Negativity v. Being Realistic; a Conundrum for our Times?

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

A while ago I got into a heated discussion with another community leader about the abysmal turnout in our recent municipal election.  Not one precinct in our city attained a 10 percent voter turnout on Election Day.

The discussion continued on about what’s wrong with our city, government, and the world in general.  I brought up apathy, our community’s lack of a positive self-image, and well-intended, yet fruitless attempts at urban improvement.  I also opined about our local and regional economic condition as a factor.  I went into a real “Debbie Downer” mode and someone piped up and said, “You need to stop being so negative!” 

I retorted with a quick, and condescending response, “I’m not being negative, I’m being realistic!”  The conversation soon faded and went off into another subject, but the exchange bothered me.

I thought about that comeback later where I do most of my deep thinking, in the shower!  As someone who has a tendency to overthink, I wondered if I was truly being negative, or I was being realistic?  I even pondered if it’s a good thing to be negative?

This might be a topic for a college philosophy course, but where is the line between critical thinking, dealing with reality, and downright negativity?  Have I crossed the negativity line? 

As the media dwells on the problems of the day; and there are many, are we seeing the glass as only half full these days?  With a constant stream of 24/7 bad news, have we lost our ability to see the positive in the great things around us?

True, we cannot correct problems if we don’t acknowledge and recognize them.  I’m reminded that many great people have risen to challenges, and have been motivated by negativity.  Sometimes the best way to motivate is to tell someone they can’t do something!

One of the classic stories of negative motivation is the founder of FedEx.  In college he came up with the idea for a new kind of shipping company.  He envisioned a new paradigm.  His dissertation and theory was swiftly and immediately dismissed by a business professor who claimed, “You’d never be able to compete with the Post Office!”  That motivated him to pursue it, and FedEx is a household word today.

The point I pondered is whether or not negative energy can be a catalyst for positive change.  In self-reflection, I’ve felt myself becoming negative at times and have to really stop and look for the good in many situations.  Is this a side effect of our world today?  Is this normal?  Are we seeing the negative first in too many situations before we stop and consciously look for the positive? 

Being negative is easy, it takes little or no effort.  We have to work hard at being positive most of the time, especially in today’s world that dwells on the negative. 

It’s been my experience in the military, business, and civic leadership that good leaders and managers can immediately see “what’s wrong” with something long before others can.  Does this make them negative people?  Not exactly.  If they are a good leader, they can see what’s wrong, but can also see the way to make it right or correct it.  Bad leaders will continue to dwell on what’s wrong. 

The exchange I had earlier, where I was chastised for being negative, caused me to rethink about how I view problems and start thinking about how to turn them into positives.

I’m in the process of writing a book about failure, perseverance, and success entitled “Defy the Immediate.”  It’s based on a term I learned in college.  Sometimes I forget my own lessons and forget to defy the negative emotions which surround us every day.  If we don’t look for the positive, we remain stuck in the negative. 

You cannot jump start a dead battery using only the negative terminal.  In today’s world we need to connect to the positive post as well.  There is enough negativity in the world without adding to it. 

Let’s start looking for the positive in a world gone negative. 

Let’s all start to “Defy the Immediate” in in the negative world around us.

T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He is a retired Navy Officer and funeral director and serves on many boards and civic organizations.  He is nearing completion of his first book, “Defy the Immediate” a motivational memoir.  Visit his blog, The Reluctant R(L)eader; www.read-mor.blogspot.com

Branding: Part of Professionalism

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

            I admit I’m a little old-fashioned and a bit of a traditionalist.  The world changes dramatically, almost on a daily, if not hourly basis.  Sometimes it takes a while to accept new and changing circumstances.

            I graduated from a great journalism school at Central Michigan University back in the days of land line phones, typewriters, carbon paper, and vario-typers.  We kept an eye on the Associated Press teletype in the corner of newsroom that constantly had to be fed paper.  Google some of that stuff, you might find it at the Smithsonian today.

Part of the journalism program involved outstanding training on photography and graphics which I have always enjoyed.  I’ve prided myself in the fact I have a keen sense of imagery and good graphics; hence my reluctance to change.

            For the past several years, I’ve been the PR guy for our Rotary Club; officially the Public Image Chairman.  Recently, I was selected to become the Public Image Chairman for the entire Rotary District, consisting of 62 clubs in Southwest Michigan.

            I quickly found that many clubs simply don’t embrace this Public Image stuff.  Many clubs, whose members are middle-aged and up, like me, have a hard time dealing with the social media cascade, and can’t understand why things have to change so much.  I admit, I’m basically self-taught with social media and still struggle from time to time with how it all connects.

            I recently attended a great Zone Training session in Chicago which brought together leaders from 26 Rotary Districts in the Upper Midwest.  The two Zones stretched from North Dakota through the Great Lakes and over into Pennsylvania and New York, almost reaching into New England.  Elbridge Gerry, the father of “Gerrymandering”, would be proud of our Zone map.

