Happy Ramakwanzamas! My oh my! I don’t even know how to respond to that. I completely understand that the US Constitution prohibits state-established or federally-established religion. Few people likely know that the Episcopal faith, the US variant of the Church of England, used to be the Official Religion of Virginia. The arguments over church versus state will continue. People will wrestle over the “In God We Trust” on US currency. Should city council meetings open with prayer? The words “Under God” were added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954, 62 years after it was originally written.
It’s almost 2010, and we head to Asheville, North Carolina. City Councilman Cecil Bothwell is elected. Some in North Carolina do not want him to take office, because he is an atheist. My initial reaction is, “So…” But North Carolina’s state Constitution clearly states that to hold office in North Carolina, you must believe in God. The North Carolina Constitution disqualifies anyone from holding office “who shall deny the being of Almighty God.” Six other states, Arkansas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas also prohibit atheists from holding office. Some contend that the US Constitution, which supersedes state constitutions, makes the requirement in a belief in God unenforceable. But, the Constitution says that the governments can not “establish” a religion.
Does the US Constitution bar states from prohibiting atheists from holding office? Should it?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Would You Loan Your Company Money To Pay Its People?
Inviting Conversation for December 22, 2009
Please imagine this scenario: You are making $x per month in salary for 2010. You get paid every other week. You receive an email. There will be a vote. If your union agrees, you will be contributing $250 (pretax dollars) per paycheck in an interest-free loan to your employer, up to $10,000, so that the company can remain solvent and keep jobs, possibly yours. At the end of three years, you should be able to get the loan back and a 1% salary increase. If you decide to leave the company early, you can get your “loan” back.
The Detroit Federation of Teachers presented this to its members. The members voted. 63.8% said yes.
There are so many issues which could be discussed here. America’s education system is flawed. Of this there is no doubt. Most feel that teachers are underpaid and undervalued. Being a former school teacher, I do understand that many teachers help fund their classrooms by buying materials for which there is no reimbursement, or slipping lunch money to a hungry child, or…well that list goes on.
I do not want to discuss the status of education. That is not the issue here. It just happens to be a school district which is asking its teachers to loan money to the school so the school can be staffed. Or is that the issue?
My question: How would you react if your employer asked you to loan $10,000 to your company to keep the company going?
Please imagine this scenario: You are making $x per month in salary for 2010. You get paid every other week. You receive an email. There will be a vote. If your union agrees, you will be contributing $250 (pretax dollars) per paycheck in an interest-free loan to your employer, up to $10,000, so that the company can remain solvent and keep jobs, possibly yours. At the end of three years, you should be able to get the loan back and a 1% salary increase. If you decide to leave the company early, you can get your “loan” back.
The Detroit Federation of Teachers presented this to its members. The members voted. 63.8% said yes.
There are so many issues which could be discussed here. America’s education system is flawed. Of this there is no doubt. Most feel that teachers are underpaid and undervalued. Being a former school teacher, I do understand that many teachers help fund their classrooms by buying materials for which there is no reimbursement, or slipping lunch money to a hungry child, or…well that list goes on.
I do not want to discuss the status of education. That is not the issue here. It just happens to be a school district which is asking its teachers to loan money to the school so the school can be staffed. Or is that the issue?
My question: How would you react if your employer asked you to loan $10,000 to your company to keep the company going?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
For Those Who Must Deal with "Broken" Situations during the Holidays, What Are You Doing to Ease the Stress Instead of Causing It?
Inviting Conversation for December 15
The purpose of Inviting Conversations all along has been to elicit dialog between thoughtful people. Over the past several weeks I have received dozens of replies to my questions. I have been told repeatedly that the subject matter is “timely,” and have even been offered kudos for opening discussions which are “edgy.” A few times I have been told that the discussions are “inappropriate” in a professional setting. Only one comment left on a discussion could not be posted because it contained inappropriate language.
The past two weeks I have been listening to a lot of conversations about the stress of the holiday season. Growing up I remember the “stresses.” There was a lot of baking to do. The house needed to be cleaned thoroughly. Certain family members we find “annoying,” and tolerance levels needed to be reinforced. Did the cards get out? Who was bringing what? What time was dinner? Holiday decorations needed to be up…the list went on and on.
These aren’t the conversations I am having today. A large majority of the people are talking about the stresses related to the “other parent” of the children. Who gets to have the kids on what day? “My family gets less time with your family…” Competition between Moms and Dads about which family will spend the most on the children. I fully expect broken situations where the adults can’t act like adults to intensify during the holiday season. What I have difficulty understanding is when adults who most frequently act like they are over 25 years old retreat into 12-year-old childish behavior when these “holidays” occur. The word “holiday” comes from the Old English, haligdæg, from halig "holy" + dæg "day;" in 14c. meaning both "religious festival" and "day of recreation," but pronunciation and sense diverged 16c. It seems that for many people in today's world, both parts of these meanings have been lost.
I am not going to talk about what has happened to the American family, nor am I going to talk about the religious aspect of the season. What I am going to ask is, in today’s Society where “dysfunctional” is the norm, what can be done to stop the childish wrangling that goes on during this alleged festival season? I am not even going to say that it only hurts and affects the children. It affects all involved.
Here is the question: For those who must deal with “broken” situations during the holidays, what are you doing to ease the stress instead of causing it?
The purpose of Inviting Conversations all along has been to elicit dialog between thoughtful people. Over the past several weeks I have received dozens of replies to my questions. I have been told repeatedly that the subject matter is “timely,” and have even been offered kudos for opening discussions which are “edgy.” A few times I have been told that the discussions are “inappropriate” in a professional setting. Only one comment left on a discussion could not be posted because it contained inappropriate language.
The past two weeks I have been listening to a lot of conversations about the stress of the holiday season. Growing up I remember the “stresses.” There was a lot of baking to do. The house needed to be cleaned thoroughly. Certain family members we find “annoying,” and tolerance levels needed to be reinforced. Did the cards get out? Who was bringing what? What time was dinner? Holiday decorations needed to be up…the list went on and on.
