Picture courtesy of biography.com
The next important speech I believe is “Other America” by Martin Luther King delivered in 1968 a few months before his assassination.

The speech is famous for the expression

“a kind of socialism for the rich and rugged hard individualistic capitalism for the poor.”

King was describing the many benefits given to whites to better themselves, being opportunities not given to blacks. 

We have a similar crisis emerging today, where the gap between rich and poor is increasing. 

http://genius.com/Martin-luther-king-jr-the-other-america-annotated

King was keen to repair the social fabric by providing opportunities for everyone. This sentiment is as important today as it was back then. He knew it was a difficult struggle. 

Picture courtesy of history.com

 2016 is likely to be viewed as a watershed year because of the forthcoming US Presidential election.  A watershed year marks a turning point in history. 

While the election is not until November, people are already concerned about the quality of the candidates. 

The next president will need to deal with a range of emerging issues that will challenge even the best leaders and visionaries. The situation in the Middle East is growing less stable with each passing month. The growing hostilities have already dragged in Russia and threaten to draw in others, dare I say China. What will happen then?

The world economy is looking tired and worn. China has huge internal issues with its markets. The west is only seeing the tip of the iceberg. When China stops, the rest of the world crashes. Europe is a basket case propped up by German goodwill. There does not appear any way forward other than divisive austerity. Is there another way? How long can the Germans hold back the dyke?

In the US, things are superficially okay but any close examination will reveal a gaping divide between rich and poor. The gap between the haves and have-nots grows with each passing year. The country is on edge because of the terrorist threat. A trillion dollars is spent each year on defence and border control. Gun violence is on the increase. Those opposing gun control seem to have an insuperable task. Local tensions are likely to result in greater violence as the people of the US come to a landing on this issue. A bad decision by the people at the election may plunge the country into chaos. 

But I am hopeful. There is an alternative for the US. In finding that solution I take you back to FDR. Roosevelt is one of my favourite presidents having lifted his country out of the depression and set them onto the path to prosperity. In 1944, his State of the Union speech addressed the issues of the US at war and post war recovery. At the end of the speech he set out a bill of economic rights. 

The speech is largely forgotten even though the bill of economic rights should be pinned to every politician’s wall. Read and be impressed. 

http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/address_text.html
More to come.

  
Is your life “lived in”?

Recently, the media has released a speech by Stan Grant given at a conference on racism last October. The speech was released in time for Australia Day. 
To say it is an impassioned and moving speech is to grossly understate its power. Some say it represents Australia’s “Martin Luther King” moment. 

http://m.smh.com.au/national/stan-grants-speech-on-racism-is-this-australias-martin-luther-king-moment-20160123-gmcrgt.html
In just under 9 minutes Grant unveils an indigenous perspective on Australian history. A history steeped in the blood of indigenous people. 
As a person with indigenous ancestry he tells a number of gruesome tales of real life tragedies and scandals involving his family. 
It brings tears to the eyes to hear that we could act so callously towards fellow human beings. 
Grant says that Australian history is rooted in racism. 
How are we ever going to move toward reconciliation?
The will to reconcile is certainly there but the issues are politicised. This probably explains why Australians give generously to assist Muslims devestated by a tsunami but they are not as generous towards Muslims fleeing persecution. The latter issue is politicised. 
Where is the leadership we need?

  
Picture courtesy of professorjohnston.com
Today is Ash Wednesday. 
Throughout the Christian world, people are getting ready for the Lenten season. Easter is not far away. 
In Victoria, Ash Wednesday conjures up images of bush fires destroying large tracts of land and reducing properties to …. well… ash. 
When I was young I was told that ashes signified where all of us end up. The saying being, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust” I thought this incongruous as it was only recently that the Catholic Church condoned cremations. But I digress. 
Ash Wednesday signifies the stripping away of our external trappings and a period of examining our inner self. Forget what we portray to the outside world, ask ourselves who am I? 
We look in the mirror and we see ourselves. But what do we see? We are left staring at the one staring back at me.
Lent is therefore a period of introspection. But with introspection comes testing oneself. Placing ourselves outside our comfort zone to see how we behave. See if there is room for growth. Dare I say, improvement. 