            I sat in with about 20 other PR people in the Public Image sessions.  Most of my colleagues had varying degrees of expertise in public affairs, social media and communication.

            I’ve been a journalist all my life, served as a Navy Public Affairs Officer, and thought I had a pretty good grasp of dealing with the media and the communication world today.  I felt like I was at least at the curve, and not behind it, when it came to today’s media trends.

            A few years ago, Rotary launched a new branding campaign which has taken almost six years to get on to the local club’s radar.  I’m guilty as anyone who didn’t immediately embrace the change in our imagery.  The classic Rotary Wheel and other emblems I felt were too good to tinker with and the new stuff just wasn’t appealing.

            I soon realized I became what Rotary was fighting against…resistance to change.  Too many different variations of Rotary’s classic trademark, the Rotary Wheel, were being used and diluting the brand.

Some of the old club logos which are no longer
appropriate for consistent branding

Until it was all explained to me, I resisted using the new imagery, because the old stuff was graphically better I thought.  Well, some of it might be, but I soon found that with an organization the size and scope of Rotary it’s imperative we have a consistent brand image.  Until it was laid out how many clubs, districts and zones were using variations of our imagery, I realized how important it was.  I was one of the old “fuddy-duddys” who insisted that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

It took a huge gathering like this to see how none of us were in sync with our branding and imagery campaign, and to realize that our “brand” is worth being consistent in defining who we are. 

The biggest epiphany came to me when someone stated that “Consistency in branding is a sign of professionalism.  We must be consistent and professional in our branding and imagery if we want to attract professional people to our cause!”

Bingo!

The lights went on for me.  I am now working to change the paradigm in my club and district to be compliant with our branding campaign.

Some of the New Club Logos from Rotary's Branding Center which allows
Personalization, yet consistency

I’m sure this same dilemma occurs in many organizations and businesses when those “in the field” resist change. 

Lesson learned, change can only occur when those closest to it embrace it.  It has to take place at the lowest level in the organization to truly work.  Without realizing it, I was an impediment to change.

My Rotary Public Image mission is now clear, lead the change and compel people to realize it’s part of being a professional organization. 

Isn’t that what we all want to be a part of?

            T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He serves as Rotary District 6360 Public Image Chairman in Southwest Michigan.  You can read his blog, The Reluctant R(L)eader at www.read-mor.blogspot.com

College Football Needs to Return to Being College Football

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

            Perhaps I’m entering my “Grumpy Old Man” era, but I’m disappointed with the direction of college football.

            I grew up in a University of Michigan family.  My parents took many of my friends and me to Ann Arbor Saturdays where we witnessed the Ten Year War between Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes.  We eagerly awaited Saturdays to see who Michigan was going to conquer next, enroute to that day in November when the forces of good and evil collided in the greatest rivalry in all of sports. 

Michigan and Ohio State was, and still is everything in college football.  The Victor typically won the Big Ten when there were still ten schools, and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl, the Granddaddy of them all!  Who cared about ranking!

I didn’t make it to Michigan, but I ended up at Central Michigan where I took the passion I learned for college football in Ann Arbor to Mount Pleasant.  I’ve been a loyal Chippewa season ticket holder and supporter since I graduated. I attend most of the games, as any loyal alumni should.

CMU’s Kelly-Shorts Stadium is no “Big House”, but it has provided many great “Central Saturdays” over the years, including last decade, under Brian Kelly and Butch Jones.  CMU produced superstars like Antonio Brown, Dan LeFevour, Joe Staley, and Eric Fisher the 2013 #1 Draft pick in all of college football, and most recently Cooper Rush, now a rookie quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys.   Chippewa Nation longs for another “Championship Culture.”

I still attend at least one of the games each season in Ann Arbor, as my sister inherited our family tickets and actually earned a Maize and Blue sheepskin.  Every game used to be reliably, a 1:00 Saturday date, etched in stone.  Then TV came and changed all that.

Today, game times aren’t even announced until a few days before, making it very difficult to plan ahead or invite friends.  Will it be a noon game? 3:00 game or possibly a night game?  This is a question the Michigan fans are asking, and for many their patience is growing thin.  At least the Wolverine faithful still have Saturday games.  Rarely, has there been a weeknight game in the Big Ten. 

The Mid-American Conference is now playing a lot of weeknight games.  I’m disappointed the marquee MAC game, Central Michigan versus Western Michigan, will be played on a Wednesday night in November!  College football has lost all respect for fans with weeknight games for TV.

A few years ago, the CMU-WMU game was played on a Tuesday night on ESPN2.  Then, it was the only college game in the nation that night, yet it played second-fiddle to ESPN which carried Poker.  I always thought that was rather insulting and a huge missed opportunity to showcase “real” college football.

The Athletic Directors and NCAA argue they make money on TV, but they are doing it with supposed “student-athletes” who have to skip classes, travel, and recover after weeknight games.  It makes no sense and the NCAA ought to be ashamed about what they are doing to these kids for the sake of “exposure.” 

