The Politician's Confidant

When someone becomes a politician, they are exposed to people who want something from them. It could be a simple favor as using his clout to score a football ticket or using his clout to pass a piece of legislation.

How does the politician choose who will be his confidant? When he is surrounded by his bodyguards, drivers, etc., how does he know he can trust that person to not go to the press with the every day to day mundane details. After all, some news publications are always lurking for the next story.

Sometimes it may take the person, who travels in his inner circles, who has his own dirty little secrets to hide. That way, the politician can rest assured that if he has any dirty little secret, that person will keep them. In essence, a CONFIDANT is born...

Effective Governing vs. Vindictive Governing

When a politician leads with an iron hand, he loses support of the people. Sometimes the people are prevented from eliminating a noneffective politician until his terms runs out. As a result, the City suffers because of the vindictive politician's actions.

The people can later take control when they send a powerful message, to the vindictive politician, that they will never allow him to serve in any future political positions.

Power vs. Control

Sometimes power can be too much for some politicians. In their effort to exhibit their power, they often cross the line into control. When a politician tries to control those around him, the ones who feel that they are being control will resort to measures that try to show the controlling politician that they will not bow down to his demands.

A more effective politician knows that he can be more effective if he listens to the other parties point of views. Then and only then can a solution be worked out that benefits everyone.

The Damaging Effects Of Cronyism

When someone is in a powerful position and that person gives one of his cronies access to information, benefits, etc. it weakens the organization. This is especially true when that organization is city or state government and the crony who has gained access is not qualified to do so.

If a Mayor, of a large metropolitan city, allows cronies to oversee city contracts, it opens the doors to the possibility that that particular City will suffer. I know cronyism is not illegal, but what about the damage the cronie has caused. Shouldn't that elected official be somehow held responsible----if not criminally---what about civilly. Maybe the citizens of that particular city should bring a class action suit against the individual. It may have never been done before--but it could set a precedent and send a message to those who engage in cronyism and allow the city to suffer.

Underage Drinking

Several states have passed laws that punishes adults who allow underage drinking in their homes. Some states, however, find it permissible for adults to allow their own children to drink in their home. This has caused some adults to believe that they can provide alcohol to other people's children.

It is difficult, however, to prosecute these individuals. They are only brought under law enforcement's microscope when the underage drinker has caused some type of damage; whether to themselves or to some innocent bystander.

The Xbox 360 Is A Popular Commodity

The Xbox has become a popular item amongst the young as well as the old:

More than 17.7 million Xbox 360 consoles were sold worldwide by the end of 2007. In Canada, the Xbox 360 outsold both Sony's Playstation 3 and Nintendo's Wii in December, the first time the console has beaten both its rivals since September when the wildly popular game Halo 3 shattered records upon its release.

The Xbox has also been the target for thieves. The Christmas season is usually a time when law enforcement warn shoppers to be very careful, in the shopping malls, due to thieves trying to steal their purchases. Some people have also experience home burglaries during this time and they may have had their XBox stolen. There has been times when even older adults have broken into residences to steal the popular Xbox.

Older Man-Younger Woman

You have heard the stories about a lot of older men getting involved with younger women..example..a woman who is at least sixteen years his junior. If the woman is barely legal, her parents may try to intervene in the relationship.

But what does a parent do when their daughter is so hell bent on being with that older man? Well, sometimes parents have to sit back and allow their adult children to make their own mistakes. You can try to instill the proper values, but it is up to them to follow your lead.

Is It Their Fault?

Sometimes the accuse try to blame others for their actions. We usually view this as an excuse to get out of the dilemma they find themselves in. But what if the accuse is a young follower; by that I mean someone who may be mentally challenged and find themselves following the lead of someone they trust. Should they then be held responsible for their actions.?

Maybe the question should be; should they be held more responsible than the person who led them astray? This may be debatable but one should question the motives of the guilty party who may have gotten off lightly. Did they intentionally lead the mentally challenged astray?

Most People Love Dogs

Most people own dogs because they love animals. It is hard for me to imagine anyone mistreating an animal. But what if you are a drug addict? Then you are capable of doing just about anything. You may even stoop so low as trading that dog for drugs until you are able to repay your drug supplier his money.

That is abuse and that type of person is psychotic. I would have to say that the rest of the family members should keep that particular drug abuser from the family dog.

The Dangers of Psychopathy

When someone is a psychopath, there are no visible signs when you first meet one. Usually a person is taken in by a psychopath because they can be very charming. We all have heard about Scott Peterson; the psychopath who killed his wife Lacy.

Lacy had no idea of what she was getting into. That is the allure of the psychopath; you never know who he/she is until you become deeply involved.