Monday, November 16, 2009

Hubris and Absurdity Abound

From My Perspective - - -

Most are knowledgeable of the phrase: “The Games People Play” as it references indifferent or irrational behavior. Some of this can be observed in the unfolding drama of human life as it is played out on TV programs, such as, the various Courts ranging from Judge Judy, to The People’s Court, and numerous others. The impractical choices made by people and their illogical reasons for doing so demonstrate all too graphically how Hubris and Absurdity Abound.

This can also be seen in Sporting events. A Headline in today’s Boston Globe states: “Belichick Gaffe Unrivaled” is based upon an Absurdity – “often known as – “Snatching Defeat Out Of The Jaws Of Victory”! The story states: “The Patriots lost to the undefeated Colts in unbelievable fashion last night. Leading, 31-14 in the fourth quarter, and 34-21 with 2:30 remaining, the Patriots took the choke and lost to their hated rivals, 35-34…And Coach Belichick gets the blame. Too smart for his own good this time. The sin of hubris. Here’s the situation: With the Patriots leading, 34-28, and 2:08 remaining, the Coach…elected to go for a first down rather than punt when he faced fourth and 2 from his 28-yard line…Tom Brady’s fourth-down pass…was complete but inches shy of the first down. So the Colts took over and went 29 yards in four easy plays, winning the game when Manning connected with…a laser-like 1-yard pass…Unfortunately for New England fans, Coach Belichick elected to play soft defense and Manning quickly had the Colts in the end zone. It was 34-28 with 2:23 left. Then came the tragic set of downs and Coach Belichick’s bold and crushing gamble…” Ah, Yes - “Defeat Snatched Out Of The Jaws of Victory!”

The News on most Cable Networks discussed President Obama bowing before The Emperor of Japan. The subtle Absurdity here is the portrayal by some Media of President Obama being “the messiah” for the nation and world seen bowing before “the emperor” which literally means “heavenly emperor” or a god for the people of Japan. The Emperor is the highest authority of the Shinto religion. This anomaly and compromise occurred during the Instruments (Documents) of Surrender for Japan that ended World War II. General Douglas MacArthur wanted a full democracy for Japan but allowed the retention of a figurehead Emperor for the defeated nation – the figurehead before whom the US President bowed.

Another Absurdity that will soon impact our nation appears in an Associated Press report yesterday: “As usual, the most dangerous parts of Obama-Care aren't receiving the scrutiny they deserve—and one of the least examined is a new commission to tell Congress how to control health spending. Democrats are quietly attempting to impose a global budget on Medicare, with radical implications for U.S. medicine. Like most of Europe, the various health bills stipulate that Congress will arbitrarily decide how much to spend on health care for seniors every year—and then invest an unelected board with extraordinary powers to dictate what is covered and how it will be paid for. White House budget director Peter Orszag calls this Medicare commission ‘critical to our fiscal future’ and ‘one of the most potent reforms.’ As envisioned by the Senate Finance Committee, the commission—all 15 members appointed by the President—would have to meet certain budget targets each year. Starting in 2015, Medicare could not grow more rapidly on a per capita basis than by a measure of inflation. After 2019, it could only grow at the same rate as GDP, plus one percentage point.” Regrettably, this Absurdity is headed toward becoming a Reality!

The Sport’s Absurdity mentions: “The Sin of Hubris (overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance).” The Wisdom Writer shares these truths with us: Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” In Proverbs 18:12 – “Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” Destruction and A Fall can and should be avoided – but – The Sin of Hubris will always allow for prideful error and Absurdity to Abound. One would think that “a word to the wise is sufficient” would have some impact in life – but – does it? You can be a life and voice that lives it and demonstrates it! Consider these things with me!

No comments: