WHAT IT MEANS TO VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- What can we assume about a vote for Mrs. Clinton?

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I'm trying to figure out why people will vote for Hillary Clinton in the November presidential election. Certainly, many will vote due to their loyalty to the Democratic party, or simply because she is a woman, or they believe the spin of the Main Street media. Some will vote for Mrs. Clinton because they despise Donald Trump. Am I getting warm?

By voting for Hillary Clinton you believe she is fit to lead and administer our country. Beyond this, what else does it represent?

It means you are willing to overlook the indiscretions of the Clinton family and either deem them frivolous or blame the Republicans for the accusations. Either way, we cannot ignore the fact four Americans died in Benghhazi under her watch: Ambassador Chris Stephens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty. These men could have been saved had Secretary Clinton acted promptly. "What difference at this point does it make?" Plenty, as she will not be able to command the respect of the military.

It means you prefer a liberal Supreme Court. Mrs. Clinton will likely make liberal appointments, as her husband did when he was in office, where he appointed Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer.

It means you believe our reputation in the world community is positive and will continue to flourish; that we do not "lead from behind."

It means you are satisfied with the current status quo of the Obama administration, as Mrs. Clinton admits to embracing and perpetuating the Obama agenda. This means:

* Our Federal Debt will grow unabated. It is currently at approximately $19.5 trillion.

* We should continue to resist the implementation of a balanced budget.

* You accept a diminishing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is currently at a paltry 1.4%.

* That gridlock between the President and the Congress is acceptable and should remain the norm.

* That our government is competent and demonstrates good leadership.

* Our current policies for fighting terrorism are fine, as is our stance on immigration.

* The political and racial divides in the country are unfortunate but acceptable.

In other words, it is acceptable to you that the country spends more than it earns. It also means you believe our standard of living and productivity is satisfactory. More importantly, it means you believe the country is better off than just four years ago.

In all likelihood, you believe the main street media is unbiased, fair and accurate in their reporting, as are polls and fact checkers. In addition, you have more of an inclination towards socialism as opposed to capitalism, and you possess liberal social values. Further, you consider the social mores of today antiquated and in need of change. You also question the need for patriotic acts and symbols. It is also likely you believe the political system is not rigged, particularly the Democratic Party. If I were to bet, you probably have a weak sense of American history.

If you vote for Mrs. Clinton, you are saying you accept the status quo as established by President Obama.

However, if you happen to vote for Donald Trump, you are refuting these current conditions and recognizing a major change is in order for Washington, DC; that the politicians, lobbyists, and journalists are less interested in serving the public, and more concerned with lining their pockets with money.

So, our choice is simple: We either perpetuate the Obama legacy or you vote to change the status quo. It's not a matter of a particular person, it's a matter of our perspective on government.

If you are, "As mad as Hell and not going to take it anymore," it's time to step up to the voting booth and make a difference.

Also published with The Huffington Post.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2016 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Also read Tim's columns in the THE HUFFINGTON POST

NEXT UP:  OUR RIGHT TO DISAGREE - Political correctness is killing it.

LAST TIME:  A LOOK BACK AT HILLARY CLINTON'S RECORD - A history lesson.

Listen to Tim on News Talk Florida (WWBA 820 AM), WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; KIT-AM (1280) in Yakima, Washington "The Morning News" with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube.

A LOOK BACK AT HILLARY CLINTON'S RECORD

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- A history lesson.

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I never understood the fascination with Hillary Clinton as a presidential candidate. If she were a Republican, the press would have torn her to shreds.

In his book, "This Town," author Mark Leibovich described how the press fawns over the Clintons and treats them like royalty. In 2016, the media has once again gone to bat for the Clintons in order to maintain the Washington establishment and is hounding her chief rival, Donald Trump. Today, most people have forgotten her husband was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice during his term as president and was suspended from practicing law. The Democrats have forgiven him, blamed the Republicans, and now treat him like as a rock star. Go figure.

After narrowly losing to President Obama in 2008, the presidency is now within Hillary's grasp, but you have to wonder if she is up to the task. Certainly her husband will become the Commander-in-the-Shadows, and will try to run things behind the scenes, but the big question is whether Hillary can stand on her own two feet. As a public office holder, she has served in various capacities, e.g., First Lady, Senator from New York, and Secretary of State, but you have to wonder what exactly she has accomplished during this time.

