Thoughts and Readings To Consider - 9/14/18
Thoughts, Books and Articles worth a Review…
As Simple As A Cup Of Coffee – Several weeks ago, I arrived at Boston Logan for a very early morning flight to someplace. As I got to the airport, I realized that I had left my credit cards and cash at home due to the very early morning hours of my departure. So, there I was credit- and cash-less heading out of town on a couple-of-days trip. But, always the prepared traveler – I have traditionally carried a stash of $100 dollar bills in my briefcase for just such emergencies – which have only occurred twice in 40+ years of continuous travel. Here’s where the interesting part comes in… I went to the Starbuck’s, ordered a cup of Vente to get myself going to mentally regroup and offered up one of my $100 dollar bills. The attendant looked at me and said, “Are you kidding?” and refused to take my money but – she also refused to give me the coffee. I responded, “No, I’m not kidding. It’s called money.” – obviously in a bit of snarky retort. At this point, the Millennial gentleman standing next in line reached over with a $5 dollar bill and said to me and her, “Don’t worry, it’s on me!” And, I responded, “Are you kidding?” with a laugh, of course. He said, “No, really!” I offered to walk away. He insisted. I relented and walked away thinking – yes, the next generation is prepared to assume authority! I continued to shake my head – in a positive way – as I walked toward my gate thinking it was, in fact, time for my generation (“The Boomers”) to give way to the next generations – all because I got a cup of coffee when I really needed it. Long story short, after about five minutes, the young man showed up at the gate and was headed to the same city. I walked up to him, thanked him and gave him my card and offered that if there was anything I could ever do to help him in any way – he should reach out. I would try to do whatever I could do to help him. I’m waiting for the call…
Forever In Favor Of Biden – Many do not know this but I served as Joe Biden’s health policy advisor for his Presidential campaign in 1988. I had high hopes for a corner office in The White House when with a one-two punch the campaign was knocked out rather quickly over the course of a couple of weeks. First, Biden gave the exact same speech that Neil Kinnock had given in Parliament to a group in Iowa including references to his father – not a good thing to do. Plagiarism is not a good thing on the campaign trail. Second, he developed excruciating headaches and was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm which ended the campaign. So, I’ve been a Biden fan for a very long time!! But, his eulogy for John McCain, III was not only touching but memorable for what he brought to the forefront for at least a couple of moments – the need for civility in our public discourse. He articulated so very well the passion that both he and McCain brought to their respective roles in the U.S. Senate which was based on trying to reach an understanding between two different assessments of the same situation. We sorely need someone like Joe – for as much as I believe him to be the type of person we need as a leader in our nation, the nation probably needs someone other than Joe. It’s time for the next generation to step forward. My generation should guide them and support them. The torch needs to be passed…