These aren’t the conversations I am having today. A large majority of the people are talking about the stresses related to the “other parent” of the children. Who gets to have the kids on what day? “My family gets less time with your family…” Competition between Moms and Dads about which family will spend the most on the children. I fully expect broken situations where the adults can’t act like adults to intensify during the holiday season. What I have difficulty understanding is when adults who most frequently act like they are over 25 years old retreat into 12-year-old childish behavior when these “holidays” occur. The word “holiday” comes from the Old English, haligdæg, from halig "holy" + dæg "day;" in 14c. meaning both "religious festival" and "day of recreation," but pronunciation and sense diverged 16c. It seems that for many people in today's world, both parts of these meanings have been lost.
I am not going to talk about what has happened to the American family, nor am I going to talk about the religious aspect of the season. What I am going to ask is, in today’s Society where “dysfunctional” is the norm, what can be done to stop the childish wrangling that goes on during this alleged festival season? I am not even going to say that it only hurts and affects the children. It affects all involved.
Here is the question: For those who must deal with “broken” situations during the holidays, what are you doing to ease the stress instead of causing it?
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"What do you do as a busy person to not get trapped in our Technological Prison"?
“The average person spends more than eight solid years watching electronically how other people supposedly live” (Professional Speaker Jeff Davidson in Witcher’s “Technological Prison”).
University of Utah freshman Taylor Witcher wrote a fascinating paper called, “Technological Prison.” Her thesis: “Our habit of using high-speed gadgets to obtain all kinds of information is deteriorating our physical, day-to-day lives.” How hooked are our young people? Witcher reports that Professor Robert Doede of Trinity Western University offered extra credit to his ethic students who could abstain from video games, text, television and social network sites for a three-month semester. Only ten out of thirty-five agreed to try; five made it. A UCLA study shows that only 7% of communications is done through words alone; 93% of communications between humans is non-verbal. Witcher asks, “Would a text-message-sent ‘I love you’ have the same effect as a gaze-deep-in-your-eyes ‘I love you’?” I am all too familiar with someone who was “dumped” via text message!
Witcher does not totally bash technology. She is correct when she talks about how technology has allowed people to reconnect after many years, keep in touch quickly with friends, and let people know about wonderful things happening in our friends’ lives. I have a dear friend who regularly posts pictures of the kids on her Facebook page. I look forward to the email that tells me picture updates are there, and I go and see them. “I have been able to reconnect and keep up with many people who, if I had to use letters and phone calls to keep “in touch,” would never hear from me.
It is unrealistic to think in our Society the up-and-coming business professional can succeed without electronic tools. I need them. You use them. You must…you are reading this. But what do you do as business professionals to make sure you “Stop and smell the roses”? What do you do as a busy person to NOT use the technological prison when we need to have those conversations which require more than words?
University of Utah freshman Taylor Witcher wrote a fascinating paper called, “Technological Prison.” Her thesis: “Our habit of using high-speed gadgets to obtain all kinds of information is deteriorating our physical, day-to-day lives.” How hooked are our young people? Witcher reports that Professor Robert Doede of Trinity Western University offered extra credit to his ethic students who could abstain from video games, text, television and social network sites for a three-month semester. Only ten out of thirty-five agreed to try; five made it. A UCLA study shows that only 7% of communications is done through words alone; 93% of communications between humans is non-verbal. Witcher asks, “Would a text-message-sent ‘I love you’ have the same effect as a gaze-deep-in-your-eyes ‘I love you’?” I am all too familiar with someone who was “dumped” via text message!
Witcher does not totally bash technology. She is correct when she talks about how technology has allowed people to reconnect after many years, keep in touch quickly with friends, and let people know about wonderful things happening in our friends’ lives. I have a dear friend who regularly posts pictures of the kids on her Facebook page. I look forward to the email that tells me picture updates are there, and I go and see them. “I have been able to reconnect and keep up with many people who, if I had to use letters and phone calls to keep “in touch,” would never hear from me.
It is unrealistic to think in our Society the up-and-coming business professional can succeed without electronic tools. I need them. You use them. You must…you are reading this. But what do you do as business professionals to make sure you “Stop and smell the roses”? What do you do as a busy person to NOT use the technological prison when we need to have those conversations which require more than words?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
If one chooses to be in the public eye, does one voluntarily give up the right to privacy?
Tiger Woods has fallen off of his pedestal. He made a mistake. He will receive a citation for his accident. We move on… or will we? I would certainly understand if he did something more egregious. Allegedly he and his wife had an altercation, he left the house in a huff, ran his car off the road, and received a citation for his mistake. That should be the end of it. If any of us engaged in the same behavior, we should expect the same.
I am already tired of the countless news stories, the talk show discussions, on and on and on. I heard a radio talk show host make the comment that when one goes into the public eye, one willingly gives up the expectation of privacy. Really? I can understand the dialog about Eliot Spitzer resigning as Governor of New York because of his alleged involvement in a high-priced prostitution ring. I don’t want my police officers being found guilty of dealing drugs, firefighters of arson, and…well, you get the picture. But where do we draw the line? I do understand that the right to privacy does NOT mean we should turn a blind eye to domestic violence, the mistreatment of children…
One incident that stands out to me as to the ridiculousness of this was the “Broccoli Debacle” with former President Bush. He admitted he didn’t like broccoli. By the uproar it created, one would have thought he had detonated an atomic bomb. Another thing that stands out – when Michael Jackson passed away, what media outlet first announced it? TMZ. Could that be because they were “staked out” around his place?
So I ask the questions: Where do we draw the line with respect to the right to privacy? Does one give up that right if one chooses to be in the public eye?
I am already tired of the countless news stories, the talk show discussions, on and on and on. I heard a radio talk show host make the comment that when one goes into the public eye, one willingly gives up the expectation of privacy. Really? I can understand the dialog about Eliot Spitzer resigning as Governor of New York because of his alleged involvement in a high-priced prostitution ring. I don’t want my police officers being found guilty of dealing drugs, firefighters of arson, and…well, you get the picture. But where do we draw the line? I do understand that the right to privacy does NOT mean we should turn a blind eye to domestic violence, the mistreatment of children…
One incident that stands out to me as to the ridiculousness of this was the “Broccoli Debacle” with former President Bush. He admitted he didn’t like broccoli. By the uproar it created, one would have thought he had detonated an atomic bomb. Another thing that stands out – when Michael Jackson passed away, what media outlet first announced it? TMZ. Could that be because they were “staked out” around his place?
