by
CAP PARLIER
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by CAP PARLIER |
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While serving as chancellor of a university campus, Cap truly appreciated the elegance of contrasting ideas, philosophies, concepts and opinions. The beauty of public debate in a democracy is the constructive tension of conflicting views. As the reader will note, there are some controversial opinions offered below. These essays are intended to stimulate the public debate. Let the arguments begin. A healthy, democratic, free and open debate on the situation in Iraq. Demonstrating against war seems to be a popular activity. It is easy to demonstrate for peace. Everyone is for peace. Someone has to do the difficult task ahead.These important societal topics are far too emotionally charged. Mankind must examine this issue with clear reasoning and find a logical solution.This may seem like a trivial comparison but the similarities are striking. The world must take the difficult decision to eliminate this menace.A young woman's innocent question of protest sparked yet another essay.The statement by a young journalist struck a nerve and a response could not be resisted. The situation is more ominous and menacing. At least we know our enemies 60 years ago.A friend asked what I thought about the potential invasion of Iraq, so I gave him my answer. The right thing to do is often not the easiest?Have you ever wondered what makes a good manager and a bad manager? Well, here is a simple test to spot the bad managers very easily.Balance is required for stability in any relationship whether personal or professional or between nations. While there is no magic formula, there are observations that might be beneificial.The 2002 World Cup referee controversy illuminated deficiencies in how we view the hard work these often singular professionals do for the game.Most of our freedoms can be boiled down to simply -- Freedom of Choice. The rich rewards and heavy burdens of freedom of choice.The FBI's refusal to release the audio and transcripts from the Cockpit Voice Recorder from United Flight 93 was one straw too many. The source of much that is good in the world, and regrettably the source of much that is very bad around us. Hopefully, this essay will help the good citizen to think about what religion means to them and its proper place in our society. Some family and friends have asked me this question. Here is my view of what each of us can do to help win this war. Cap's observations of domestic and international air travel as he moved to his new job in Italy not quite two weeks after the latest day of infamy. Yet Another Day of Infamy - 11 September 2001 - My message to the leader of these cowardly criminals + a companion message to all good citizens of the world to separate their anger about these barbaric acts from any religion or ethnic group. Religion did not do this. Twisted, demented minds did this. Cap's co-author for TWA 800 - Accident or Incident? offers some interesting insights into the motives of bin Ladin and his henchmen. Yet one more controversial topic. Stem cell research portends a future where leukemia, spinal cordinjuries, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and so many other degenerative & debiliating illnesses can be eliminated. Perhaps a lessen to be taken from the highly divisive conflict between those who served during Vietnam and those who condemned the military during their protests.Each time a child uses a gun to commit a violent act in school, we are outraged. Who is ultimately accountable?The responsibilities and obligations of citizenship, and impassioned plea to always vote.Many say the War on Drugs is an abysmal failure and a blight on the very essence of our society.This essay asks each citizen/reader to the consider the basis for their views on this sensitive topic.The answer to the question might be trite, but the answer is real nonetheless. We may very well look back on this period with the same awe we once did about electricity, the telephone or radio.What is it about anatomy and sex that causes such a commotion? It would appear that much of what causes such destruction in society could be reduced with a more realistic view.A look at the law and all the issues surrounding the Presidential election of Novermber 2000 and of course with this topic, Cap cannot ignore Florida.One of the most destructive emotions and yet one of the most common. What is it that makes us so possessive and protective of that which we can never own?The struggle between the right to bear arms as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment and the voices of repeat born from one too many school yard shooting brings the topic to the forefront.An opinion of the whole disgraceful Elian Gonzales affair.Now, here is a controversial topic.Everyone has an opinion about taxation. Thus, Cap offers this short essay on the requirement of governments to raise revenue via the legal process of taxation as well as concomitant limitations on taxation.More about tolerance. Not a great word but the only word to describe the appreciation we all should have for the constrasts of life.Diversity & tolerance represent the richness of a democratic society and are the basis for a vibrant workplace. Without diversity, we all suffer a diminishment of our strength.Leadership is about people - what motivates them, what is important to them, and what they want to achieve. It is only through the inspiration of a team that leaders accomplish anything. Some thoughts about the structure of organizations certainly not as grand as Hamilton's venerable Federalist Papers, but perhaps worthy of the reading. The burdens of leadership are many. One of those is the expectation of a higher standard of behavior. Others will debate the impeachment of Bill Clinton. However, the citizens of the United States of America have ignored the most fundamental transgression -- the abuse of his position of power & authority. While the removal of social factors from the workplace is appropriate and long overdue, there are limits on gender integration, especially the combat arms of the military.