It’s not just the players, the fans are also forgotten with these games.  Most of the midweek games have half-empty stadiums; few will travel great distances on a weeknight, they simply can’t.  Add to that, the constant “TV Time Outs” destroys the pace of the game and make these games 4-5 hours of torture for those who show up.  After several of these long pauses to pitch beer and car insurance, many fans around me once started yelling, “Just Play the Game Damn It!”  Night games sometimes end after midnight.  This also destroys some of the economic impact in the college town as everyone heads home after the game.

            My concern is that TV has so invaded the college atmosphere that we’ve lost the true essence of the game.  Back in the Bo and Woody era, you sat on the edge of your seat as you watched the crusade unfold.  You didn’t have the long breaks, things kept moving and you couldn’t take your eyes off it.  I’m concerned young fans will never have that experience, for some it’s become like watching a baseball game.

            I’m also concerned that many long and devoted alumni and fans will turn away from attending and supporting programs.  I’m hearing more and more say they will stay at home and watch the game, as all of them are now televised and they don’t have to deal with the hassle, expense, and uncertainty of game time.  Many cannot afford to take the kids and the neighbors to games anymore, like when I was growing up.  That’s a true shame!

            I sincerely hope the current fan rift in the NFL doesn’t spill over into college football.  Longtime fans are burning their tickets and jerseys and boycotting the games over the player and owner activism, right or wrong.  Add to that the massive amount of money in sneaker and uniform deals might finally get some scrutiny after the NCAA was “willfully ignorant” when the FBI began arresting basketball coaches.  You can bet that will affect football too!  More to come on that!

            Schembechler once said, “College football is a religion, and Saturday is the Holy Day of Obligation.”  The next few years will determine if the flock stays together; whether fans and alumni will continue to dump obscene amounts of money into licensing and tickets when the program and TV isn’t paying attention to the customer.  It’s a business plan that might have dire consequences down the road.  A generation may be lost and once loyal alumni are no longer willing to write the big checks.

            I still love college football and can’t think of a better place to be than in one of the great athletic cathedrals on a fall weekend, sitting in the sunshine.  The faithful will continue to come, so long as the message and sermon continues to inspire. 

College football needs to return to being college football and the rich traditions which made it the product we can’t get enough of.  Enough with late night and week night games!  Let’s make fall Saturday afternoons special again!

T. R. Shaw Jr., is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He blogs at:  The Reluctant R(L)eader at www.read-mor.blogspot.com

Hazing; A Barbaric Act with no place in Civilized Society

By T. R. Shaw, Jr.

            Once again the despicable act of hazing has claimed the life of another young, promising college student at a major university.  

            This time it happened at Louisiana State University to a pledge of Phi Delta Theta.  Last Spring another pledge’s life was brutally snuffed out in Beta Theta Pi at Penn State University where criminal charges are still being prosecuted.  These incidents are sickening, totally unacceptable, and absolutely indefensible.  They should never have happened.

            Hazing is defined as subjecting a subordinate to mental, physical and emotional abuse with acts of humiliation and violence which may lead to injury or death.

Full disclosure, I’m a Sigma Chi alumni and active with my chapter at Central Michigan University.  I serve on our House Corporation and Alumni Association Board, and mentor the active chapter.  These tragic incidents at major universities hit close to home for me.

            I can honestly admit I never experienced hazing in my fraternity experience.  I’m proud Sigma Chi has had a longstanding policy against hazing and proactively prohibits it.  It is discussed ad nauseum at our Leadership Training Workshops.  My fraternity, and I likely speak for all the others, takes a strong and unwavering stand against hazing, as it should be.  They would be foolish not to.  Hazing violates our core principles of Friendship, Justice, and Learning.

In college, we did the crazy things fraternities do, and there was certainly potential for situations which could be considered hazing, but we believed such acts do not create brotherhood, camaraderie or esprit de corps.  We never crossed that line.  We knew hazing was the quickest way to lose our charter and everything we hold dear. 

            During the time I was pledging, the Interfraternity Council at CMU hosted a lecture by Eileen Stevens, the mother of college student who died in 1978 in a hazing incident.  Her son, Chuck Stenzel, a freshman at Alfred University in New York, died in the trunk of a car from hypothermia and acute alcohol poisoning at the hands of a fraternity gone wild.  It was clearly a barbaric act of hazing.  Her crusade and organization, CHUCK (Committee to Halt Useless College Killings), was powerful and well received.  It was her personal crusade, and she shared her anti-hazing message at more than 700 colleges through the years.   We heard her message and anguish loud and clear.  All of us at CMU in those days were onboard with the fact that hazing was totally useless and unnecessary. 

            Since those days all fraternities have gone through periods of decline and rebuilding.  Our chapter at CMU nearly ended in the 90’s but made a strong come back in the new millennium.  From what I’ve witnessed, I’m confident the message against hazing has endured.  