So I ask the questions: Where do we draw the line with respect to the right to privacy? Does one give up that right if one chooses to be in the public eye?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Inviting Conversations for Thanksgiving
"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life."
Northrup Christiane
I have been asked several times about the underlying purpose of Inviting Conversations. I have posted several questions designed to elicit dialog among thoughtful people. I have received wonderful responses. Yes, part of Inviting Conversations is to start discussions.
Another part of Inviting Conversations is based upon the book Conversations, which I published in 1999. We live in a fast-paced world. The eight-hour work day is long gone for most business professionals. The sit-down dinner meal is a thing of the past. Reality also states that much of our communication is done via phone, fax, email or social media sites. I am not making a judgment statement on any of this. I am simply stating reality. What’s lost then is deep, important conversation. Sometimes it is conversation with someone with whom one hasn’t spoken in years. Sometimes it is conversation with someone who we see every single day.
As many of you have the opportunity to take some time off from your professional obligations to celebrate Thanksgiving, seek out people who mean “the world” to you. Talk with them. If you can, make it a face-to-face conversation. If you can’t, use the phone. Let people you love hear your voice. If something truly wonderful comes out of it, and you are willing to share, send me the story. I am collecting stories to share through Inviting Conversations. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Wade
Northrup Christiane
I have been asked several times about the underlying purpose of Inviting Conversations. I have posted several questions designed to elicit dialog among thoughtful people. I have received wonderful responses. Yes, part of Inviting Conversations is to start discussions.
Another part of Inviting Conversations is based upon the book Conversations, which I published in 1999. We live in a fast-paced world. The eight-hour work day is long gone for most business professionals. The sit-down dinner meal is a thing of the past. Reality also states that much of our communication is done via phone, fax, email or social media sites. I am not making a judgment statement on any of this. I am simply stating reality. What’s lost then is deep, important conversation. Sometimes it is conversation with someone with whom one hasn’t spoken in years. Sometimes it is conversation with someone who we see every single day.
As many of you have the opportunity to take some time off from your professional obligations to celebrate Thanksgiving, seek out people who mean “the world” to you. Talk with them. If you can, make it a face-to-face conversation. If you can’t, use the phone. Let people you love hear your voice. If something truly wonderful comes out of it, and you are willing to share, send me the story. I am collecting stories to share through Inviting Conversations. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Wade
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Domestic Violence -- Crime and Punishment?
Inviting Conversation for November 17, 2009
The numbers are nauseating. According to the weeklong series in The Columbus Dispatch: ONE in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. More than 85 percent of victims are women. AT LEAST 1.3 million women were abused in America last year. MOST cases never are reported to police. POLICE in Ohio handled more than 75,000 domestic violence incidents last year. SEVENTY-ONE Ohioans died last year at the hands of a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or family member (http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/special_reports/stories/2009/domestic/index.html).
As I read the series, I find myself having great difficulty getting my hands around it. I would suspect my grandfather’s words, “No real man ever lays a hostile hand on a woman” ring in my ear. Before writing this blog, I bounced this subject off of several people. The response was overwhelming. I was told that the perps have a mental illness. Victim’s stories of helplessness were relayed to me. I was told how frustrated law enforcement becomes when they attempt to bring the perp to justice, but the victim is unable to, for whatever reason, follow through in helping the prosecutors. There are stories where it seems it is clear to everyone with eyes and a mind that the perp is an abuser. The stories go on and on. I have even been told that the abuser is a victim as well, often coming from “bad” situations and can’t “control” himself or herself.
Here are the questions: What should and can be done to the abusers? What should and can be done for the victims? Should any consideration be made for the history and mental capabilities of the abuser? What can be done to solve this disgrace to our Society?
The numbers are nauseating. According to the weeklong series in The Columbus Dispatch: ONE in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. More than 85 percent of victims are women. AT LEAST 1.3 million women were abused in America last year. MOST cases never are reported to police. POLICE in Ohio handled more than 75,000 domestic violence incidents last year. SEVENTY-ONE Ohioans died last year at the hands of a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or family member (http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/special_reports/stories/2009/domestic/index.html).
As I read the series, I find myself having great difficulty getting my hands around it. I would suspect my grandfather’s words, “No real man ever lays a hostile hand on a woman” ring in my ear. Before writing this blog, I bounced this subject off of several people. The response was overwhelming. I was told that the perps have a mental illness. Victim’s stories of helplessness were relayed to me. I was told how frustrated law enforcement becomes when they attempt to bring the perp to justice, but the victim is unable to, for whatever reason, follow through in helping the prosecutors. There are stories where it seems it is clear to everyone with eyes and a mind that the perp is an abuser. The stories go on and on. I have even been told that the abuser is a victim as well, often coming from “bad” situations and can’t “control” himself or herself.
Here are the questions: What should and can be done to the abusers? What should and can be done for the victims? Should any consideration be made for the history and mental capabilities of the abuser? What can be done to solve this disgrace to our Society?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Why Can't We Put Politics Aside for the Betterment of Society?
Inviting Conversation for Nov 10th
Washington (CNN) -- Narrow passage of a sweeping health care bill by the House of Representatives portends a continuing difficult fight for President Obama and fellow Democrats to get a bill through the Senate and into law.
The House voted 220-215 late Saturday, with 39 Democrats opposed and one Republican in favor, to approve what would be the biggest expansion of health care coverage since Medicare was created more than 40 years ago.
The Affordable Health Care for America Act, or H.R. 3962, restricts insurance companies from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition or charging higher premiums based on gender or medical history. It also provides federal subsidies to those who cannot afford it. And it guarantees coverage for 96 percent of Americans, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office…
Just part of the article.
