Something on my Mind: Don't Cook the Golden Goose (1)-- Feb. 6

(No, Maurice, this is not a column on eating, so quit your drooling.)

The following metaphor has some relevant Alberta application. It goes as follows:

You will recall from your childhood reading the story of the goose that laid a golden egg, day after day. Shortsighted wise guys decided that there must be a ton of eggs stored up in her belly, so they slaughtered the poor thing--only to discover that there were no eggs, just guts.

And now, there is no goose.

You might say their goose was cooked, in more ways than one.

They were shortsighted wise guys, but they were worse than that: They were ignorant rascals, failing to deal appropriately with an economic opportunity right in front of them: They had the ability to create conditions for success (feeding, protecting, and maintaining their wealth producer), as well as overseeing any developments to enhance this wonderful opportunity.

You've heard of looking a gift horse in the mouth; this was looking a gift goose in the nest.

They should have known that "no goose means no wealth." Keeping the goose alive was the highest priority. Abuse the opportunity, and all is lost. Any farmer knows that, and the characters in this story should have too.

(I know this part is not in the original story, but the original story is a mere platform for what I'm really trying to say.)

Keeping the goose healthy, active, and productive should have been paramount to everything else. Having a goose like that—likely even "geese" someday--would have easily involved many related tasks: various parties had to raise, provide, and transport the feed; others had to provide the wood for the shelter, then transport it, build it, and maintain it.

Still others had to deal with the eggs that were produced: Maybe the gold was broken down into smaller bits; which would call for yet more tasks to to be divided up, involving shifting, storing, selling, and shipping.

It's funny how one thriving goose could provide so many benefits to a given community.

Furthermore, someone would have been hired to invest the profit from the eggs, with that investment being re-invested in buying more (golden) geese, which, in turn, would produce more eggs, thus creating even more employment. These spin-offs would include more workers and their families, and with increased families meaning more housing, schooling, and shopping.

But shortsighted, ignorant greed got in the way, and everything collapsed, by want of taking the bird out.

Other factors may have come into play, among other reasons: Something from the animal rights corner? Hygiene allegations, as in the mess of success? Noise level, as in too much squawking with

each delivered egg? Diversity issues , as in no ducks or chickens in the mix?

Lots of of crazy things happen, when people stick their noses in where they don't belong. And the victims, of course were the farmer and the people themselves. Yet they had no say in this matter.

My metaphor is not a stretch at all. You will see just how close to home it is next week.

Something on my Mind: Green with Envy (2)

Are you green with envy these days? A warning is in order here: All that appears to be envy may or may not be that at all, so we need to be ever-so careful about mislabelling it.

You see, there's envy and then there is something that looks like envy. Someone who is ambitious or highly motivated is not necessarily envious. So instead of being a vice, it can be a virtue.

I admit there are times we do not why others do what they do. We need to be very careful that we're not too harsh in our judgement of others (something I struggle with) in what appears to us to be an envious motivation.

And while I'm in an instructive mood, another point of confusion is the difference between the words "envy" and "jealousy." It's really quite simple: envy is the attitude you have when you want what others have, whereas jealousy is keeping what you already have from the greedy paws of others.

The complex world of love bears this out: Wanting another guy's girlfriend (ie., she's not yours) is an example of envy; protecting our girlfriend from the eyes and hands of other guys is jealousy.

Even in theological concepts, God is described as jealous but never envious: He protects what is His (that's jealousy), but never craves for something others have (that's envy) --because He already has everything. It's a little more complicated than that, but I trust you get my drift.

So back to the premise of this series, namely, what would a society that is not built on the sinking sand of envy look like? Well, for starters, it would look very differently than the mess we're in now.

Another caveat is in order here: I can admire someone else's "things" without being envious. I can appreciate that guy's truck, that family's house, that girl's graduate degree, without having a craving for the same. It usually boils down to my own state of contentment and what I am satisfied with.

Remember my denunciation of flyers, ads, commercials, and promotional material? Our "pot of envy" wouldn't be stirred up if what was advertised was presented with a little more integrity. And as a result, we wouldn't have this mess of tossed goods for want of newer, different ones.