            So why is hazing still happening?  I believe many fraternities lack strong and responsible alumni and adult oversight.  Frankly, it’s difficult to find good alumni willing to devote the time, energy and responsibility for ensuring the active chapter isn’t violating civil and fraternal laws.  It takes a special person to be a chapter advisor or alumni leader.  With the challenges of professional life and family, it’s a task many shun, and are unwilling to take on.

            We can’t deny the prevalence of alcohol, and to a lesser extent drug abuse, has on the local fraternity.  The median age of most fraternities is 19 and the drinking age in nearly every state is 21.  The pressure to fit in can be overwhelming to many young students; many cannot handle it.  Violating the law goes against the principles most fraternities profess and stand for, which is often forgotten in the heat of the moment. 

The fight to make fraternity houses “dry” is still vigorously opposed in most circumstances which is unfortunate.  Alcohol and binge drinking is destroying many young lives and creating future problems. 

Lately, with many fraternities, the individual school has taken stronger disciplinary action than the national organization when things go wrong.  Following the recent death at LSU, the school has shut down ALL Greek organizations.  I hope that’s a wake up call to every national office.  In many instances, if the national won’t take swift action, the school will.  We’re seeing this more often.  This is not what most national fraternities want.  Most want a strong relationship with schools.   Alumni need to reengage with their chapters.

I don’t know what the correct answer to all of this is.  Nobody wants to see more of this nor the media attention it brings.  Above all, nobody wants to see young people die tragically in foolish deaths.  I do know that all Greek letter organizations are on the hot seat at most institutions.  There is a movement to abolish them altogether, which would be unfortunate.  I can say with a great deal of perspective most fraternities and sororities are great institutions which produce people of character, teach positive life values, build leaders and contribute immensely to the college experience.  Greeks have been traditionally stereotyped, and when bad things happen they face the scorn of society.

Bottom line, hazing in all forms is abhorrent behavior which needs to be abolished by any organization which professes to build character, including fraternities, the military, sports teams, and any other organization dealing with young people.  Hazing is not limited to Greek life.  Hazing does nothing but divide and destroy organizations and individuals. 

The more we can do to fight this menace, the greater all of us will be.  When we truly respect each other, this would never happen.  I applaud all those who take a strong stand against this barbaric practice and hope it becomes a thing of the past. 

No parent should ever have to fear for their child’s life when they go off to college.

T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  You can read his blog, The Reluctant R(L)eader at www.read-mor.blogspot.com     

           

           

Feel the urge to Donate? Think about keeping it Local!

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

            For the past several days we’ve been deluged with images of the devastation in South Texas.  As relief efforts kick into high gear, the donations of money and material goods are flowing to that region.   It’s always heart-warming to see America’s true character rise when such catastrophe befalls our fellow citizens.

            Immediately following such events, Americans open their hearts and checkbooks in an effort to “do something.”  While many of us cannot physically go there and help, we have an urge to support relief efforts which is a great thing, by donating to any of hundreds of organizations.  Many are worthy, many are a waste of money, choose carefully when donating.

            If one feels the overwhelming urge to donate, I might suggest you “keep it local” and help those closer to home which will have a greater impact.  A recent report cited the fact that many heart-felt donations of money and especially goods go unused because of the overwhelming response in the moment. 

Following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary, New Town, Connecticut was flooded with more than 57,000 teddy bears and more school supplies than they could use in ten years.  In Indonesia, following the tsunami, mountains of donated clothing rotted and had to be burned.  After the earthquake in Haiti, thousands of pounds of donated food had to be destroyed before it could be safely consumed.  While we want to feel good about “doing something,” many of us have unknowingly created another disaster in logistics and distribution with our overwhelming generosity.

Following the devastation of the September 11, 2001 attack in New York, my Rotary Club, Cereal City Sunrise in Battle Creek, Michigan, debated what to do to help out.  We didn’t want to send money.  We thought about sending firemen’s boots because firemen working the recovery were going through them on a daily basis with the heat and jagged metal.  We surmised, if we did that, how would the boots get there and how would we know they reached the right people?  Do they really need them?

Our solution to our 9/11 dilemma became a local one.  We decided to establish a local scholarship fund at Kellogg Community College which supported any student pursuing law enforcement, firefighting or emergency medical services.  The college has an outstanding public safety program in each of these fields.  We figured a local 9/11 Public Safety Fund would last longer and have a greater impact than sending money or items to a faraway place.  Today, our club has helped dozens of students enter the public safety profession.  It was a long term solution to a short term need.  It is something our Rotary Club has been very proud of and continues to support today.

            My admonition to you is, if you feel compelled to give, please do.  But also look around you for needs closer to home.  While it is a great thing to help those devastated by a natural disaster, there are still plenty of needs in your hometown.  Sometimes it takes a large-scale disaster to ignite the fires of compassion, that’s human nature.  In these times we see the very best of people emerge, but let’s not create another logistical disaster when needs are great all around us.

            I’m reminded of the phrase, “Think Globally, Act Locally” is quite appropriate in this time in our nation. 

Above all, give whatever, and wherever you can, it’s the right thing to do.

