What kind of money- hungry ethics is this?
According to David Lazarus' column in a recent L.A.Times edition, both Verison and ATT have placed no residential land line phone numbers in their new phone books.
Yet the companies continue to charge up to $2.50 per month for not listing your phone number in a non-existent phone book!
To be sure, many customers desire that their phone be unlisted to protect their privacy. However, that is assured for all customers with the new editions of their phone books.
Yet, one of the companies' spokepersons declared that " It will help support the ongoing costs associated with the service." Ths, of course, says nothing about the service charge for a non existent service!
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
"I was baited into making racist comments about blacks by a woman friend on the recording you heard with her." So says Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers. To his credit he made a sincere confession of his offensive words, yet his blaming of his companion for his words may have nulified the begging for forgiveness.
As I watched him with Andesrson Cooper, I couldn't help thinking that one of the markers for a mature adult is to accept resposibility for our actions and words without blaming others. And then accepting the consequences of our actions, whatever they may be.
Ethical thinking and behaving is to realize the need to admit and accept responsibility for our offensive words that bring hurt to persons or groups, then to rectify or make right our mistake. This demonstates our sincerity. To do this is not easy, in fact, it is difficult.
Should Don Sterling go before the NAACP and make confession? Better yet, he should allow Latinos and blacks to rent his properties, which I understand, he has not done previously. This action would show loudly and clearly that his confession was sincere and that he has had a change of heart.
As I watched him with Andesrson Cooper, I couldn't help thinking that one of the markers for a mature adult is to accept resposibility for our actions and words without blaming others. And then accepting the consequences of our actions, whatever they may be.
Ethical thinking and behaving is to realize the need to admit and accept responsibility for our offensive words that bring hurt to persons or groups, then to rectify or make right our mistake. This demonstates our sincerity. To do this is not easy, in fact, it is difficult.
Should Don Sterling go before the NAACP and make confession? Better yet, he should allow Latinos and blacks to rent his properties, which I understand, he has not done previously. This action would show loudly and clearly that his confession was sincere and that he has had a change of heart.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
IS CAPITALISM BECOMING UNETHICAL?
Many observers have been concerned that we in the US are losing our middle class, as the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. The December issue of the Atlantic magazine underscores a cause for this movement by chronicling the divorce of business from the common good of society. In the not so distant past, businesses made significant and responsible contributions to local causes. Author Freeland records how in the 50's and 60's business leaders were also leaders in the community because they felt a responsibility to their town or city. They went well beyond their 'bottom line'.
Yet, in this current climate of cuttroat competion, many CEO's aren't troubled ethically for treating their employees poorly by granting low wages with little or no health benefits.
Fortunately, a renewal movement is coming on the scene, sustainable capitalism, which has as its approach an inclusive social responsibility that benefits the broader society. The fact is that many companies who behave in this manner do experience greater profits in the long haul.
Author Chrystia Freeland uses a twist on St. Augustine in her conclusion: "Lord, make me good, but make my competitors and my investors good, too".
Many observers have been concerned that we in the US are losing our middle class, as the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. The December issue of the Atlantic magazine underscores a cause for this movement by chronicling the divorce of business from the common good of society. In the not so distant past, businesses made significant and responsible contributions to local causes. Author Freeland records how in the 50's and 60's business leaders were also leaders in the community because they felt a responsibility to their town or city. They went well beyond their 'bottom line'.
Yet, in this current climate of cuttroat competion, many CEO's aren't troubled ethically for treating their employees poorly by granting low wages with little or no health benefits.
Fortunately, a renewal movement is coming on the scene, sustainable capitalism, which has as its approach an inclusive social responsibility that benefits the broader society. The fact is that many companies who behave in this manner do experience greater profits in the long haul.
Author Chrystia Freeland uses a twist on St. Augustine in her conclusion: "Lord, make me good, but make my competitors and my investors good, too".
Thursday, January 2, 2014
A NEW YEARS QUESTION: ARE WE TREATING PERSONS JUSTLY OR UNJUSTLY?
It is great to give someone a compliment, yet is far better to add value to another's life. To live justly is to confer worth and value to a person's walk in this value-robbing world. To live unjustly is to take value from another and take it for ourselves. So how do we live in 2014 guided by a commitment to live justly toward others and add worth to them?
Think with me a moment about a few value-robbers:
Secondly, Jesus gives us the true definition of humility. In John 13 we recall His washing the disciples feet. which, of course, is an act of humility. But do we consider John's words immediately prior to this event?
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power and that He had come from God and was returning to God..." Then and only then did He begin to bend low and merge towel with feet. Humility toward others never means groveling in poverty of self esteem before others. On the contrary, we bend down in service to others from a position of strength and empowerment. 'foot washing' is a gift that can enhance others. It is a deed of genuine goodness that may cost us money and/or time. Perhaps it is mowing a lawn for a single mother or crippled senior. Maybe it is surprising a needy family with 3 weeks of groceries. These are idea starters for a life-style of feet washing. What we do will be in the spirit of the exalted and humbled Christ Jesus.
