Being Part of a Profession

Sometimes support comes from sources that you least expect. I have an ally that I never would have imagined.

It restores my faith in the professionalism of some who understand that when the heat of the battle subsides, we move on as fellow sojourners who are both striving to play our part as well as we can, and though not perfect, while our zeal may at times give us an edge, our hearts are true and rein us in.

Loren M. Lambert © March 7, 2014

Harm

There is no organization, no man, no woman, no element in nature that is capable of causing harm that should be free from a countermeasure equal to that same ability to cause harm.

Loren M. Lambert © March 13, 2014

US Gov. Spying on Conversations

Why is it not a surprise to me that the US Gov has been spying on our social media conversations and obtaining cell phone info? I've known it's been going on ever since the FBI agents showed up at my Iranian friends home after 9/11 and told him he needed to "curb" his fb posts and emails.

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - When I say after, I don't mean immediate. It was a few years ago and it may have been just his emails. He would send me emails on articles he wanted me to read because he thought our media was too hawkish and not telling the other side of the story. Then they all the sudden stopped and I asked him why and he explained he got a visit from the MIB. He said they almost looked like two missionaries, except older.

Loren M. Lambert © June 7, 2013

Seven Degrees of Connection with the IRS

Here in Utah and perhaps elsewhere, we lament the IRS’s alleged targeting of Tea Party non-profits for extra scrutiny of their non-profit applications and status because if it did so, it acted in an unfair, partisan manner. Yet, many of us praise those who in fact have personally targeted for termination those who supported President Obama. I know of bosses who executed their lay off policies by who’s cars had President Obama bumper stickers. I know of others who have lost business merely because of party affiliation.

We decry the IRS’s expenditures for imprudent conferences and for expensive public service ads. The justification for this was the “use it or lose it” mentality. The same I saw in the military under both republican and democratic regimes. Yet, every day I drive by a fetid, dead, brown canal coursing with thousands of cubic feet of water taken from our crystal, living streams and it is water that once, long ago, serviced local farms but that now simply runs its course to the Great Salt Lake while our streams this summer will trickle down to sluggish slim choked drainage ditches and all the life therein, the fish, vital food chain insects will gasp out their last breaths with bulging eyeballs and the vegetation will wither to brown, all because those that “own” the “water rights” will loose them if they don’t continue to impound them in their rank canals.

We detests the IRS because it collects our money for taxes yet we continue to demand more government services.

We deem it unfair that the IRS can penalize and charge interest on taxes we fail to pay on time but then when it takes our money inadvertently or improperly and must refund it we can exact no penalty and are granted no interest. Yet, our conservative lawmakers give the same powers to our local, county, and state governments.

We find it troubling that the IRS can cease benefits and refunds without giving us any due process yet we allow our conservative lawmakers give the same powers to our police forces and our state governments.

We disagree that the IRS is immune from certain types of liability yet our conservative lawmakers preserve that same immunity for our local, county, and state governments.

Finally, we don’t give the IRS the right of innocence until shown to be guilty if in fact all politically based non-profit organizations are suppose to come under greater scrutiny, yet when layoffs and terminations seem on their face to target older workers or first generation minorities, we give CEO’s the benefit of the doubt that legitimate criteria were used like cutting costs and enforcing neutral work status laws.

The paradoxes, ironies and hypocrisies only highlight that we are a mirror of our government.

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - A potential client came to me the other day because 5 out of 10 employees who did the same work were suddenly laid off with no explanation. The terminated five were all Hispanics. The retained were two Asians and three Caucasians. Did the layoffs target Hispanics? Yes. Was it against the law? No. Why? The company did a review for all of its employees to make sure they had proper documentations. Those laid off did not. It sounds like the IRS violated the law, yet given that a person in this country is innocent until shown to be guilty, I will with hold complete judgment until all the facts come out. Moreover, intent matters--criminally--perception is only an indication that a complete and thorough investigation needs to be conducted by officials independent of political affiliation. As far as addressing the matter civilly, the same due process does not apply and the IRS and the Executive Branch needs to take swift action to correct any actual or perceived impropriety, wrongdoing, or poor judgment. I do not trust everything I hear on Fox News, nor necessarily its liberal counterpart.

Loren M. Lambert © June 6, 2013

Just Like Watergate -- Serious?

Today, every journalist dreams of the day they will save the country, the world and maybe even the universe by breaking the story that reveals some ugly truth that then allows us to remove the usurper before it is too late. And every politician prays to be the one to guillotine their rival and to then be paraded through the streets upon the backs of their constituents while holding aloft by its graying hair the severed head of their fallen foe.

The only problem is they are all so eager and so hell bent on doing so that they don't want to reveal the truth as much as divine what they think the truth is going to be or should be based upon their hopes, suspicions, most recent hallucination, and grandiose delusions. Few of them show the restraint and wisdom of a true patriot or have the discipline or ethical fortitude of the journalistic gumshoes like Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, nor work for an organization that insist on being right instead of always being first or being the most incendiary.

Benghazi was catastrophic, the allegations of IRS partisanship are despicable and disturbing, but absolutely no truth revealing evidence has been produced that indicates that any of these or other governmental debacles even approach the perfidy that was Nixon's Watergate. If and when it ever does, I'll be out there in front leading the charge of impeachment.

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - Wishful, imprudent, euphemistic or premature pronouncements do not equate to the "coverup" that was attempted in Watergate. I've known since before the elections that 4 US citizens died due to bungled security, poor foresight, political gamesmanship and a terrorist attack. No one has presented evidence that arises to the level of criminal conduct to attempt a cover up in this catastrophic, sad and most likely avoidable tragedy--just as 9/11 was most likely avoidable. But let's not get started on that.

Comment 2: Loren M. Lambert - I am admittedly starting to loose my keen sense of smell but it is yet keen enough to identify home cooking when I smell it. I am confident that if your generalities and emotive statements can be verified with hard facts that the hounds of hell that heard the Elephants will make ample use thereof to stampede the president from office. This far they have no such evidence. I am not particularly fond of wishful, imprudent, euphemistic or premature pronouncements from either party but I find that both parties resort to such evasive speech almost every day which has thus far not been criminalized. I am even aware, in times of war, of presidents lying outright about such things and it not arising to impeachment. And no it does not concern me what they blamed it on, it concerns me that it happened and they were so clueless about the possibility. Moreover, I blame both branches of government for the debacle.

Comment 3: Loren M. Lambert - Do me a favor, research the mistakes that led to the Beirut Barracks Bombing that killed, what was it, 241 marines and the lesson's that should have been learned therefrom (not to mention many more such incident leading up to the present) and answer, did we track down and bring the justice the perpetrators? Did we engage the countries and groups that supported the terrorists? And lastly, are you as harsh towards Pres. Regan as you are on Pres. Obama?

Loren M. Lambert © May 24, 2013

Tipping Points that Saved the World--American Exceptionalism

Checked out the audio book of the Seven Great Tipping Points that Saved the World. Wasn't sure what is was. Listened to it on the way, coincidentally to Moab (named after the Biblical mountainous region in Jordan). It's an evangelistic view of critical points in human history. It sets forth some great and I think valid, relevant positions about Democratic and Christianities influences in historical events and tells 7 fascinating stories about "Historical Tipping Points." However, like most such histories written with an agenda, it often over states its case with broad generalizations and faulty reasoning. Its whole point seems to be that all things good in the world, including toasters and latex paint, are due to Christianity (which I give some credit to).

It had a section on American Exceptionalism, which along with God (that is the Christian God), the authors suggest, should be believed and embraced by all who live in America.

What I don't get is it adds nothing to the conversation or debate about what US actions and policies should be to promote any particular position as somehow being right because we are "exceptional."

In actuality probably the most horrendous crimes against humanity are committed by people or groups that are under the mistaken belief that they are somehow "exceptional" and better than others.

So, American Exceptionalists, what does it add to the conversation whether or not you, I or others believe in American Exceptionalism?

Loren M. Lambert © May 14, 2013

Where Doing Business Is Easy

1000 people dead in Pakistan’s worst industrial accident all because they were ordered to return to work in an unsafe building after an earth quake.

While it certainly could use a few tweaks, the reason we tend not to have such things occur in the US is because of our laws and criminal and civil justice system. So remember that the next time you want to reform our system and laws to make them “easier” for US business entities to do business here just like it’s “easier” to do so in Pakistan.

Loren M. Lambert © May 10, 2013

You've Heard Them Screaming At Games--They Share the Blame

Referee Ricardo Portillo should be mourned by all this day and for many more so we don't forget. Such a sad tragedy for his family and all who knew him.

A 17 year old struck him in the head because Ricardo had the nerve to do his job and "yellow-card" him. Soon a bigger yellow card should be coming his way and all the parents, spectators, and players who utter violent despicable things about refs and opposing team mates share in the guilt, share in the responsibility. It is likely that the 17 year old heard many such examples until he, like them, had no respect for the people that make sport a reality.

Sports are nothing without rules and the refs who apply them. I tried to ref and it is one of the most challenging and difficult things to do, probably more difficult than being a Judge who can take his time in deliberations.

Disagree, call it different, but don't disrespect our referees. Don't give any kid ever an inkling that a judgment call by a ref deserves anything other than respect. And remember that of all who play such roles.

Loren M. Lambert © May 6, 2013

Can an Employer Keep You From Discussing Your Wages With Others?

Was reading a client's personnel records we obtained in discovery in preparation for our worker's comp. hearing. He had been disciplined for talking about wages and benefits with other employees.

While the employer was correct because it was done during work hours on the job (therefore could discipline him for not working), an employee cannot in any way prohibit, discourage, inhibit, discipline you as a wage earning employer who is not in management for discussing wages, benefits and the work environment when on your own time.

