Controlling Conflicts - A Tough Proposition

When viewing the world and the problems that exist today, such as, the variety of conflicts that are creating turmoil, and the people who are suffering as a result of such conflicts, one must ask, "Why it is that conflicts are so pervasive?" The realization is that conflicts are pervasive for several reasons. First, they are a part of the internal culture of people and existing organizations. Next, individuals have created conflicts since the first day in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Third, conflicts have been with us since then, and from all likelihood, they are not going away anytime soon.

The problem with conflicts is when they are left unchecked. If left unchecked, this will allow conflicts to grow instead of being controlled and erased. When conflicts are managed in a positive manner, there is a possibility that they will lead to something productive, such as peace. This will require effective leadership to make sure that conflicts do not get out of hand and/or lead to greater conflicts. The reality of the situation is that some conflicts, when coupled with a variety of leadership styles are vital for the stimulation of our society. Without positive conflicts and effective leadership styles, some growth in our society would diminish in a negative way.

Another question one may ask is this "Is it possible to control conflicts before they start?" There is a possibility that one is able to control a certain amount of conflicts before they start; however, one must be diligent in this process. The process is similar to a car. If the proper oil change and maintenance checks are completed when prescribed, there is a possibility that the car will last a long time without any problems. This same principle can be applied to conflicts in the human domain. Keeping conflicts in check before they get out of hand is the best course of prevention.

However, when the maintenance or preventive actions are not possible, other methods must be utilized to control conflicts. The availability of resources must be considered and be available to keep conflicts from spreading. These should include: friends, money, psychologists, required treatment, mediators, medical team, negotiators, legal teams, and the like. Every available resource must be in place. This will help to make sure that conflicts do not get out of hand. Additionally, these resources should help to erase potential growth of any ensuing conflicts and to bring things back to normal.

The greatest part of a conflict is when it's over. As the saying goes, "After a storm there will be calm." The calm will allow progress to grow out of a conflict; therefore, when the conflict is over, it's time to turn a new page to achieve progress.

Obamacare: Healthcare and Its Bill

It has now been just over 6 months since Obama's Healthcare Bill, also known as "Obamacare", passed Congress. The first of these Healthcare Bill benefits have just started. And Obama is spending his time reminding us to be grateful for his ingenious leadership.

But, especially as a senior citizen, what exactly are we supposed to be grateful for? Even if you're not a senior citizen now, you will be one someday (God willing), so in other words, every one, from every stage and walk of life should be asking themselves, and their Government, this question

What he has been telling us about his Obamacare is this: insurance companies will not be allowed to compel yearly limits, lifetime restrictions on benefits, and all children will have the assurance of insurance (regardless of any pre-existing health conditions). And the President promises more of these good things in the future.

What is so odd about being grateful for these wonderful and good things, you ask? Nothing, absolutely nothing. But what is not a blessing, and the question our Leader refuses to answer is this: Who is going to be forced to pay for all these wonderful benefits? Even the extensive website that his administration has set up does not address who will bare the cost of this great bill. In fact, the wording lends more to the idea that no one will be responsible to pay, it will simply be "free".

One of the first things I remember hearing my father say is, "there's no such thing as a free lunch". You've heard that saying too. And it's still an accurate statement (and always will be), the money has to come from somewhere. And all this wonderful coverage The Healthcare Bill promises won't be cheap. While the individual beneficiary of Obamacare might not pay, someone, somewhere, sometime, will have to. And those persons, at that time, will pay dearly.

Our President has told us many times over that the rich and upper class should be shelling out more money, much more money, for their government than they already do. And in the case of Healthcare Reform, he says it's a great place for them to start. You know the people he's talking about - those who haven't been hit by the recession, those who have probably gained something from this economic hardship... the ones who had President Bush in their pockets.

According to a study done by Book and Capretts, that's not the correct answer. In actuality, those who will bare the brunt of the high cost of Healthcare Reform will be those with low-income, minorities; all the people who are currently struggling to pay their own medical bills will apparently, eventually, also be burdened with the bills for the rest of the country. And these are the people the President has promised the Healthcare Bill will help the most. Particularly since the current recession, those who are lower-income and elderly are struggling the most. The way to fix that isn't the Healthcare Bill.