T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO and co-founder of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek.  You can read his blog, The Reluctant R(L)eader at www.read-mor.blogspot.com

Self-Driving Cars and Other Evil Schemes; Confessions of a Gear Head

 By T. R. Shaw Jr.

            Recently CBS’s Sunday Morning featured a segment on automation.  The segment covered everything from robotics at an Amazon warehouse, where everything is gathered, packed and shipped without human intervention, to the growing trend of driverless vehicles. 

While robotics has greatly improved our productivity in industry, it has created a smaller human workforce.  Many traditional manufacturing jobs have been eliminated as a robot can out-work a laborer in nearly every circumstance.  They don’t require time off, health care or maternity leave, they just simply do the job exceptionally well.

            While we’ve come to accept robots doing the menial, repetitive and time consuming tasks a large work force used to do, it’s the driverless cars and trucks that have me very concerned. 

Sunday Morning featured Otto, a self-driving 18 wheeler which recently transported a load of beer across Colorado with no human in the cab.  Sunday Morning did an interview in the cab of an autonomous truck where the driver, once on the highway, put it into autopilot and the driver became a passenger.  The company was experimenting with trucks that go automatic once on the freeway, but are driven by humans once they exit the freeway. 

The same experiments are going on with private cars which concerns me.  While some argue it will make traffic safer and more efficient, especially in big cities, I remain skeptical.  Some have said it will allow people to actually work in their cars on their daily commutes, not having to drive.  Face it, who really wants to do that?

As a devout “Gear Head”, one who grew up with and deeply appreciates the automobile and the freedom it provides, I find it troubling people are eager to embrace riding around in an automated and perfunctory mode of transportation.

            The automobile is and always has been, America’s great freedom machine.  I find it troubling a generation is willing to give up the thrill and excitement of driving.

Growing up in Michigan, we have a strong, symbiotic bond with the auto industry.  America’s greatness and strength grew from the automobile.  The automobile created suburbia and gave people the means to live further from where they worked.  No other machine has more profoundly changed our culture.

 As kids, my generation couldn’t wait to drive.  Even the baby seat I sat in when we traveled had a steering wheel on it.  Most of us growing up in the 60’s and 70’s could still be shade-tree mechanics.  We knew a thing or two about carburetors, spark plugs, and torque and marveled at the big block engines and muscle cars until the environmental movement got into the act and forced regulations.

            I’ve been somewhat disappointed that many drivers today probably can’t find the dip stick, let alone actually check the oil.  When was the last time you actually saw someone check their oil at a gas station?   Many people today likely wouldn’t know how to jump start a car if they had to.

            It’s true that our cars have become extremely reliable today thanks to technology and innovation.  Rarely does anyone break down on the road anymore unless they’ve utterly neglected any form of maintenance.  We rely on our cars without much thought \ and usually don’t even think about something going wrong.  That in many ways is a good thing.

            But the thought of riding around in a car you are not controlling should be anathema to many of us who still get a thrill exploring the open road and knowing how and why your vehicle functions.  It’s in our DNA to explore what’s over the horizon and around the next curve.  Route 66 was created for the love of driving and discovery.  The thrill of the open road is a calling many of us still heed.  I hope that impulse never goes away.

          While technology marches on, many of us still covet the art and thrill of driving.   It’s in our blood and no amount of innovation can ever replace the feeling of being in command of your own vehicle and owning your destiny.

            Yep, I’m definitely a gear head!  And proud of it!

T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO and co-founder of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek.  You can read his blog, The Reluctant R(L)eader at www.read-mor.blogspot.com

The Polarization of Politics; A Frightening Trend in More Ways than One

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

            Before the 2016 election cycle, I enjoyed discussing politics.  I remember animated discussions about policy, elections and candidates with friends and colleagues.  It wasn’t much different than debating the Michigan-Ohio State football game in its level of seriousness. 

We used to respect each other and could actually discuss topical issues in a civil manner, even if we disagreed. 

            I’m saddened, and somewhat frightened by the fact that political discourse is becoming stifled now in civil society.  I’m probably not alone in excessive self-censorship as political opinions have become lightning rods which can destroy relationships and create enemies. 

Recently, I’ve found I’ve become reluctant to bring up anything remotely political at meetings and social gatherings, and especially on social media; it’s become too divisive and emotional.  My public words today are extremely guarded, even around those who likely share my opinions.  I don’t think this is a good thing.

            While many do express their opinions in the open, it’s becoming a smaller minority.  Those who hold strong opinions are typically labeled by both sides.   Even people with reasonable opinions on most any political topics today seem to get lambasted from either side of the political spectrum.   We’re becoming a society reluctant to speak out.  In some ways, a society of wimps.

            Reasonable, civil, and intelligent people today simply shut up in social settings when it comes to politics.  Nobody wants to create a conflict today and certainly doesn’t want to destroy relationships.  I can’t imagine the tension people experience daily in business settings where everyone has to guard their opinions.  Political opinions can be career killers in many institutions.