If there was no envy, our dumps (sorry: Waste Transfer Stations) wouldn't be so full, our houses wouldn't be so cluttered (with discarded clothes, toys, and utensils), relationships wouldn't be so shattered, and the general populace wouldn't be so dissatisfied.

That's a broad indictment, I agree. Take my wardrobe, as an example. I like what I have, and I don't really need to add more pants, shirts, hats, shoes, and ties. (Okay, maybe ties: I have forty-five that I rarely wear anymore, but every now and then I see another one that I "need." No, I don't need more ties, I just want them.

It's always nice to change and de-clutter, I get that. If that's the motivation, then a wardrobe cleanse is good. And that would not be envy; it would be an efficient upgrade.

But it's because we must keep up with the latest style, or must always look like we shopped in downtown Calgary, that's probably not good.

So my caution is to watch out for an envious spirit. It will save space, time, energy, and money.

And not just for you, but for every member of society. And that becomes yet one more reason why the application of each of the Ten Commandments on a practical level would be a good thing.

Something on my Mind: Green with Envy (1)

These next two columns mark the end of our mini-series on the Ten Commandments. It's been quite a ride, at least for me. I have been challenged with the underlying premise that if we became a society that learned to relax more, kept our hands in our own pockets, and always told the truth—three practical examples from the Ten Commandments that we've been writing about--we would be a much safer, sounder, and more satisfied society than what we are now. No question about it.

So with today's column we shall see that if we didn't envy other people and their things, we'd be better off. I've called the next two columns "Green with Envy" (just not sure where the "green" enters into the picture), though that phrase itself isn't found in any biblical passage.

"Envy" does not appear in the biblical references for these Ten Commandments; rather, each version I checked out used the archaic word "covet." For clarity purposes, I will stick with the conventional usage of the word "envy."

My dear Oxford Canadian Dictionary defines envy this way: "a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by another's better fortune." Other definitions include: "[to] desire wrongfully or inordinately, esp. something belonging to another person; long for or desire greatly but inappropriately."

That's really technical stuff, even for a language buff (aka word nerd) like me. It boils down to having a craving for something that you don't have but want, usually when it's someone else's.

As I write this, we have just slid through Christmas, hopefully untouched and unscathed by this vice. Just dreaming, of course: It's got to be the worst time of year for envy. It starts with the toys that are displayed in a certain way (ie., bright colours, bold lettering, at both eye and hand level). It emphasizes that every kid "must" have them, and they can't live contentedly unless they get them.

You see, this vice is not only a problem for kids at Christmas. We all fall into the trap (not just kids, not just at Christmas), and envy reveals itself in different forms.

If I go back to the actual commandment, it warns us about this insatiable craving for a number of things that belong to our neighbour (that we should keep our hands off), then finishes up conveniently with the catch-all phrase: "or anything that belongs to your neighbour." The word "neighbour" can mean family member, relative, or kids at school or colleagues at work—or even literally one's neighbour.

In other words, my truck is great until I see that my neighbour has a newer, better one. My kids like their toys until a relative shows up with the latest, greatest thing. Even the media feeds our greed within by showing off a really cool item, with the underlying pressure to get it.

We usually have no idea that we need something until we're duped into "feeling we need" it.

But beyond these tricks, how does this all happen? I don't know much about the psychological quirks of the human mind, but I do know, as an individual, parent, teacher, and consumer, that there is a problem with pandering to the false sense of need within. There is that general spirit of dissatisfaction that we all struggle with, wanting more and different things.

We often get confused between the words "need" and "want," and this is not my typical wordplay. We feel we need things, when actually we just want them. What we have is fine, until somewhere along the line we are lied to (please note the previous column on the evil habit of ad agencies), confusing us by blurring the difference between "need" and "greed."

For a kid, it may be a doll or Tinker toy; for an adult, it may be that doll (neighbour's wife) in the house next door or that big Ford toy in someone else's driveway.

We'll wrap this up next week.

Something on my Mind: Liar, Liar (2)

A quick review is in order: This ninth commandment ("do not lie") is possibly the most widespread of all the commandments in our society that I know of. That may sound like an exaggeration, which can be a form of lying, so I need to be cautious here. However, I don't think I am over-stating the facts on this one.

There are two extremes to note here: one involves covering up, deceiving, and misleading those around us; the other is being tactless about feelings, opinions, and fears. The balance is found somewhere in the middle.

That's why we all need a few, close friends. Having no trustworthy companions is such a tragedy. While we may not be able to share our innermost thoughts with everyone, it is absolutely necessary to be free with select intimates. Having very few real friends (not the Facebook type, of course) could lead to delusional behaviour, misunderstanding, and frustration--all recipes for disaster.

Peer pressure (aka trying to impress others) is a sure contributor to living a life of lies. The pressure to say, wear, or be certain things, is immense. Too many of us have this urge to be accepted by others around us. That's just human nature, and I get it.

Have you ever thought about the greeting. "How are you?" I struggle myself with how "honestly" to respond. Unless we're exceptionally guileless (or gutless), we tend to say, "Fine."

What we may want to answer could be along the lines of health, finances, the future, and family life. But we struggle with transparency, so we give an incomplete response. Even Christmas family newsletters and family pictures can fall into that category: We do our best to portray a year (and family) that went along swimmingly well, when, in fact, it didn't.

Can I call that a lie? That seems like a stretch, so possibly not, but it's close. It probably falls into the category of conventional civility, an unintentional fib, if you will. The point is, we want to say this, but we feel we must say that.

I recognize there must be some balance in all this. Being too open can come across as pouty and selfish. I strongly urge a call for greater transparency and vulnerability.

I am also thinking of honest advertising when it comes to pitching homes, hamburgers, and health. Why not list the good, the bad, and the ugly, in the form of open discussion? I would leap at dealing with people like that.

Whether we are professionals in the pulpit, classroom, or courtroom; whether we're plying a trade, dealing with people's health, or serving the public in any capacity, why not exercise a little more honesty?

When I feel I have been lied to by any of the above, I find it difficult to trust them again. How do I know if I am getting the straight goods the next time, when I never got it the first time? Often our response is, "I will never deal with that person again."

Relationships are perhaps the trickiest examples. When there is unfaithfulness in a marriage, followed by a promise to change one's ways, that's a bitter pill to swallow. Can the unfaithful partner be trusted again, even though they lied?

And when kids lie to parents about random sex, drug use, and constant stealing, trust is broken. How can it be restored to what it once was? If there has been deception then, how can a parent tell if

there's no deception now?

So, you can see that implementing a "no lying" policy has much benefit for our society.

As this New Year kicks in, I challenge you to tackle this ninth commandment in a very personal way.

Look for ways to stop the "deception, exaggeration, whopper, or embellishment; [or it could be] a fib, falsehood, fabrication, or flattery," a direct quote from the beginning of last week's column (that's why I use those squiggly things).

But one thing I can assure you here and now: I have never misled you in this column. You have my word on that.

Something on my Mind: Liar, Liar (1)

We're back with the last two of the Ten Commandments. Today's column expands the ninth one, namely, do not lie.

Lying is pervasive in our society, as it cuts across all walks of life, all social stratas, and all cultural boundaries. It may be the most violated of all the commandments thus far.

I'm sure we have all lied, in one form or the other. That "form" could look like any of the following: deception, exaggeration, whopper, or embellishment; or it could be a fib, falsehood, fabrication, or flattery. Sometimes it could also be what we say; other times, by what we don'tsay.

Lies could be expressed through the abuse of select adjectives, adverbs, or superlatives. They could be rationalized through the use of "white lies" (what other colours are they?), partial truths (and the rest are partial lies?), by stretching the truth (as if it's elastic and not concrete) and "misleading" statements (followed up by "that's not what I meant," even though we did).

We are very familiar these days with the terms "fake news" and "false advertising." It's a very sad commentary on our vital information sources. If news that comes across our desk every day can't be trusted, what can be? News that isn't on the level undermines the news that is. After a while, we don't believe anything.

Again, the failure to obey this commandment is much more extensive in all walks of life. Part of the problem is that it expresses itself in so many varied and subtle ways. We can be guilty of lying without really being conscious of it, allowing for both intentional or unintentional lying.

We laugh at high-profile persons for their inability (even unwillingness) to tell the truth. Or maybe they do have the ability, but choose to mislead us. Celebrities (actors and singers, in particular) are likely the worst: They voice lines that aren't their own, say things they don't mean, and project values they don't embrace. Politicians are often guilty of the same practice.

There are many careers that involve some form of lying, and I need to be very careful not to lump the ethical workers with the unethical ones. I'll let you come up with your own list of retailers and industries that project one thing but deliver another.

I have always wanted to be part of a certain profession, and, ironically, and it is one of the worst. I am speaking of ad agencies. Spectacular results, slick pictures, and guaranteed satisfaction are the order of the day, or so they say. As I read and listen to their ads, I wonder: Are the beaches that great? Is the hamburger that big? Is that deal really that good? Is that purchase than fun?

Probably not, so don't get duped into thinking it is. You should read that something called the "fine print," a disclaimer for that purpose.

Again, the premise for this series is not to impose a biblical set of rules (the Ten Commandments) on a secular populace. It is simply a question of whether or not a society that embraced these rules to live by would be better off than we are now.

There is only one answer, of course, is "yes."

But so long as we continue to reject the Judeo-Christian foundation that our freedoms, laws, economics, and families are based upon, this will never happen. And the further we drift (or is it 'dash'?) from these roots, the worse off we'll be.

Most of us would never see ourselves as liars, and fair enough. However, have you ever thought about your lack of transparency as a form of lying? It's far more complicated than that, to be sure, but I think we all struggle with exposing our weaknesses and hurts to anyone and everyone.

I'll leave you dangling on that one! More next week...honest.

Something on my Mind: A Robust New Year

I assume the turkey is gone now, and I don't mean Cousin Reggie. I think I used that line a few years ago, and I still think it's funny.

My New Year's Wish List is eclectic and long, but I have shortened it to just six wishes, so now it's just eclectic. The following are my genuine hopes in no particular order:

1. Opioid users. A lot of opioid drug users have perished in Alberta in 2017, and I pray to God this gets resolved. I do know that between the two western provinces alone hundreds have lost their lives over these past two years, and thousands throughout Canada.

And don't forget all the first responders who put their lives on the line, especially when there is a powder residue that can do some serious damage. These gallant men and women get lost in the news, at risk as they attend to the drug victims.

So all in all, there's the cost of lives lost, health issues, and stealing to pay for the habit. I just trust the powers-that-be can get a handle on it, so that 2018 will not be the worst year ever.

2. Good government. Am I biased? Of course I am. But my bias is based on fact and history, and I long for the day when all left-leaning governments in Canada are defeated and there's none left (pun mercilessly intended).

As any student of history who relies on facts, economics, and common sense knows, I am niot aware of one good, healthy socialist government in any country, in any era, bar none. We need conservative leadership everywhere.

3. Good government (again). On the positive side of the ledger, what we need here in Canada, and that includes our own province, are governments that are fiscally and socially conservative. That means, in everyday language, leadership that is pro-free enterprise, pro-common sense. pro-life, and pro-family.

I wanted to use the term "pro-choice," too, but that has been hijacked and re-worked to mean the opposite of choice. But I resist the urge to rant any further.

4. Colour blind. That seems a strange title, but I'm trying to say something about race relations. I know it's more prevalent in the States (or maybe just more underhanded here in Canada). This nonsensical talk about "white" supremacy, and "black" lives matter, and "redskin," must stop. The issue is not about the colour of one's skin; it has always been about the content of one's culture.

It is raw, unmitigated racial silliness that decisions are made because of the white, black, or red skin, when what has fueled it has been what has been taught and caught, seen and heard, and valued and vetted.

5. Educational options. I write this wish not only as a former classroom teacher, but as a home education supervisor, a parent, grandparent, neighbour, friend, and citizen. I believe options must be options and that includes full choice for public, private, and home education; for day school and home school; including heavily academic options, as well as sports, arts, and trades, and everything in between.

That is a pretty balanced view of education. Maybe Mr. Kenney should phone me when he gets in power in a couple of years and make me his education minister. I doubt he would be that desperate (and neither would I). It's a thankless task, no matter who is in power.

The key is parental choice for and control over whatever education model they espouse.

6. Robust health. If you're well, there's nothing like it; if you're unwell, well, there's nothing like it either. I wish you one and all a very robust (love that word; how'd you guess?) and healthy 2018. Get lots of sleep, drink lots of water, and read lots of books.

It's been a good year so, far, even though it's just a few hours old.