Website :http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/09/health.care/index.html
Last week the discussion focused around “mandates.” Thank you to the people who responded. This week’s discussion focuses on consensus and cooperation. I am not taking sides here on the health care issue. We can all agree that health care issues, including access and costs, are serious concerns both immediately and in the long term. BUT…
Why can't Democrats and Republicans team together to set up a health care plan that would be workable? Of course the definition of workable is debatable and hard to come to a middle ground that satisfies anybody. I have already read that it is "dead in the water" in the Senate. So we are presenting something from one House to another that has no chance?
With the adoption of a bill like this, would the exclusion of the pre-existing condition make health care cost skyrocket for both business and individuals to the point nobody could afford it?
I am not naïve enough to believe that there is one “right” solution which will make everyone happy and won’t have its hiccups. But what will it take for our elected officials to put politics aside and create something as a starting point? Before building the house, one needs to build a foundation. Is this so hard?
Washington (CNN) -- Narrow passage of a sweeping health care bill by the House of Representatives portends a continuing difficult fight for President Obama and fellow Democrats to get a bill through the Senate and into law.
The House voted 220-215 late Saturday, with 39 Democrats opposed and one Republican in favor, to approve what would be the biggest expansion of health care coverage since Medicare was created more than 40 years ago.
The Affordable Health Care for America Act, or H.R. 3962, restricts insurance companies from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition or charging higher premiums based on gender or medical history. It also provides federal subsidies to those who cannot afford it. And it guarantees coverage for 96 percent of Americans, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office…
Just part of the article.
Website :http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/09/health.care/index.html
Last week the discussion focused around “mandates.” Thank you to the people who responded. This week’s discussion focuses on consensus and cooperation. I am not taking sides here on the health care issue. We can all agree that health care issues, including access and costs, are serious concerns both immediately and in the long term. BUT…
Why can't Democrats and Republicans team together to set up a health care plan that would be workable? Of course the definition of workable is debatable and hard to come to a middle ground that satisfies anybody. I have already read that it is "dead in the water" in the Senate. So we are presenting something from one House to another that has no chance?
With the adoption of a bill like this, would the exclusion of the pre-existing condition make health care cost skyrocket for both business and individuals to the point nobody could afford it?
I am not naïve enough to believe that there is one “right” solution which will make everyone happy and won’t have its hiccups. But what will it take for our elected officials to put politics aside and create something as a starting point? Before building the house, one needs to build a foundation. Is this so hard?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
What should be mandated for our Society and who should pay for them?
Should healthcare be mandated? That question is being bandied around in political circles, social venues and in corporate strategy sessions. There are other “societal” mandates. Children must attend school. Many public employees must have mandated screenings, such as for tuberculosis, before working. In Ohio, drivers are mandated to carry insurance. Sometimes I get the words mandated and required confused. Are immunizations mandated or are they required for children to enter public schools? Is a marriage license mandated or required in order to get state benefits? On that note, should a license be mandated, or required, for people to be parents? Should it require a certificate with additional training, as required for a school teacher?
Lots of thoughts and questions arise. The debate over mandates often leads to the cost and who should pay. Children are mandated to go to school but must rely on property value levies for operating capital. Doesn’t seem to make sense. According to the Serenity Insurance web site, “People have choices when it comes to car insurance. If they don’t want to pay for it, they don’t have to drive. The health insurance mandate, however, does not offer such choices” (http://www.serenitygroup.com/health-insurance-mandate/). But the health care “mandate,” if it comes into being, will allow people to receive coverage even if they can’t afford it. Even today we have the “medical card” for those who need assistance. But if a person can’t afford car insurance, there is no “auto card” to help him or her keep a car insured so he or she can get a job. And think, since a child is mandated to go to school, and can’t afford lunch, the schools provide free or reduced lunches for these students. Some schools even provide breakfast. I applaud this.
Here are my questions: What things should be mandated in our society? And for these things, should there be public backing for those who simply can’t afford them?
Lots of thoughts and questions arise. The debate over mandates often leads to the cost and who should pay. Children are mandated to go to school but must rely on property value levies for operating capital. Doesn’t seem to make sense. According to the Serenity Insurance web site, “People have choices when it comes to car insurance. If they don’t want to pay for it, they don’t have to drive. The health insurance mandate, however, does not offer such choices” (http://www.serenitygroup.com/health-insurance-mandate/). But the health care “mandate,” if it comes into being, will allow people to receive coverage even if they can’t afford it. Even today we have the “medical card” for those who need assistance. But if a person can’t afford car insurance, there is no “auto card” to help him or her keep a car insured so he or she can get a job. And think, since a child is mandated to go to school, and can’t afford lunch, the schools provide free or reduced lunches for these students. Some schools even provide breakfast. I applaud this.
Here are my questions: What things should be mandated in our society? And for these things, should there be public backing for those who simply can’t afford them?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Where should the balance be with regard to cultural tolerance
An Iraqi man living in Arizona runs over his daughter in a parking lot because she has become too “Westernized.” There are places in this world where “honor killings” are still acceptable. Fortunately, the daughter survived. The man allegedly believes the action in justified because the daughter was “going against” the customs and traditions of his household. In Dallas, police ticketed 39 people in 3 years for not answering officers’ questions in English. Police Chief David Kunkle has said that there is no such charge, and that reimbursements and fixes will be made. To New Mexico…a hotel owner decides that his Hispanic employees could not speak Spanish in front of him. Interesting…but the situation got stickier when he demanded that Hispanic employees modify (Anglicize) their names while working at the hotel. Marcos would need to be Mark.
I remember studying about The Great American Melting Pot. My great-grandfather’s name was Otto Svenson. My grandfather’s name is Larry Swanson after the last name was “Anglicized” upon arrival to the United States. The battles between personal freedoms versus societal rules continue. The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that judges can require Muslim women to remove their veils in court, and the Florida Court of Appeals upheld the ruling that women must remove their veils for their driver's license photos.
I could be wrong, but it seems to me that “back in the day” assimilation was not aggressively questioned. In some cases it was strongly endorsed. This is 2009.
Where should the balance be with regard to cultural tolerance?
For links to all of the stories, please go to www.invitingconversations.com.
