2012

Here we are well into the second month of the most pivotal year in the existence of mankind. I do understand that a lot of you view 2012 as just another year in mankind's turbulent history but make no mistake if you just read what is going on in the media in traditional and non-traditional outlets we are finding out that this year is going to be a year where we redefine ourselves as human beings.

In politics we are going to address person hood which outlaws contraception, we are going to address gay marriage which means that if you are gay you are a second class citizen because you will not be able to marry, we are going to address the idea of energy and whether or not we should continue down the path of fossil fuel usage and the increase of of green house gasses in our environment, we are going to address the idea of bigotry, racism and intolerance.

We live in a country that is looked upon with disdain and admiration. Disdain because we are intolerant, belligerent and unyielding in our ideals. We are admired because we are innovative, forward thinking and the true believers that every human being has worth.

If you are confused then I know why because we American are the embodiment of both disdain and admiration.

The reason why 2012 is important it is not because Armageddon, planetary upheaval, or the return of Christ to damn us all is imminent. 2012 is important because I believe the human race is finally going to be faced with some stark choices that will define our future going forward. We as human beings are faced with a future of hope or despair.

Hope if we are tolerant, hope if we are respectful of differences and are willing to work together despite those differences, hope if we acknowledge that the planet is heating up due to human activity and willing to do something about it, hope that just because someone is gay does not mean that they should not enjoy the challenges and joy of marriage, hope if education is not marginalized and that all of our children across the globe gets access to it, hope if we acknowledge that we as human beings learn that we have to live in equilibrium with the planet of which we reside and not disrespectful use of it. These are the hopes and because I am hopeful I will not even address the challenges.

In closing, this does not mean I subscribe to one political ideology or another but I espouse an ideology that I believe brings people together not drives us apart. Respond back I would love to hear what you think.

Saint Leo students from Atlanta are great and savvy consumers.

The seminar at Paine College is super awesome !!! Dr. Scott

What is up Payne College????

Shorter students in Atlanta are the best I have ever seen. This is just a classroom lesson.

REMEMBERING STEVE JOBS

Steve jobs passed away late last evening and even though we have all known that Steve was battling Pancreatic Cancer since 2004 or thereabouts his untimely death is still taking all of us by surprise. There are so many superfluous terms that we can use to describe Steve, innovator, creative, visionary, laser focused and we can go on forever. What really strikes me about Steve is that this was a man with a vision that in effect changed the whole world for the better. Where else can you go and say to everyone that you now have access to markets all over the world with a small device like a smart phone. Where else can you go and say to people that you can change your life’s condition with this small device called the smart phone and potentially become the next great thing no matter where you live, your economic condition, or your ethnic, religious, gender, and political persuasion. Steve Jobs through his vision and tireless work of perfection has made the dream of economic freedom a reality for all of us.

Some of us are heart broken and yes you can count me as one of those heartbroken by the death of Steve Jobs but why am I being so selfish here? As I was on my way to work this afternoon I thought about what Steve has done and it is not a stretch to believe that Steve jobs through his futuristic work has touched countless billions of people, that is right billions and we have not even scratched the surface in terms of what we can do with this technology. We as a species have not understood the linkage between technology and environment sustainability which is the real challenge for all of us as human beings. Steve’s vision, which has permeated our everyday lives are not being used to its maximum capacity so the charge for us is to fulfill the promise of Steve’s true vision which is a more engaged human race through diversity of thought and efficiency of use of this planets resources. Is this too much to ask; and yes I believe that Steve would have wanted it that way.

I will leave you with this; Steve Jobs through his tireless and unselfish work has touched the lives of billions and through his work he has done all that he could and he poured his soul into the pitcher of life and then respectively poured that soul onto all of us. If you are a religious and spiritual person then you would know that Steve has fulfilled the promise of his life, his/our God and his promise to all of us. If only we could do the same then there will be hope for this planet and us after all.

Steve Jobs, you are going to be sorely missed!!!!

AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW RIGHT NOW STEVE JOBS THE CO-FOUNDER AND FORMER CEO OF APPLE HAS PASSED AWAY TONIGHT. HE ALONG WITH OTHERS HAVE SINGLE HANDEDLY CHANGED THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIVES AND DO BUSINESS AND HOW WE EDUCATE OURSELVES. I DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT THIS MAN WAS INNOVATIVE, INGENIUS, A MARKETING ICON, AND A MAN WITH LASER FOCUS. LET US PLEASE PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY AND REFLECT ON THE IDEA THAT TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED SO LIVE YOUR LIFE AS THE GIFT THAT GOD BESTOWED UPON US.

STEVE JOBS WILL SURELY BE MISSED.