“Sólo es posible avanzar cuando se mira lejos. Sólo cabe progresar cuando se piensa en grande.” ~José Ortega y Gasset
Posible Avanzar, . . .
Vacunarse Es un Acto de Amor
Vacunarse contra el COVID-19 es apropiado, un muestra de bondad hacía el prójimo y un acto de amor. Estamos todos en una guerra colectiva, una guerra que ha ya costado cientos de miles de vidas. Vacunarse es un acto de amor y de solidaridad, cosa la cual nos protege y más importante cuida a los demás. Puede que como joven o persona súper saludable, sobreviviría un contagio pero su usted es portador del virus y contagia a otra persona? Qué tal si esa persona tiene las inmunidades naturales comprometidas, . . . qué tal si esa persona es un ser querido? De verdad desea cargar con la muerte de un familiar en la conciencia?
Según el destacado grupo virólogo de la Mayo Clinic al tratarse de la inmunidad colectiva o “inmunidad de rebaño” en inglés, “La inmunidad colectiva ocurre cuando una gran parte de la comunidad se vuelve inmune a una enfermedad, haciendo que sea poco probable la trasmisión de persona a persona. Como resultado, toda la comunidad tiene protección — no solo los que sean inmunes. Una vacuna contra el virus que causa la COVID-19 es un acercamiento ideal para lograr la inmunidad colectiva. Las vacunas crean inmunidad sin causar la enfermedad ni resultar en complicaciones. La inmunidad colectiva hace posible proteger a la población de una enfermedad, incluyendo a aquellos que no pueden vacunarse, como los recién nacidos y los que tienen el sistema inmunitario comprometido. Usando el concepto de la inmunidad colectiva, las vacunas han controlado con éxito enfermedades contagiosas mortales como la viruela, la polio, la difteria, la rubéola, y muchas otras.”
No hay excusa para evitar la vacuna. Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, . . . TODAS son excelentes. Efectos secundarios nefastas? Mierda es. Según la CDC de los EEUU el día 6 de mayo (2021), se ha repartido más que doscientos cincuenta MILLONES de dosis desde que estalló la pandemia. Hasta ahora no hay muertos saliendo de las tumbas, casos de gente dando luz a bebés con tres ojos ni “control cerebral por el chip 5G de Bill Gates”. Hágalo ya, para usted, para sus seres queridos, para su comunidad.
Texas Needs Help Desperately, Winter 2021 Crisis
The State of Texas is near and dear to my heart. This week has seen the arrival of unprecedented suffering of a broad population of Texas. Already overburdened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the winter inclement weather has left tens of thousands of families without power, running water and many with homes ruined by bursted water lines. There are MANY ways to help. I urge ALL that are economically able to contribute to the relief of our fellow citizens. As most things recently the current disaster has been politicized. It is frankly irrelevant who is to blame. There are people that point fingers, and there are people the fix problems. I humbly and earnestly plead with you to help. The following are some links to excellent ways to help your fellow citizens.
FOOD BANKS + SNAP BENEFITS
- Feeding Texas Network – Search for your local food bank using your zip code.
- Rio Grande Valley Texas Food Bank
- Central Texas Food Bank
- North Texas Food Bank
- Houston Food Bank
- East Texas Food Bank
WARMING STATIONS
- List of warming centers across Texas
- Up-to-date list and details of warming centers in all Texas regions by @dosomething
- San Antonio: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center opened as a warming center. Residents in need of transportation can call 311 for VIA Metro Transport (as of 2/16).
- Fort Worth: Sign up for TEXT alerts for available resources.
North Texas Warming Centers
Central Texas Warming Centers
Montgomery County Warming Centers
“We are taught that Faith, Hope, and Charity are our direct link to the Celestial Father above through that “theological ladder” which Jacob, in his vision saw reaching from earth to heaven, the greatest rung of which is Charity. Our Faith may be lost in sight, Hope ends in fruition, but Charity extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity.”
North Carolina and Cannabis Legalization
I read with interest a recent report in the News & Observer by Mr. Doran about the Elon University marijuana legalization poll. Legalization of cannabis and cannabinoid products should be a priority for the North Carolina General Assembly among its manifold fiscal, social and justice reform legislative efforts.
Prosecution of marijuana and related offenses has disproportionately affected minorities and the poor. Serious convictions for non-violent offenses that nullify a defendant’s civil rights and effectively disqualify him or her from professional licenses and job opportunities offer no benefit to our community. Statutory oddities such as the possession of rolling paper which carries a more severe penalty than that of possession of marijuana itself are evidence of stupid law making at best, and discrimination at worst. In what system would a prosecutor allow a guilty plea to a weapon possession charge and dismiss the accompanying homicide? Ridiculous. Only sixteen states still enforce a strict prohibition of cannabis, North Carolina among them. A few of these are currently considering decriminalization and/or legalization. From a criminal justice perspective, we are dead wrong on our failure to open a serious legislative debate on cannabis.
Legal use of cannabis for medical purposes should raise no argument whatsoever. Other than the prejudicial effects of inhaling anything that produces smoke, there is no medical evidence that cannabis harms the human body any more than the use or abuse of any substance. In fact, there is a body of evidence that the positive effects of prescribed cannabis to reduce pain and increase appetite far outweigh the negatives, allowing patients to enjoy an improved quality of life without the risk of the dangerous spiral of opiate addiction. The prohibition of cannabis use by individuals with terminal illnesses is absolutely indefensible.
From a social impact perspective, opponents of marijuana legalization often recycle the tired argument that it is a “gateway drug”, that by allowing adult use somehow cannabis consumers will turn into crack, heroin or methamphetamine addicts. Again, evidence does not support that argument. Like any reasonable adult, I am not enthusiastic about my airline pilot, brain surgeon or my children’s school bus driver smoking marijuana then immediately engaging in their occupations but we don’t allow them to do so with alcohol or prescription drugs either. There is an equivalency here. Likewise, justifications of prohibition based on the supposition that marijuana users will engage in actions under the influence that they otherwise would not, or somehow evolve into dastardly delinquents committing crimes to support their habit fall flat.
Fiscally, legalization is a responsible action. I can speak with some authority. Since legalization of cannabis in California under Proposition 215 over a decade ago to date, I have affixed my signature to approximately eight thousand surety bonds required by over a dozen state regulators that guarantee the conduct of those cannabis licensees. Those licensees have become significant revenue generators. In 2019, cannabis sales generated a tax revenue to the State of California in the amount of $629.3 million. Over the lifetime of the program the revenue number is $1.03 billion. Washington as a comparison by population similar to that of North Carolina enjoyed a 2019 tax collection of $395.5 million, $1.33 billion over the life of its cannabis program. The revenue is of course but part of the fiscal picture, as the end of simple possession and paraphernalia prosecutions have saved criminal justice systems countless millions of dollars.
I don’t use cannabis. I’m just not interested but neither am I interested in smoking cigarettes. My choice doesn’t mean that responsible adults should not make their own informed decisions about cannabis use. Legalize it for adults, tax it and penalize irresponsible and illegal cultivation and distribution. Not doing so after consideration of the successful government-regulated cannabis experiments in three-quarters of U.S. states puts North Carolina on the wrong side of history.
~Constantin Poindexter, CEO Surety One, Inc.
MLK Day, a Moment for Thankfulness
Today is a special occasion, special because of a man and his universal message of freedom, hope and faith in humankind. This day marks more than the birth date of a man that stood for equal rights for black Americans. It honors the themes of Dr. King’s timeless call for equality among men, a call for America to live up to those ideals expressed by the founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence and a method to reach that goal without violence.
