem as good, but view the opponent as evil. Political, cultural, and religious polarization results.
Washington politics reflects the discord generally in the country. Incivility encourages distrust that any good resides in opposing views. One party in Congress goes forward with legislation with no input from the opposing party. After all, there can be no compromise with the devil.
But civility is not just being nice or conceding to an opposing view to keep the peace. Civility is flexible on minor or moderate differences but does not bend on core principles. Ethical advocates advance even core principles by compromise, knowing that not to negotiate may mean no gains at all, and maybe losses.
Here are some ideas for maintaining civility in the face of fierce disagreement on matters you care about:
1. Find some point in the debate on which you can agree. Look for common ground, and state the points of agreement first. Re-stating the other party's argument conveys you are listening, and able to take a different perspective.
2. Acknowledge in the discussion that you can understand how the opponent could view things as she does, but that you believe that viewpoint has some weaknesses. Unsurprisingly, this approach works better than calling the other person a blockhead.
3. Avoid words like "always," "never," "clearly," "undoubtedly," and "without question." Try fewer black and white characterizations, such as "sometimes," "often," "generally," "perhaps," "maybe," or "it seems," or "it appears."
4. Where possible and truthful, find a way to compliment your opponent about the way she has presented her case.
5. Before launching into a statement of the facts and argument, summarize to your opponent the key points you have heard him make, and ask if that is a fair summation. This exercise will reduce your opponent's anxiety or skepticism about whether you are listening.
6. Stick to the issues and evidence. Avoid attacks on the personality or underhanded tactics of the opponent. But, if there is an outright lie or breach of trust, call it out in clear but non-belligerent terms.
7. Turning the other cheek doesn't mean you become a punching bag. But pick which attacks merit counterattack. Often an opponent is baiting you, getting "inside your head" to get you emotionally reactive, and therefore off point. Being civil can convey you're not so easily distracted from the goal.
8. See that your opponent's incivility exposes a weakness. If the evidence and argument were convincing, there wouldn't be a need to attack you personally. Probe for gaps in reasoning or proof, and focus on those instead of vengeance. That weakness might be a lack of knowledge, an effort to cover up a past embarrassing history, a lack of confidence in himself or his case, or a warped conviction that hostility is the only way to win. You can use that weakness to your advantage if the opponent refuses to compromise.
9. If other approaches fail, confront the bully directly by declaring calmly but firmly: "enough." State the consequences of continued incivility. Report the bully, or if it is an option, refuse to further engage with the bully. Walk away from the deal.
10. Surround yourself with supportive friends and colleagues. Most people practice basic politeness and courtesy. Friends can bring balance and perspective. If possible, find a way to laugh at the some of your opponent's more outrageous incivilities
In conclusion, incivility is a corrosive practice that polarizes people. Incivility closes our minds to see the merits of an opposing viewpoint. Incivility also diverts focus from the issues and evidence. Incivility causes a breakdown in progress as people are unable to reach a compromise. However, the answer is to respond without counterattack. Stay focused on the issues and best factual arguments. The ultimate victory is the satisfaction of making the better case on the evidence.
Frank Pray is a Newport Beach California Employee Rights Attorney with over 40 years litigation experience. His work requires him to negotiate a variety of often emotional cases with strong opposing advocates. The issues involve charges of discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, wage violations, defamation, and harassment at work. If you are a California employee with questions about wrongful termination or hostile work environment or have questions about severance agreements, non-compete agreements, or trade secret agreements, you may contact Mr. Pray at 949-251-1006 or fpray@employee-rights-atty.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Frank_Pray/85039
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fighting-the-Incivility-Virus&id=9819654

Letting Go Of Doubts In A Relationship By Looking Deep Within Yourself

Letting Go Of Doubts In A Relationship By Looking Deep Within Yourself
By James Nussbaumer

The world likes to teach us that having doubts is a signal that something is not right with this situation. Or, if it is relationship doubts then you should be cautious and not rush to falling in love or getting married.

Even on television news or movie drama, we see that having doubts should mean that possibly someone is "up to no good" and doesn't deserve our attention.