There is no question, she is well educated, graduating with distinction from Wellesley College, and earning a law degree from Yale Law School. Her senior thesis at Wellesley was a critique of the tactics of Saul Alinksky, the well-known radical community organizer. It is during her years at Wellesley where she switched political philosophies and became a Democrat, and campaigned for George McGovern in 1972.

Professionally, she was the first female partner at the Rose Law Firm where her earning power sustained the Clintons for several years.

She served two stints as "First Lady," starting in Arkansas when her husband was governor, and of course in the White House from 1993 – 2001. During the White House years, her big initiative was the Clinton health care plan which failed to pass Congress, representing a major defeat. During this time, she was plagued by several investigations, such as the Whitewater controversy, Madison Guaranty, Travelgate, Filegate, and the apparent suicide of White House counsel Vince Foster. All of this, coupled with the president's Monica Lewinsky scandal, which led to his impeachment, left a dark cloud over the Clinton administration.

After leaving the White House, Mrs. Clinton replaced Daniel Patrick Moynihan as Senator from New York. She began her tenure by building relationships and serving on a variety of committees. Following 9/11 she voted to support military action in both Afghanistan and Iraq. She was also instrumental in obtaining funding for redevelopment of the World Trade Center in her home state. Domestically, she voted against President Bush's tax cut packages, which passed in spite of her objections.

During her second term she voted against the 2007 troop surge in Iraq, which was passed, and favored a war-spending bill that tried to set a deadline to withdraw troops from Iraq, which failed.

In 2007 she campaigned for president and narrowly lost the Democratic candidacy to Barack Obama. Following this, she was appointed Secretary of State under Obama where she served during the president's first term. In the early days, she contacted several world leaders to inform them changes to foreign policy were in the offing, "We have a lot of damage to repair." This was tied to the perceived Obama "apology tour."

It was on her watch, in 2011, when the "Arab Spring" began which ignited political tensions and upset the balance of power in the Middle East. It also led to the Libyan Civil War where America was accused of "leading from behind" in deposing the Gaddafi dictatorship. Her career in the State department essentially came to an end following the 2012 9/11 attack on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi where four Americans were killed, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.

In the Benghazi aftermath, during the U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing on May 8, 2013, Mrs. Clinton was evasive and combative in her testimony, leading to the regretful comment, "What difference – at this point, what difference does it make?" This smacked of arrogance and defiance of Congress and will certainly haunt her on the campaign trail. This was followed by Congressional investigations, not just on events there, but also on Mrs. Clinton's use of e-mail and a private server. Now the Clinton Foundation is coming under scrutiny.

Mrs. Clinton may have had a colorful career in politics, but the question remains, "What exactly did she accomplish?" Serving in office is one thing, accomplishing something is entirely different. The Clinton Health Care program failed on her watch. She made no significant contribution as Senator, and her career in the State Department will forever be mired in Benghazi. I think the voters are looking for something a little more substantial than her book, "It Takes a Village," which she wrote as First Lady using a ghostwriter. After twenty years of public service, you would think there would be some major contribution she could point to with pride. Sadly, there is nothing. Her contributions can be described as negligible at best.

So, why the fascination with Hillary? Feminists will, of course, push for Hillary to become the first female president. The Democrats have alleged the GOP is conducting a "War on Women." This was crafted with Hillary in mind and, as such, it is intentionally fallacious.

There is an alternate reason though, the Democrats want to slip Bill Clinton into the White House through the back door. As much as the feminists love Hillary, the Democrats want to put a match set into the White House. So, Yes, Bill Clinton's legacy during his first term still matters, warts and all. However, one cannot help but wonder if the country can withstand any more Clinton controversies.

A couple of years ago, I heard comedian Jackie Mason make the comparison of Mrs. Clinton to an airline pilot's wife. He asked, if the pilot becomes indisposed and cannot fly the plane, does it make sense to ask his wife to captain the plane in his place? In the case of Mrs. Clinton, she may know the ropes, but she hasn't proven herself behind the wheel. She certainly hasn't delivered anything of substance which would lead us to believe she is qualified to be president. Then again, we elected a community organizer to the White House and we saw what happened to the country.

