ETHICS AND MORALITY. THERE IS BEAUTY IN...

There is Beauty in ...

...a childs laugh. An expression of joy from the innocent.

...giving of yourself with no qualifications.

...believing that love is created not manufactured.

...accepting others for who they are, not what they are.

There is Beauty in...

...admitting when your wrong.

...not gloating when you are right.

...remembering we are a product of those who came before.

...what could have been. Sometimes we fail to see what is before us, and the result is unfortunate.

There is Beauty in...

...the decision to do what is right, regardless

of the outcome.

...Humanity, when we don't treat each other

as a means to a goal.

...not allowing another to dictate morality,

when you disagree.

...accepting that your faith is wonderful, but no

more valid then someone elses.

There is Beauty in...

...Trust, Accountability, Fairness and Equality. Because,

when these are gone, what is left?

Nothing, and there is no Beauty in that.

FEATURE ARTICLES. THE SOCIOPATH- HOW DOES THE "FAILED SOCIOPATH"... FAIL?

So what makes the FAILED SOCIOPATH, easier to spot and identify than the ACCOMPLISHED SOCIOPATH and the FUNCTIONAL SOCIOPATH?

In practical terms, in can be summed up with the following Personality Traits that are usually manifested by their actions;

They are often very IMPULSIVE- It is the lack of Mental Discipline and Self- Control, that under certain circumstances, completely breaks down. A complete inability to control their Base Desires, if a certain scenario is played out before them.

Besides acting on Impulse, often to the immediate detriment of their chosen lifestyle, they seem incapable of looking beyond immediate gratification, if a certain situation presents itself. It is often related to the phrase, "They must have snapped." 

However, this drastic change of behavior is sometimes just a reaction to a situation that brought out the True Nature of the Failed Sociopath. This can happen Once, Twice, Several or Many times.

While the Failed Sociopath may react on Pure Impulse, this is often triggered by a perception that the "Time is Right" or "Nows my Chance." It is often the faulty assumption that their immediate actions, have little chance of discovery, or will result in no Negative Personal Consequences.

What makes the Failed Sociopath different from the first two Categories, is the inability to judge the Reality of a given Situation. They are Reckless,Thoughtless and given to taking risks for Immediate Gratification, that the Successful Sociopath would never even consider. To a lesser extent, this is also true of the Functional Sociopath.

While it is true that the Failed Sociopath can get away with certain actions that may never be found out, it is Cunning that they rely on, not objectivity. This means that luck is sometimes the key to getting away with certain Crimes.

SEE PT 16.

FEATURE ARTICLES. THE SOCIOPATH- NOT ALL SOCIOPATHS ARE CREATED EQUAL.

As I have said earlier, it is thought that most people in prison are Sociopaths, but that doesn't mean most Sociopaths are in prison.

Since a Sociopath is an individual who "Lacks a Conscience,"  and feels no remorse for how their actions affect others, the opportunity to manipulate and use people for any reason whatsoever is only limited by Ability, Imagination and Means.

However, what really separates one Sociopath from another, is the ability to control their urges and desires to accomplish what they consider to be important.  This is the misconception that many people have;  They see the wild - eyed crazed individual being placed in hand-cuffs on Television, and think, "Who couldn't see that the guy is a Sociopath, it's so obvious."  Unfortunately, what they are often witnessing is the FAILED SOCIOPATH, who lacks the discipline and control to see beyond immediate or short term returns of physical and/or emotional gratification. 

This brings us to both the Strengths and Weaknesses of Sociopaths, and how they ultimately earn the designation of;  ACCOMPLISHED SOCIOPATH, FUNCTIONAL SOCIOPATH, AND FAILED SOCIOPATH:

THE ABILITY TO DELAY GRATIFICATION-  Remember, the Sociopath is not Mentally ILL.  There is no chemical imbalance or physical deformity in the Brain that causes behavior that cannot be controlled.  In other words, their actions are not dependent upon Biological Factors that are beyond their control.  The choices they make are independent, and are arrived at by the same mental processes that are found in the Mind of all Sane and Rational Human Beings.  However, The Failed Sociopath cannot see the possibility of future events that promise greater rewards, and that by manipulating others and avoiding immediate gratification, promise long term benefits of Needs and Desires met and satisfied.