"And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6;8
Think with me a moment about a few value-robbers:
- To advertisers we are only customers
- In too many churches we are multiple dollar givers
- In too many marriages the wives or husbands are valued only as sex partners
Secondly, Jesus gives us the true definition of humility. In John 13 we recall His washing the disciples feet. which, of course, is an act of humility. But do we consider John's words immediately prior to this event?
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power and that He had come from God and was returning to God..." Then and only then did He begin to bend low and merge towel with feet. Humility toward others never means groveling in poverty of self esteem before others. On the contrary, we bend down in service to others from a position of strength and empowerment. 'foot washing' is a gift that can enhance others. It is a deed of genuine goodness that may cost us money and/or time. Perhaps it is mowing a lawn for a single mother or crippled senior. Maybe it is surprising a needy family with 3 weeks of groceries. These are idea starters for a life-style of feet washing. What we do will be in the spirit of the exalted and humbled Christ Jesus.
"And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6;8
Friday, October 4, 2013
ADULT FOOD FIGHT
When I was a kid in middle school, it wasn't uncommon for a food fight to break out on the outside lunch tables. Bread, apples, Twinkies, and other assorted items from lunch bags were used as weapons between the combatant students.
Now we have adults in our Nation's Legislative bodies battling with each other over/with food. Some Republicans are urging up to 40% cut in food stamp money. No doubt the cost has risen sharply. In 2001, $15 billion served 17 million people, now 47 million people get the stamps, costing 75 billion yearly.
Those supporting the drastic cuts argue that the program needs to return to the original eligibility limits and serve the "truly needy".
The fact is that by making heavy cuts, 3 million people would lose their benefits while nearly one million would see their food allotment reduced.
At least two facts need to be taken into account, food costs have have increased rapidly, and secondly, employment has taken a downward turn as jobs are being downsized resulting in lower wages for the family breadwinners.
The fight has turned bitter with comments from the Democratic side:"The Senate will never pass such hateful, punitive legislation." Thus spoke Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. Florida's Debbie Wasserman Schultz weighed in, "What they are saying is that in America its OK for people to go hungry." Even the White House commented saying that it would veto the bill, calling "food stamps one of the Nation's strongest defenses against hunger and poverty".
It is encouraging to note that 12 Republicans voted against cutting billions of dollars from the the food stamp program.
Having worked for a time with Food For The Hungry in Arizona, I am familiar with with the tragic causes and hopeful cures for hunger across our world. Yet I never thought we in the US would fight over the basic right to feed our people with our great supply of food.
The wealthy CEO of one of our largest companies spent $4.20 for food for one day for a week, seeking to identify with the amount each stamp holder gets. He could only buy high calorie, mega carb foods, having to bypass fruits and vegetables. No one is eating high with food stamps.
No one in this great land of abundance should go to bed hungry because some legislators cut funding for their families' food!
When I was a kid in middle school, it wasn't uncommon for a food fight to break out on the outside lunch tables. Bread, apples, Twinkies, and other assorted items from lunch bags were used as weapons between the combatant students.
Now we have adults in our Nation's Legislative bodies battling with each other over/with food. Some Republicans are urging up to 40% cut in food stamp money. No doubt the cost has risen sharply. In 2001, $15 billion served 17 million people, now 47 million people get the stamps, costing 75 billion yearly.
Those supporting the drastic cuts argue that the program needs to return to the original eligibility limits and serve the "truly needy".
The fact is that by making heavy cuts, 3 million people would lose their benefits while nearly one million would see their food allotment reduced.
At least two facts need to be taken into account, food costs have have increased rapidly, and secondly, employment has taken a downward turn as jobs are being downsized resulting in lower wages for the family breadwinners.
The fight has turned bitter with comments from the Democratic side:"The Senate will never pass such hateful, punitive legislation." Thus spoke Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. Florida's Debbie Wasserman Schultz weighed in, "What they are saying is that in America its OK for people to go hungry." Even the White House commented saying that it would veto the bill, calling "food stamps one of the Nation's strongest defenses against hunger and poverty".
It is encouraging to note that 12 Republicans voted against cutting billions of dollars from the the food stamp program.
Having worked for a time with Food For The Hungry in Arizona, I am familiar with with the tragic causes and hopeful cures for hunger across our world. Yet I never thought we in the US would fight over the basic right to feed our people with our great supply of food.
The wealthy CEO of one of our largest companies spent $4.20 for food for one day for a week, seeking to identify with the amount each stamp holder gets. He could only buy high calorie, mega carb foods, having to bypass fruits and vegetables. No one is eating high with food stamps.
No one in this great land of abundance should go to bed hungry because some legislators cut funding for their families' food!
Monday, July 15, 2013
George Zimmerman shot young black Travon Martin dead, Trevon is dead but George is set free. Is this America? Is this one nation, under God with liberty for all? Is this justice in America? Is this what our justice system has produced?
Why didn't George call the police if he thought he was in trouble? He had a car but Trevon was walking. Again, if he thought he was in trouble, why didn/t he get in and speed away? We can think of many alternatives instead of the use of deadly force.
