Pardon Me

 

You are charged of a crime for not obeying an established law and investigated and detained by the authorities and called before the court with details of your case presented by a prosecutor before a judge and jury of your peers and you can defend your actions with an attorney before the judge declares your innocence or guilt. You can throw yourself on the mercy of the court and appeal the judgement decision or try to abstain yourself of the potential punishment or beg to be pardoned.

Will the acknowledgement of the wrongful action or an apology get you off the hook?

A pardon is an expression of the president's forgiveness and ordinarily is granted in recognition of the applicant's acceptance of responsibility for the crime and established good conduct for a significant period of time after conviction or completion of sentence. It does not signify innocence.

Over the past few days, our President, who was himself convicted for multiple felonies, pardoned a former Virginia sheriff who was convicted of trying to sell deputy’s badges, a Las Vegas politician who stole money intended for a memorial dedicated to fallen police officers, a tax cheat whose mother raised millions of dollars for Republican political campaigns, and a pair of Georgia reality television stars who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion.

Among his first officials acts as president was to pardon virtually all of the nearly 1,600 defendants convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters and to commute the sentences of the remaining 14. Weeks earlier, the former President had issued preemptive pardons to his siblings and their spouses, saying he feared they would be targeted for political reasons by the new administration.

If you perform an etiquette faux pas, such as a loud belch or passing gas, may acknowledge with a “Pardon me” hoping anyone within range will forgive the audacious behavior?

On Condition of Anonymity

Seems information is becoming vague from its sources. The former established media presentations had a history of educated journalist who follow the UPI playbook for grammar and structure to investigate and write the facts to meet deadlines for viewers or listeners or readers understanding of events. The information was believed to be truthful without bias or prejudice because we trusted the source.

So, if the reporter interviews someone who does not give their name or position or connection with the event, for whatever reason, can the statement be believed? This could be some anonymous just giving an opinion to the question with no knowledge or background to offer.

News casters, influencers, talk shows and even politicians spout numbers and declare facts based on ‘studies or research or reports’ from unknown resources. Dig down deep enough through footnotes to find questionable sources.

At the same time, everyone has a video camera now and everyday actions can be recorded, manipulated and uploaded to the WWW for anyone to view and interpret.

Even a friend might make an offering of knowledge based on a book or magazine article. Do you take their advice? Do you fact-check their statement? Do you push back with something you saw on YouTube or TikTok or The View?

“Well, that’s it. You see what you want to see and you hear what you want to hear.”

—Nilsson, The Point (1971)

 

*Note: The comments on this blog and on all my other social media accounts is protected for privacy as a result of questionable or irrelevant statements. Comments can be left as ‘anonymous’ but will not appear until approved.

Corruption

 

It’s your decision.

When we break out of the egg, we can’t make decisions. We have no reference points on where we are or what is happening. This all has to be taught to us. What we eat, what we wear, how we walk are all decisions made by others and we must obey for we have no other information to oppose the instructions.

The parents (aka ‘family’) are the first to propagate decisions on how to behave, who to associate with, what to believe based on heritage and status. This training precipitates our reactions to meeting strangers. Do they look like us? What is the cut of their jib? Should we approach them or avoid at all cost? Segregation of monitory equibalance, race, culture, gender is reenforced by neighbors, schools and religion.

Rules are applied at what age we are allowed to make decisions by ourselves. Sixteen is the age decided to be mentally and physically able to handle a two-ton vehicle traveling at 60mph speeds, but eighteen is draft age where we are old enough to fight and die for our country. This is the same age allowed to vote for the officials who make the laws, whichever comes first.

In whatever training procedure we are placed, individually must decide whether to pay attention and retain the knowledge being handed out or lose the opportunity when tested? After basic instructions on reading, writing and arithmetic and gaining a appropriate grade to wear a cap and gown to be presented with a piece of paper that states we are smart enough to enter the world on our own intelligence. Then we must decide to move on to higher learning or mechanical training.

As the interaction with others in sports, school, church or other, the segregation of genders fades with hormones and growth spurts. Decisions of who to ask, where to go, relationship identity, and intimacy are made through a fog of passion and peer pressure.

Life is nothing but decisions.

Choose a house or apartment? Get a career or just pay the bills? Buy a car? Get a pet? Move out of town? Marry or live together? Breed and propagate a family or abstain?

If lucky enough to get through leaving home to a self-sufficient life, more decisions must be made. Do we upgrade our appearance with finery and entertainment? Do we purchase a larger house or a fancy vehicle as status symbols? Do we live vicariously through offspring’s accomplishments? Do we strive for titles to accumulated monetary rewards to achieve the appreciation of a celebrity?

