What Is Political Conservatism Versus Political Liberalism?

Many people, as well as many political elected officials, often refer to themselves as either a liberal or a conservative. However, what does that really mean?

Objectively, one would generally think that a conservative was someone who believed in "smaller government," balanced budgets, and fewer social services, while a liberal might be perceived as someone who believed in more government involvement, more social programs, and larger spending. However, in the real world, the lines between conservative and liberal are quite often blurred.

Most people would have considered President Bill Clinton to be more liberal that President George Bush. However, when Clinton left office, there was a surplus budget, and the stock market was doing very well, and unemployment was rather low, while business profits were generally performing well. Eight years later, President George Bush left office with record federal deficits, a down stock market, a weakening economy and high unemployment figures. Government spending during the Bush administration grew at a far greater pace than during the Clinton years.

Much has been written and said about the Bush tax cuts, and while it certainly meant lower federal income taxes, it also undoubtedly brought in less federal revenue, thus exacerbating the deficit. In addition, these tax breaks on federal income tax often caused other municipalities to raise their taxes.

How many times have you heard a political candidate complaining about one type of taxes - - generally, real estate taxes? However, in a large number of cases, this reduced real estate tax ended up being more than offset by other taxes and fees that municipalities imposed.

When will the American public demand more from its elected officials? When will people stop reacting to rhetoric and terminology, and examine reality and action instead?

There are very few officials that are strictly conservative, or strictly liberal on every issue. People must understand that it is possible for someone to be liberal on social issues, while being conservative on economic issues, or vice versa. We tend to label our politicians, our politics, and our issues in too much of a black and white matter, while there is generally a lot of gray areas. We deserve better than our current system is delivering.

Elected Officials Come and Go, But The System Doesn't Improve

Every few years, clever and astute politicians "feel" the angst and disdain of the people. and campaign against what the incumbents have either done, or not achieved. We have all witnessed tax revolt parties, independent parties, and parties with "catchy" names like this year's "Tea Party." Unfortunately, in most cases, these negative anti-incumbent campaigns often bring up valid complaints and concerns, but have rarely developed workable solutions to "solve the problem."

Many of the candidates that are being opposed this year were originally elected, sometimes decades ago, as the anti-establishment candidate. Many candidates, especially in under-functioning economic times, or periods of high joblessness, and low consumer confidence, represent themselves as being the "outsider" that works for the people. If it were generally factual, that might be a factor, but in most cases in the past, it has been far more rhetoric and hype, than reality. I recently heard a radio advertisement for one of the "outsider candidates" that began with, "I'm like you. I'm a parent and face the same struggles as you." The truly funny thing was, at least in this case, that the incumbent opposed the status quo while in office, made himself very accessible to his constituency, and even had more children, and less money than the opposition candidate did.

Our political system appears to be broken in many ways. The system discourages openness, because if you don't have a record, your record can't be "nit-picked" over, nor distorted. It is always easier to complain, and many of those complaints are valid. However, voters must begin to demand that any candidate that criticizes explain, in detail, what his program, how it would work, what the possibility of it being enacted, etc.

Isn't it amazing how many voters complain about a particular issue, and blame someone running for an elected office that has little to nothing to do with that issue? It is even more unbelievable how many candidates campaign against an issue that is unrelated to the office they are running for.

Politicians love to "spin" the facts. They will tell you that they have lowered taxes, but what they often merely do, is transfer certain expenses to another authority, that then has to pay for it. The reason that "tax caps" have very rarely worked is that unless expenses are streamlined, there will then be insufficient revenues. Countless politicians have campaigned on lowering taxes, balancing the budget, reducing waste, and still maintaining all programs that people need. However, I still have trouble understanding their mathematics!