I remember studying about The Great American Melting Pot. My great-grandfather’s name was Otto Svenson. My grandfather’s name is Larry Swanson after the last name was “Anglicized” upon arrival to the United States. The battles between personal freedoms versus societal rules continue. The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that judges can require Muslim women to remove their veils in court, and the Florida Court of Appeals upheld the ruling that women must remove their veils for their driver's license photos.
I could be wrong, but it seems to me that “back in the day” assimilation was not aggressively questioned. In some cases it was strongly endorsed. This is 2009.
Where should the balance be with regard to cultural tolerance?
For links to all of the stories, please go to www.invitingconversations.com.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Is the "Balloon Boy" stunt Society's Doing?
There have been so many news stories this past week which could lead to very interesting conversations. I would like to focus this morning on the Colorado “balloon boy stunt.” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33341233/ns/today-today_people/
Was the Colorado balloon boy event a hoax? That question will be debated in the news and in circles for months to come. That isn’t my question here. I guess I am confused why the family called the press prior to calling the police when their child was taken into flight. Is it possible that the family in Colorado is using the media to its advantage? Have we as a Society become so needy for “reality-based” drama that we create the need for people to do things like this?
I look forward to your comments.
Was the Colorado balloon boy event a hoax? That question will be debated in the news and in circles for months to come. That isn’t my question here. I guess I am confused why the family called the press prior to calling the police when their child was taken into flight. Is it possible that the family in Colorado is using the media to its advantage? Have we as a Society become so needy for “reality-based” drama that we create the need for people to do things like this?
I look forward to your comments.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Should a Cub Scout be suspended for wanting to use his camping kit to each lunch at school?
He was so excited about recently joining the Cub Scouts that he wanted to use it (a camping utensil that can serve as a knife, fork and spoon) at lunch. School officials concluded that he had violated their zero-tolerance policy on weapons, and Zachary was suspended and now faces 45 days in the district’s reform school.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/education/12discipline.html?no_interstitial
The Newark, Delaware school district has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons. Is the school district “in the right” to take this action? Has the school district gone “overboard”? Do you support the district’s move?
This week’s Inviting Conversation:
If given the opportunity, what would you say to the Superintendent at the suspension appeal hearing?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/education/12discipline.html?no_interstitial
The Newark, Delaware school district has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons. Is the school district “in the right” to take this action? Has the school district gone “overboard”? Do you support the district’s move?
This week’s Inviting Conversation:
If given the opportunity, what would you say to the Superintendent at the suspension appeal hearing?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Montana Woman fined for 12-year-old daughter driving siblings to day care
A Montana woman has been fined nearly $1000 for letting her 12-year-old daughter drive three siblings to day care. According to the Associated Press (http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/midwest/view.bg?articleid=1201831&srvc=next_article#), the mother agreed to plead “no contest” because the 12-year-old did not wish to testify against her mother. The mother had indicated that she let her daughter drive because she was “too sick and medicated to drive.” After just a few conversations, a host of questions come from this. What are the driving laws in Montana? What was the urgency which prompted the mother to feel the need to absolutely get the kids to day care? What is meant by “medicated”? These are all valid questions, however I would like to take a completely different angle.
I recognize that I am not “old” per se, being 45 years old. I grew up in a “middle class” neighborhood, albeit the “middle class” is disappearing. I also grew up in a “neighborhood.” I have never been to Great Falls, Montana, and so I can not say anything bad about the area, and certainly believe that this could have happened nearly anywhere. But I have been reading a good bit about our loss of the “neighborhood,” people being too busy to be in community with one another, being “there” for one another. Have we become so busy with our own lives, with trying to survive, that we do not even know our neighbors, let alone be willing to help them with their needs? People of Great Falls, Montana, are you telling me that there was no one this woman could have called for help?
Is it not “our” responsibility? Have we as society lost our sense of “community”? Is it really not our concern?
I recognize that I am not “old” per se, being 45 years old. I grew up in a “middle class” neighborhood, albeit the “middle class” is disappearing. I also grew up in a “neighborhood.” I have never been to Great Falls, Montana, and so I can not say anything bad about the area, and certainly believe that this could have happened nearly anywhere. But I have been reading a good bit about our loss of the “neighborhood,” people being too busy to be in community with one another, being “there” for one another. Have we become so busy with our own lives, with trying to survive, that we do not even know our neighbors, let alone be willing to help them with their needs? People of Great Falls, Montana, are you telling me that there was no one this woman could have called for help?
Is it not “our” responsibility? Have we as society lost our sense of “community”? Is it really not our concern?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Roman Polanski's Victim Says "Drop the Charges"
First I would like to say that I am in no way excusing what Roman Polanski did in March, 1977. He forced himself sexually on a then 13-year-old girl. I will assume most everyone will agree that this is wrong and intolerable at any level. 32 years later, Roman Polanski has been arrested for this crime. The now 45-year-old mother of three, Samantha Geimer, has repeated her request that the charges be dropped. At this point she has “moved on” and “forgiven him.” She is also displeased with how the case was handled 32 years ago.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/6237442/Roman-Polanskis-victim-is-mother-who-wants-charges-dropped.html
Here is the Inviting Conversations question: How much leverage should a victim’s opinion have in cases such as this?
There are many situations in which an assault occurs, and the victim chooses not to pursue charges, or a petty theft occurs and the victim decides to give the accused another “chance.” In the Polanski case, we are not talking about pushing someone down in a park or stealing $50 from the local grocery store. Obviously these are crimes as well. But rape, like murder, kidnapping, torture, are significantly more egregious. Should the victim’s willingness to forgive the assailant have any bearing on the case? Or is a crime a crime?
I await your opinions.
Wade
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/6237442/Roman-Polanskis-victim-is-mother-who-wants-charges-dropped.html
Here is the Inviting Conversations question: How much leverage should a victim’s opinion have in cases such as this?
There are many situations in which an assault occurs, and the victim chooses not to pursue charges, or a petty theft occurs and the victim decides to give the accused another “chance.” In the Polanski case, we are not talking about pushing someone down in a park or stealing $50 from the local grocery store. Obviously these are crimes as well. But rape, like murder, kidnapping, torture, are significantly more egregious. Should the victim’s willingness to forgive the assailant have any bearing on the case? Or is a crime a crime?
I await your opinions.