This doesn't mean you can bad mouth your employer and not get canned (with some exceptions for protected whistle blowing activities), but don't let the employer discipline you for behavior protected under the FLSA like discussing wages when not working.

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - Discussing wages does not cause bad morale--that is a reaction to the information--so discussing wages no more causes bad morale then guns cause people to be irrational. Discussing wages is the dissemination of knowledge, knowledge is power, the lack of knowledge regarding relative wages either within a business entity or the general workplace economy disempowers workers and gives them a naive false sense security. Despite Utah being an "at will" state, it is still against the law to prohibit employees from or to retaliate in any manner against employees for discussing wages. Yet it is true that proving a retaliatory termination is at times difficult so don't discuss wages on the job site--do it in a secret bunker far underground with your guns fully loaded. It is the wise person who knows the law but also knows the politics of any given situation before asserting their rights or rocking the boat. Only rock the boat when you know you'll still remain in the boat and make it safely to your destination and only the murderous scoundrels will be tossed out.

Loren M. Lambert © May 1, 2013

When Business Wants Your Loyalty, Life Blood and Your Balls/Mammary Nozzles

My son was asked to sign a non-compete agreement for a company he has an non-paying internship with this summer. It's a company that does business in his area of study. Its purpose is to restrict him from working for any similar business in the entire continental United states for one year after his internship is up.

Besides the fact it is unenforceable, because there is no consideration and it is over broad (business law 101), I find it ridiculous that a business that not only is not paying you and that offers you no loyalty, wants you to be loyal to it. In essence, for a summer's worth of slavery it wants you to agree to be unemployed for a year thereafter.

Yes, I know he may get some great experience, but show some decency American Business and make the non-compete both legal and fair by restricting its application geographically to Utah and contingent upon you making an offer of employment after the internship.

(It also is unenforceable because my son will most likely not be in a position in which he is building good will for the company or learning its trade secrets).

Loren M. Lambert © April 30, 2013

Rape in India

I was listening to one of the most popular actors, writer, singers, directors of India's entertainment industry indicating that their society needed to scrutinize the messages their entertainment media was sending that, "commoditized," and "objectified" women. He was speaking out against the rampant violence against women in his country.

I understand, on an intellectual level and anecdotally believe that pornography and other sexually explicit or suggestive forms of media may desensitize individuals and activate criminal proclivities to commit crimes. Yet, I don't think that adequately explains the extent of the problem in India. Just as violent films and videos have not been shown to have a scientifically noticeable effect on violent tendencies, I suspect that sexually explicit mediums are used as excuses, just as the way a woman dresses is used, as an excuse to engage in criminal behavior against women.

Apparently, India has a very high per capital incident of rape, yet their entertainment industry is actually substantially more tame than the US's entertainment media. So is the media to blame in India? Is that easier to cope with then the fact that culturally there my be endemic problems that are harder to admit and more difficult to address?

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - Here's my thought--there is nothing inherently or per se wrong with either desiring a man for his ability to provide materially or desiring a woman for her sensuality (just as examples)--but it is desiring either at the exclusion or at the expense of every aspect of their humanity and thinking you have a right to deprive them of it through deceit or force or treating them like a uni or one denominational objects with no consideration for their own will and desires that is abhorrent. I think what I am saying is that we often think we can fix and arrest depravity by attempting to bury it and by ignoring the fact that we are material and sensual beings and then when society does not save us from our own worse proclivities by hiding all that tempts us we are excused from bad behavior. When I say "we," I mean the human race. India and our problems will not be solved just by removing from public view the more seedy side of entertainment--but by each individual taking responsibility for his and her choices.

Loren M. Lambert © April 28, 2013

Plan To Have the Right Reaction Towards Siblings Before Parents Pass

The Heirs (kids) of a family called about their deceased father's Will today.

You too may be doing the same with your siblings someday. Save yourself an ugly display of human greed and bile by realizing the following:

There is no law that constrains parents to do what you want, what you think is fair, or what any other person, group, religion or government thinks they should do. They don't even have to do what their spouses do. Their property is "theirs" in every sense of the term. They can spend it all before they die, they can give it all to you, they can give it all to charity or they can give it all to your sibling(s). They can do it out of fear, love, hate, concern, spite and just for kicks. They just can't do it when incompetent.

So don't plan your life around it, don't expect anything, just treat everyone well and be grateful if fortune eases your burdens or gives you the bounty of an unexpected inheritance to grace your life or that of others if you so choose.

So, in this case, the father left his inheritance, a relatively modest sum, to two of his children who where disabled. And nothing for the other three half siblings. I can't remember all of his reasoning but who is to say he was wrong?

His disinherited son thought he was wrong, and let us all know by shattering any bit of decency and dignity he carried by hurling the most obscene invectives he could conjure from his livid mind at us.

Don't be that person. Decide now to be mature, measured and charitable. And if in fact you think a parent has been taken advantage of at your expense, or things aren't as they are claimed to be? Don't make assumptions, don't assume the worst of everyone, do your homework and then act with decency through the appropriate channels. And most of all, take a moment to realize there may be another way to look at things than from your limited perspective.

Loren M. Lambert © April 24, 2013

We Have Rights Because We Are Humans, Not Because We Are US Citizens.

Those who don't know the truth about human nature and the reason for the rights we extend to all (or should), once again are in a race to the bottom when it comes to dealing with the surviving, soon-to-be-charged, marathon bomber.

There is no principle of our law that says we base the rights we extend to the accused based upon the gravity of the offense, their minority status, or the quality and quantity of the evidence against them, nor should there be. Such a course degrades justice for all.

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - I remember, even before law school, being taught that it is unconstitutional to pass ex post facto legislation. Why is our GOP Congressional representatives so uneducated? Maybe everyone can email them this:

Comment 2: Loren M. Lambert - ex post facto adj. Latin for "after the fact," which refers to laws adopted after an act is committed making it illegal although it was legal when done, or increases the penalty for a crime after it is committed. Such laws are specifically prohibited by the U. S. Constitution, Article I, Section 9. Therefore, if a state legislature or Congress enact new rules of proof or longer sentences, those new rules or sentences do not apply to crimes committed before the new law was adopted.

Comment 3: Loren M. Lambert - Now I realize this refers to making something illegal that which was not but it also applies to criminal procedures that are set up as barriers against governmental intrusion on our constitutional rights.

Loren M. Lambert © April 21, 2013

The Fruits of Freedom and the Rule of Law

As anticipated, it is the deafening silence of Muslim leaders everywhere condemning the resort to violence by the Boston Marathon Bombers that speaks volumes.

It is also the lightning speed and professionalism of our police forces that speaks volumes about the benefits of freedom and the rule of law. Yes, there are problems, but the fact that we hear about them and they are addressed is an essential part of remaining unfettered by domestic tyranny and is testament that the system works. For no country is perfect, but those that adhere to and respect the law, and have a critical mass of law abiding citizens, are for ever moving toward that unattainable goal instead of spiraling away from it like so many failed states.

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - I think you have a point up to a point. We have made some grave mistakes and perhaps have not shown sufficient restraint in our actions. And just as I may have made a different decision on the bombing of Dresden, Hiroshima and Nagasaki--Japan and Germany committed the greater offense, and cannot claim moral superiority. Regardless of all our faults, most of the middle east's problems could be resolved by the Arab and predominately Muslim countries if they saw themselves less as victims and more as a dynamic, resourceful people in charge of their own destinies and secure enough in their own beliefs that they did not need to impose them by violence.

Comment 2: Marc NeoAbolitionist Niceler - I am not going to defend Islamic states but I think it is quite obvious who the more violent ones are. By using the body counts on both sides in aggregate as a metric.

Comment 3: Loren M. Lambert - Valid point in that respect. But I hope you aren't suggesting that we don't have a right and responsibility to apprehend, arrest or kill if necessary criminals like these bombers. Reflection is fine and we should do it on our way to societal betterment and to try to stop our often heavy handedness abroad and to thereby become partners in peace than sometimes necessary reactionaries.

Loren M. Lambert © April 19, 2013

Our Children's Laughter

"Our revenge will be our children's laughter," Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe, during an interview on NPR.

Although it is perilous to pretend to know what is in the minds' of others, I think, based upon the tone of voice and content of his other comments, Kevin didn't mean that the children of Boston will get delight from triumphing in a murderous manner over the cowards who committed the acts of terror yesterday.

No, what I think he meant was that a resilient, free, law abiding, civilized, tolerant, peace loving people, such as are those who live in Boston, while they certainly will bring to bear the weight of the justice system upon the guilty, they will, regardless of what the coming days bring, continue on, living life to its fullest and coming out on top because of their superior values. It is those values that fill their children lives with laughter and joy.

While those who engage in a philosophy and life of violence, who think they can destroy the abundance of those who live valiantly with good will towards all, will never find any such promise or peace regardless of the real or imagined offenses perpetrated against them, because they reap what they sow, and because they take no responsibility for their own failings and take no action to achieve their own success, they simply wallow in victimization and use it as an excuse to abuse their own people.

Loren M. Lambert © April 16, 2013

Human Genes Should Not Be Patented

Myriad Genetics' argues that since it was the first to reach one of the many summits that exists within some Human Beings' mountain range of DNA, and because it spent a lot of money to reach that summit, that it has a right to plant the Myriad Genetic's flag thereon. Having planted its flag, it wants our government to back it up so that it can demand, at a price that it sets, a toll from anyone who wants to locate, reach and find beneficial uses of that same summit within the bodies of Human Beings.