Dr. King believed. Dr. King had faith and reminded us of the fatherhood of God, and the universal brotherhood of man. He declared that a truly free and just society judges a man by the “content of his character rather than the color of his skin.” Though white supremacists, law enforcement and even the U.S. intelligence community conspired to silence his voice, he persevered. Against all odds, he kept walking and preaching. The fear that must have pervaded folks that joined him in his long walks across the southern part of America, the death and injury inflicted upon him and his followers, the resistance of certain members of white America are and have always been a national disgrace.
I have a dream. I have a dream that the hate will end, that fairness and goodwill between ALL races and ethnicities of America will inevitably prevail. Thank you, Dr. King.
La Caridad es el Amor Manifestado
El amor: def. nombre masculino; Sentimiento de vivo afecto e inclinación hacia una persona o cosa a la que se le desea todo lo bueno. “el amor al prójimo; abrazó al bebé con gran amor; nunca ocultó su amor a la patria; el amor de la gloria lo llevó hasta el heroísmo”
Sentimiento de intensa atracción emocional y sexual hacia una persona con la que se desea compartir una vida en común.
“amor platónico; me gustan las canciones de amor; no puedo expresar con palabras el amor que siento por ti; le escribió una carta de amor”
La definición común, todos la sabemos, ¿pero es el amor solamente un sentimiento? Por supuesto que no. Es una acción, un comportamiento. Someto para la consideración las palabras sabias del R.H. Carlos Ayón Calderón, “la Caridad, desde es la más importante de las virtudes teologales y sobre todas las virtudes cardinales que, expresa el Amor Verdadero cuando el hombre ama a su prójimo por el amor a Dios. La Caridad (y la Misericordia, su hermana) tienen la aprobación del cielo y la tierra, que ambas bendicen tanto al que da como a aquel que la recibe.” En esto, de acuerdo estoy y recomiendo particularmente la ampliación del sentido de la palabra “Amor”. La definición común no le hace justicia a nadie, perdiendo en visto lo que quiere decir nuestro creador.
Que por medio de la escalera de Jacobo alcanzamos la salvación. Los peldaños de la escalera son fé, esperanza y caridad, el último siendo el más importante, la practica de la cual enriquece, como dijo Ayón, el/la practicate tanto como el/la recipiente.
Duke Cancer Center for Kids
Per Duke Pediatric Cancer, “Although pediatric cancers are less common than adult malignancies, the impact of cancer on children and their families is nothing short of devastating. Over the past 40 years, cooperative research efforts (primarily through the Children’s Oncology Group) have resulted in dramatic increases in cure rates for most pediatric cancers. Nevertheless, substantial numbers of children with cancer still succumb to their disease, and even larger numbers of pediatric patients suffer significant long-term late effects because of the intensity of the therapies required to achieve cure. Research into the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying pediatric tumors is essential to develop novel therapeutic approaches that will yield higher rates of cure and fewer side effects.
I humbly request that you follow my lead and give to this most worthy institution. I did and Surety One, Inc. matched. Check with your employer as it may be on a matching program as well! visit them here.
Bienvenida ~ un Poema de Mario Benedetti
Se me ocurre que vas a llegar distinta
no exactamente más linda
ni más fuerte
ni más dócil
ni más cauta
tan solo que vas a llegar distinta
como si esta temporada de no verme
te hubiera sorprendido a vos también
quizá porque sabes
cómo te pienso y te enumero
después de todo la nostalgia existe
aunque no lloremos en los andenes fantasmales
ni sobre las almohadas de candor
ni bajo el cielo opaco
yo nostalgio
tu nostalgias
y cómo me revienta que él nostalgie
tu rostro es la vanguardia
tal vez llega primero
porque lo pinto en las paredes
con trazos invisibles y seguros
no olvides que tu rostro
me mira como pueblo
sonríe y rabia y canta
como pueblo
y eso te da una lumbre
inapagable
ahora no tengo dudas
vas a llegar distinta y con señales
con nuevas
con hondura
con franqueza
sé que voy a quererte sin preguntas
sé que vas a quererme sin respuestas.