While it is true that the Failed Sociopath is capable of using and manipulating others to their own benefit, it is usually accomplished very quickly, with the victim only seeing a brief glimpse of the person they may have only just met.  Often, it is a quick "Can I get what I want now moment," in which the Failed Sociopath puts out the "Bait" almost immediately.  The Bait might be;

-  Immediate access to needed aid.

-  A promise of employment.

-  Helping a friend or relative of the potential victim.

-  Providing companionship to the lonely.

Of course, there are many more possible scenarios, but the above examples were given to help put in end to a COMMON MYTH:  THAT THE VICTIM OF A SOCIOPATH IS OFTEN A CRIMINAL OR DEADBEAT, WHO WAS JUST A VICTIM OF THEIR OWN GREEDY DESIRES.

In the case of the Failed Sociopath, the victim is often an individual who is vulnerable, and may have recently suffered a catastrophic loss, or is facing a life changing dilemma that makes them desperate.  These conditions, among others, often provide a veil for the Failed Sociopath, who knows how to work the pain and misery of others.

SEE PT 15.

QUICK HITTERS. OBEYING THE MONEY, AND ACCEPTING THE POWERS THAT BE. PT 2.

Is There a reason why States that have the Highest Poverty Rates, the Lowest Standards of Living, and a Government Determined not to Support Universal Health Care for its Citizens, often seem to support Candidates who care little for the Problems that cause the Most Suffering Among its Citizens?

It almost seems like a Conscious Effort to Reelect those who represent a Status of Wealth and Prosperity that puts them above any questions of Ethical and Moral Behavior. A Free Pass Given once the Dollar Signs Reach a certain number.

There could be a Reason for such Actions, at Least in some cases, Where Wealth and Success is considered the Result of Divine Intervention.  In Other Words;

"GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO OBEY, AND DO HIS GOOD WORKS.  IF GOD DECIDES TO REWARD THEM ON EARTH, THEN IT IS HIS WILL TO SEE THAT THE REST OF US FOLLOW AND LISTEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION."

It is Quite Simply the "GOD BESTOWS GOOD THINGS ON THOSE HE FAVORS" Type of Answer for Economic Disparity.  It is an Almost Surreal Belief that Blames Poverty on Those who are Suffering from its Affects, and not those who Create and Enact Laws that set Public Policy.

It is an Attempt to Place Blame or Guilt, Through Religious Instruction, on those that Suffer. 

ETHICS AND MORALITY. POLITICAL MYTHS- WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW. THE GUN CONTROL DEBATE. #1.

There is a BELIEF, PROMOTED INCESSANTLY BY THE NRA, THAT THOSE WHO ADVOCATE GUN CONTROL, WANT TO CONFISCATE ALL FIREARMS POSSESSED BY PRIVATE CITIZENS.  

HOWEVER, 

THIS WAS NEVER THE DESIRE OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, NOR IS IT THE GOAL OF MOST PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONS, WHO ARE SEEKING A MIDDLE GROUND THAT ALL SIDES OF THE GUN CONTROL DEBATE WOULD FIND ACCEPTABLE.

To accomplish this, a Compromise would the Most Essential Part of Establishing Guidelines that all sides could live with. 

This Means that each side of this CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE must be willing to give a little to the Opposition, Allowing at least part of Their Gun Control Agenda to be placed into Law.  This can be done BY UNDERSTANDING THE FOLLOWING:

REALIZING THAT EVEN IF THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS ONLY APPLIED TO SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF THE POPULATION, DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE ARE NO OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS THAT CAN BE UTILIZED TO PREVENT GOVERNMENT CONFISCATION OF PERSONAL WEAPONS.

THAT OTHER RIGHTS, CONTAINED WITHIN THE BILL OF RIGHTS, ARE NOT WITHOUT LIMITATIONS. THESE GUIDELINES ARE USUALLY SET BY JUDICIAL REVIEW,  TO PREVENT ABUSE BY AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP WHO TARGET OTHER AMERICANS FOR UNWARRANTED PERSECUTION. (SPEECH, RELIGION, ASSEMBLY etc.)

HOWEVER, BEFORE WE LOOK AT OTHER RIGHTS, LET US LOOK AT THE SECOND AMENDMENT, AND SEE WHAT IT SAYS.

THE SECOND AMENDMENT READS AS FOLLOWS:

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

The WORDING IS USUALLY INTERPRETED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO WAYS:

-  THAT IT APPLIES TO ALL AMERICANS, IN THAT NO CITIZEN CAN BE DENIED AN OPPORTUNITY TO OWN OR CARRY A FIREARM.