Problem is they don't own nor have sovereignty over the DNA mountain ranges where those peaks are found. Individual human beings do.

Myriad Genetics needs to understand this, just because someone or some business spends a lot of money to achieve some noteworthy goal does not mean that they have a right to have a government enforced monopoly thereon to profit from their efforts. Some scientific peaks, some human endeavors, some calls to excellence and some actual peaks are scaled not for the purpose of conquest, profit or right to possess but for the mere achievement thereof and as a beacon for all to follow who can.

Just as Sir Edmund Hillary was not allowed to demand a tax of all who followed after him up the slopes of Mt. Everest but who certainly found ways to profit from his fame, the only property interest Myriad Genetics should be allowed to gain from its significant human achievement is to set up the most efficient business model possible in its use of this knowledge. That is what capitalism is about, competing. Therefore, given that Myriad Genetics has a head start and has the upper hand on the competition, it had better get on with it and just run on ahead of the competition and stop whining and insisting that we provide it with a government sanctioned crying room at the exclusion of everyone else.

Loren M. Lambert © April 15, 2013

Bad Posture and Sexuality

Here's an interesting tidbit on posture.

"One of the causes of poor posture is not what you would normally think and it is this: in cultures in which there is an unhealthy shame associated with malnutrition, sexuality and the body organs associated therewith, young men, ashamed that someone might notice that they have genitals (which at times are inconveniently excitable), will slightly tilt their pelvis backward, in a conscious or unconscious effort at hiding their masculine profiles. In doing so, they inadvertently throw off the entire alignment of their spines. While young women, alarmed by their developing breasts, will slump their shoulders and concave their chests in an attempt to delay the appearance of the inevitable. The result for both is bad posture.

So, as a start to good posture, embrace and accept your maturing bodies. On the other hand, if shame is something you would like to have in common with your partner, look for the guy or gal that is hunched over and unable to make eye contact with you."

Loren M. Lambert © April 10, 2013

Vulnerability

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change. . . To be vulnerable is to be courageous. We share our innermost stories with those who have earned the right to hear them. To be vulnerable does not mean airing our dirty laundry on Facebook, it's the compelling need to connect.” Bernae Brown.

Loren M. Lambert © March 29, 2013

Remember

Remember, starch is just a longer molecular strand of sugar, don't forget that elephants and donkeys share 97 percent of the same DNA, and finally keep in mind that Will Smith is legend.

Loren M. Lambert © March 29, 2013

Same Sex Marriage

I'm going to go out on a limb here, I think it will be close but I predict the Supreme Court will either decline to rule on the Prop 8 case or uphold its constitutionality, but might in subsequent rulings strike down economic laws that advantage married couples over singles and guy couples.

Loren M. Lambert © March 27, 2013

Soccer Can Be Thrilling - Many Man Hug Variations

I thought soccer/football, for the non-ordained and uninitiated, was and is a pretty boring game, even before baseball, but that was until I watched the rerun of the end of what I think was a FIFA championship game in Madrid in 2010.

There was at least 20 different types of man hugs including: group hugs, the side hug, the sandwich hug, the awkward tall and small hug when one of them has his nose planted into the armpit or belly of the other, the full-on-slow-dancing hug, and the hug-release-hug-release and hug one-more-time hug. With the hugs there were a combination of butt slapping, back and butt slapping, hair petting, lice grooming, double-barrel-side-to-side cheek-to-cheek air kissing, back-of-head slapping, hand shaking, knuckle-grinding, face squeezing, bald-and-nearly-bald head rubbing, full-face kissing and cup kissing (the trophy--not the uniform accessory).

And to top it off there was hand-wringing, crying (sad and happy), flag flagellation, ground kissing, liquid squirting, praying, crossing, prostrating and ground flopping.

All in all very exciting stuff. So don't watch the games, watch the championship celebrations.

Loren M. Lambert © March 24, 2013

Repeating Dream Come True

Had to post this. We all have repeating dreams. I have, every so often, one in which I am swimming in warm water through passageways and rooms that are warmly lighted, marble and shimmering much like the one just featured on the BBC. Thought I had one of those whoa moments. Now I know I have to go there and dream no more. (No, I am not claiming any prophetic powers, I just dreamed what this archetect dreamed had realized).

http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?p=zumthor%27s+pool+architecture&back=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3Fei%3DUTF-8%26p%3Dzumthor%2527s%2Bpool%2Barchetecture%26fr%3Dmoz35&w=669&h=1000&imgurl=remodelista.com%2Fimg%2Fsub%2Fuimg%2F06-2012%2Fzumthor-vals-01-jpeg&size=213KB&name=zumthor-vals-01-jpeg&rcurl=http%3A%2F%2Fremodelista.com%2Fposts%2Fpoetry-in-space-vals-thermal-spa-in-switzerland&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fremodelista.com%2Fposts%2Fpoetry-in-space-vals-thermal-spa-in-switzerland&type&no=1&tt=114&oid=20ea2e5f50ba38befd1ce195980e3ab9&tit=Above%3A+Zumthor%26%2339%3Bs+architecture+provides+a+tactile+interface+between+...&sigr=12cpd0c4a&sigi=11p2l3qpr&sigb=12g4sf1ov&fr=moz35#

Loren M. Lambert © March 23, 2013

I’ll Never be Pope

As asked after attending Mass in the Ukraine, if I were Pope I would have: Silly Hat Sunday every first Sunday of the month when the sermons had to be clever, funny, positive and fun; free fish Friday for all making below subsistence level; allow all Priests and Nuns to marry if they chose; and we'd lease for the life of the lessee (to the highest bidder plus insurance) all relics and works of art that are not on display to fund the fish fry. I was promptly told I would never be Pope. Dang.

Loren M. Lambert © March 23, 2013

Back from Chernetvi

Safe back from Chernetvi, thankful the intestinal fortitude held up on the 7 hour train ride and was welcomed home by another snow storm in Lviv. Yet it was a momentous day, adventuring in the back streets, working out at the Titon Gym, eating at an authentic Ukrainian restaurant, and bowling, yes, bowling with several Leavitt Institute in Country professionals--I made sure the gutters were dust free a couple of times, and even had to switch up when my over worked right arm cramped up--so now I know I can't lift weights and then muck it up on the bowling alley on the same day. I finished teaching my favorite class. Remember, although I'll never experience it, "Wine has wisdom, Beer has power, and Water has bacteria," or so claims a statement on a restaurant wall, I suspect it might be an overstatement.

Loren M. Lambert © March 21, 2013

Legal Visitor in a Foreign Country

Almost forgot to say, I got asked for my "papers" (I think) when I went down from the classroom where I was teaching to go to the bathroom without my translator and had a very tense moment with a big impressive looking security guard I couldn't communicate with so I now know what a momentarily and scary thing that can be even when you are a legal visitor to a foreign country.

Loren M. Lambert © March 20, 2013

Train and Trolley

I would have paid extra to have clean windows to watch the Ukrainian country side roll by on the train--isn't that the fun of a train ride. Also got to experience the wonderfully crowded trolley and bus and be entertained by a rider upset with the snow. Best of all supurb Celentine cuisine. Time to sleep.

Loren M. Lambert © March 19, 2013

The End to Another Day

The end of another day of teaching law in the Ukraine and three days straight of seeing the sun come out. Glory be. Forecast until I leave says we might get as high as 9 degrees above freezing on Thursday and then back to snow on Friday. Good thing the smiles, company and food are all sunny and a pleasant 70 degrees F. I'm a little puzzled why there are no Ukrainian NBA basketball players because there are a lot of very tall people here.

Loren M. Lambert © March 18, 2013

The Blessing and The Curse of Facebook

Just so you know, the men still wear speedos at the pool here(European custom that goes way back), you must wear pool sandals and a pool swimming cap. I almost started a riot cause I didn't have one. Now I do.

When eating, salads are a good bet, bacon is not bacon, dumplings and borscht are great, the portions are perfect, many of the restaurants are fabulous, the dollar is strong and don't eat at restaurants that have medieval torture devices as a theme unless you aren't like me--I had nightmares all night afterwards.

Most people don't have pets, but there are a ton of very cute, healthy looking stray dogs in Chernitsvi--go figure--so if you can't adopt a child here you probably could a dog.

Just as in camping you don't pitch your tent close to the restroom, don't book a sleeping compartment on the train next to the latrine, yet thanks to olfactory saturation I managed okay. Something quite romantic about the sway and clicketty clack of train travel. I get to do it again in a few days. (Oh and it cost 2 grivnas to use the train station restroom).

To finish, hate to make you all jealous but we got 15 inches of snow yesterday that blew in sideways. Eat your hearts out.

All in all, it’s a beautiful snowy yet engaging place.

Oh and don't lightly whistle in the library--almost got a fine slapped on me by a dosin.

Sending my love from Lviv Ukraine.

Loren M. Lambert © March 16, 2013

My Only Sunshine

It's a small surreal world when your in a Ukrainian hotel in Chernitzi and downstairs they are singing a Ukrainian karaoke version of ,“You Are My Sunshine My Only Sunshine.”

Loren M. Lambert © March 13, 2013

Life comes at you Fast

Dinner with my College boys. Reminded me of those "life comes at you fast commercials," but in a good ways. Can someone please slow it down and then keep it steady?

Loren M. Lambert © March 5, 2013

Some Folks

"Some folks would rather have a head-on then get out of the way of an incapacitated driver just so they could say they were on the right side of the road when they got smashed all ta h-e-double toothpick. You may think ya don't, but ya do. Ka-peach?" Herb Cowan, large vegetable farmer, lawyer whisperer and my mentor.