So during Lent we commit to a course of change, if only temporarily. Some of us will engage in self denial by forgoing everyday pleasures or comforts. Some will go without sweets, or coffee, or their usual trip to the movies etc. 
Today is a day of fasting. 
Others will commit to a certain course of conduct. For example, regular charitable acts, visits to parents, more frequent attendance at Mass etc. 
Others will commit to regular prayer or spiritual readings or something different for the purpose of exploring our inner selves and our faith. 
It’s only forty days. The same period that Jesus fasted in the desert before he was unsuccessfully tempted by the devil. 
I went to Mass today. 
I am always amazed at the large numbers that attend on Ash Wednesday. At a regular weekday Mass the church is probably one third full. Today it was standing room only. I suspect the mystery of Ash Wednesday still resonates with people even though Mass attendances are otherwise dropping off at an alarming rate. 
The priest spoke about Lent being a time of sifting. Sorting through our lives. Getting our hands dirty. Dipping into the manure that surrounds the roots of our lives. 
He explained that “sin” stands for “stuck in narcissism”. Nothing more, nothing less. When we block out others and God because we are only concerned about ourselves. Sin is relational. When I was young we called it selfishness. 
I learned that this year was “the Year of Mercy”. We had to enter the “Mercy Door” at the side of the church rather than the door at the front. I wondered whether the selection of this theme was in any way connected to the scandal facing the Church worldwide. Is the Church seeking mercy?
Read a fascinating article in the church newsletter about confession from a priest’s perspective. Very well written. He made it sound like a heroic act to attend confession. Christians that confessed were trying to restore good relations with God and he was in the privileged position of mediating between God and his people. 
I’ve always been sceptical about confession but this article was inspirational. Made me think of going to confession myself. I found the article on the net and a link is included below. Worth reading. 

http://lifeteen.com/blog/my-side-of-the-confessional-what-is-it-like-for-a-priest/
I can’t remember an Ash Wednesday Mass where I haven’t bumped into Mark. Mark worked at the Age newspaper with my late uncle Vince. He is one of the few remaining connections to my uncle, so I look forward to seeing him and saying “hello”. But I didn’t see Mark there this year. I even looked for him after Mass. I hope all is well. 

At the end of Mass one has to decide what to do with the ashes smudged on one’s forehead. Most people simply wipe them off. I decided to brave the stares of strangeness by not wiping them off until I got to our building. 
Strange religion …. ashes, blood and flesh, crucifixions, virgin births, resurrection etc. Sounds medieval. 
Whether you are a believer or not there are some great stories in the Judaeo – Christian tradition.

  
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia 

Today marked the beginning of the legal year. I attended the Red Mass at St Patrick together with a congregation from Melbourne’s legal fraternity. 

Inside the mass booklet was the following prayer composed by Thomas More. 

It resonated with me and I wish to share it with you. 
“Pray that, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, I may be trustworthy with confidences, keen in study, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, ever attentive to conscience. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients’ tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.
Pray that my family may find in me what yours found in you: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain—their good servant, and God’s first. Amen.

  
Photo courtesy of Triple M

I think the dust has settled on the Essendon Football saga. ….at least for the time being. 
The damage caused by the supplements scandal continues. 34 players suspended for a year. The AFL attempting to protect the integrity of the competition by giving the club significant recruiting latitude. Some players are considering an appeal with an injunction. If this move is successful, 34 players return to the competition. What happens to the new recruits?  
How different would things now be if back in 2013, Hird gave the following apology? Am I talking with the benefit of hindsight? Of course, but was it that difficult to accept responsibility at that time? If he had, by now he may be restoring his tarnished reputation by this one bold act of humility.

Could a different decision by Hird back in 2013-14 have made a big difference?

“Dear fans
I was as shocked as anyone when I heard others say that the Essendon Football club had been using banned supplements. It was an allegation that cut deeply across everything I believe in and uphold. My natural reaction was to reject the accusation out of hand. 
However the club has now conducted a thorough internal investigation led by capable and experienced people. The investigation has revealed significant failings in our management of the supplements program. I am concerned if not ashamed to report that standing before you today I cannot tell you precisely what substances were injected into our players at any given time throughout 2012.
This is simply not acceptable. It should not be tolerated. It is wrong and as head coach I accept responsibility for this poor management. I am sorry. 
Sorry for the scandal that has beset the club. Sorry for bringing this great game of ours into disrepute. But above all sorry to the players and their families. They trusted me and my coaching staff to guide and direct them both on and off the field. They submitted to the supplements program because they were directed to by me. Like myself, they believed there were proper controls in place. 
As the head coach, the buck stops with me and I have put my hand up to accept responsibility for this situation. Another reason for my current decision is that the players are innocent in all this. They are victims of our poor management. None of the consequences of the supplements program should be visited on them. They have already been through enough. 
I have spoken to the AFL management and the Essendon hierarchy and have accepted full responsibility for what occurred at Essendon in 2012. Accordingly I have tendered my resignation effective immendiately. I have tried to protect the players from any sanctions but this has not been possible. ASADA is offering the players a three match suspension in return for a guilty plea with no finding of intentional conduct on their part. How the players proceed is up to them. I repeat that they are innocent in all this. They are victims and their treatment should reflect that fact. 
I will now have plenty of time to reflect. At present I am filled with a mix of emotions. I am angry at what has occurred. Angry with myself and with those I entrusted with the supplements program. Supplements are commonplace in modern professional sport. Administered properly they have benefits to offer. In today’s elite competition every team is looking for an advantage, an edge. I believed that it was important that the club was not left behind in this area of the game. I only wanted what was best for the club. 
I am angry at the AFL. This issue has exposed weaknesses in the AFL and ASADA. But this is not the time to express my views on those organisations. 
I feel embarrassed and ashamed that this has happened on my watch. I am embarrassed that my time at this great club should conclude in this manner, with ignominy. 
I am sorry that so many people have been hurt. I am sorry to my family who have been to hell and back on my account. But my experience is no different to the families of the players. 
At the same time I am proud of the players. They have shone under immense pressure. They are great young men caught up in a tragic tale not of their making. I am proud of the club. It is a strong club. It will survive these events and be successful again. 
I have made this decision in the hope that the club and players and media can move on. That in my absence some equilibrium can be restored. 
Thanks for listening. “