Also published with The Huffington Post.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2016 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Also read Tim's columns in the THE HUFFINGTON POST

NEXT UP:  WHAT IT MEANS TO VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON - What can we assume about a vote for Mrs. Clinton?

LAST TIME:  WHO SUCCEEDS HILLARY? - What happens if she becomes disabled in office?

Listen to Tim on News Talk Florida (WWBA 820 AM), WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; KIT-AM (1280) in Yakima, Washington "The Morning News" with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube.

WHO SUCCEEDS HILLARY?

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- What happens if she becomes disabled in office?

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I do not like to belabor Hillary Clinton's medical condition as I genuinely hope she remains well, but something occurred to me today that is unsettling and a subject nobody is talking about. Let's play Devil's Advocate for a moment. Let's suppose Mrs. Clinton wins the White House and settles in. However, during the course of her term in office she happens to become incapacitated as she did recently. The question then becomes, "Who runs the nation?" Obviously, there are many things that will go on autopilot, and the cabinet will fulfill their duties, but what if some emergency arises while she is recuperating?

Constitutionally, the Vice President succeeds the President under such a scenario. We saw this when Nixon covered for Ike during his heart attack, and George H.W. Bush covered for Reagan when he was shot. In Mrs. Clinton's case, it would fall to Tim Kaine, a former senator and governor. However, I doubt Kaine would be given a chance to lift a finger to help the president.

Because of the Clinton culture of cover-up, the country would likely not know the seriousness of Mrs. Clinton's condition which will be kept rather private. Instead, her husband, Bill Clinton, our 42nd president, will likely be calling the shots quietly behind the scenes. This is one reason why Democrats favor the Clintons, as they see it as a package deal, a "twofer" or "BOGOF."

If this is true, Bill Clinton's character and health should also come under scrutiny. Although he is still beloved in Democratic circles, people have not forgotten he was impeached by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice. Further, his romantic interludes led to his law license being suspended.

As to his health, Mr. Clinton, at age 70, looks frail and weak, particularly when compared to Donald Trump who is of the same age yet has a clean bill of health. The former president, on the other hand, had surgery in 2004 for a quadruple bypass, and in 2005 for a partially collapsed lung.

The question remains though, did you approve of the job Mr. Clinton did as president? While many of us vividly remember his term of office, the millennials know nothing about him and cannot form an adequate opinion.

Only if something happens to both Mrs. Clinton and her husband will Tim Kaine be allowed to do his job of succeeding the president. Instead, I suspect Mr. Kaine will be attending a lot of state funerals and ribbon cutting events.

So much for Devil's advocacy.

Also published with The Huffington Post.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2016 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Also read Tim's columns in the THE HUFFINGTON POST

NEXT UP:  A LOOK BACK AT HILLARY CLINTON'S RECORD - A history lesson.

LAST TIME:  BEWARE OF REGIONALISM - Changing the shape of government.

Listen to Tim on News Talk Florida (WWBA 820 AM), WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; KIT-AM (1280) in Yakima, Washington "The Morning News" with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube.

BEWARE OF REGIONALISM

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- Changing the shape of government.

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While conservatives have been concerned with President Obama embracing globalization, a concept intended to develop a worldwide culture and set of laws, there is another concept quietly slipping in our back door, namely "regionalism," which is also concerned with changing our view of government. It is from the progressive playbook for expanding government and exerting more control.

Historically, our country has followed the following precedence of power for government:

Federal > State > County > Municipal

Cities and towns are charged with managing their own affairs (Municipal), Counties oversee all of the cities and towns, States oversee counties, and the federal government oversees the states. This approach has worked effectively for over 200 years, but progressives now want to change it.

In a nutshell, regionalism looks to create metropolitan governments spanning multiple counties. For example, in the Tampa Bay area, it is concerned with combining Hillsborough County with Pinellas, and possibly more, such as Manatee, Pasco, and Sarasota. In California, the Bay area region could involve San Francisco, Oakland, and Sonoma County. In Western New York, it might mean combining Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Jamestown. In southwest Ohio, it would include Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. This is a concept that has been tested in Europe (such as ithe Basque area between Spain and France).