Loren M. Lambert © March 1, 2013

Shallow Breathing

Sometimes its only when you have reached a stage in your life when you can't get by on using half of your lung capacity that you realize that's what you've been doing.

To be specific, it dawned on me that when I swim--especially with back and breast stoke--I take these shallow breaths. So I'm fixing it and it's like a little miracle. I'm now shooting for the senior Olympics. I now more fully realize why in yoga, karate and other similar disciplines they talk so much about breathing.

Makes me wonder in how many other areas of my life I've been using half my capacity. Time for introspection. You might do the same. You too may be only using half of your lung capacity when you swim--literally or metaphorically speaking.

Loren M. Lambert © February 28, 2013

Patriot Politicians

Patriot Politicians: Citizens who try to do what is best for all of their constituents, even those who did not elect them, and who craft legislation that does the most good for the most people and take into consideration the competing interests and all the unintended ramifications and who thereby create balance and harmony and who minimize expense and harm.

Reactionaries = Utah Cowboy Republicans: Citizens who try to do what is best for their campaign donors or own businesses, don't give a rats ass about anyone else, and who craft legislation that does the most good for their own and take an adversarial stance against any competing interests and never consider the unintended ramifications and who thereby creates polarization, dissonance, undue expense and harm.

Loren M. Lambert © February 28, 2013

Minnesota beat number 1 Indiana.

And we beat the 800-pound Salt-Lake-City, hard-ass, gorilla-tactic prosecutor:

Salt Lake City v. B.C.R., Case No. 111410155.
Count I: Not Guilty.
Count II: Not Guilty.
Count III: Not Guilty.

This was the correct verdict but not easy to do when facing up to a 800 pounder with deep pockets--i.e. our pockets. While my grateful client wins he doesn't get reimbursed for his impound and tow fees, plane tickets, lost wages and attorneys fees--but he should.

Loren M. Lambert © February 26, 2013

The Creative Process and the Oscars

Some believe that to acknowledge uncertainty is to assure its place in our lives, yet here is the truth: There is greatness in most of us, there is the tenacity in only a handful to realize its full potential, and then there are still a limited few, who, unfettered by poverty, circumstance and misfortune, succeed above all others and realize not just their own, but our most fond dreams.

I seek to be among them. I have a steadfast confidence that what I offer is worthy of an audience, and capable of greatness. Yet, I do not know if I will ever stand on the summit. But in so stating I do not dispel the possibilities.

To the contrary, I only acknowledge what we are all so fond of stating: that it is the journey and not the destination that is important. Or, in our realm of excellence, it is the process of creation and not the culmination thereof that should be hallowed and cherished as much as any pilgrimage to Mecca, transfiguration to some higher state, or nomination for an Oscar.

If we all understood that, there would be no time to disparage, no temptation to exploit, no envy of those above us, nor any compulsion to disdain those that follow below.

I love the creative process. I love how it fills my soul with reverence, awe and sublime purpose. I love being part of productions filled with those who share this same passion and who recognize that it is the process that must be hallowed.

This does not mean that we invite mediocrity in our work or that we condone a lack of integrity towards those that share this journey with us. It simply means there is value in what we do here and now and that we must honor all who strive with us, who lead the way and those who follow regardless of any of our final destinations.

Love the process. Love those that share in it with you. Hallow them both and experience success here and now.


Loren M. Lambert © February 25, 2013

A Biblical Day

Today I am going to walk on my hands on water, and while in the middle of the storm tossed sea, do a one tongue push-up; then I'm going to turn water into a Noni, Acai, Pomegranate and heavily caffeinated juice blend; and then, to end my miraculous day, I am going raise long moribund and buried zombieastic goals and ideas, infused and encrusted with memories, from the very grasp and grip of death's wintry grave.

Now some my think I boast of my own strength or that I glory in one-up-manship.

But lo, this is not so, it is through him and by him through which the power is given, not as a self-indulgent bauble or monastic totem but as a gift to intone his majesty.

It is of little consequence that the hounds of hell nip at my hobnobbers or that the ravens of Fangorsmiasmas peck at my eyes--no, it is only with those very same bloodied and bruised heals with which I set my feet upon the mountain shoulders; and it is with those same gouged and weeping eyes, fixed upon the lofty peaks of Olympus, that I commit to do these things in his name and for his ultimate fame. Amen.

Loren M. Lambert © February 22, 2013

Seven Falls is the Most Beautiful

Went to Colorado's "Most Beautiful Canyon" called, "Seven Falls," and saw the Seven Falls, sort of. They were mostly frozen, but still beautiful just the same. Went to a few other places after, but what's the point, since I first went to the most beautiful? Such a let down. I am, now, unfortunately, done with Colorado. Therefore, never do first, the most beautiful of anything, otherwise you are done--might as well lock yourself in a cedar chest with a smart phone after that because, what’s the point.

Loren M. Lambert © February 10, 2013 

And God Said, Let There Be Silence. And So It Was.

Lost my voice the last couple of days. That's an awkward situation for an attorney--especially on the road on business. It's like a rattle snake without his rattle, a vulture without his bald head, or weasel without his teeth. It is an interesting thing to go through, went through a similar such experience at age twenty-four when I lost my health for about two years. You learn things then that you couldn't learn any other way.

How our physicality is all balled up in who we are and yet how we can learn to find other ways to express and project ourselves. In such situations you either give in to despair or discover new joys and different interests, yet the pain of loss endures. That longing for what you had, who you were.

You learn how people can be so irrationally cruel and others abundantly kind. The stewardess was instantly upset when she couldn't understand my beverage request, the waiter noticeably disturbed when I tried to order. I have an important hearing this coming Tuesday--it will be interesting how it will go over with the Judge if I can't speak.

But the most important thing you learn is that there are many who don't recover after two years like I did, or who don't regain their voice after the illness has passed and experience the irrationality of others and the pain of loss far too many days of their lives.

Don't be the one that who offense at others inability to be "whole." You be the compassionate one who neither condescends nor becomes impatient, but who engages, extends a hand of fellowship, and accepts.

Loren M. Lambert © February 9, 2013

White and Gray Matter

Pathological liars or inadvertent liars have considerably more white brain matter than others. This type of tissue allows the connections between the grey matter. The theory is that the greater connectivity more quickly races to a decision in response to an inquiry that would be convenienced by a lie and the lie feels right because the brain produced it so quickly. Now all we have to do is come up with an inexpensive way to measure the quantity of white matter compared to gray.

Loren M. Lambert © February 9, 2013

The Cold and Flu Season

I know it's an ignorant thing to say, but sometimes I wish that more people would die of colds and flues so we'd maybe figure out a cure. I mean we whipped all the baduns, been to the moon and have microwave popcorn, why not this? I got my shot and still got slammed.

Let's cure it so you and I don't have to go through this priestly ritual every so often of larynx impalement by a billion little knife wielding viruses, waking up feeling like I got hit by a gangham style viral tsunami, then hacking so hard I invert my esophagus, and finally running more fluid through my sinuses than the New York City sewage system until all that is left of me is a whimpering earthworm caught too late out on the pavement in the morning sun after a rain storm, wondering if I can wiggle fast enough back into life before I dry out into earthworm jerky or get squished in the traffic.

Yeah, yeah, I know, could be cancer or any number of maladies that are way more worse but please just play one of your tiny little violins for me on this cold February night, just a tiny, tinsy, winsy one and only for a nanosecond. Love ya.

Loren M. Lambert © February 7, 2013

How Do You Want to Die?

In a radio lab segment I listened to today, a doctor confessed that they are not very good at explaining the futile to patients and family members. The presentation also compared what most doctors would choose in the last months of life and it is 180 degrees different then what others would chose.

One example, CPR--80% of Docs say no as a life saving matter. Why? In the movies, TV 70% of those getting it survive. Reality: 8%. And of those, only about one third have a good recovery.

One doctor had a practice of asking all his patients--how do you want to die?--because it was the one inevitable thing, and only about 10% of the populace plan at all.

So, how do you want to die? If you say quick and as painless as possible--that is the lie we tell ourselves--when the reality is--as another doctor on the program stated--we subject the dying to procedures that would be deemed the most horrific of tortures and only to lengthen life a few days or months.

And where do most doctors want to die. Guess what, not in a hospital.

So how do you want to die? It's inevitable so why not face it?

Loren M. Lambert © February 4, 2013

Feel 17 Again

Almost everyday Gold's Gym gives me that ecumenical sanctification benediction and from the time I walk out and then enduring for almost an entire hour I feel almost invincibly 17 again. This sensation slowly tapers off until either I accidentally confront a mirror, pass by an actual 17 year-old or try to hurdle a Volkswagen. But it sure is sweet while it lasts. Life is good--just don't tempt me with a Volkswagen or bring a mirror to the party.

Loren M. Lambert © February 2, 2013

I Was A Home-grown Salt Lake City, Blond Jean Claude Killy

Love feeling little because the snow piles are big--just like old times trudging through the gully to Canyon Rim, my waxed and shined up Penny Loafers with the shiny dimes in their slits, prepared to make history without knocking my teeth out or sustaining a concussion on the big hill. Penny loafers were the original skinny, short skis with their own home-grown Salt Lake City, blond Jean Claude Killy, in a wake of sparks, snow and a little milli-vanilli.

Loren M. Lambert © January 30, 2013

Calm your Gut not your Head

When your lungs are screaming for air, your heads pounding and you have that sick oppressive feeling that the darkness is closing in on you, but you know you have a full measure to go before you surface and gulp the life giving air--it's your gut you must calm, not your head because that part of your whole has already slipped beyond retrieval. Try it and you'll find I'm right.