Wade
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dad Gives 4-Year-Old Son Cocaine
“Four-Year-Old Shares Dad’s Drugs with his Friends”
“New Jersey police say a 4-year-old boy gave cocaine to his friends at day care because his father told him it was candy…Shaheed Wright put several baggies of cocaine inside his son’s jacket after police nearly caught him with it.”
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/national_world/stories/2009/09/20/Day_care_cocaine.ART_ART_09-20-09_A2_FCF4CPU.html?sid=101
I have so many questions that I don’t have enough room here to ask them all. What should be the consequences for the father? Should his parenting privileges be revoked? If you were his attorney, would you seek drug intervention instead of criminal punishment? I am at such a loss here that I really look forward to hearing what you have to say!
“New Jersey police say a 4-year-old boy gave cocaine to his friends at day care because his father told him it was candy…Shaheed Wright put several baggies of cocaine inside his son’s jacket after police nearly caught him with it.”
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/national_world/stories/2009/09/20/Day_care_cocaine.ART_ART_09-20-09_A2_FCF4CPU.html?sid=101
I have so many questions that I don’t have enough room here to ask them all. What should be the consequences for the father? Should his parenting privileges be revoked? If you were his attorney, would you seek drug intervention instead of criminal punishment? I am at such a loss here that I really look forward to hearing what you have to say!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Should 16-year-olds' names be published?
“Bills players are concerned with their privacy and safety after the front lawn of a home belonging to cornerback Leodis McKelvin was vandalized following Buffalo's season-opening loss to New England” (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4476626).
“Hamburg police Sgt. Thomas Best said Wednesday night that McKelvin is refusing to press charges against two 16-year-olds, who said they were the ones who spray-painted a message and an obscenity across the grass in front of the player's home shortly after the Bills' season-opening 25-24 loss at New England on Monday night”
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bills/2009-09-16-mckelvin-follow_N.htm.
There is no question that the behavior of these two young people is deplorable. There is no question that there should be consequences for their actions. That isn’t the issue here. In today’s Society, where disturbing crimes are being committed by younger and younger people, should the limitations of reporting the names of juveniles be lifted?
Let’s pause for a moment: A sixteen-year-old can get a license in most states. A sixteen-year-old can get a passport in most states. A sixteen-year-old can get a job and pay taxes in most states.
Today’s Inviting Conversation questions: Should the names of sixteen-year-olds be published when certain crimes are committed? All crimes? No crimes until they are eighteen?
“Hamburg police Sgt. Thomas Best said Wednesday night that McKelvin is refusing to press charges against two 16-year-olds, who said they were the ones who spray-painted a message and an obscenity across the grass in front of the player's home shortly after the Bills' season-opening 25-24 loss at New England on Monday night”
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bills/2009-09-16-mckelvin-follow_N.htm.
There is no question that the behavior of these two young people is deplorable. There is no question that there should be consequences for their actions. That isn’t the issue here. In today’s Society, where disturbing crimes are being committed by younger and younger people, should the limitations of reporting the names of juveniles be lifted?
Let’s pause for a moment: A sixteen-year-old can get a license in most states. A sixteen-year-old can get a passport in most states. A sixteen-year-old can get a job and pay taxes in most states.
Today’s Inviting Conversation questions: Should the names of sixteen-year-olds be published when certain crimes are committed? All crimes? No crimes until they are eighteen?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Hey Baby, No Shoes, No Service
Yes, it’s true. In early August, 2009, a St. Louis-area Burger King ordered the mother of a six-month-old baby to leave the restaurant because the baby wasn’t wearing any shoes! I have read several versions of this. One can be found at http://www.cafemom.com/dailybuzz/baby/6560/Mom_Gets_Kicked_Out_of_Burger_King_Because_Her_Baby_Isnt_Wearing_Shoes. The mother even offered to put socks on the baby, but the sign says, “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service.” Burger King issued an apology to the mother the following day. They admitted that the manager was overzealous in enforcing the policy. You think?
I understand why the “NS, NS, NS” policy is in place. Actually, I get why most policies are in place. But have we gone overboard? Have we created a long list of rules and regulations because of a rare few people who just don’t understand how to dress, act, walk and talk in public?
One that always strikes me is when I am in a restaurant and see a sign that reminds employees that they must wash their hands before returning to work. Um…so I was chatting with a friend of mine who is a manager at a restaurant, commenting at the “silliness” of this. His reply was a little surprising: The signs have to be posted because if the signs are not there, he can’t reprimand an employee for failing to comply.
Have we gone overboard? Or are we simply reacting to a small percentage who don’t “get it”? Or, more concerning, are we reacting to growing percentage of people who don’t “get it”?
I understand why the “NS, NS, NS” policy is in place. Actually, I get why most policies are in place. But have we gone overboard? Have we created a long list of rules and regulations because of a rare few people who just don’t understand how to dress, act, walk and talk in public?
One that always strikes me is when I am in a restaurant and see a sign that reminds employees that they must wash their hands before returning to work. Um…so I was chatting with a friend of mine who is a manager at a restaurant, commenting at the “silliness” of this. His reply was a little surprising: The signs have to be posted because if the signs are not there, he can’t reprimand an employee for failing to comply.
Have we gone overboard? Or are we simply reacting to a small percentage who don’t “get it”? Or, more concerning, are we reacting to growing percentage of people who don’t “get it”?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
“Old Age and Fatigue as a Cause of Car Accidents”
“Old Age and Fatigue as a Cause of Car Accidents”
The September 2009 Newsletter from Spectrum Paralegal & More, LLC has a very interesting article on “Old Age and Fatigue as a Cause of Car Accidents.” This article can be found at www.spectrumparalegal.com. There are no shocking revelations in this article. But it does lead to some strikingly important Inviting Conversations. Please know that I have the utmost respect for our elders. Under no circumstance do I want this to come across as a Senior Citizen Bashing. But I am concerned that people are doing just the opposite. In order to avoid talking about the sensitive issues, good-hearted people are simply not facing a potentially catastrophic crisis in America. Please read the following demographics, and then please comment.