OR...

-  THAT IT CAN ONLY BE APPLIED TO THE MILITIA, (NATIONAL GUARD IN TODAYS TERMS), AND GUARANTEES NOTHING TO ALL OTHER AMERICANS.

TO BE CONTINUED...

WORTHWHILE OR WORTHLESS- A CONSUMER GUIDE TO AVOIDING SCAMS AND SCOUNDRELS. MULTI- LEVEL MARKETING- JUST ANOTHER PYRAMID SCHEME. PT 2.

I think the best way of showing those who are not familiar with MLM Business Practices, is with an example, comparing it to more Traditional Jobs.

Here are a couple of examples of TRADITIONAL PAY\INCOME PLANS THAT YOU COULD FIND FOR A POSITION IN SALES:

BACKGROUND:  ACME INDUSTRIES IS INTRODUCING A NEW LINE OF BIRD BATHS. HOW CAN THEY MARKET AND SELL IT TO THE CONSUMER? 

ACME decides to increase its Sales Force, hiring new Employees who will sell Bird Baths Exclusively.  As an Inducement to attract top Sales People, the pay structure is as follows:

TRADITIONAL SCENARIO #1.

-  Pay is 100% COMMISSION.  Each Unit sold will earn the Salesperson 40% of the Tag or Sales Price.  The Birdbaths Retail for $1,000 Each, or $800.00 Wholesale.  About 80% of Leads are Provided by Company, with a 20% Cold Calls Quota each Employee is Responsible For.  

The Breakdown is as follows;

SOLD AT RETAIL =  $1,000.00

                               x 40%

                                      ------------

                                       $400.00 COMMISSION.

SOLD AT WHOLESALE=  $800.00

                                           x 40%

                                        -------------

                                          $320.00 COMMISSION.

So, if a Salesperson averages 2 Retail and 2 Wholesale items sold a Week, the pay would be:  2 x $400.00= $800.00  +   2 x $320.00= $640.00.

                                          TOTAL-  $1,440\Week.

TRADITIONAL  SCENARIO #2.

-  Pay is $200.00 PER WEEK SALARY.  In addition,  20% COMMISSION on the Tag or Sales Price.  If we use the same  # of Items Sold per Week, it gives us:

SOLD AT RETAIL = 2 X $200.00= $400.00 COMMISSION.

SOLD AT WHOLESALE=  2 X $160.00=  $320.00 COMMISSION.

TOTAL-  $720.00\Week COMMISSION + $200.00\Week SALARY= $920.00\Week.

In the next part, we will look at the Pay Structure for a Typical MLM.

ETHICS AND MORALITY. HEALTH CARE. PT 5. UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE- A PRACTICAL APPROACH.

The scenario from part 4 was, of course, a fictional example.

However, all you have to do is change the job description and plug in different numbers to find out that this can be applied to any full time employee who is down-sized to part time, to avoid being offered employer subsidized health care.

Ignoring or disagreeing with the result in the story does not answer the questions that it poses.

• All working Americans are, in essence, producers.  It might be a Cook who prepares X number of meals per day, or a Truck Driver who makes a certain number of deliveries during a scheduled shift.  This also holds true for white-collar jobs.  Teachers produce educated students during a school year and Doctors treat a certain number of patients each day.

• When an employee has their work hours cut and are now part-time, they can no longer produce the same results achieved during a full-time work week.
• This reduction in out-put must be justified, if the only reason was to avoid offering Medical Insurance.
• The bottom line is simply this; Is there a reasonable explanation in shifting any full-time employee or employees to part-time, in that it will  be more profitable because they do not have an employer based Health Care plan?

What the scenario does not address is the long term benefits of having an employee, who did not have medical insurance, into one that has it available if needed.  Here are a couple of more points that should be considered;

• Many employees come to work ill, because they cannot afford the double whammy of paying a Hospitable Bill and losing a days pay.  At least with medical insurance the financial hit would not be so bad.  By staying home and receiving proper care, they are not on the job possibly infecting co-workers.
• Now preventive and rehabilitative medical care is available.  Not only is sickness treated properly, but future illness can now be prevented and injuries can be treated and healed more efficiently.  Loss of work production is decreased, for there are fewer days missed.

What amazes me is the number of Americans,without medical insurance, who don't question their politicians motivation for trying to prevent Universal Health Care.  That is a question that Medical Science cannot answer.