Why Charity?
Its covering is no less than the clouded canopy, or starry-decked heaven, where we wish to at last to arrive, by the aid of that theological ladder which came to Jacob in a vision, he saw extending from earth to heaven; the three principal rounds of which are FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY. The allegorical ladder admonishes us to have faith in God, hope in immortality, and charity towards all men (and women). The most important rung of the ladder is CHARITY. Faith may be lost in sight, hope ends in fruition, but charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of time.
Why is charity relevant and why is it incumbent on every able person to offer it in his or her own way? I’ll elaborate later, however for the moment I will leave this most eloquent reasoning courtesy of the General Ahiman Rezón of our Brotherhood albeit with a change or two to enhance its universal applicability. The words are not my own however the sentiment certainly is.
Charity is the brightest gem that can adorn our lives on this earth. Happy is the man who has sowed in his breast the seeds of benevolence, the produce of which is love and peace He envieth not his neighbor. He listeneth not to a tale, when reported by slander. Revenge or malice has no place in his breast. He forgives the injuries of men and endeavors to blot them from his recollection. The objects of true charity among us are those individuals that aid and succor those persons who are incapable of extricating themselves from misfortunes in their journey through life, relief and support of those industrious individuals who by inevitable accidents and acts of providence have fallen into ruin, widow left survivors of their husbands, by whose labors they subsisted, orphans in tender years left naked to the world, and the elderly whose spirits are exhausted, whose arms are unbraced by time and thereby rendered unable to procure for themselves that sustenance they could accomplish in their youthful days.
From each person according to his or her capacity to the cause of charity should be a natural inclination. It is incumbent on us ALL to contribute to the relieve of those that for whatever reason find themselves in situations much less privileged than our own.
~ Constantin Poindexter, CEO of Surety One, Inc.
A Dual Purpose for Establishing an Enterprise.
I have spent a quarter of a century building businesses, largely my own but offering a contribution of my humble expertise when it has been requested. Twenty five years ago I was a recent university graduate and a neophyte to the business world so naturally I collected books, magazines, white papers, . . . i.e., whatever I could put my hands on that would (hopefully) support the success of my enterprises. One of the first was a collection of work by Peter Drucker. While some of his wisdom is timeless, I found that there were some major gaps in his thinking. His definition of “business purpose”, is inadequate.
“Because the purpose of business is to create a customer, the business enterprise has two–and only two–basic functions: marketing and innovation.”, wrote Drucker. A business that grows and remains relevant for many years must have another purpose, . . . to serve a social good. Creating economic value for an enterprise’s owners, employees and the departments of revenue is not “serving a social good”. So what is it?
How do we determine the true “purpose” of a business to ensure that it is one with enduring value? There is a special (albeit very old) tool for uncovering the root of the question. The technique is called the “Five Whys”. Start with what your enterprise offers, then ask “why”, until you have dug down to the core purpose or “root” of the cause that your business supports. Ex., . . .
- We offer financial services to people!
- Why? Because those people need them.
- Why? Because without them they cannot budget, save, prepare for the future, etc.
- Why would they need to do those things? To live a healthy life, provide for themselves and their families, to save for kids’ college and prepare for a dignified and happy retirement.
So, in the example above we didn’t need to ask “why” five times to arrive at our need. What is the business purpose? It certainly isn’t to “sell financial services” and if that is ALL that it is, then the enterprise wouldn’t last. It serves no social good. We see however that there is more. Looking deeper we perceive a different answer to this example. “What is the business’s purpose? To help people live a healthy life, provide for themselves and their families, to save for kids’ college and prepare for a dignified and happy retirement.”
Keep this “dual purpose” in mind as you develop a business plan. Without the “social good” element as fundamentally equal to the “to market and sell something” one, a business is doomed to failure.
~ Constantin Poindexter, CEO of Surety One, Inc.