By creating such regions, they are creating another layer of government bureaucracy and taxes. Translation: more big government that will usurp the power of municipalities and counties. Under this scenario, the ideal progressive power structure would then appear as:

Global > Federal > State > Region > County > Municipal

Whereas globalization represents a threat to the authority of federal and state governments, regionalism will do likewise to counties and municipalities. The real intent is to increase political power by reshaping the structure of government. Basically, it negates the need for legal and long-standing geographical boundaries, even going so far as to cross state lines.

How is this happening? Simple, infiltration and takeover of county governments. To illustrate, here in Pinellas County our municipal candidates are elected as independents. They do not have to identify themselves as Democrats or Republicans. However, the reality is the local governments are controlled by progressive Democrats, something the average tax payer is not aware of. Once in charge, they can reach out to other counties and municipalities to try and form regions. This nearly happened in the Tampa Bay area until the public was made aware of it.

Regionalism is just as insidious as globalization. Efforts are underway to implement both concepts which change our government and way of life. However, a push back may be happening as demonstrated recently by BREXIT in the United Kingdom where the people voted to leave the European Union, thereby rebuking the taking of orders from Brussels. Such an action implies people want to maintain government at the local level. They want smaller government, not bigger.

So, next time you hear the word "regionalism," hold on to your wallet, for that is what they are ultimately after.

Also published with The Huffington Post.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2016 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Also read Tim's columns in the THE HUFFINGTON POST

NEXT UP:  WHO SUCCEEDS HILLARY? - What happens if she becomes disabled in office?

LAST TIME:  MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF NO SMOKING - As Stengel would have said - "Who-da-thunk-it."

Listen to Tim on News Talk Florida (WWBA 820 AM), WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; KIT-AM (1280) in Yakima, Washington "The Morning News" with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube.

MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF NO SMOKING

BRYCE ON LIFE

- As Stengel would have said - "Who-da-thunk-it."

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It's now been one year since I smoked my last cigar. Some of you may remember me writing about it in my column, "My Last Puff." Here is what I have learned along the way...

First, several people said I couldn't quit as they knew how much I enjoyed it. I even went on a fishing trip in North Carolina where my friends tempted me to smoke. They said, "After all, we're on vacation, right?", and there is nothing like a good cigar while fishing in the wild. Remarkably, I didn't take the bait.

I enjoyed cigars for 45 years, particularly when I was working in the office, mowing my yard, or talking with friends. Not surprising, there were many times this past year when I wished I could light one up, but I did not. Interestingly, I have friends who still smoke cigars, but before lighting one up in my presence, they ask if I would mind the smell. I lay their concerns to rest by inviting them to smoke. After all, I still love the smell, but as for me, no.

I am also not an overbearing anti-smoking advocate as I believe it is a personal choice for a person to make. It's like anything where you assume risk, and you have to live with the consequences, but I certainly do not look down my nose at anyone who smokes.

I also resent the obnoxious taxes applied to smoking. I am old enough to remember when a pack of cigarettes cost just 35 cents, and a "good" cigar was no more than a buck. This all began to change in the 1970's. Today, cigarettes are about $5.50 a pack and a good cigar is about $5.00. I find it amusing the government claims there is no inflation. At least I'm saving money for quitting.

On a serious note, I quit because I thought the time had finally come to do so. I didn't take any nicotine patches, nor hypnosis or special chewing gum; I just made up my mind to quit and that was it. People claim I have some rather strong will power. Maybe, but it just seemed to be the right thing for me to do, and here I am one year later, smoke free.

But I still love the smell of a cigar.

Also published with News Talk Florida.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2016 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Also read Tim's columns in the THE HUFFINGTON POST

NEXT UP:  BEWARE OF REGIONALISM - Changing the shape of government.

LAST TIME:  WHY I'M VOTING FOR DONALD TRUMP - Three reasons.

Listen to Tim on News Talk Florida (WWBA 820 AM), WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; KIT-AM (1280) in Yakima, Washington "The Morning News" with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube.

WHY I'M VOTING FOR DONALD TRUMP

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- Three reasons.