What if the table was turned and Travon, a young black man, had the gun and shot George? We all know what would happen! Travon would be locked up immediately and would maybe see the light of freedom when he is 40 or 50 years of age.
Some people believe that we as a nation have come a long distance in achieving racial equality. This has been shown to be fiction!
When will we ever learn? When will racial justice begin in our land of the free and the home of the brave? When will young black men stop being murdered and killers set free?
Why didn't George call the police if he thought he was in trouble? He had a car but Trevon was walking. Again, if he thought he was in trouble, why didn/t he get in and speed away? We can think of many alternatives instead of the use of deadly force.
What if the table was turned and Travon, a young black man, had the gun and shot George? We all know what would happen! Travon would be locked up immediately and would maybe see the light of freedom when he is 40 or 50 years of age.
Some people believe that we as a nation have come a long distance in achieving racial equality. This has been shown to be fiction!
When will we ever learn? When will racial justice begin in our land of the free and the home of the brave? When will young black men stop being murdered and killers set free?
Friday, March 15, 2013
THE ETHICS OF EQUAL PAY
A Christian View of the Glass Ceiling
In a recent economics report, many nations were ranked according to their practice of giving equal pay for men and women. The US was ranked somewhere in the middle while South Korea placed last.
What is at stake here is the meaning of money as it applies to the worth and value we place on persons. What is implied about the worth of women who are paid less especially when doing the same or similar jobs as men? While we can make all manner of cultural or historical reasons/ excuses for the lower pay, the fact remains that money paid is a measure of worth.
Jesus and the Worth of Persons
Jesus lifted up a child onto His lap and said that this child is like the Kingdom of God. In that society, kids were dismissed as of little value. Jesus elevated the despised Samaritans by making a Samaritan the hero of the story of the Good Samaritan. He healed outcast lepers and went to dinner with hated tax collectors. Gospel writer Luke records the names of women followers and supporters of Jesus along with the activities of the men disciples. He saw worth when others could not or would not.
Paul and the Worth of Women
The book of Romans is considered by many as one of Paul's greatest theological writings, So it is significant that at the concluding chapter he hands out effusive thanks to several women who ministered with him. Chapter 16 opens with accolades to Deacon Phoebe "who has been a great help to me and should be received as one worthy of the saints." The next in line are Priscilla and Aquilla, a wife and husband team. Paul remarked that all the Gentile churches are grateful for the two. In verse 6, Mary is greeted; then in verse 7, the Apostle Junias is thanked for doing a great job. Many scholars have identified this person as a woman.
In verse 12, three women are thanked and in verse 13 Rufus' mother is extolled as mothering Paul, as well. He concludes by thanking by name four persons, two being women. Despite other quotes from Paul seeming to negate women, when it comes to ministry, he obviously sees their value and worth.
In conclusion, it should be clear that the Christian church needs to be the leader when it comes to equal pay for women. It is dishonoring to God when we have a lower scale of pay for women in the church or Christian organizations. It seems obvious that the Christian has more support for equal pay than the secular world does.
In a recent economics report, many nations were ranked according to their practice of giving equal pay for men and women. The US was ranked somewhere in the middle while South Korea placed last.
What is at stake here is the meaning of money as it applies to the worth and value we place on persons. What is implied about the worth of women who are paid less especially when doing the same or similar jobs as men? While we can make all manner of cultural or historical reasons/ excuses for the lower pay, the fact remains that money paid is a measure of worth.
Jesus and the Worth of Persons
Jesus lifted up a child onto His lap and said that this child is like the Kingdom of God. In that society, kids were dismissed as of little value. Jesus elevated the despised Samaritans by making a Samaritan the hero of the story of the Good Samaritan. He healed outcast lepers and went to dinner with hated tax collectors. Gospel writer Luke records the names of women followers and supporters of Jesus along with the activities of the men disciples. He saw worth when others could not or would not.
Paul and the Worth of Women
The book of Romans is considered by many as one of Paul's greatest theological writings, So it is significant that at the concluding chapter he hands out effusive thanks to several women who ministered with him. Chapter 16 opens with accolades to Deacon Phoebe "who has been a great help to me and should be received as one worthy of the saints." The next in line are Priscilla and Aquilla, a wife and husband team. Paul remarked that all the Gentile churches are grateful for the two. In verse 6, Mary is greeted; then in verse 7, the Apostle Junias is thanked for doing a great job. Many scholars have identified this person as a woman.
In verse 12, three women are thanked and in verse 13 Rufus' mother is extolled as mothering Paul, as well. He concludes by thanking by name four persons, two being women. Despite other quotes from Paul seeming to negate women, when it comes to ministry, he obviously sees their value and worth.
In conclusion, it should be clear that the Christian church needs to be the leader when it comes to equal pay for women. It is dishonoring to God when we have a lower scale of pay for women in the church or Christian organizations. It seems obvious that the Christian has more support for equal pay than the secular world does.
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