Leadership Notes [March 13, 2019]

Today, I want to talk about two things. I'm in that kind of mood. A rambling man. I want to talk about the Power Quick Pot. And socialism.

I love my Power Quick Pot. It is a versatile pressure cooker. There are different varieties and brands of this amazing machine. I haven't used my crock since before Christmas. Crock pots are the analogs of kitchen accessories. Crock pots are the flip phone of cookery. The Power Quick Pot and the KitchenAid Stand Mixer are both indispensable to this cook.

Socialism, on the other hand, I can do without. Seems socialism is on a lot of people's minds lately. Kind of weird how it's gaining popularity here in the United States, while other countries are either entering into a socialism-fueled leap backward or coming to their senses and transitioning out of socialist economic structures.

Here are a few unconnected thoughts:

• If ten people decide to take, by force, half of the money of the eleventh person and divide it among themselves, what is that called? Thievery.

• Contrary to the opinion of many people 35 and under, there is no such thing as a free college education.

• Margaret Thatcher said: "Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people's money."

• If 100% of the wealthiest American's liquid assets were seized today, it wouldn't even fund the United States government for one year. Then where do you go?

• Every high school in America should require three things.

1. A course in basic etiquette.

2. Read "The Road to Serfdom" by F.A. Hayek.

3. Read "The Death of Common Sense" by Philip K. Howard.

• Politicians want to spend our money. The only difference between an Obama or a Trump is they want to spend it on different things at different rates.

• Are Republicans simply Democrat-Lites? Or are Democrats simply Republicans with less restraint?

Well, I've probably strayed from my usual path in these Leadership Notes. Some might even

say I've strayed from my area of expertise, and ventured into a possibly divisive arena. But I am passionate about my Power Quick Pot! Remember, these are just thoughts and ideas, whose sole purpose is an expression of how I get to thinking about faith intersecting life.

Be of Good Cheer,

Richard