Loren M. Lambert © January 29, 2013

Let Die or Tax Them To Hell--So Says Mike Strobe

In the SL Tribune Mike Strobe wrote, "The government says, annual health care costs are roughly $96 billion for smokers and $147 billion for the obese. These costs accompany sometimes heroic attempts to prolong lives, including surgery, chemotherapy and other measures."

Somewhat as food-for-thought, he indicates, that since socialistic engineering of remedies are rebelled against and have unintended consequences--besides restricting individual liberties--he suggests we just let them die. I guess we could put tattoos on their heads stating, "Do Not Treat Tobacco or Fat Induced Diseases."

And in this spirit, according to Mike, the Obama Health plan does allow increases in premiums for smokers. But absent social engineering, perhaps we should let die or tax to hell all "personal choice" malady causing behaviors like, engaging in Xgame or high impact sports, swilling bacon ice-cream, live Rattle Snake preaching, Great White Shark tipping, Piranha petting, etc? But wouldn't that just put us all in that high tax bracket? I mean, haven't we all done a little Great White Shark tipping? Anyway, just food-for-thought.

Loren M. Lambert © January 27, 2013

The Princess Phenomenon

I'm not exactly a mainstream guy, yet not a backwater dude, or even a whirlpool maven, more like a just-out-of-the main current man (unless in a down water race then I am right on it). And, some people may think that I always look for the led-lining in the silver cloud, but something has always struck me as not completely positive: the fixation we have on telling our daughters they're princesses.

Is that a completely positive thing? Yeah, I know we need to treat the women in our lives well, but like a Princess? Don't princesses go on to ask for John the Baptist's head and to become queens who want to ax poor Alice and the Madhatter, and get drinks like Bloody Mary named after them?

I think I have treated my daughter with respect and honor but not as a Princess--I hope I didn't ruin her because she won't recognize the "prince" when he comes to sweep her off her feet.

Loren M. Lambert © November 21, 2013

"There's No Blood Doping Police In Bed," Lance Armstrong's Bonus Chapter on Amazon.com

I was going to demand a refund for the Lance Armstrong autobiography I bought my son for Christmas a few years ago but since it will now be the whole story, as noted below, and we can derive the full benefit from his experience, we decided to keep it.

"There's No Blood Doping Police In Bed," or "How To Run An Effective Blood Doping Program to Enhance Your Sexual Prowess," a Lance Armstrong Bonus Chapter to his autobiography on sale on Amazon.com. Lance indicates that it really does work on the bike and in bed, even with only one testicle, and so far nobody gets ordered to give a urine sample after a good hill climb of Ms. Pyrenees in the sack.

The proceeds will go to fight cancer and the other half to make amends for the cancer inflicted on the cycling world.

Live strong and get you're "Live Stronger Than Armstrong" wrist bands today.

PS--Lance if you come to read my feed as you often do--I forgive you and still admire your cancer survivorship--too bad we won't know how great you were without the EPO.

Loren M. Lambert © January 26, 2013

LDS GA Elder Larry Echo Hawk Praises Pres. Obama

After receiving an award from the J. Reuban Clark Law Society this evening, Elder Larry Echo Hawk, member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, referred to Pres. Obama as a US leader who would go down in history as doing the most to advance the well being and rights of the Native American populace, in four years, more than any other President and would thereby elevate the status of our nation because, "Great nations, like great leaders, should keep their promises."

Loren M. Lambert © January 25, 2013

The Utah Sheriff’s Association Declares War and Succeeds From the Union.

Apparently 28 of Utah’s finest, dressed-in-gray, spit-shined, members of the Utah Sheriff’s Association signed and sent a letter to the Pres. Obama stating that they will not enforce any gun laws they do not consider constitutional, and consider his executive orders about gun control a threat to our rights.

Their sound reasoning is that the second amendment gives every citizen the right to “keep and bear arms,” against tyranny.

Sounds all fine and dandy to me, and I have to say what is good for the goose is good for the gander. In fact, I think every citizen and any organization that has a similar high-faluten title like the “Utah Sheriffs Association,” should have the right, not only to “keep and bear arms,” but to also unilaterally declare as unconstitutional any law that the Utah Sheriff’s Association tries to enforce and to use those arms to rise up against any tyranny that says otherwise.

Now, before those fine men in gray come knocking at my door saying I threatened to shoot upon them or to incite a riot against them, let me hasten to say that everything in here is tongue-in-cheek and not meant to be constitutional. But I must say that neither the Utah Sheriff’s Association nor any other individual has the ultimate authority to declare any law unconstitutional. That power lies with the Supreme Court through the application of the law.

Therefore, while I agree with the fine men in gray that we have a right to “keep and bear arms,” this does not give me, them, and other State and Federal governmental agencies the unilateral right to declare whatever we want as unconstitutional and thereby effectively succeed from the union. It is unbecoming and somewhat deranged for the Sheriffs to get their gray jodhpurs all in a wad like this and act similar to the closet-constitutional-scholars wackos who think they can declare anything that law enforcement does to them as unconstitutional without proving it to be such in accordance with the law.

So I’m here to declare to the Utah Sheriff’s Association that you can believe whatever you want personally but that you and your organization has to enforce the law as is your duty and to obey the law just like everyone else. If something is unconstitutional, prove it to be such through proper channels like you require us citizens to do when you haul us off to jail and don’t be flaunting your ignorance like some wacky jailhouse lawyer.

Loren M. Lambert © January 23, 2013

Justice Sonia Sotomayor

I've had the privilege of listening to two different interviews of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor– what a gem of a human being – intelligent, humble, masterful, well spoken and a superior representative of this country. She has all the strengths of her fellow Supreme Court Justices yet none of the hubris, haughtiness nor wounded disdain that a few of them bear.

She reconfirms a belief I have gained through my experience that those who opine that government should not or cannot be a reflection of the diversity of our populace have either been blinded by their own prejudices both conscious and subconscious or have not sojourned beyond their own limited vision and insular set of acquaintances.

Loren M. Lambert © January 23, 2013

Every Frown Robs A Kiss--The Law of Material Stress

If you could subject any human moving part to the testing that consumer products go through to determine the number of beats, grabs, bites, gulps, pushes, pulls and winks it had, you would find that our materials, like all materials, have a finite number of flexes. Granted, that number is extended by replacement and repairs, but even those mitigations by the very nature of their own movements have their life time limits.

The trick is to match the movement of your being with the potential of the moments and seasons of your life so that all is fully realized, and to do so neither too soon nor too late. Some are too late, never experiencing their potential when death and disease take them due to disuse and disregard. Some too early who push beyond the boundaries of possibility and are obliterated by folly and excess. The few, maybe the lucky, find their potential, sustain it and are worn out evenly like a morning mist dissipating all at once beneath a rising sun.

And at the end of life, some want to die peacefully in their sleep and some with enough drama they are assured they won’t die alone. Me, my goal is to last out my days so that all the parts are working, rising, striving together like that same mist moving up the mountain and then you blink and it is all gone together--neither the heart, the knees, the lungs, the mind nor the soul having out-lasted or out mettled the other. I want to dissipate, disappear, melt away, with all the well worn tissues leaving hand in hand in a single bow of grace just before a single final curtain call.

Until then, the reality is that we really do have only so many dances, so many smiles, so many kisses to give that can only be diminished by the flexes of our number of fist fights, scowls and curses. Not that an occasional curse is unwarranted nor unnecessary–but love is fleeting and life truly is short, so spend it frowning only when absolutely necessary, for with every frown you rob a kiss you could have given and one you could have received. So on this day I give you not a fist but a kiss.

Loren M. Lambert © December 3, 2013

Need a Miracle

I need a miracle tomorrow. I over ran my allotment for last year and do not have any coming. Could any one spare a fellow American who is down on his knees a small miracle? I'm here on the 7200 I15 offramp with my sign out and all you have to do is roll down that window and slap a miracle in my palm and never will you see a more joyful needy vet of the I Corp JAG Defense Command of the Gulf War. Please. Maybe even spare a hug and when appropriate one of those cheek kisses--that is upper cheek kisses, nothing fancy just to the side so I can hear the sound of it to remind me of those long lost days when people loved their soldiers and America still had a top AAA rating on its borrowing rate.

Loren M. Lambert © January 18, 2013

Confession

God gave us the only begotten son, and God took the confession of our only seven time epo'd tour de France cyclist. While we know the sacrifice of the former was accepted, we have to wait until tomorrow to see if the confession of the latter was accepted--because while we are to forgive only seven times, Oprah knows the hearts of men and can bring salvation to the fallen celebs.

Loren M. Lambert © January 17, 2013

We are no more likely to be robed of our freedom by jack booted thugs from the "government" above us than by joe booted thugs from the neighborhoods that surround us.

 The way people conveniently love to use the Nazis as the paradigm for how things always go to hell in a hand basket, makes it seem that they were alien invaders--to the contrary, they arose out of and from the German citizenry. Similarly Pol Pot, Chairman Mao and Lenin didn't come from organized government--they overthrew governments. Despotism has arisen from all sectors of society. Don't forget that as we embrace all the law abiding gun owners of the NRA.

Loren M. Lambert © January 17, 2013

The Further Removed In Time, The Better We Imagine Ourselves To Be.

Although I couldn't help but like Bob Costas' bald headed Russian guest with perfect English during the Sochi Olympics, it was amusing, and at times painful when he used various euphemisms to describe Russia's recent such past as "mysterious" and "difficult to understand." Sometimes when we hear such whitewashing we think that it's only "them" that create such historical fictions and try to ignore ugly truths. Not so.