  
After reporting on the trouble I had (caused) last week with the back deck, I am happy to report that it is now finished. 🙂
 

  
Let’s get Fred on the five dollar note. 

I’ve signed, so should you. 

http://www.hollows.org/au/campaign/2016/fred-on-a-fiver-thank-you

  
Life lesson #1

If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. 

In my office under the window I keep a used tap (spigot) (pictured). It is a souvenir from my worst DIY project ever. 
It dates back to the time we lived in Ashwood. The shower tap in the ensuite was leaking so I decided to change the washer. I was so successful and with a spare washer in hand, I decided to also change the (other) hot water washer (which did not need replacing). 
The second job proved quite challenging as the gap in the tile did not permit removal of the tap. To my horror and disgust I managed to flood the bathroom as I could not properly tighten the tap once it had become loose. This required that I remove and replace the wall behind the shower which had become sodden. 
I kept the tap as a reminder never to “fix” anything that isn’t broken. 
Life lesson #2

Things aren’t always as bad as they seem …… except in DIY projects. 
I consider myself an optimist. I believe that often times we worry about things needlessly. In the end it is never as bad as we anticipate. 
Generally speaking I keep this advice to myself. People about to embark on a nervous venture or attend an important meeting don’t appreciate being told not to worry. 
But every rule has an exception. DIY projects are fun and challenging but if you are not careful they can bring disappointment. After my leaky tap experience I have always approached them with extreme caution. Always, except for yesterday …..
Life lesson #3

Always read the instructions. 
The scene is Australia Day 2016. The weather is fine. The mission is to oil our back deck. The deck is only a year old so the plan is to coat it with a clear finish. 

I have worked on decks before and thought this job was well within my ability. In fact, I planned to clean and apply two coats before day’s end. 
I bought a cleaning solution I had seen advertised called Cabots Deck Clean. I checked the instructions to learn the correct mix and proceeded to mix it and scrub the deck with it. I allowed it almost three hours to dry while I went finishing my (successful) work of oiling the garden furniture. 
The clear finish I proposed to use was Feast & Watson’s Wet Look. I had used it to great effect on the decks at Camberwell and I was in fact excited by what I thought would be a great result on a relatively new deck. 
I started with the paint brush, cutting in the difficult corners.
Almost immediately I noticed that things were not quite right. The finish refused to adhere to the timber and began to”pill” and clog the brush. 
Remember I am an optimist. Rather than stop and investigate, I ploughed on and on and on until the entire deck was “covered”. It was hard work as the finish would not apply easily and the woollen applicator became clogged and stiff. 
At this point I began to question my “cleaning” of the deck. I had used the finish before and had no problem. It looked the same as on previous occasions but the cleaning solution was new. 
I read the instructions and to my horror and disgust (sound familiar?) I learned that I had not properly applied the solution or at least washed it off, after applying it. I have extracted the instructions below. 

  
How stupid!
It’s not easy to have a deck look worse after you had tried to improve it but I had managed to do just that. 

I spent the rest of the day hose and scrubbing brush (and scraper) in hand trying to remove my work. 
In addition I noticed the cleaning solution which I originally splashed on the deck had removed the colour from the adjoining render. More work…..
I will remember to read the instructions next time and this blog will be my souvenir of my second worst DIY project. 
Life lesson #4

What starts badly finishes badly
How many times have I advised clients against projects that begin badly. I counsel them to refer them to other colleagues or to get assistance or to drop the project altogether while there is still time. Yet here I was doing the exact opposite. I should have read the signs and called a pause early in proceedings when things did not look right. 
Instead I was determined to get two coats down before the end of the day. Pig headed more than optimistic. 
I hope my pain is your saviour.