DEMOGRAPHICS
The number of Americans age 55 and older will almost double between now and 2030 – from 60 million today (21 percent of the total US population) to 107.6 million (31 percent of the population) – as the Baby Boomers reach retirement age.
During that same period of time, the number of Americans over 65 will more than double, from 34.8 million in 2000 (12 percent of the population) to 70.3 million in 2030 (20 percent of the total population).
Americans reaching age 65 today have an average life expectancy of an additional 17.9 years (19.2 years for females and 16.3 years for males).The likelihood that an American who reaches the age of 65 will survive to the age of 90 has nearly doubled over the past 40 years – from just 14 percent of 65-year-olds in 1960 to 25 percent at present. By 2050, 40 percent of 65-year-olds are likely to reach age 90.
http://www.experiencecorps.org/research/factsheet.html
Health Care? Independence? Family disputes upon death? Scammers taking advantage of the elderly? Driving? Lack of retirement planning? Poverty with the elderly? And ???
What are your biggest concerns about America’s growing senior population? More importantly, what needs to be done to properly prepare? Will the problem take care of itself?
Soon and very soon, there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than there are under 18.
The September 2009 Newsletter from Spectrum Paralegal & More, LLC has a very interesting article on “Old Age and Fatigue as a Cause of Car Accidents.” This article can be found at www.spectrumparalegal.com. There are no shocking revelations in this article. But it does lead to some strikingly important Inviting Conversations. Please know that I have the utmost respect for our elders. Under no circumstance do I want this to come across as a Senior Citizen Bashing. But I am concerned that people are doing just the opposite. In order to avoid talking about the sensitive issues, good-hearted people are simply not facing a potentially catastrophic crisis in America. Please read the following demographics, and then please comment.
DEMOGRAPHICS
The number of Americans age 55 and older will almost double between now and 2030 – from 60 million today (21 percent of the total US population) to 107.6 million (31 percent of the population) – as the Baby Boomers reach retirement age.
During that same period of time, the number of Americans over 65 will more than double, from 34.8 million in 2000 (12 percent of the population) to 70.3 million in 2030 (20 percent of the total population).
Americans reaching age 65 today have an average life expectancy of an additional 17.9 years (19.2 years for females and 16.3 years for males).The likelihood that an American who reaches the age of 65 will survive to the age of 90 has nearly doubled over the past 40 years – from just 14 percent of 65-year-olds in 1960 to 25 percent at present. By 2050, 40 percent of 65-year-olds are likely to reach age 90.
http://www.experiencecorps.org/research/factsheet.html
Health Care? Independence? Family disputes upon death? Scammers taking advantage of the elderly? Driving? Lack of retirement planning? Poverty with the elderly? And ???
What are your biggest concerns about America’s growing senior population? More importantly, what needs to be done to properly prepare? Will the problem take care of itself?
Soon and very soon, there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than there are under 18.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Drug-Addicted America??
Pfizer Article
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202433530852&src=EMC-Email&et=editorial&bu=Law.com&pt=Law.com%20Newswire%20Update&cn=LAWCOM_NewswireUpdate_20090902&kw=Pfizer%20to%20Pay%20Record%20%242.3%20Billion%20Penalty%20Over%20Off-Label%20Promotions
From Law.com
“Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug maker, will pay a record $2.3 billion civil and criminal penalty over unlawful prescription drug promotions, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.”
Once you read the article, you will discover that the penalty is warranted. This conversation focuses more how Americans view the pharmaceutical industry and legal drug use in America. This is not a discussion of the whole health care issue as is being debated in Congress right now.
But consider these questions: (1) It is naïve to think that people are taking the prescription drugs as prescribed to them. People share their prescription drugs. People sell their prescription drugs. How much does this happen? How big of a problem is this?
(2) Pfizer was just penalized $2.3 billion, not million, BILLION dollars, and yet their stock value ROSE 9 cents in early morning trading on Wednesday morning, September 2. Does the American investing public believe that Americans are so “drug-centered” that we are still willing to invest heavily in pharmaceuticals even after billions of dollars in penalties and fees? Are we as Americans THAT “drug-centered”?
(3) Finally, how big of a problem is it that drugs are used as “comfort” rather than for medically-viable reasons. Please let me explain. For years, some doctors prescribed antibiotics for viral infections, knowing they wouldn’t help, to quiet pushy and whiny patients. Some doctors prescribe Vicodin and other pain medications like they were prescribing licorice bites to the squirrelly child in church, without doing a pain management plan. And Americans are loading up on Tylenol (acetaminophen), Claritin, Benadryl and a host of other over-the-counter medications when medically they are not needed. The question is, as Americans continue to do things like overeating and smoking, what can be done to help the next generation not fall into the unhealthy habits of adult Americans?
I look forward to your comments.
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202433530852&src=EMC-Email&et=editorial&bu=Law.com&pt=Law.com%20Newswire%20Update&cn=LAWCOM_NewswireUpdate_20090902&kw=Pfizer%20to%20Pay%20Record%20%242.3%20Billion%20Penalty%20Over%20Off-Label%20Promotions
From Law.com
“Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug maker, will pay a record $2.3 billion civil and criminal penalty over unlawful prescription drug promotions, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.”
Once you read the article, you will discover that the penalty is warranted. This conversation focuses more how Americans view the pharmaceutical industry and legal drug use in America. This is not a discussion of the whole health care issue as is being debated in Congress right now.
But consider these questions: (1) It is naïve to think that people are taking the prescription drugs as prescribed to them. People share their prescription drugs. People sell their prescription drugs. How much does this happen? How big of a problem is this?
(2) Pfizer was just penalized $2.3 billion, not million, BILLION dollars, and yet their stock value ROSE 9 cents in early morning trading on Wednesday morning, September 2. Does the American investing public believe that Americans are so “drug-centered” that we are still willing to invest heavily in pharmaceuticals even after billions of dollars in penalties and fees? Are we as Americans THAT “drug-centered”?