            There are many factors which have created this problem.  The most obvious, is the internet, where any and all opinions are holy writ, and incite people without much effort.  What began as a great communication device with potential and promise for bringing the world together, has divided and separated people.

Our president hasn’t done much to quell this problem with his social media omnipresence and inciting rhetoric.  Our mainstream media has sunk to an all-time low in trust and credibility, we simply don’t know who to believe any more on most anything.

            On college campuses today there is a movement to quell free speech.  It’s part of the doctrine of political correctness.  College used to be a place of openness and objectivity.  Today, if someone with a contrasting opinion shows up, they are shouted down and denied their free speech rights.  Many colleges have become extremely selective in who can and cannot speak.

            The polarization of politics has affected us socially which ought to scare the hell out of all of us.  If we have become uncomfortable discussing politics and policy, just what will the politicians get away with because we don’t seem to care? 

            Has political correctness numbed and lulled us into a state where we might slip into totalitarianism?  It’s happened far too frequently in our world’s history.  Many times it began with silence which became acceptance, then domination.  It’s something we must seriously consider if we remain silent.

            Our nation was founded on rebellion.  In 1776 we cast off tyranny in a grand manner.  I find it cathartic and humorous that a line in the drama/musical 1776 says it best.  As members of Congress debated and nit-picked the wording in the Declaration of Independence, a frustrated John Adams firmly stood up and said “This is a revolution dammit!  We have to offend someone!”  

It’s not that we have lost any of our First Amendment rights, it’s the fact that we no longer care to discuss or exercise them for fear of retribution, rejection and social acceptance.  This is a sad moment in our collective psyche when we become afraid to speak about matters important to our nation.

Benjamin Franklin said it well, “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom - and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech.”

Let’s hope we don’t lull ourselves into complacency and domination because we might offend someone if we express our opinions.

          T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He is a retired U.S. Navy public affairs officer.  He blogs at The Reluctant R(L)eader, www.read-mor.blogspot.com.

Independence Day; A Day to Honor and Recognize our Exceptionalism

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

            I admit it, I’m a Fourth of July junkie.  Independence Day is unabashedly my favorite holiday for a number of reasons.

            I’m a flag waving patriot and cherish seeing the red, white and blue.  Fourth of July is a long day of parades, festivities, food, fun, friends and fireworks!  The holiday falls just after Summer Solstice and is still one of the longest astronomical days of the year.  It’s usually hot and spent close to water and you don’t have to buy people gifts!   As I’ve always said, it makes all the other holiday’s in our great nation possible.

            This year, the United States will celebrate 241 years as the world’s longest standing experiment in freedom and democracy.  Like any anniversary, we can’t look back and say they’ve all been good years.  Our nation has endured many challenges, but still it’s the place the world wants to come.

            When I was in the U.S. Navy, I served in NATO.  I had the opportunity to see America through other’s eyes.    I learned we as American’s know little of Canada, our neighbor to the North, or much about the culture and history of many of our allies.  That’s one of the unintended traits makes the rest of the world and our NATO allies consider us “arrogant.”   Most of the world sees us as “American Exceptionalists.”  I’ve never been sure if that’s good or bad?

Incidentally, this year July 1 will mark Canada’s 150^th Independence Day or “Dominion Day.”  Congratulations to our Canadian friends!  How many of you just now learned this?  Once, a Canadian officer confided in me that “Deep down Canadians are still not exactly sure what we are yet.  We do know we are not Americans.  Our national identity still eludes us,” he told me.

            The NATO command at Norfolk where I served, recognized every member’s nation National Day.  The National Day started with the celebrating nation’s flag raising and anthem, followed by music, short speeches, and a great reception of national food.  The rest of the day was pretty much “holiday routine” something Europeans are very savvy at observing.

            On or around July 1, NATO would observe a combined Canadian Dominion and U.S. Independence Day because it was the start of a long holiday break where most people took summer leave.  It also gets unbearably hot in Norfolk in July.

            Recently, I thought about our Centennial in 1876 and what a party that was.  In researching it, huge events took place in every city and hamlet in the nation.  Fireworks were everywhere, in fact one article I read stated that thousands died on July 4, 1876 in fireworks related accidents.  Sort of a sad take on a glorious event. 

            Although it was one big party, America was still at war in the West.  Only a week earlier, on June 25, 1876, Custer and the 7^th Calvary was decimated by the Sioux and Cheyenne at the Little Bighorn in Montana.  Native Americans were fighting for their independence and President Grant was rebuilding the nation after a bitter Civil War.  America was still not completely the “Land of the Free.”

Throughout our history we’ve fought many wars.  We are presently still engaged in a Global War on Terrorism.  The point is, we’ve never really been a nation at peace on our greatest holiday.   As we celebrate freedom from oppression, oppression still exists in much of the world today.

Nothing speaks to oppression more than our Declaration of Independence.  If you haven’t read it since high school, I urge you to seriously study it. 

Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

The object of the Declaration of Independence, as Thomas Jefferson expressed to Henry Lee was, ”To place before mankind the common sense of the subject; in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent.”  It was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion.

So, as we celebrate and wave the flag this holiday, let us not forget we are a nation borne of conflict and in perpetual conflict we remain.  True independence has yet to be realized, although America still is that “Shining City on the Hill” where freedom is the goal and tyranny ostracized.  We are still the best hope for all Mankind and we must never forget our role in the world as peacemakers and liberators.  We are not oppressors.   We must continue to stand up to every form of evil and treachery in the world today.

I’m proud to be an American, but with that pride comes a great deal of responsibility to lead the world and to do what’s right for the future of all mankind. On this Independence Day let us cherish the freedom so many have fought and died for.  Let us continue to be the beacon of hope in an uncertain and brutal world.  Let us remember our responsiblies that come with American Exceptionalism!

T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He is a retired U.S. Navy public affairs officer.  He blogs at The Reluctant R(L)eader, www.read-mor.blogspot.com.

Want to Change The World? Become a Scout Leader and Mentor

By T. R. Shaw Jr.

I come from a Scouting family.  My dad was an Eagle Scout along with uncles, cousins and other relatives.  My nephew recently earned his Eagle status and I couldn't be prouder.  Unfortunately, my resume will never bear the title of Eagle Scout, but it doesn't diminish the fact I can't play a role in Scouting today.

It’s not that I didn’t want to pursue Eagle; I went through Cub Scouts, was an active Webelo and started on the Boy Scout trail.  The problem was in the 1970’s Scouting wasn’t really cool, and few of my friends pursued it.  Add to that, we didn’t have enough adult leaders and volunteers pushing us. In some ways, my era was robbed of a great, life-changing experience.

As an adult, I had a career in the military and funeral service and now I’m pursuing a communication career.  I sold my funeral business and my wife and I started our own public affairs firm which is slowly building.  It’s all about relationships and networking.

Recently, I was invited to help Boy Scouts on the Michigan Southern Shores Field Service Council Board as a volunteer Vice President for Communication and Marketing.  The Council, recently reorganized and now includes nearly every county in Southern Michigan, a huge footprint.

I saw this opportunity as a chance to give back to Scouting, which I’ve financially supported over the years but have not been directly involved in activities or programs.  I also saw it as a business opportunity to expand my communication skills, build a network and circle of influence.

My role is a communication consultant to the Council, but I soon discovered Scouting has a strong base of professional communication executives.  It’s a machine that needs little tuning.  To its credit Scouting has a strong communication and marketing savvy.  Communication and visibility is a presently a challenge due to competition of so many societal elements begging for the attention of youth and their parents.   It’s apparent my role is to help advocate for Scouting and expand the reach.

I recently attended our Council’s Annual Meeting at Albion College.  Like many other annual meetings we discussed performance, numbers and goals and had a good feeling about the direction we are heading, but there is always room for improvement.

Following the meeting, the Council hosted the annual Silver Beaver Recognition luncheon.  I was vaguely familiar with the award.  It recognizes adult leadership in the Scouting Council.

The award was given to seven adult leaders of Scouting, all of whom truly deserved it.  It is given to “adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the Council.  It is given to those who implement the Scouting Program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication and many years of service.”

Each of the recipients had impressive Scouting resumes as Troop and Council leaders and mentors. I was awestruck by their level of service and commitment.  One awardee, Edna Kinney from Monroe, was recognized for more than 60 years of Scouting service, going back to being a Den Mother in the late 1950’s.  She had garnered many other Scouting and community awards over the years and has dedicated most of her life to Scouting.  Most of the other awardees were Eagles who continue to make a difference in Scouting.

Another honoree, Roy More from Ann Arbor was recognized for his recent Silver Antelope Award from Boy Scouts at their National Annual Meeting.  He was one of only 32 volunteers world-wide to earn the distinction recognizing more than 31 years of mentoring and leading Scouts in Ann Arbor.

Another exceptional Scouting leader is Pastor Ron Coleman of Kalamazoo.  He is presently working hard to revitalize Scouting in the neglected inner-city and urban areas of the Council.  Coleman has chatted with hundreds of church leaders in some of the most economically depressed areas of Michigan to bring Scouting to their community.  This is the sort of leadership and vision Scouting represents today because people are stepping up and taking responsibility.

What struck me about this event is how it demonstrates the importance of adult role models and mentors in Scouting.  Without them, there would be no leadership in Scouting. 

Scouting over the years has proven to be a critical element in creating great people and citizens and preparing them for life and public service.  Show me any successful leader or executive today and Scouting is likely in their past.  What we need today are motivated adult leaders and mentors to “show the way and go the way” for the next generation.  I implore professionals in all walks of life to step to the plate for Scouting and volunteer your time, talent, and resources to this venerable character producing institution.

If you truly want to make an impact on Youth today, Scouting offers an outstanding opportunity to mentor and lead.  Never before has it been so critical to coach, lead and motivate the next generation of citizens and leaders. 