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I have been following and reporting on Donald Trump since he threw his hat in the presidential ring in June of last year. Prior to this, I had little interest in his activities which included his television series. I also followed the campaigns of the other sixteen Republican candidates who, one by one, dropped out of the race. I listened to the GOP debates, heard many speeches, and finally settled on Donald Trump as the candidate I am willing to support. Now he faces Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate, in the November contest, but I will not dwell on her foibles as I believe it is irrelevant for the purpose of this article.

When it comes to presidential elections, we typically vote for the lesser of two evils. I did this in 2008 and 2012. This year, it is different for me. Now, for the first time in a long time, I am an active proponent of a candidate, and would like to express my reasons.

First, as Mr. Trump has articulated, I believe we have many problems in this country, including the economy, immigration, security, jobs, trade, energy, morality, the military, a bureaucratic government inhibiting business, and much more. We are also moving dangerously closer to socialism and away from capitalism, thereby creating a dependency state we cannot afford. As such, it is my opinion our quality of life is deteriorating, our Gross Domestic Product is declining, the Federal Debt is out of control, and our nation is stagnating due to a lack of responsible leadership.

Second, Mr. Trump is neither a community organizer or professional politician. Instead, he is a businessman who understands competition and possesses such skills as negotiation, risk management, managing by objectives, finance, labor relations, human resources, recruiting, project management, and other related skills. This means he understands the necessity of organization, discipline, ethics, accountability, and productivity. This is something we have not seen in the White House since General Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950's when America flourished. True, Mr. Trump possesses a "Type A" personality which tends to rub some people the wrong way, but it is well suited for establishing an entrepreneurial spirit and a resourceful "can do" mentality.

Third, it is time to take back America. As Rasmussen has reported for several years now, the American people believe the nation is headed in the wrong direction. In Mark Leibovich's 2013 book, "This Town," he makes it clear our nation's capitol is about money and power and little else. While the rest of the country suffered through the recession, Washington's unemployment rate was one of the lowest in the country and the city became a money-making engine for its residents, which is unusual for a town without any major industry (aside from politics and press).

In his book, Leibovich reveals the true culture of DC, where an incestuous relationship exists between Government, Journalists, and Lobbyists (which I refer to as, "The Three Pillars"). All scratch each other's backs in order to climb their respective totem polls and grab as much money as possible along the way. He paints a picture of unadulterated collusion and makes it clear Washington exists not to solve the problems of the country but to line the pockets of the residents there.

It is now apparent, Americans no longer trust its politicians, lobbyists, and particularly the media. According to the Associated Press, only 6% of the American people have a lot of confidence in the press, and Gallup reports only 13% approve of the job Congress is doing,

Enter Donald Trump, an outsider willing to take on the establishment, which explains why they are viciously trying to undermine him. However, Trump has the populace on his side who realize it is time for some massive changes to our country. One indicator of the people's attitude is BREXIT, whereby the people of the United Kingdom voted recently to withdraw from the European Union. This means they are rejecting globalization and returning to nationalism, a trend which is also happening in the United states.

This is all reminiscent of the 1976 movie, "Network," where the anchorman, played by Peter Finch, goes on camera to encourage people to say, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

Such an attitude, should make "The Three Pillars" nervous in terms of losing control. Consequently, Mr. Trump is vilified from all three sides. No, he is neither a racist or a xenophobic; these are just clever subterfuges to cloud his message. He has simply raised the ire of the establishment who fears for its life. Make no mistake, the animosity against Trump was created by the establishment he hopes to correct.

Finally, I am disturbed by the thought of what this country would be like if the progressives command the Supreme Court and the other federal benches. This would certainly mean the country would be embracing socialism. I am more confident of Mr. Trump's ability to select nominees than any other presidential candidate. The selection of justices is critical and will impact our country for years to come.

So, before you let the establishment make the decision for you. Consider, these Trump position papers and speeches:

America First Economic Plan

America First Energy Plan

Child Care Plan

Economic Vision

Health Care

Immigration Reform

Immigration Speech

Law and Order

Pay for the Wall

Radical Islam

Strengthening the American Military

Veterans Administration reforms

Frankly, I am not interested in what the press or the politicians say about Mr. Trump, they have lost all credibility with me. I am voting for Donald Trump because I believe it is time we elect a person who possesses the common sense needed to turn this country around and head it in the right direction. No, we do not need another community organizer or professional politician. We need an outsider who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and tackle the true problems of the country. To my way of thinking, Donald J. Trump is the most qualified person to get the job done. Period.