Hardly do we see that having doubts is a sign pointing us to look deeper within ourselves.

In a set of previous articles (which I've linked to one another) I discussed the woman from Croatia, named Nakita, writing to me in an Ohio prison inviting me to participate in a worldwide mindfulness meditation for world peace, to be held on December 22, 2010, at 9:30 PM.

I would participate from my bunk in the often violent din of the cell block. I must say I was certainly having doubts about the validity of this event, a scam or a sort of prank, I 'd think.

I tossed around the idea of my relationship doubts with this woman, since I 'd never even met her ever before, she writes me out of the blue, and "I'm supposed to trust her," were more haunting thoughts.

I wondered, "Was it really the new relationship with Nakita I was having doubts over?"

Or was it something else?

That was until I heard some words in a conversation from other inmates that I 'd taken as a signal from the universe, or, we may say the Holy Spirit, that this indeed must be a real live event.

Why was I making judgments and having my doubts?

Even with these good-minded thoughts and the alert signal from the Holy Spirit, or, Karma, as I 'd mentioned in a previous article, I again regressed to vigilant questioning in my mind and having doubts.

This time it was over the time zones around the world.

Why had Nakita scheduled this "meeting of minds" for 9:30 PM Eastern time, which was very convenient for me?

Again, positive right-minded thinking entered my mind, suggesting that maybe Nakita was not the organizer of this event. It was very possible it could have been arranged by, say, an individual or group in the Far East, or even Australia.

She never said she was the originator, so why was I hanging onto that notion?

My having doubts turned more toward trust when it dawned on me like bright rays of sunlight bursting through cloud cover: Why should I be so concerned about all of this anyway? It really didn't matter who the organizer was, or what time it occurred.

Feelings of inner peace

With that one lasting peaceful thought I remembered a lesson from A Course in Miracles teaching that, "Time was only real in the Holy Spirit's use of it," and He was using it for this event.

I was urged by myself to simply let go of having doubts and any negative-minded attempts to intrude on my thought process about this mindfulness meditation event, and I proceeded to set my sights on the inner peace I was feeling in general about the whole idea.

Any wrong-minded thoughts or having doubts from the ego would only block the extension of the thoughts from others, regardless of how many minds were involved in this mindfulness meditation.

It would block my joy as well, which was really most important here for me to consider. Another thought hit me that if my own joy were to be blocked, then I would perceive myself as being unfulfilled.

I went on to perceive this to be a necessary excitement for myself, there, deep in the rabbit hole of prison, one that would give me a sense of accomplishment and completion, and most of all, wholeness.

What accomplishment do I mean?

I'll let you answer that for yourself, while you contemplate the following passage from A Course in Miracles:

" Spirit knows that the awareness of all its brothers is included in its own, as it is included in God. The power of the whole Sonship and Its Creator is therefore spirit's own fullness, rendering its creations equally whole, and equal in perfection. The ego can not prevail against a totality that includes God, and any totality must include God."

We all seem to be cautious when having fears and doubts, but the most wonderful associations we have with one another are in being honest enough to share our feelings.

To peace and love in your relationships

http://jamesnussbaumer.com/self-help-library/ Hi, I'm James Nussbaumer, I'd like to introduce myself through my thought provoking self-improvement and inspirational books, articles, and other content which are reflections of A Course in Miracles. I'm also offering you a Free version of my EVERYDAY MIRACLES newsletter, where you'll get updates on my webinars, videos, livestreams, other events and so much more, helping everyday people live life on their own terms. This is for folks who are interested in letting go of the past and attaining Real Abundance, Purpose, and Wellness in their lives. http://jamesnussbaumer.com/my-blog/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/James_Nussbaumer/2379033
http://EzineArticles.com/?Letting-Go-Of-Doubts-In-A-Relationship-By-Looking-Deep-Within-Yourself&id=9752673

How Do We Know If We Can Trust Someone?

