Larry Summers, the president’s top financial adviser, apparently isn’t getting a lot of sleep.
For that or some other reason, as President Obama spoke to reporters inside the White House Thursday following a meeting with credit card company executives, Summers was photographed clearly asleep at the end of a table in the Roosevelt Room.
Here’s a link to a gallery that has some of these images.
This isn’t the first time this has happened. Summers reportedly fell asleep during an economic summit at the White House in February, but there were no cameras at that event.
This time there are pictures of Summers, hand in chin – and what’s worse – as the president is speaking.
In Part I, the conclusion was made that except for the fear of being caught, most kids would be willing to sacrifice someone else for their own gain. In Part II, it seemed readily apparent that they knew right from wrong; ethical from unethical.
The last question presented to the kids:
Is the fear of getting caught the only thing that keeps most people from doing unethical things?Do people behave ethically most of the time?
No it is not because people will still do the unethical stuff just so they can please themselves in the end.I don’t think that over 15% of people actually act ethically.
No, I think guilt is the biggest factor of keeping people from doing unethical things.Although the fact that the person could get caught is the first thing they think of I think personally I am more worried about how it will affect other people.
No, because the fear of getting caught is not keeping people from doing what they do because if they scared they wouldn’t be doing it.No people do not behave ethically because most people do not care what happens to them because most of those people do bad things have money and can get out of bad situations.
I believe that getting caught doesn’t really matter to anyone when there is a prize that they want.Not many people behave ethically all the time because almost everyone is selfish and cares for only themselves.
I would say it’s part of it the other part would be the fact that they have to live with themselves.People do not behave ethically most of the time which is a really bad thing.
The fear of getting caught is some of the reason, but the other part is basic human morals.
Yes because if somebody is doing something wrong then they are not going to care they just want what is best for them.Yes, for the most part people behave ethical most of the time.
I do believe that is a possibility of why most people do not take the risk of doing unethical things
I think that most people have a conscience and would feel guilty about what they do even if they think that they wouldn’t get caught.
Many students are becoming more and more ok with cheating so that would be a fact that would show otherwise.However, there are more small business and personal investments that would give people initiative to do the right thing, both legally and morally.
Yes, that keeps many people from doing unethical things.People try to come off as ethical around people but they definitely act more unethical.That’s only most people.Some people are really nice and ethical.
I think it has a small effect that people are afraid of getting caught.I think most of it is more of a conscience thing of doing unethical things.
So, to wrap it up, this class believes that most people are unethical, if they aren’t behaving unethically it’s out of the fear of getting caught, and given the chance, they would probably behave the same way. What a depressing commentary.
That being said, can you really blame them? We have public officials who are as corrupt as can be, we have a presidential cabinet which consists of a number of lawbreakers, and professional athletes who get away with any number of crimes, because they can. What the hell has gotten into this country? When did we cease being shocked by this behavior? When will we start making the punishment fit the crime?
I remember when I was young, the worst thing I could hear was “Wait till your father gets home.” These days, you can’t even discipline a child without fear of the law intervening. We’ve got kids whose parents believed in “reasoning” with a child. I’m sorry, you CANNOT reason with a five year old. That’s what parents are for – to make judgments for kids who lack the ability to make sound judgments themselves. We have parents who want to be “cool” and “friends” with their kids. Nope – I won’t go there. My sole job as a parent is to try to raise a child with morals, values and the ability to become a productive member of society. When parenting gets wussified, this is the result. Kids who don’t seem to give a crap.
I was profoundly saddened when I was reading these papers. I’m sad for those kids. I’m sad for us as a society. Unfortunately, I don’t see it getting any better in the near future.
Although this has made the rounds before, given what’s been going on, I think we need a little reminder…
“We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish somecommon sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.”
ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone — not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes .
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we’re just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don’t be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don’t be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won’t have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don’t care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly….)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country’s history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!
The Mr and I are going to Corinth, MS. I have to have a couple of tests done in the morning, and seriously…..can you imagine us getting up at 4 in the MORNING to make sure we get to the hospital by 6:30? Get real! Reality snap here!
Yep, I get the dubious pleasure of being poked and prodded before the chickens even wake up. Although, odds are, most of the day is going to be spent in waiting around. Why do they want a copy of my Living Will? Hmmm….
So, we’re going to head down, a whopping 45 minute drive, and do some tourist type stuff this afternoon, like wander around “historic downtown” Corinth. As many times we’ve gone down there, to pick up an item or two, we’ve never actually taken a gander at downtown. Might as well do it while we’ve got the time, and the inclination, right?
What the heck are LttC and Renal angiograms anyway?
Depending on how much of “all day” this takes, we might just stay another night down there.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stunned many listeners during an appearance on CNN when she asserted that illegal immigration is really not a crime.
In an interview with CNN’s John King last week, Napolitano discussed Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz., a strict enforcer of immigration laws who says he wants illegal aliens to be prosecuted and jailed.
King said: “A lot of Democrats in Congress want you to investigate him. They think he is over the line. He says he is just enforcing the law and the problem is the federal government.”
Napolitano responded: “Sheriff Joe … knows that there aren’t enough law enforcement officers, courtrooms or jail cells in the world to do what he is saying.
“What we have to do is target the real evil-doers in this business, the employers who consistently hire illegal labor, the human traffickers who are exploiting human misery.
“And yes, when we find illegal workers, yes, appropriate action, some of which is criminal, most of that is civil, because crossing the border is not a crime per se. It is civil. But anyway, going after those as well.”
The fact is, crossing the border without authorization is a crime. The statute reads: “Any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers . . . shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.” (Emphasis mine)
I ask again, what is it about ILLEGAL that people, our DHS chief, no less, do not understand? According to the statute, it IS a crime. Folks, this is getting downright scary. When the top dog at the Department of Homeland Security is not acknowledging that a crime is a crime, is it any wonder that we have the problems that we do with illegal immigration? I will say once again, I have absolutely no problem with immigration…LEGAL immigration. It’s all the people who come here illegally, commit crimes, take government handouts, and demand the same rights as a U.S. citizen that I have a problem with. And Napolitano just gave them the go-ahead to continue. Have mercy!
I would suggest Willie do what he said he was going to do last year, and step down as mayor of Memphis!
Now, on the other hand, IF ol’ Willie was able to beat Cohen in a primary, that would open the door for a REAL conservative to step in, and take over that Congressional seat. Hmmm…. Interesting idea.
22 April 2009, 10:41 am.
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Filed under Education, History.
I read a lot! And I do mean A LOT! Just ask the Mr how many books we’ve had coming in, and eventually, going out of our house. I don’t often recommend books on this site, but I’m going to do it now. If you have not read this book, get it, read it. Learn it! I don’t care which side of the political spectrum you are on, you NEED to read this book!
Principle 1- The only reliable basis for sound government and just human relations is Natural Law. Natural law is God’s law.
Principle 2- A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.
Principle 3- The most promising method of securing a virtuous people is to elect virtuous leaders.
Principle 4- Without religion the government of a free people cannot be maintained.
Principle 5- All things were created by God, therefore upon him all mankind are equally dependent, and to him they are equally responsible .
In all, there are 28 principles on which our nation was founded. As you read the book, you will learn we have moved so far from the foundations, as to aid in the destruction of our own country. This book should be required reading for every student, and especially, EVERY SINGLE ELECTED OFFICIAL!
It’s so expensive being green,
Having to pay for all the things big government needs,
When I think it could be nicer not being taxed,
for energy, or my car, or my home’s heating, things like that.
It’s so expensive being green,
It seems the taxes blend in with so many ordinary policies these days,
And people tend to pass them over, because they’re not standing out like flashy payroll taxes or spending that’s skyyy high.
But, green is the color of taxes,
and green can seem cool and friendly-like,
And green taxes will be big, like a mountain, or seem important like a river of debt,
or sacrifice jobs for a tree.
When green is all your allowed to be,
It can make you wonder why,
But why wonder, why wonder,
Your green, and business won’t do fine, but you better get used to it.
It’s who you have to be.
An aside: Ya know, I have no problem with folks going out and picking up trash on Earth Day. But where are they the rest of the year? I don’t throw garbage out my window, like I see so many do. We don’t toss our cigarette butts on the ground. We take our garbage to the dump, and separate what needs to be celebrated, although, down here, that’s not a lot. I combine trips to town, instead of running to the store for one or two items. I use gas that has NO ethanol because I get much better gas mileage.
