Posted by
peripheral on Friday, July 17, 2009 6:32:28 AM
From My Perspective - - -
In life, one’s Core Values should govern one’s actions. If one is
motivated by Principle, decision-making should be fixed and clear. A
Person of Principle does not allow other factors to interfere with
decisions where right or wrong are at issue. A clear definition of
events, circumstances and assessment should occur based upon the Core
Values – and – no other calculation or consideration. One must see
things clearly for what they are and not some redefined interpretation
based upon imagination rather than reality.
An interesting idea in this regard is the phrase: “Tilting At
Windmills” that is based on Cervantes' Don Quixote - first published in
1604, under the title The Ingenious Knight of La Mancha.
A summary of this tome explains a difference between what is imagined
and what is reality. “The novel recounts the exploits of would-be
knight 'Don Quixote' and his loyal servant Sancho Panza who propose to
fight injustice through chivalry. In the book, which also gives us the
adjective quixotic (striving for visionary ideals), the hero imagines
himself to be fighting giants when he attacks windmills. Just then they
came in sight of thirty or forty windmills that rise from that plain.
And no sooner did Don Quixote see them that he said to his squire,
‘Fortune is guiding our affairs better than we ourselves could have
wished. Do you see over yonder, friend Sancho, thirty or forty hulking
giants? I intend to do battle with them and slay them. With their
spoils we shall begin to be rich for this is a righteous war and the
removal of so foul a brood from off the face of the earth is a service
God will bless.’ What giants? asked Sancho Panza. ‘Those you see over
there with their long arms,’ replied his master. ‘Some of them have
arms well nigh two leagues in length.’ Take care, sir, cried Sancho.
Those over there are not giants but windmills. Those things that seem
to be their arms are sails which, when they are whirled around by the
wind, turn the millstone." And so, the phrase: “Tilting At Windmills”
would soon be born.
As one looks at the debates and actions of both the US Congress and US
Senate, one truism that becomes obvious is that too many are “Tilting
At Windmills” in the decisions being reached that will impact a Nation
for years and generations to come. Imagination is often allowed to
supersede Reality! An illustration of Options Versus Principles appears
in an Associated Press Release today, headlined: GOP SENATORS WEIGH OPTIONS IN SOTOMAYOR'S WAKE
- By Jesse J. Holland. The crux of the issue is summed up in these
words: “Sonia Sotomayor's success at her Supreme Court confirmation
hearing has some Republicans in a tight spot, with conservative
senators forced to weigh the political calculus of voting on the
court's first Latina nominee, who also is the first liberal nominee in
15 years. With Democrats solidly behind the 55-year-old Sotomayor,
three days of grueling questioning before the Senate Judiciary
Committee gave Republicans no new or damaging ammunition to use against
President Barack Obama's first high-court nominee…The underlying
politics are dicey for Republicans. They must be careful to keep faith
with constituents like National Rifle Association members who oppose
her, yet avoid offending the Hispanic voters who represent the
fastest-growing segment of the electorate…”
The crucial words in terms of “Options Or Principles” are: “…some Republicans (are)
in a tight spot, with conservative Senators forced to weigh the
political calculus…” And, “They must be careful to keep faith with
constituents like National Rifle Association members who oppose her,
yet avoid offending the Hispanic voters who represent the
fastest-growing segment of the electorate…” The Bible states in James 5:11-12
(The Message Translation) that which should govern deliberations and
actions: “God cares, cares right down to the last detail. And since you
know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like ‘I
swear to God’ to your own words. Don't show your impatience by
concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say 'Yes' or 'No'. Just say what
is true. That way, your language can't be used against you.” One’s
quandary occurs when there is vacillation between right and wrong – yes
or no issues. Consider these things with me!