(3) Finally, how big of a problem is it that drugs are used as “comfort” rather than for medically-viable reasons. Please let me explain. For years, some doctors prescribed antibiotics for viral infections, knowing they wouldn’t help, to quiet pushy and whiny patients. Some doctors prescribe Vicodin and other pain medications like they were prescribing licorice bites to the squirrelly child in church, without doing a pain management plan. And Americans are loading up on Tylenol (acetaminophen), Claritin, Benadryl and a host of other over-the-counter medications when medically they are not needed. The question is, as Americans continue to do things like overeating and smoking, what can be done to help the next generation not fall into the unhealthy habits of adult Americans?
I look forward to your comments.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Breast Pump Debate
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the state law banning discrimination against pregnant women does not protect new mothers who take unauthorized breaks to use a breast pump. The article in the Columbus Dispatch can be found at this link: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/08/28/LACTATE.ART_ART_08-28-09_B1_8EET5UK.html
The ruling went against the mother not because of the discrimination aspect of the suit. In fact the Supreme Court carefully went out of its way to avoid this question. Instead, the Supreme Court made the ruling because the young mother was using the breast pump during unauthorized break times.
I would like to hear your comments on this! Please read the article, and any others you find, and then comment!
Wade
The ruling went against the mother not because of the discrimination aspect of the suit. In fact the Supreme Court carefully went out of its way to avoid this question. Instead, the Supreme Court made the ruling because the young mother was using the breast pump during unauthorized break times.
I would like to hear your comments on this! Please read the article, and any others you find, and then comment!
Wade
Monday, August 24, 2009
Education has little value...
Once again school is starting for millions of US school-children. The United States public school system has been the target for many criticisms, as well as many accolades. There are school districts where the majority of students graduate, and there are school districts where nearly half the eligible students drop out before receiving a high school diploma. No one argues that a foundation in the basics is essential. There is a boatload of evidence that shows students who learn about and participate in the arts do “better” in school and in their chosen career paths.
Today’s Inviting Conversations question focuses on the chart below. I would like to stay away from discussions on funding. I am unable to speak about other states, but Ohio’s reliance upon property taxes as a major funding source for its schools is an abysmal mess. I would like to stay away from comments on discipline. The countries ahead of us in many cases put the United State to shame in their non-violent approaches to student discipline, and it would be better to not further show how US education is behind the times.
The question is about the importance and value of education. The countries ahead of the United States “seemingly” place education at a higher value than does the United States.
Question: How can parents, educators, civic leaders and others improve US students’ desire to place a high value on education? Education is not valued in our country. How do we fix this?
How do we rate in education:
Area
Rank (out of 41)
Math 28
Reading 18
Science 22
Problem Solving 29
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a three-yearly survey of the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds in the principal industrialized countries. The product of a collaboration between participating governments through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD), it draws on leading international expertise to develop valid comparisons across countries and cultures.
Well over a quarter of a million students in 41 countries took part in a two-hour test in their schools, assessing their skills in mathematics, reading, science and problem solving. All 30 OECD member countries participated, as well as 11 partner countries.
Source:
http://www.putourkidsfirst.com/kidsfirst/education_ratings_US.asp
Today’s Inviting Conversations question focuses on the chart below. I would like to stay away from discussions on funding. I am unable to speak about other states, but Ohio’s reliance upon property taxes as a major funding source for its schools is an abysmal mess. I would like to stay away from comments on discipline. The countries ahead of us in many cases put the United State to shame in their non-violent approaches to student discipline, and it would be better to not further show how US education is behind the times.
The question is about the importance and value of education. The countries ahead of the United States “seemingly” place education at a higher value than does the United States.
Question: How can parents, educators, civic leaders and others improve US students’ desire to place a high value on education? Education is not valued in our country. How do we fix this?
How do we rate in education:
Area
Rank (out of 41)
Math 28
Reading 18
Science 22
Problem Solving 29
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a three-yearly survey of the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds in the principal industrialized countries. The product of a collaboration between participating governments through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD), it draws on leading international expertise to develop valid comparisons across countries and cultures.
Well over a quarter of a million students in 41 countries took part in a two-hour test in their schools, assessing their skills in mathematics, reading, science and problem solving. All 30 OECD member countries participated, as well as 11 partner countries.
Source:
http://www.putourkidsfirst.com/kidsfirst/education_ratings_US.asp
Monday, August 17, 2009
Should Parents Be Legally Liable for Their Children's Actions?
The Inviting Conversations question for Monday, August 17, 2009:
Should Parents Be Legally Liable For Their Children's Actions?
This question comes from the "Spectrum Paralegal & More, LLC August 2009 Newsletter" article entitled, "Are Parents Legally Liable For Their Children's Actions?" by Syd Z. Nohcud. If you would like a pdf version of the newsletter, just email me at wade@invitingconversations.com.
Thanks!
Wade
Should Parents Be Legally Liable For Their Children's Actions?
This question comes from the "Spectrum Paralegal & More, LLC August 2009 Newsletter" article entitled, "Are Parents Legally Liable For Their Children's Actions?" by Syd Z. Nohcud. If you would like a pdf version of the newsletter, just email me at wade@invitingconversations.com.
Thanks!
Wade
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Welcome to Inviting Conversations! Please read for rules and guidelines.
Welcome to the Inviting Conversations blogspot! Beginning on Monday, August 17, 2009, Host Wade K. Meyer, M.Ed. will be posting questions on a regular basis. Please note that the Inviting Conversations blogspot respectfully asks that people responding to the questions follow these simple rules:
(1) No profanity;
(2) No comments that may be considered slanderous, vindictive, illegal or blatantly immoral;
(3) If commenting on another person's response, please keep the comments professional, avoiding comments that are clearly personal.
Please also note that by posting comments you agree that all or part of your comments may be reposted on the Inviting Conversations web site, which is www.invitingconversations.com.
If you have any questions, please email Wade at wade@invitingconversations.com.
Thanks!
The Inviting Conversations Team
(1) No profanity;
(2) No comments that may be considered slanderous, vindictive, illegal or blatantly immoral;
(3) If commenting on another person's response, please keep the comments professional, avoiding comments that are clearly personal.
Please also note that by posting comments you agree that all or part of your comments may be reposted on the Inviting Conversations web site, which is www.invitingconversations.com.
If you have any questions, please email Wade at wade@invitingconversations.com.
Thanks!
The Inviting Conversations Team
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