To explore volunteer Scouting opportunities, visit:

https://beascout.scouting.org/Volunteer.aspx

The world today is a confusing and volatile place, where the ideals and ethics of Scouting are desperately needed. Scouting will thrive with the help of great people.  

T. R. Shaw Jr., is CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He blogs at:  The Reluctant R(L)eader at www.read-mor.blogspot.com

WINTER'S BLOOM; A Novel of Hope, Love and Redemption Set on the Lake Michigan Shoreline

WINTER’S BLOOM

A War Hero

A Wealthy Widow

A Cottage on the Lake

Which Way Will the Winds Blow?

By John Wemlinger

Mission Point Press

314 Pages

            With the summer reading season beginning, I thought I needed to get back to doing book reviews.  Fiction has never been my forte; Until now.  I’ve spent most my life reading history, motivational and current affairs works, and generally avoided “just for fun” books.  Not sure why, maybe I figured my time was valuable and I should invest it in learning something and generally shunned fiction.  It could also be, the last real work of fiction I voraciously consumed was Peter Benchley’s JAWS on the beach many summers ago and I’ve been “afraid to go back into the water,” so to speak!

            Winter’s Bloom author, John Wemlinger is a good friend and fellow veteran.  I’ve worked with him on several military events and issues here in our hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan.  He served the in U. S. Army as a Vietnam-era helicopter pilot.  Upon retiring he went into education where he built and led the highly regarded and decorated Michigan Youth Challenge Academy, a resident military style alternative high school for Michigan’s troubled youth. He turned many wayward kids around and made them into great citizens.  

Now in full retirement “up North” in Onekama, Michigan he’s pursuing his writing passions.  Needless to say, his education passion comes through in Winter’s Bloom.

            Winter’s Bloom is a brilliant and engaging story with a cast of intriguing characters.   Most of the characters have personality traits which readers can easily relate to.   One of the exciting parts for me was that it’s all set in very familiar places in and around Michigan, places I’ve been to and can easily visualize.  The book ends in a place I’m intimately familiar with close to our hometown of Battle Creek, but I won’t spoil it for the reader.    

The main characters, Rock Graham and Claire Van Zandt come from two different worlds, backgrounds, and lifestyles.  Graham is a career auto worker from Flint, forced into retirement in the 2008 recession.  He worked the line since he left Vietnam and still carries the mental wounds of PTSD from an ambush where he lost one of his best friends and platoon mates and was seriously wounded himself.  It’s a private Hell he’s dealt with for many years.  Building cars and working hard was his refuge.  He became a skilled engineer and shop leader and accumulated a small fortune by living modestly and saving his money through GM’s “Golden Years.”  Newly retired, he was offered a chance to spend the winter in Florida with his best friends.   He opted instead to rent a cottage on Lake Michigan for the off-season winter months to be alone and contemplate life. 

Claire Van Zandt is the wealthy widow and socialite of billionaire Holland businessman and engineer, Alan Van Zandt who amassed a fortune building bridges and structures throughout Michigan and the Midwest.  Claire is the heir to his company and fortune.  She owned a palatial home on Lake Macatawa and in Florida as well as a summer cottage adjacent to the one Rock was renting for the winter near Little Point Sable.  With her wealth, she had a social conscience and gave millions to many food banks and other worthy charities in West Michigan.  She was always troubled that Alan’s work separated him from family life over the years and was struggling with his absence.  There was more to life than money she reasoned.

Without spilling the story, Rock and Claire meet up when she “escapes” to the summer cottage late in the fall as her daughter’s marriage plans are falling apart and stays longer than she expected.  Rock and Claire met through their dogs and ended up getting to know each other through long walks on the beach with the dogs.  Claire knew little of Rock’s background, which he seldom spoke of, especially Vietnam.  Rock didn’t realize or imagine her circle of wealth and fortune.  They became close friends regardless.  A story and romance develops.  Intertwined through all of it are their families.  Claire’s two daughters were like night and day, one just didn’t like Rock which they had to work through.  Rock’s nephew comes into the picture and becomes part of an extended family.

Through all their trials and tribulations, many life events happen that seals their destiny.  Hope and redemption is constant in this story.  Claire, in her determination to help others, ignites a passion in her family and circle of associates.  Unbeknownst to her, they create something spectacular.  Her daughters come together to establish something to preserve their family’s legacy in West Michigan.  You’ll have to read it to find out what it is, it’s a secret right up the end, even to Claire.  As the book progresses, it’s hard put down.  I was touched and inspired by how it all develops and ends and hopefully you will be too. The story of seemingly unrelated events, people and problems comes full circle with a beautiful ending.  A touching story of Faith, Hope and Love.

A true “Michigan book” it was published by Mission Point Press in Traverse City.  The book is available on the author’s website, www.JohnWemlinger.com, it is also in many bookstores throughout Michigan and on Amazon.  If you’re looking for a great summer read full of places and events in Michigan, this is the book you need on your list.  I recommend it without hesitation.