Also published with The Huffington Post.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2016 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Also read Tim's columns in the THE HUFFINGTON POST

NEXT UP:  MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF NO SMOKING - As Stengel would have said - "Who-da-thunk-it."

LAST TIME:  TRYING TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT - Doing "right" requires perseverance and an intolerance for what is "wrong."

Listen to Tim on News Talk Florida (WWBA 820 AM), WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; KIT-AM (1280) in Yakima, Washington "The Morning News" with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube.

TRYING TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT

BRYCE ON MORALITY

- Doing "right" requires perseverance and an intolerance for what is "wrong."

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As we grow up, we are taught the difference between right and wrong. Even in the absence of effective parenting, a growing problem in this day and age, children look to schools, their religious institutions, their clubs and peers, and the media for answers. Teachers are typically overburdened, attendance at church has diminished to approximately 40% of the populace, the media is more inclined to promote sex and violence as opposed to morality, and there is a steady resurgence of juvenile gang related problems in recent years. It's not until we are older, and more mature, when the difference is made clear to us. Even then, it remains fuzzy to some of us.

I'm not here to preach dogma, only to try and articulate how we learn the differences between the two. Perhaps the most influential philosophy in this regards is "The Golden Rule" whereby we are admonished to "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." This is a fundamental part of modern human rights and a philosophy embraced by all religions. Yet, it is something we have moved away from in recent times as people have become more self-centered due to socioeconomic influences; e.g., greed and competition.

In the corporate world, for example, there is more of an inclination to establish "Win-Lose" relationships as opposed to "Win-Win," as professed by the late quality assurance consultant W. Edwards Deming. Under "Win-Lose," in order for one party to succeed, another party must fail. Deming challenged this rationale and questioned what is wrong with establishing "Win-Win" relationships whereby both parties succeed. He often cited the story of the project to make NYLON, the well known synthetic polymer, which was developed by two groups working in cooperation, one from New York (NY) and another from London (LON), hence the name. Joining forces, was simply the right thing to do.

Pursuant to Deming's work, I have learned that the only type of business deal to enter into is a situation where both parties benefit, not just one. If one party prospers at the expense of the other, it is simply not worth it. Consequently, integrity and trust are key elements for "Win-Win," two important socialization skills that seem to be diminishing. There is nothing wrong with tough negotiations, but when a deal is struck, you must have confidence that the other party if going to uphold their end of the bargain.

Doing the right thing is not always easy; in fact, it can be rather painful which is one reason why some people avoid it and take the most expeditious way out. For example, people would rather find a loophole than pay a creditor what is rightfully due them. Doing what is right isn't always profitable either, as we discovered when we made the decision to move our business from Cincinnati, Ohio to the Tampa Bay area of Florida. At the time, we had several employees and when we finally made the decision to move the company, we offered them two choices, either we would help them find a new job locally or pay their relocation expenses to Florida. Keep in mind, we were not required to do either, but felt it was the right thing to do. Economically, it would have been cheaper to terminate everyone and recruit new personnel in Florida, but this was not the route we took. From this perspective, doing "right" means accommodating others, not just yourself.

Doing what is right requires moral fiber which comes from learned behavior. In the absence of parenting and formal teachings, it is learned through the social mores of the people we come in contact with, regardless if they are positive or negative role models. In other words, in order to adapt to a social group, be it a vicious gang or a Cub Scout pack, we will gravitate towards and emulate those we perceive as confident leaders or those with particular talents we admire, hence the need for positive role models. This also means the media has a moral responsibility to our culture. If they depict unsavory characters with questionable moral integrity in a favorable light, the actions of these characters will be envied and emulated. Yes, life can definitely imitate art.

So, is doing the right thing "right" for you? That depends on your perceptions and priorities. Understand this though, doing what is right is more than just adhering to the legal laws of the land. It's also a matter of adhering to the moral values you have personally adopted. Now for the big question, how does your morality compare to what society expects; is it better, worse, or nothing more than the status quo? Hopefully, it is better. Doing "right" requires perseverance and an intolerance for what is "wrong." Bottom line, can you look yourself in the mirror with any regrets?

Also published with News Talk Florida.

Keep the Faith!

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Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

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