 

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”

 

Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense that is undertaken by a person or an organization that is entrusted in a position of authority to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one's gain. Corruption may involve activities like bribery, influence peddling, and embezzlement, as well as practices that are legal in many countries, such as lobbying. Political corruption occurs when an office-holder or other governmental employee acts in an official capacity for personal gain.

Historically, "corruption" had a broader meaning concerned with an activity's impact on morals and societal well-being: for example, the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was condemned to death in part for "corrupting the young".

Contemporary corruption is perceived as most common in kleptocracies, oligarchies, narco-states, and mafia states, however, more recent research and policy statements acknowledge that it also exists in wealthy capitalist economies.

Corruption and crime are endemic sociological occurrences that appear regularly in virtually all countries on a global scale in varying degrees and proportions. Recent data (unknown source) suggests corruption is on the rise. Each nation allocates domestic resources for the control and regulation of corruption and the deterrence of crime. Strategies undertaken to counter corruption are often summarized under the umbrella term anti-corruption. Additionally, global initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 also have a targeted goal which is supposed to reduce corruption in all of its forms substantially. Recent initiatives like the Tax Justice Network go beyond bribery and theft and bring attention to tax abuses.

 

The Emoluments Clause, as it exists in Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution, generally prohibits federal officeholders from accepting foreign gifts, payments, or other benefits without the consent of Congress. This provision aims to prevent foreign influence on U.S. government officials and maintain their independence.

We all like to get gifts. Bridal Showers, Housewarming party, Baby Showers, Birthday parties, Christmas are all formulated to exchange gifts and wishes. Dating is precipitated by the promise of spending time together will bring gifts of flowers, dining, dancing, entertainment and if the respondent cannot monetarily repay the lavish attention, possible intimacy. Decisions of expectations should be made and agreed upon in advance.

 

Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is the study of moral principles and conduct. It examines what is right and wrong, and guides individuals and groups in making decisions and acting in accordance with those principles. Ethics considers how we should live, our rights and responsibilities, and the language of right and wrong.

Some will arise from the crowd and promise to answer the dreams of leadership for the betterment of all. They may be good speakers preaching to attentive lemmings who filter sounds through pre-taught prejudice and bias experienced. We break into separate teams or clubs or parties or groups to reenforce our dedication to a carpetbagger medicine man promising spiritual salvation, economical wealth, family security and healthcare, plus a better future ahead.

When we stand in the voting booth scrolling down the menu of social media influencers, celebrity entertainers, revered military heroes, successful business entrepreneurs or hucksters searching for a plush job. We check off our selection and wait for the accountants to sort the data and present a winner.

We hope that our elected officials will make us proud as leaders dolefully working on behalf of the people. If not, we sort the cards and wait for the next chance while we tolerate the last decision.

 

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

God wants what is best for you. If you put something else before Him in your life, it’s harder for him to bless you.

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.”

Anything you worship more than God is a “graven image.” Cars, clothes, sports, even our jobs are dangerous things to worship because they can go away. But God will never go away, and that’s why it’s best for us to only worship Him.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”

This can mean using God’s name like a swear word, or it can mean saying you are a Christian but not living or acting like Jesus would want you to act.

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Sunday, or the Sabbath day, is a day we can all go to church, worship God, and learn how to be better people and Christians. Keeping it holy means doing our best to remember Him throughout the day.

“Honour thy father and thy mother.”

It’s important to show our parents respect. This might look different for everyone, but we should always try to love and care for those who cared for us first.

“Thou shalt not kill.”

A simple but important rule for anyone.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

Men and women make promises to each other when they are married. These promises are important, and breaking them causes deep sadness. Keeping those promises help men and women have happy marriages and happy lives.

“Thou shalt not steal.”

It is important to God that His children are honest with each other. Taking anything that doesn’t belong to you is stealing, and is against His commandment.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”

This one is about honesty. If you lie to someone, you are “bearing false witness,” and may cause harm to yourself and to others.

“Thou shalt not covet.”

To covet means to be so jealous of something someone else has that you want it desperately. Coveting makes a person miserable and keeps them from putting God first. This commandment helps keep you from falling into this bad habit.

 

Integrity, in general terms, refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, meaning being consistent and adhering to ethical standards. It's about acting in alignment with one's values, even when faced with challenges or temptations. In a business context, integrity often means acting ethically and transparently in all aspects of the business.

 

As we pass through our probation period in employment to be mentored and observed and evaluated on productivity, if we meet approval (after some time) we get a raise in salary. Not only does that give am economic improvement but also an emotional security. The additional income may come with additional responsibility and a title. This may be a job description changer with oversight and evaluation and instructions and documentation of other workers. With that may be an office, requirement of dress code due to the position, attending boardroom meetings with a chance of offering your opinion to the decision makers or a key to the executive washroom.