By Kathleen Dwyer Blair

Many of us trust too easily only to discover that we were betrayed. Others of us don't trust at all. Trusting too quickly, or not trusting at all, usually says more about us than about the other person. Trust is not something that we want to automatically do when we meet someone. We also don't want to automatically mistrust someone either. Some of us experience an involuntary response to trust, or not to trust, and neither one of these extremes serve us well.

Trust is something that takes time. It's a process.

Trust is a process

When I say, trust is a process, it means that it takes time to get to know someone. If we enter a relationship at a slow and steady pace, we will discover more about who the other person's true self. We can then determine whether they can be trusted with our feelings, and our shared personal information, because our trust is the greatest gift we can give someone.

Finding the Balance

Some of us were betrayed early in life, and we don't trust easily because of that. Others so desperately want to be in a relationship, or a friendship, that we rush to trust someone to make that happen. We don't give ourselves the opportunity, and time, to get to know that person to determine if they are trustworthy, or not.

In adulthood, often not being able to trust a friend, or a potential romantic partner, may be because we have been betrayed in our childhood, adolescence, or at some time as an adult. The person desiring our trust may very well be trustworthy, however we may not be able to recognize this due to our history.

Our Past Relationships Reflected in The Present

One of the first big tasks of our lives is establishing trust versus mistrust. As a child, we develop a sense that our needs will be met, versus a sense that they won't. Our view of the world is often determined by how secure we feel that we can rely on others for our expectations to be met. If we have had good, consistent relationships in the past, we may assume as much from our current and future relationships, and trust too easily based upon this experience.

If our parents, or our experiences in past relationships, were inconsistent in meeting our needs, we may fear current and future relationships will respond the same way. We make ourselves vulnerable when we trust. Withholding our trust may be used as self-preservation to protect us from being hurt again. How can I trust myself from past mistakes?

It's Not You, It's Me

Sometimes it is challenging to differentiate to determine if we are not feeling trustworthy of someone else. Is it about them? Or is it about our own history? So many times, I have heard during psychotherapy sessions that, "My friend is talking about other people and I'm uncomfortable. I don't know if I ought to trust them or not."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kathleen_Dwyer_Blair/112478
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Do-We-Know-If-We-Can-Trust-Someone?&id=9676221

Global Drought

By Dr. Tim G Williams

Webster defined drought as a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in its water supply, whether atmospheric, surface water or ground water. A drought can last for months, years, or may even last for decades. The world today is faced with the fact that many countries around the world have squandered their natural resource of fresh water to the point that very critical shortages are already occurring. What is amazing though is that the Earth provides all living things with abundant amounts of rainfall and snow to survive. The logistics of fresh water transport to areas that are faced with dire shortages is hampered by monetary constraints that always thwart those areas from receiving relief form their water shortages.

Whether it is greed, the inhumanity of man or just plain ignorance are the main reasons why millions of people are now facing acute shortages of fresh clean water. It is very apparent to see that abundant fresh available water is the first primary requirement for any and all other projects. Without abundant available fresh water any future development whether it's new construction for homes or businesses or for agriculture will end up in failure. What is a major factor of the contributor to global water shortages is due to mans gluttony of the consumption of fossil fuels for the past 100 years. Our insistence on relying on fossil fuels has intensified Global warming to the point to where we are facing a global catastrophe of epic proportions. This disaster is happening right now in areas in the Mid East and will spread through-out the world if we fail to utilize the technologies that are now available to usher in an age of progress to eliminate the enormous consumption of fossil fuel sources. We also have to coordinate global initiatives to end drought conditions that are already occurring around the world.

In Egypt due to the lack of sufficient infrastructure to trap rain run offs the recent days of heavy rain and subsequent flooding swept tons of soil and other containments into the Nile. The Nile is the main fresh water supplier for all of Egypt now has been deluged with slit and sewage forcing the closures of practically all of their water treatment centers. This is just a sample of the monumental task of securing abundant fresh water for Egypt. The situation is dire for other Mid Eastern countries as well. The availability of potable freshwater has made the prices skyrocket to the point that millions still suffer because they cannot afford the rising costs now associated with procuring fresh water from all around the region.