I was listening the Nick Turse discuss his book, "Kill Anything that Moves," on the Vietnam war, and point out how the Pentagon is trying to whitewash our involvement in this unfortunate war by again misrepresenting the Gulf of Tonkin incident, My Lai, and many other US mistakes and blunders.

http://readme.readmedia.com/Nick-Turse-bestselling-author-of-the-Vietnam-War-history-Kill-Anything-That-Moves-to-speak-Feb-19-2014/7928621

It's a great lesson to learn how difficult it is to get any person, group, religion, State, Country to admit, confess, and own up to their blunders even long after they have already done so several times.

That's why its so beguiling to make dead people into saints and prophets, and to think that every thing was better in some distant whitewashed past.

Loren M. Lambert © February 24, 2014

ASS-Ants for Socialist Solidarity asked me to post this:

"If you look at any individual ant and focus on it and not the whole bed, you'd say we look pretty dumb, and if ordering people around is what a queen does, we don't have one, we have a great big ant making machine. But if you look at the whole colony, we are brilliant, it's called emergence and it has made us the most successful creatures on earth. Maybe you homosapiens should take a note and stop being so hard on all the stupid people spilling off over on the left and all the other stupid people spilling off over on the right, because we also have such individuals who wander around aimlessly or who keep trying to pick up impossible loads and dropping them."

Loren M. Lambert © December 4, 2013

If of like mind

People who are attracted to you because you cherish who you are and thereby infuse your body and soul with beauty and who thereby experience your joyful heart and gracious spirit--if of like mind--both will be forever entwined side by side.

Loren M. Lambert © January 14, 2013

Let's Fake Something Big

When I was in Spain studying at the University of Sevilla, a number of my friends there thought the US had faked the moon landing--it was all Hollywood. It made me chuckle. Yet, having seen "The Impossible" (which I saw with my favorite daughter), I think with today's technology in film production we could fake anything because the movie was more real than the actual event, it was incredible. The only thing I didn't believe was the plane turbulence. So, I think, we should go for it, give everyone something much grander to say we faked. What should it be? Think big. In the mean time, we need to get that turbulence thing fixed.

Loren M. Lambert © January 12, 2013

Secret to Happiness: Survive a Catastrophe, End Up on Island with Only 5 Choices for a Mate

Barry Swartz, psychologist phnom of the TED circuit says that an abundance of choice, rather than liberating us, leads to paralysis and an escalation of unattainable expectation. For instance, studies have shown that in companies where there are lots of pension/savings plans to chose among, people become so bogged down with trying to decide which is best, they just give up. Also, when people do chose among numerous overwhelming options, afterwards they are less satisfied and always worried they could have done better and eventually become despondent because deep in the recesses of their minds they know they could have done better.

I know it happens to me all the time, especially on facebook. I get bombarded with all the messages of free this, go to this event, do this, vote for me on this, just click this and I’ll win my dream wedding and peace will break out all over the world–all to the point where I just freeze up knowing that out of all those many choices I’ll never figure out the right one to pursue and will miss the one event that could have made me rich, forever young and always satisfied. I now when I do pick some event, or buy something or spend my time voting for this one person’s cause and didn't have time to vote for the other person’s cause or even mine, I always sulk wondering if I did the right thing, just like Barry warns.

And then it stuck me–that is the real problem with the breakdown of marriage in the modern world–its not Monday night football, drinking too much soy, gay marriage, fast cars or faster women and men, it’s too many actual or imagined choices that we have for mates. Long ago when there was 5 possible mates in your village and none others that you knew of or could imagine, you knew if you got hitched to the best one, and if you didn't, you knew why you didn't and why someone else did, and you knew you had to live with it both metaphorically and actually.

The moral of the story Barry says is to have low expectations (or realistically modest ones). That would mean living on a small isolated island with 5 choices for a spouse–and to be really grateful, doing so after having survived a catastrophe. Let's plan today, here are your choices . . .

Loren M. Lambert © January 12, 2013

Positive Influence

I have to write two short, bitter, negative, angst laden slam poems for my screenplay but all you positive posters out there have influenced me too much. I've been so positive lately, it's hard to get into the mood, yet I'm getting there.

Loren M. Lambert © March 2, 2014

Re Civil Rights Laws and the "Protected Classes" They Pertain To

Every individual, regardless of creed, race, national origin, sex, color, age, disability and yes, even sexual orientation, should strive within a system in which all have the opportunity to excel based on merit. I emphasize opportunity-not right, not entitlement and not a preference. Thereby all benefit when we live in such a system because the best in such a system will invariably rise to the top and lead us.

The term, "protected class," is unfortunate because its legal meaning bears no resemblance to its common meaning. Under our laws "protected classes" such as sex, race, etc. are not shielded from the exigencies of competition, nor are they exempt from the rules that we all must adhere to, it simply means that when adverse action is taken against them merely due to their race, sex, etc. they have recourse in a court of law. Nor does the law favor one sex, race or "protected class" over another. White police officers and fire fighters have asserted their rights under those same laws and prevailed.

Now I am not so naive to think this reality vitiates many of your disagreements with these laws, yet it puts the discussion on track about the real issues. It is that I believe human nature is such that without such laws people devolve into cabals and antagonistic factions like those I became familiar with in the Ukraine, in other divisive world regions, and that existed in the South before the passage of civil rights laws ending Jim Crow etc.

Many think human nature is such that it does not matter how much power, wealth, fame and influence someone acquires because since they in theory got their by their own merit (often true) they will make the right decisions and act in the best interest of all of society instead of their own.

My experience has taught me that this is, unfortunately, not true. Due to the petty weakness of human nature, some protections are needed. The rich, powerful and famous, though either more clever and able than many or more fortunate, still suffer from the same shortcomings and are no different than the ancient Kings and Queens of Europe that caused so much misery when they were above the rule of law.

Now, how civil rights laws are implemented is a whole different subject. Never forget that when Caucasians are in the minority a 100 years from now, all us whities might really appreciate our civil rights laws.

Loren M. Lambert © March 1, 2014

John Stewart Mill

"War is an ugly thing, but it is not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stewart Mill.

Loren M. Lambert © February 28, 2014

The Heave Ho

Got booted of a facebook friend island by a very talented, beautiful, gorgeous and vocal acquaintance. I admittedly offended her sensibilities by using damn, hell and condom all in the same sentence to make an ironic, sarcastic remark about liberals. I thought someone like her would think what I wrote to others like Ann Coulter to say. Probably not the first time it's happened to me, getting booted, but it was the first time I was told about it. I feel bad because, truth be told, I like hearing divergent views and, I don't like offending others, usually, at least not when I didn't intend to and even then I mostly regret it.

I knew it was over the top for that particular person, almost resisted, but then I elevated my need to rant over what I knew was in good taste for her. I figured my crudity as befitting her offensiveness--to me. I forget that the reality is most people post stuff to be confirmed in their positions not confronted. So what did I accomplish. Nothing.

Yet, and you knew there would be a yet, while some people would never use nary a damn nor a hell, they don't realize that these are just short cuts to the exact same things they say that are just as jarring and rude-it's all just dressed up in a suit and tie with white-collar words.

So given the chance to do it all over again, I'd have dressed my ironic sarcasm in a suit and a tie, I would have said the same thing and maybe I would not have lost a friend. It's all about knowing the dress code and your audience.

I therefore promise when I come on your page I'll try to wear the proper attire and if I get it wrong, accept my apology and please just delete my post, tell me about it, and give me a second chance. I am a very quick study and I'll show up the next time properly dressed--whether in a Michael Phelp's speedo, working clothes or a Bond tuxedo.

Loren M. Lambert © January 10, 2013

Fox News Hits Education Out of the Park

Learned on Fox News from my bud Sean's show that you most definitely shouldn't call an attractive woman pageant winner, hot and sexy, at least not on national television. I further was informed that you probably shouldn't call her beautiful and gorgeous on national television, and that if you do, you better not do it with the same enthusiasm of a sports caster calling the play action of a game winning touchdown at the end of a critical NFL game (especially if you're over the age of fifty).

So guys, defy a few million years of conditioning, ignore the sexy, I mean, slightly inadequately burka-ing outfit and practice, "What an amazingly intelligent and compassionate woman, Miss-Scholarship-first body-second pageant-queen is. Let's get her up her to ask a question."

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - So you all have proper legal advice (this is my area of practice), while yes if you are a witness to a PDA or sexual harassment or sexually offensive conduct you may have a claim but that is usually only if you complain that it is offensive to you and you ask that it stop. I advise my clients to complain at least twice in writing with great detail (no this doesn't pertain to egregious conduct). Then you may have a legal claim (must be pervasive and outrageous). (Companies are free to have stricter policies than federal and state law).

Loren M. Lambert © January 9, 2013

Another Staunch Conservative Saved by Obamacare

My very conservative gym friend, a retired military Colonel, said his daughter gave birth to a child with serious health care issues that will cost thousand and thousands of dollars (the child will need brain surgery). Several months before the birth, her husband had lost his job and the company went bankrupt so the family lost their healthcare and cobra benefits due to the expense.

The daughter of my friend applied for medicaid and was approved. Husband found new employment--this terminates their eligibility for medicaid. The good news is, as my friend explained saying, "thank goodness" is that when the medicaid eligibility runs out, it happens just as the new employment's health care kicks in.

And why will it kick in just as the medicaid coverage ends and why will it cover the pre-existing condition of the child? It's because Obama care establishes that the family is considered as having continuous coverage and therefore the employers insurance cannot deny coverage for preexisting conditions. Hooray--another conservative benefits from the changes we help them get and they rail against!!

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - I do think that some of the ire against Pres. Obama is based on his race. I have personally met and spoke to people with that bias. Three of them are in my extended family. On the other hand, probably his race garnered some votes also. Perhaps it was a wash, but some of the outlandish claims against him I believe lay on a foundation of racism and there is nothing wrong with saying so. Personally, I support him about 80% of the time. I do not like his continued grip on Bush era security measures that I think are heavy handed against our civil liberties.

Comment 2: Loren M. Lambert - I don't think Linda is accusing you or all people that disagree with Pres. Obama as being racists. I think she believes, as I do, that there is an element of racism, conscious and unconscious, against black Americans such as Pres. Obama that influences some people in their decisions. And yes, I think some people would not vote for Condaleeza Rice because she is black--I think that is wrong, as does Linda. It is not "wrong" to discuss this or even believe that racism is a problem. But I would agree with you, that it is wrong to paint all Americans as racist. But it is equally wrong, unproductive, and naive to pretend that racism has been abolished and no longer is an element in our society. Pretending something as malevolent as racism doesn't exist when it does is just as wrong for as blowing it out of proportion. It is a legitimate topic of discussion, just as much as it was a legitimate topic of discussion that some individuals were holding Mr. Romney's religious background against him. But even on that point there is greater legitimacy to asserting the opinion that one's religion influences one's behavior. As the person who controls my own Facebook page, I invite you and Linda to discuss any topic you desire, I just ask us all to try to be as civil as possible and I know I sometimes fall short of being civil. but thank you for your input Annie you are obviously a very thoughtful and passionate person and I admire that in you.

Loren M. Lambert © January 9, 2013

Economic Teenagerism

Mark Blyth, Ivy League economics professor, says that sometimes, “What is individually rational becomes collectively disastrous.”

This is true in many areas of life. It applies to dorm bathrooms, stampedes, defensive wars, freeway on-ramps, runs on banks, hoarding, depressions, and recessions. He says that some in American are wanting us to engage in economic-teenagerism.

He points out that adjusting for the variables, the American working class has not had a raise since 1979 despite economic gains in efficiency and innovation.

He further points out that in countries that have engaged in severe austerity measures when compared to the US, the budget deficits have ballooned while ours has diminished. So you know, he emphasizes that you have to manage the debt, but that the most critical thing is the size of the economy. If your economy shrinks you get into a downward spiral.

http://www.amazon.com/Austerity-The-History-Dangerous-Idea/dp/019982830X

Loren M. Lambert © December 8, 2013

Nelson Mandela

The greatest among the great, Nelson Mandela, took his curtain call today.

If you want to know of one of the few among us who has been the ideal of all our hopes and lived the life of all those we envision as saintly, courageous and strong, study his life. He is one of the brightest stars of our time.

Loren M. Lambert © December 5, 2013

Sports Fans, Coach Potatoes and Slugs--How To Make This Year The One That Stuck

Gold's Gym was packed to the max. Must be that time of year when the dark and cold drives the hoards in for the smell of sweat and Christmas stocking perfume--not to mention the New Year. I was going to mock them, but instead, since I sincerely want them to succeed, because in reality, it gives me a kick to see others experience joy and, it's in their interest and mine. So, here's how to make it stick:

1. Take it slow and consistent, don't be like the half dozen newbies I saw today grimacing and grunting so hard their eyeballs shot out across the gym to pierce the mighty bums up on the stair masters. Build into it--it's consistency that matters. Be in for the long run. I promise if you are consistent you will reach a time when regular workouts are as important to you as breathing, eating, sex and yelling at the guy who cuts you off in traffic. It is almost that way for me.

2. If you bump up against an injury, illness, time crunch, bad hair, no time for make up, emergency or forgetting a key piece of your work out outfit, don't use it as an excuse to jettison your workout. Figure out what you can do--whether it's time for only a handful of push ups and sit ups, five trips up and down the stairs in the building you have ten minutes in before or after your meeting, or doing your workout in your dress shirt or bra looking like a scarecrow--just do something.

3. Don't worry what others think--go for you and only you--for the long run. Gyms are like churches--they're there for the people that most need them even if they are inhabited by close to perfection gods and goddesses.

4. Don't let your job, even if physically demanding, substitute for working out. This is important because in today's mechanized workplace, most physically demanding jobs do not condition your body in a balanced manner but instead over stress some body parts and under conditions others. You therefore need exercise to round out your conditioning and to give your body a break from the assembly line with its stressful, repetitive movement.

5. Don't depend on trainers, friends and classes as your only motivation. Note, I did not say don't get a trainer, go to class or have a work out buddy. You want them if that makes your work out more effective, rewarding and consistent. However, if you depend on them to keep you going--as soon as the friend stops, your class is changed or canceled or your trainer moves out of state, etc.--you might struggle to get going again. (On the other hand, avoid trainers, classes and friends who push you beyond your individual capabilities and may have no wisdom or maturity to understand that while we all may need support reaching our highest potential we don't need to be driven beyond our ability and into injury and chronic pain, and, despite the hype to the contrary, we really don't all have the same potential).

6. Don't work out to look good at your wedding, for your 10 year reunion, or for that girl you want to date--use them for motivation--but work out as a lifestyle choice. That way you won't disintegrate once the wedding's over or the girl jilts you.

7. Make the gym one of your communities by sometimes spending a little time in the sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi (if its clean) getting to know your fellow gym rats. Most things that we consistently want to do involve a sense of belonging. The same goes for a gym. Your sense of kinship with the others at the gym will help keep you going.

8. Lastly, mix it up a little and have fun. While keeping it consistent, try all the work out crazes. Return to what works the best for you and don't forget what it feels like to be a beginner.

Loren M. Lambert © January 8, 2013

Get Help, Don't Be a Tragedy

Saw in the paper that a one time neighbor of mine--a mother, a wife, a member of our community was sentenced to prison after a DUI from prescription meds resulted in the death of an innocent child.

Frankly, I am amazed it does not happen more. This is because my practice has brought awareness regarding the many who drive while severely fatigued, significantly medicated and seriously debilitated by health problems.

If you find yourself in this population, know that we love you, and want you to be well. Love yourself and others enough to get help, learn to use public transportation, never drive impaired and be open about your problem. Together we can find ways to keep you and everyone safe.

As a footnote, there is absolutely no reason why the courts, medical clinics and other government services cannot implement technology to minimize the need for this population to have to commute.

Loren M. Lambert © December 19, 2013

Can I Keep The Ring?

Okay, how often does a man, take a shower, irrigate his teeth, wear his best, bust his bank, find some exotic, unique, or significant spot, get down on bended knee, prostrate himself, and in front of his favorite girl, with his hand lofting up some token of love's material manifestation say, "Will you marry me, and regardless of your answer, please take this $10,000 stone and ring of metal as a gift to resale, keep, or spit on and toss.”

Never–unless they don’t care about money and you’re just the latest addition to the harem. So, usually you don’t get the ring without the marriage.

Yet in my legal career, and most recently, I often have had–metaphorically and literally speaking-this seemingly facile question: Do I get to keep the ring anyway? Or, can I take the ring back?

Answer: If you got the ring yesterday, the answer is probably no, you don’t get to keep it. Or if you gave it to her 10 years ago, no, you probably don’t get to ask for it back. Then, depending on the circumstances, there could be different answers or outcomes between these two extremes.

Why is this so? The answer is, what was the agreement? Yes, that’s right, what was the agreement? Or what was expected for what was given? This is true in all relationship exchanges. Make sure you know and make sure you make it clear.

Men, nor women, give money, sex, time, gifts, affection, power, companionship, diner or attention without there being some quid pro quo, whether what is expected is friendship or marriage. So don’t be stupid or naive, when in doubt, make sure you know and make sure you indicate. This is true whether it’s lunch for advice, marriage for a ring, or an all expense-paid trip to middle earth for ?. Yes, it’s a bit inelegant but asking and indicating is better than taking advantage, being taken advantage of or being disappointed.

Loren M. Lambert © December 18, 2013

This year I will--

Make the most of fewer means,
extend my time below the surface,
exponentially employ more taste buds,
provide my non-dominate side with more time,
remind mankind by my actions that we all live here,
stand more boldly within the breach,
liberate my abdominal muscles,
and breath more brazenly.

Loren M. Lambert © January 2, 2013

Read a Post from a Soldier Stating He was Upset with Our Government and If Things Didn't Go His Way He Would Break the Law--Here's What He and Others that Feel The Same Should Consider:

Throughout history, a few of those who serve in uniform have often thought that having put themselves in harms way, they have paid a price that can never be repaid nor sufficiently honored. Therefore, they take what they think they have earned--a right to assume a position in society above the rule of law. Whether its Manuel Noriega, Hugo Chavez, Timothy McVeigh or others who commit to disobey the law at the conclusion of their service.

While I will support a veteran's right to politic, speak out, vote, run for office and within the rule of law agitate for his or her position, I would not support a soldiers professed right to first, while on active duty, speak out against the government that enlists him and that he is in fact a servant of, nor to disregard any laws that are passed within our legal system.

What sometimes veterans fail to appreciate and understand is that all the senators, congressional representatives, the federal judiciary and the executive branch are the embodiment of the constitution that veterans have swore allegiance to when they put on the uniform during their service.

We, as a people, elected our representatives. They speak and act for us. That's how our government works. I have listened to Soldier speak ill toward elected officials of both parties as if the elected officials, through some violent or illegal act, appointed themselves, and are acting alone. They do not. If a Soldier disagrees with an elected official and those that stand with them, once out of the service, they need to be leaders, confront those they disagree with through our rule of law, do the hard work that current elected officials did and run for office. But while in service, if the politically motivated soldiers criticize a governmental official--the are criticizing the American People and the constitution--that is why soldiers on active duty cannot legally participate in some political activity.