As your importance grows, the prestige and power of the position will attract influencers bearing gifts. Perhaps a free lunch for an audience and a possible sale? Perhaps some sparkling bling to remember the business card? Perhaps some cash under the table or a new ride as ‘thanks’ for being swayed and sold goods or services on unproven or investigated promises?

Are our leaders so moral and ethical to turn away from persuasion and make decisions for the good of all or just self-absorption?

It’s your decision.

Due Process

 

Seems everything has a due process.

 

Breathing from the beginning to the end. Eat a meal and the process ends when you poop. Making a baby is a process. Buying a house is a process. Getting a divorce is a process. Running a race is a process. Falling in love is a process. Voting for your elective officials is a process.

 

They all run a course with different timelines. People feel it is their right to run the due process till the end. Some may have road bumps on the way due to health, politics, religion, family, finances, friends but all have a beginning and an end.

 

Due process is a fundamental principle of fairness in the legal system, guaranteeing that the government will treat individuals fairly when depriving them of life, liberty, or property. It ensures that legal procedures are followed, providing notice and an opportunity to be heard before the government takes action. Due process encompasses both procedural due process (fairness of the process) and substantive due process (protecting fundamental rights). 

 

The U.S. Constitution states that “the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.” Only Congress can suspend habeas corpus.

 

Life has no appeals.

Chaos

 

Noun. a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order. Synonyms: tumult, turmoil, jumble, disarray. Antonyms: calm, peace, order.

January 6, insurrection, fake news, misinformation, social media, TikTok, retribution, invasion, Greenland, deposition, ICE, Tesla, Department of Government Efficiency, war, secure border, trans-military, Constitution, Executive Order, downsizing, virus, measles, mass shooting, Panama Canal, birthday parade, tariffs, trade war, U.S.A. papacy, layoffs, data centers, fossil fuel, power grid, immigrants, passport, Real ID, deportation, proof of citizenship, air traffic control shutdown, regulations, inspector generals, flip-flops, Ai, banning books, USAid, health care, social security, VA benefits, personal property assessment tax, gender designation, new flag poles at the White House, voting, charts, graphs, numbers, studies, reports, experts, influencers, shipping delay, more families, less toys, wild fires, insurance premiums, eggs, Security zoom calls, climate change, road rage, downsizing, humanity, museums, science, research, abortion, royality, manufacturing, wages, parks and recreation, ISDA, homelessness, FSIS, disaster, eviction, FDA, detention center, CIA, etc.……………..

Pink Slip

 

I spend a lot of time listening to the news. Probably more than I should, but I hear about the latest government adjustments to reality.

I hear of all this efficiently of the government by eliminating jobs and can somewhat relate. When companies are over extended and economy changes, downsizing requires cutting back.

Normally, any new project requires more people to perform the task. This requires resources like buildings and tables and computers and wreck rooms and coffee and comfortable chairs and parking spaces and bathrooms for the people to accomplish objectives and earn a paycheck. If the project does not go well, there will be efforts to reduce loses.

The cheapest and less obstructive is the last hired is the first fired. Even with whatever new and creative innovative ideas they brought when hired, all is forgotten to save the mighty dollar.

If anyone is aware, the stock market numbers and the sale of stocks by the corporate executives should tell the story of what is about to come.

A "pink slip" is an informal term for a notice of termination or dismissal given to an employee by their employer.

Being "laid off" means an employee's job is terminated by the employer, not due to any fault of the employee, but due to business reasons like downsizing, restructuring, or economic downturns. This is different from being "fired" which is due to performance issues or violations. When a company lays off employees, it often involves a meeting where the employee is informed of the termination, receives a packet of documents, and may receive severance pay

Yes, you can say "laid off" instead of "fired," but it's crucial to understand the difference between the two and use the term that accurately reflects your situation. "Laid off" generally implies the job was eliminated due to company circumstances, not employee performance. "Fired" suggests termination due to issues with an employee's conduct or performance.

All outstanding wages, including overtime pay and general holiday pay owed are given to those who are ‘laid off’. Pay in lieu of notice of termination, if 2 weeks written notice was not provided. Severance pay if they had more than 12 months of continuous service

A typical severance package offers approximately two weeks of pay per year of service for most employees, with executives often receiving more generous terms. The amount can vary based on factors like length of service, salary, and company policy, but it's generally based on a percentage of the employee's salary. 

I wonder all these federal workers getting the axe? Where do they go for new employment? The government has always been a fall back for those with limited talent or skills. Check out the army recruitment requirements.

