Public Policy

I was in Phoenix for SCOA’s annual Credit Manager’s meeting. Beyond presenting my take on the U.S. economic and political outlooks, the trip offered me the chance to visit Sunstate Equipment, North America’s sixth largest construction equipment rental company, and touch base with many of SCOA’s other subsidiaries.

I try to watch Jeopardy every chance I get. My strengths are typically categories like Sports, U.S. Politics, and American History; my weaknesses are definitely The Bible, Opera, and trick categories like Before and After (I’d never be able to buzz in quick enough). So, here’s an answer: A winning Mega Millions lottery ticket, a hole-in-one on the car hole at a charity golf tournament, a clean bill of health after a dentist appointment, absolute candor from a Washington politician. And the question: What are things I hope for, maybe even pray for, but are most unlikely to receive?

As part of my volunteer work, I recently attended a golf event to benefit a charity organization for American servicemen and women. The charity pairs wounded American veterans with country music singer/songwriters, and the two work together to write and record a song about the veteran’s personal experience with war.

The Big Year is an American comedy starring Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin. The film is based loosely on the real-world experiences of three birdwatchers, with the basic plot revolving around two bird enthusiasts (Black and Martin) trying to defeat the reigning world record holder (Wilson) in a year-long bird-spotting competition.

We all live in a bubble of our own making. We surround ourselves with those who think like us, have similar backgrounds and family structures, and have achieved equivalent socio-economic status. Outside of family and the office, we spend the most time with those who belong to the same clubs, associations, and religious groups as we choose to do. We read, watch, and listen to the news outlets that confirm our own solidly held beliefs. And it’s the very rare occasion when someone or something pops this metaphorical bubble.

Before becoming a university professor and management consultant, my father was a small college basketball coach. He brought that experience to coaching both my and my sister’s youth teams.