Don't be Veterans who would make themselves a dictator over one like Timothy McVeigh or a dictator over many like so many third world leaders. There is no honor in disengaging and making oneself an outlaw in a country where all are free to participate in our democracy--this takes greater courage. That is what a patriot does.

We don't live in a democracy because we get everything our way. If you are done with your "service" which is what it was a "service," then accept our gratitude, put away your assumption of many soldiers who have an entitlement to political authority (I'm not talking about your benefits and being taken care of if injured), be a citizen and a patriot, and work to achieve what you think is right within our system--as many have done like: Pres. George Washington, Pres. Grant, Pres. Roosevelt, Pres. Eisenhower, Pres. Kennedy, Pres. Bush, Senator McCaine, Senatory Kerry, etc.

Comment 1: Loren M. Lambert - @All You Constitution scholars--in the end if the Supreme court says something is Constitutional it is. And yes the Supreme Court has been wrong in the past, very wrong. Yet the legislative branch through proper legislation or a constitutional amendment can tell the Supreme Court that it is wrong. Usually, between the two and then the executive branches power to enforce or not enforce, we get it right. But again not always such as with slavery and civil rights. For the record, most of the Bush era overreaching I disagreed with and still do. I'm waiting for the perfect presidential candidate. Maybe next election.

Comment 2: Loren M. Lambert - Revolutions are messy. I prefer the incremental adjustments to the times through a robust democracy/republic.

Loren M. Lambert © January 1, 2012

I Send You New Years Advice and Admonition--Skip the Commercials

Didn't know it existed an hour ago and now it is over-shadowing my New Years celebrations.

What? The gold plated $50 Buffalo Tribute Nickel for only $10--that's right $50 for only $10. The ad informed me to call and buy so that I would not suffer regret and disappointment. I felt so bad the split second I heard the ad because I knew I wasn't going to call and therefore I knew that I was going to have an empty spot in my heart and soul for time immemorial.

Most likely, years from now, when I don't have a thought in my brain, I will remember and then miss that shiny $50 gold Buffalo Tribute Nickel I could have owned for just $10.

So, if you find me someday drooling in my rocking chair with a blank and sad stare, pat me on the back, dab my drool with my hankie, and softly and kindly remind me I should have called for that fifty dollar Buffalo Nickel.

So remember, free yourselves of guilt, and skip the commercials.

Loren M. Lambert © December 31, 2012

Funeral Viewing--Looking at Death

Attended the funeral of a good neighbor today. He had a full life, family man, devoted husband, cantankerous, good sense of humor and liked making candy. I want to remember him alive.

I stayed at the back of the viewing. For some reason, emotionally, viewings creep me out more and more. I get this sense of doom at them and they just seem weird to me. The deceased do not look good to me. They look dead. I don't want to look at death.

With all our technology, maybe a multimedia show depicting the image, video clips, voice, personal effects of the deceased, would be more enriching. Like those wedding videos.

Loren M. Lambert © February 21, 2014

John Swallow -- A Testament To Assuring Transparency in Political Funding

There is an unfortunate fiction that the US Court Justices have created, due to its Justices' too cozy of a relationship to big business and that is the endowment of personhood to corporations.

Corporations are not people. They are artificial creations of society that actually insulate them from laws and influences that actual people are bound by in order to benefit commerce. They allow wealth to be exponentially amassed and concentrated in a manner that when applied to commerce can achieve great economic growth but when applied to politics can create millions of John Swallows who, to compete with the other John Swallows flying up from Capistrano, must carry favor with bad guys so they can get a quid pro quo--fund my campaign and I'll make sure you don't get prosecuted.

Many of those bad guys give money to more successful John Swallows who actually do get them out of criminal indictments and thereby want to lead us into the bribery ridden problems of the Ukraine and other eastern European nations.

Want more John Swallows and more bad guys continuing being bad guys, then go with the status quo that lets Corporations be people.

Want fewer John Swallows and bad guys? Elect politicians who will relegate corporations back to their proper place as artificial business entities that politicians can't cozy up to like some shiester with a bribe.

Loren M. Lambert © December 20, 2013

Free Dillards Undergarment Fitting Sale

Noticed a friend of mine's post on her and her kids shopping spree at Victory Secret so have to share the one I had.

What a coincidence. I went to an free underwear fitting sale day at Dillards. There were several certified Swedish female fitters.

I really struggled finding the right brand and style to cradle my separately insured jewels and spigot but they went beyond and above the call of duty and fixed me up with the perfect pairs.

I settled on the latest triple support and cooling technology from Calvin Klein. The pair takes into consideration that the package is not just a homogeneous blob-- so it stabilizes, positions and supports all at the same time, making those embarrassing hot weather and on the go adjustments forever a thing of the past!!

Moreover, the butt covering technology has "just-right-Goldilocks-and-the-three-bears," weave that neither squeezes your butt cheeks together into the solid Ayers Rock monolithic dome nor creeps in and up your crack. So, I no longer will have to worry about PTSD flashbacks by having to un-snuggie my undies and remember scouts or seventh grade.

But best of all is the nanotechnology cooling system that keeps it all at natures optimal temperature--two to three degrees below my core body temperature. So no longer am I waiting for heaven in the after life, its all right here, right under my Levi's. Watch out.

Loren M. Lambert © December 30, 2012

The Path and The Way: Sacred Writings of the Chartosi

The Book of None

21:1. And it came to pass that the creator of all things heard the pleas of the pinnacle fauna of Tsai and revealed to the founders, that there existed, beyond the event horizon, in the first quadrant of the fifth universe, at its most equidistant edge, a peculiar creature, a paradox of creative innovation, the most conflicted yet intellectually nimble of all of God's pinnacle fauna.

21:2. To such, the Creator had, through the exercise of agency, made accessible the fruit of opposition, and in partaking thereof, the creature added to the yang of instinct, the ying of reason.

21:3. And behold, unto this creature, the creator had foreordained and had endowed within it, the capacity and the calling to bring into balance the Anagram and to restore the propagation of the Chartosi.

21:4. Yet behold, the Creator beseeched, and by admonition warned, that the creature's strength was equally its weakness; for behold, the schism of these divergent intelligences made this most peculiar of all God's pinnacle beings prone to rebel against reason and worship raw ritual and cold convention; or to revile against instinct and regal inflexible intellectualism and unbounded learning, devoid of wisdom and restraint.

21:5. Furthermore, the Creator warned, the creature could also reject both reason and instinct to devolve into a schizophrenic existence of malcontent and dissonance; to thereby deny the power of order and organization and the liberation of intuition and spontaneity; and to fall speedily upon the path of dark oblivion with its woe of death and damnation, of non-existence and nothingness.

21:6. Yet, in the end, the Creator left to the Founders, the decision to set the creature upon the path of it and our destiny, whether for good or for evil, whether for salvation or rebounding renewal in a future in which God, in his wisdom, would not yet reveal.

Loren M. Lambert © December 29, 2012

A Hunter's Weapon of Choice--Regardless of the Prey

Yes, I hope there is someone with a gun to protect me if needed, but I hope more that there's never anyone with a gun that I have to be protected against--like the Ex-Vietnam war sniper that had severe PTSD and had numerous discussions with his VA therapist that he wanted to kill other people including his ex-wife whom I was representing and who threatened to kill me.

This man had 19 guns in his arsenal, several of them assault weapons, a son convicted of attempted murder after using one, and there was and is nothing we could do about it due to the Patient-Doctor privilege, what a particular state saw as a lack of evidence, and due to the fact that the two had been divorced for many years.

Or maybe like the numerous clients I have that can't access mental health care on a regular basis who, after they had some other crisis, and are hospitalized or are in jail, go through the cycle of getting meds, stabilizing, being released into the community, functioning for a while but not getting health care, decompensating, becoming homeless and then starting the whole process over again.

No, I don't want to take away your guns--you may be sane--I have a gun, I hunted, I was trained by the NRA, I served in the military and I have dealt with many situations involving violent people with violent histories. I want a rational discussion that seeks balance with a three pronged approach of adequate security, rationale gun ownership and gun type oversight, and a comprehensive mental health care system.

I don't want to live in either a police state or in a community were the psychologically challenged have easy access to a gun. The simplistic and shallow hallmark portraitures that people post up as their perceived reflection of truth and reality add nothing to the conversation.

The military, my own training, my experience has taught me this truth: if a psychologically disturbed person wants to kill you and wants to do it with a gun, they usually will succeed because the element of surprise trumps the men, women or teachers with the gun in their holster, desk or gun cabinet. But yes, they can minimize the damage.

The argument that they could do it just as easily with a car, knife, bomb etc is almost meritless. My training has also taught me that if that is their choice, they will be more likely to fail than with a gun. That is why most of us don't hunt with bombs, cars, knives or poison. A gun is readily available, easy to use, quick and efficiently lethal--that's why most psychopaths, the suicidal, the criminal, the mentally unstable, the passionately enraged also hunt/kill with a gun. If a deranged mentally ill enraged person runs to their closet to pick something to kill you with, if therein lies a bomb, a knife, a bat, some rat poisoning and a gun--they'll probably pick the gun. That is the reality people. If a few lives are saved a year because persons with a known proclivity to violence or a troubled mental health history are unable to purchase or obtain a gun or because a person with a mental health challenge is able to access mental health care--that is a worthy goal despite the fact that others would still die in gun related violence.

No perfection on this issue can be achieved because any such solution that tries to appease the extremes of either side would invariably be unduly ineffective, too intrusive, too expensive or utterly tyrannical.

Loren M. Lambert © December 29, 2012