The criminal thrives in Society's leniency and the greedy thrive in Society's intemperance.

In a world where success is judged only by the accumulation of material wealth, anything goes as far as you have the chinks to show everyone you can. Questionable characters become heroes, entertainers become symbols and football players become millionaires in order that tycoons may be powerful.

Meanwhile, our forests become deserts, our seas become goo and the future of our offspring become darker and darker.

Never Lose Hope

In a world of "instant information", it is easy for us to dispair amid news of pain and suffering. The world is a vast place after all, and in it there are myriad problems, persecutions, greedynesses, wars and sufferings. The news media thrives in doomsday announcements and they would have us sunk into despair and hoplessness.

It is indeed sad that there is so much injustice, yet every period of human history has had overcome grave problems. Though we must address them, we must also never lose hope.

We must also be reminded that where there is injustice, there are also those who fight it and promote justice. Where there is suffering, there is also joy. Where there is evil, there is where good will overcome it. Every environmental problem is an opportunity for us to prove ourselves worthy of this goodly gift, the Earth.

The chief characteristic of every Christian is to respond to the challenges of the world with hopeful hearts and true faith. Act where you can, and trust in God to bestow you, and others like you, with the strength to do it.

Persistence

The body is broken, the mind is tired, but the spirit will endure and pull me through. Faced with obstacles, one does beyond his best. One must do what is necessary to the welfare of those he loves.

We do our part and trust in God to see us through.

Law and Conscience

Society and governments should construe according to the law, but the individual must construe according to his own conscience; for he is answerable before God not to Society or governments, but according to the virtue of being consistent with his conscience.

Ignorance is Bliss

It has been said: "Ignorance is bliss." Sometimes I do feel that learning about all the bad and evil in the world through the news media simply makes you feel powerless and does no good either to you or to those who suffer.

Life is indeed much, much more than floods, droughts, war and misery seen through the screen of a TV set. It has flavour and it has joy if you allow yourself to experience it.

Want to do something about the suffering of others? Good! Join the local peace corps or the Red Cross or be a volunteer in your local parish to help the homeless and the needy.

Be that as it may, never forget you have people who love you. Devote yourself to them every chance you get and allow life to fill your heart with joy.

What Have We Gained?

The XXI century sucks! I would trade all the technological wonders that we have achieved as a species for half the humanity we have sacrificed to do it.

Inverse Marketing?

The concept of a brand (mark) was invented in the Middle Ages to offer credibility to a product. It was an innovative proposition that grew inexorably in meaning and in diversity to the present day.

Yet, somewhere along the end of the 20th Century, Mkt. managers somehow forgot the very simple concept that started it all, which is to say they forgot that brands have to do with credibility and assurance of quality.

For example: if your Nike sneakers are made in the same crappy Chinese factory as their pirated copy and Hewlett Packard doesn't really make their own computers anymore, they should at least ensure their customers that they'll get what they pay for.

The same is true for companies like Microsoft and the many first line Banks the world over. They are supposed to offer support to the products and services they offer to the general populace.

Instead, it is easier obtain post-sales support from the cutthroat sellers of counterfeit products and loan-sharks then it is to deal with the "big brands". Where's the credibility in that?

When the big brands forgo their commitment with their customers, it is time to question the doctrines of brand managers.