Anyone who has been ‘laid off’ or ‘fired’ is suddenly and emotionally shocking. Financially difficulties can be immediate apparent (unless there are good savings) without a paycheck. Housing downsizing, eliminating subscriptions, selling additional vehicles, tighter budgeting of groceries are necessaries after the chopping block. Moving may be required to find new employment, which means kids will have to leave school and friends. It is a disruption to normal lifestyle.

Getting an email of termination seems rather inhuman. Without the employee knowledge of any possible elimination of employment, the security passwords, corporate email and log-ins to databases is refused without explanation. Security may just walk up and escort you out the door, removing any identification and corporate equipment. Your belongings will be put in a box and placed on the curb. You’ve been evicted.

I’ve fired people. I had to do piles of documents and meetings to discuss the problems in performance. If the reviews didn’t change the expected results and the employee didn’t get the hint that this job wasn’t for them and voluntarily leave, then a final meeting, accompanied by another manager or human resource personnel, to explain termination and answer questions.

Other employees will notice the missing people and the rumors will be the gossip for social media. Management may call the group together to explain the reason for the elimination of workers as a motivation of what the future holds or may just reassign duties to the survivors. Everyone finds out who is essential when they hand you the scrub brush to clean the toilets.

I was lucky enough to have a face-to-face announcement of employment termination. There were obvious signs of previous layoffs, stock drops and executives leaving. I was told my job had been eliminated and hand over my identification badge. I was given a large notebook explaining termination, given my jacket and bag and escorted out the door. I read all the pages, signed my release form to not sue the company and receive my severance package and pension. I made an appointment to pick up my personal belongings and it was over.

This was the first and only time of receiving a ‘pink slip’ but after almost four decades, I was ready to retire.

Today’s pink slips will have an effect on the future economy and unemployment. Will these new unemployed civil servants be retrained to apply for the new manufacturing factories coming back to the nation to avoid tariffs? Will they reeducate themselves at universities and school under scrutiny to learn alternative intelligence? Will they find jobs with higher salaries or increase the homeless and stress the social charities and taxpayer’s aid?

AID

 

Aid is help, typically of a practical nature of empathy.

Assistance, support, help, backing, abidance, encouragement, cooperation, succor, a helping hand are all giving aid.

 

Financial aid or grants or loans or medical aid for disasters or natural anomalies or legal aid for those times of law infractions or military aid for protection and security. Empathy cost money.

The first responders rush in after a catastrophe. They will risk their own lives to pull bloody remains out of the rubble before the bull dowsers plow away the trash. The second responders are attempting to recover life from the survivors while others just place the parts in a plastic bag. Then there are the third responders who patch up those who decided to live and those who must identify the body parts. The fourth responders dig the holes in the ground to deposit the loved ones among the grieving and then move onto the next.

Everyone hopes for aid. No matter if it is a disaster with no hope for relief to a mild case of the flu, we all appreciate that someone else comes to our aid.

In simple terms, a grant is a financial gift given by one party (like a government or foundation) to another (like a person or organization) for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, a grant doesn't have to be paid back, and the funds are typically intended to support a particular project or initiative

Our first grants are our allowance. It may seem to be a payment for doing choirs, but it was not expected to be paid back. Credit cards and bank loans expect to be paid back in full with interest. Winning the lottery seems like a grant, but you have to pay taxes on it. Go Fund Me campaigns are seeking grants, not loans. There are religious organizations, charitable groups and foundations set up to give assistance to those needing aid at no cost.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the federal agency that coordinates the response to disasters nationwide. Its mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters by preparing communities, responding to disasters, and supporting recovery efforts

FEMA generally doesn't cover damage to non-essential items, landscaping, or personal property that is not essential to making a home habitable. They also won't cover damage if you've already received funding from insurance or other sources for the same disaster-related needs. FEMA also doesn't cover business losses, secondary homes, or certain types of damage like flood damage or damage from sewer backups.

You can’t buy smarts (or love) but they will both cost you. Schools and desk and blackboards and teachers and buses and books are not free. There are educational aids called tutors who try to get kids over the learning bumps.

You can have pot luck dinners for the hungry, but tomorrow they will come back for more. You can gather some shoes and t-shirts out of your closet to give to the disaster relief fund but what happens is they are the wrong size? You can donate that camper you never use to some worthy cause only to have it get stacked up at the junk yard. You can throw money at the homeless, but it is never enough to get them a permanent shelter. Will you invite them into your house to share your kitchen? Will you let your children play with them?  

You can get emotional aid or spiritual aid or political aid, but they are mostly advice and opinions and bias.

At some point, the band aid must come off.