I would suggest that those who are so busy blaming everyone else, take a good look in the mirror. I could say a few things about those same people who are so insistant on killing business, jobs, and destroying the economy: start looking at the BIG picture!
In Part I, we learned that when asked the question whether or not they would be willing to succeed at someone else’s expense, the majority of the kids in a high school class stated that they probably would not, only out of fear of being caught. Several said, in essence, hell yeah I would. And very few said they would not because it is just wrong.
The second question presented to the kids was:
How would you determine if an action is ethical? Is this the same thing as legal?
I what I do will negatively effect another person I would consider it unethical.
You can determine if something is unethical if you have to question yourself over and over again.If you keep thinking about bad things then it most likely is unethical.
I determine if an action is ethical by figuring out if it’s’ the right or wrong thing to do and how it affects a person’s or people’s lives all together. I wouldn’t say it is the same thing as legal or illegal because some things can be done that are unethical but legal and vice versa.
I would determine if my actions would be ethical by thinking on how many people it would make mad or if I could suffer consequences for doing it.
An action is ethical if it is honest and not cheating anyone or out of anything.Basically you can decide if the action is ethical by deciding if it is right or wrong, and how it affects people’s lives.
I can determine my actions are ethical by if it’s doing the right thing then its ethical but if I’m over thinking the situation and second guessing myself about the problem it’s probably wrong.
If I had a guilt feeling that something is unethical then I would report it no matter if it is unethical or not, just because I would want someone to be aware of what is going on.
I would determine whether something is ethical by first deciding if it was legal.After making that decision and nit was legal I would have to decide if it went along with my moral values.
I would put all the legal stuff in the ethical category.That’s pretty much it.
You can determine if something is ethical by the way that you and others feel it will affect them.
It is all based on what you think is right
Ethical is normally the moral decision or the right thing to do no matter legal or illegal.
If you have any doubt in your mind that the action you are doing is unethical it probably is.
You determine if an action is ethical by whether or not it hurts another person or does not feel right to you.
Determining if an action is ethical depends on your morals and is not the same as legal and illegal.
The way I determine if it is unethical is could I tell or show my parents what I’m doing or what is happening.Would I want them to know that this is happening.
Ethical is pretty much what is the right thing to do and it is something you think is wrong and right.
Wait a minute here!! While these are good answers (and thank you to the student who even mentioned his/her parents), aren’t these the very same kids who would either succeed at someone’s expense, or would not do it for the sole reason that there was a risk of getting caught? Of course, based on the previous answers, one wonders what crosses their minds when determining right from wrong.
The only conclusion I can draw based on these two sets of questions and answers is that these kids seem to know the difference between right and wrong but don’t give a happy crap. Very disconcerting to think that this is the generation that will be in charge in the not too distant future. But then again, not too different from what we have today. *sigh*
In this week’s podcast, the technological wizard opines about…well…technology! He gives his take on how technology has become a necessary fabric of our lives, yet can be unhealthy as well.
One thing that really hit home for me was becoming “unplugged”. As I’ve mentioned, I was on a retreat over the weekend, and I was more or less “forced” to be unplugged. I’ve got to tell you, it was NOT easy for the first night. It did get a little easier as time went on.
Until I found myself in that situation, I had no idea how much I rely on technology. It’s a habit. When I manage to have down time at home, my family can nearly always find me sitting in my den with my laptop open, my blackberry by my side and my IPod touch next to that. Oh yeah, that one piece of ancient technology is there as well…my land line phone. I knew the situation was bad when my husband had to make a date with me to watch a movie with him in the family room. And had to clarify…NO LAPTOP ALLOWED!!
So from now on, I’m going to try to take The Chad’s advice and limit my time online (note I say try!). Spend time with my family. I’ve made some very good friends in my online communities, but I can’t do that at the expense of those around me.
Who do these little animals think they are hurting? The dealership? No, they are not only hurting the employees of the company, they are causing major damage to their neighborhood. What is the point in destroying property? I’ve never been able to understand this kind of behavior, and I don’t want to.
