Congratulations! You are Hired!!

IT WAS A GOOD DAY TO LOOK FOR A JOB. 

Mr. Somebody had to find one quickly. Just around the corner was a deli with a "Manager Position Available" sign. Good place to start a job search. Mr. Somebody asked for the manager. The manager sat him down for an interview. First the formalities, then the meat of the interveiw. 

Manager: Tell me about yourself. 

Somebody: I am educated and I have some experience, and I can communcicate very well.

Manager: That's good, but tell me about your management experience. You have some, right?

Somebody: Oh, yes, I do. I was the boss at a non-profit outfit, and then on another one. It was good experience.

Manager: You know we are a decent sized deli. I have managed it myself for long, but 25 people staff is getting too much for me. So, let me ask you if you have managed that many people.

Somebody: Twenty five? Huh! That's more than ten, right? Ten I have managed at two non-profits, not only one. But I can learn.

Manager: Okay, may be I can train you. But tell me how did you handle the money there. Did you leave them with in a good shape financially?

Somebody: Well you know, how people talk. Some said I didn't handle the money well, but may be they wrere jealous. There were some investigations, but I think I was okay.

Manager: Well, may be my accountant can train you. But tell me a little bit about your personal life. Married? Good family life? No hanky panky with women? You know how it goes. I want my female staff to be respected. You can do that, right?

Somebody: Absolutely. I respect women. Well, I do get carried away sometime. You know how we men are. Ha, hah!

Manager: Well, my assistant, Sarah, will help you understand our deli's culture of respecting one another. 

Somebody: Sure. I can learn, fingers crossed.

Manager: Now, One more thing. You know I don't drink at all, but you may. That's not my business, but my establishment will not tolerate even a drop of drink at work. You are okay with that, right?

Somebody: Let me tell you the truth. I do get drunk once in a while, but I promise, not a drop at work. Promise.

Manager: Well, let's see. You have managed two little outfits with a small staff, didn't manage the money well, haven't related well with women, and do get drunk sometimes.

Somebody: If you say so. So can  I get the job?

Manager: You want me to hire you to manage my deli? To tell you the truth, you might have better luck at that establishment down the street on Pennsylvania Avenue, at 1600, I think. Why don't you apply there?

Somebody: If you say so, sir. Thank you. I will try my luck there. They do have an opening that might fit my qualification and experience. I do appreciate your time.

Mr. Somebody followed the advice of the deli manager. He applied. Got hired!!  

Good luck, Mr. Somebody!

The Future is Now

As time draws near to closing the curtain on one way of national life and drawing it open on another, we wonder if life will be all that different. Most people anticipate it will be, but cannot visualize how different it might be and in what ways.

If there is an expression that may characterize the future, it may be "Who knows?' 

Will words and slogans herald a lasting new vista? Or will this be just a blip on the timeline of national life? Will ordinary people be just bystanders, whatever their interests and apirations might be as new ideologies and ideologues shape the national conversation?

It is the job of leaders to lead. It is the job of the led to articulate their aspirations and shape the collective vision. Society functions best when leaders and the led commit to a social contract that inspires both.

How long "Who knows?" Hopefully, not until it is too late.

Alcohol: Pathway to Cancer

The US Surgeon General has called for posting cancer warning labels on alcohol. This is a welcome warning. Better late than never.

Now it is time that all people of faith and others concerned with health in our nation and the consequences of bad health should heed the finding and recommendation of the US Surgeon General. In one major study, death toll by cancer caused by alcohol use was found to be greater than that caused by cigarettes, according to the Surgeon General. This finding and recommendation by the Surgen General has been reported in major news media outlets on Jnaury 3.

Placing a stern warning on alcohol products as is the case with cigartettes will need a decision of United States Congress. A proposed bill will need to be shepherded throgh the Eneregy and Commerce Committee and then voted upon by the full House. 

Time is ripe and right to launch a serious campaign to support the finding and recommendation of the US Surgeon General. It is time to educate the community at large about this long-needed recommendation. It is also time for a concerted campaign to appeal to the Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the full House, to take up this issue on a priority basis. 

One more life lost to alacohol related cancer will be too many to lose. A stern warning label on every alcohol proudct is not too much to ask for or hope for.

At the same time let's remember the furious opposition by the cigarette industry to posting warning labels on cigarttes products. Opposition by the alcohol lobby to labelling alcohol products will be even more furious, perhaps.

It is time to engage in the battle to save lives lost to alcohol related cancer.