The United States is not immune to the lack of fresh clean water either. Flint Michigan is a typical example of man's carelessness in not providing fresh water to the people of Flint, Michigan. Coastal regions like Florida also have inadequate measures in place to provide fresh water for the growing population. Due the vulnerability of the Southeast to tropical storms and hurricanes the infrastructure in place to trap rain and storm runoffs is woefully inadequate. And, what ever rain falls the rain run off goes right into the Atlantic or into the Gulf of Mexico. All across the United States people are facing fresh water shortages, rising costs, and even worse have their water shut off just because they can't pay their water bill. With so much emphasis on the recent Dakota oil pipe line where so much media attention is focused we should be really focusing on water transport instead of oil. Man can live quite well without oil but cannot live very long without fresh water.

We should remember that before modern times the Incas were able to sustain their culture above the rain line by collecting dew and channeling it to cisterns for later distribution. Historical records indicate the use of water-collecting fog fences. These traditional methods have usually been completely passive, requiring no external energy source other than naturally occurring temperatures. And, if ancient Rome can build aqueducts to supply Rome with more than enough fresh water just think what man can build today using our available technologies. We have already developed water technologies far superior to what the Incas deployed. There should be no reason why anyone anywhere around the world should have to suffer because of the lack of available fresh water. And yet wars are continually being fought for water rights. Today, the rising costs associated with the lack of potable fresh water have put mankind on the very brink of a catastrophe that if not immediately addressed will add to the deployment of a disaster of epic proportions that will soon explode on a global scale.

Yet, it continues to be the greed of man whether it is for corporate profits, political gain, or the power to control populations the available technologies that would greatly reduce the global tensions because of the lack of fresh available potable water are kept from ever reaching the areas that benefit the most. When you have water companies using free solar energy to harness enough fresh water right form the atmosphere but purposely keep that technology cost prohibitive only further exasperates water shortages. The need is imperative that to defuse a ticking time bomb due to the lack of fresh potable water these technologies must be made available to areas and countries that are most at risk of suffering due to the lack of fresh water. In the end water companies will become more profitable and global suffering of populations will ease. All because now they will have available fresh water without having to fight for water rights.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Tim_G_Williams/1672163
http://EzineArticles.com/?Global-Drought&id=9568150

Husband And Wife Business Partnership: Good Idea Or Bad Idea?

By Sohaib Azam, Esq

Partnerships in business are always a tough thing to consider because of the many caveats associated with a partnership. A husband and wife partnership is another such type of partnership to consider. This article will look at a few factors which one should look at before deciding on this type of business.

#1: Issue Of Trust And Cooperation

Even in a marriage, trust will always remain an issue. In the context of business, trust between all individuals is key. The husband and wife must be able to understand each other and understand that the other person is not trying to do things behind the other's back. This might include using business expenses for personal things or making an important business decision without talking to the other person. Both spouses must make sure that they can trust one another and that one will not make major unilateral decisions without talking to the other person.

Cooperation is just as important in a husband-wife partnership. Both individuals need to be able to come to an agreement on major business decisions such as how to use expenses and whether to adopt a new product or service. While it is not always important for both parties to agree 100 percent on every issue, there has to be a solid mutual understanding on the part of both parties with regard to the decisions made. Without cooperation, trust becomes a major issue when running the business.

#2: If The Couple Gets A Divorce Or Becomes Separated, What Happens?

It's always one of the biggest, but unfortunate, possibilities that a couple will decide to either separate or get a divorce. This not only causes great strain between the husband and wife, but also on their ability to run the business as a team. Depending on the nature of the separation or divorce, one person may have to give up their stake in the business, but this may not be easy to agree to.

Anytime there is a falling out between partners, the partnership and its operation become more difficult. This is even more problematic when a married couple falls out because of the difficulties involved in separating and/or getting a divorce as well as the impact it will have on the business. Both individuals will need to come to an agreement as to how to operate the partnership should either of these situations happen.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sohaib_Azam,_Esq/2182390
http://EzineArticles.com/?Husband-And-Wife-Business-Partnership:-Good-Idea-Or-Bad-Idea?&id=9489974