Maximize Your Seminar Attending Experience

People attend seminars and lectures for a variety of reasons. Some attend because it's mandatory, and others because they need continuing education credits. Some attend merely to be seen. However, if you attend, you might as well learn something. Invariably, after a seminar, one hears certain attendees raving about some aspects or the entire seminar, while others complain. Still others appear to have been bored. While certain seminars are uninspiring and/ or boring, one hears complaints or signs of boredom at otherwise well done and inspiring seminars. Since one is taking the time to attend the seminar, regardless of the reason, it only makes sense to get the most benefit from being there. Having attended hundreds of seminars, and conducted more than a thousand seminars, conferences and training programs in the last three decades (plus), I believe that if an attendee follow certain basic steps that the experience will be greatly enriched.

The following are steps that an seminar attendee can follow to enhance the benefit they derive from their attendance at a seminar:

(1) Turn off your cellphone. There are always breaks during a seminar, and you can check your messages during the break. People are used to getting cellphone messages (voice mail) because of gaps in service, so returning the call, rather than being interrupted, will permit you to listen more attentively.
(2) Turn off any type of Personal Data Assistant (PDA) such as a Blackberry, I-Phone, or any other data or e-mail device. There is no e-mail that cannot wait until the break, and these devices are irresistable if they are on (Why do you think many people refer to them as "Crack-berries.")
(3) Do not open or use your laptop or netbook. When one has either of these, the temptation to be distracted, and to begin to peruse e-mail, Facebook, etc., is, at best, an unneeded distraction.
(4) Do not be a back-sitter. Sit where you can easily hear, and see the speaker and whatever audio-visual that the speaker is using for the program.
(5) Have a small dedicated notebook with you. Listen and take notes. Jot down ideas. Jot down key phrases.
(6) Ask the speaker, before the program, if you may audio-record (tape) the seminar. If permitted, do so, so that you can re-listen, and perhaps hear something that you may have missed initially.
(7) Pay attention and listen attentively. Do not just sit near friends, and chat and tell jokes, etc. during the presentation.
(8) During any break, take advantage of that period by going up to the presenter, and asking for any clarification or question that you might have.
(9) During the Questions and Answers programs, be prepared. While you are listening, outline any area or areas that are in any way unclear to you, or for specific examples, that would benefit your learning. Ask meaningful questions, and pay attention while others ask theirs, as well.
(10) After the program, take the time to discuss the contents with other attendees. Ask others what they thought was most relevant or beneficial.

If you enjoy a presentation, you learn much more from it. If you approach a seminar from a positive point of view, looking forward to learning, there is a far greater likelihood that you will benefit from it.

If a seminar is particularly well presented, let the organizers know that you feel that way, and that you would hope that future seminars were as beneficial. If you think a particular presenter was really worthwhile, and that presenter does seminars on other topics, you might want to urge the organizers consider asking that individual back to do another seminar.

We all have been to excellent seminars, and ones that were not so inspiring. However, an attendee can make every experience as beneficial as possible by following the ten rules listed above.

Qualities Needed By A Convention Chairperson

One of the most difficult things for any conference or convention is to select the "right" person to chair the event. Most individuals either lack the experience, expertise, or skill set needed to do what should be done. The first challenge for organizers of a conference or convention is to even get someone who agrees to take the position. That is because most people realize that a convention/ conference chair's position is extremely stressful and often thankless. It is also far more time consuming than most people realize.

Since most organizers of conferences don't fully realize the intricacies involved in properly running a convention, it is very difficult for them to even know who they are looking for, nor what the required skills are. One of the major reasons that most conventions and conferences do not fulfill their potential is that the necessary planning, negotiations, and ability to "think on one's feet" is lacking. I would recommend that a potential chairperson read quality, professional articles on areas such as negotiations, organization, management, scheduling, etc., in order to get a clearer picture of the needed skills and characteristics.

Some of the needed skills for a chairperson is he is to do the best possible job include:
(1) Have an even disposition. A chair must be able to deal with a variety of different individuals with various skill levels, as well as substantially different personalities.
(2) A chair must have a "think outside the box" attitude. There are a variety of different ways that things can be done, and each will have different impacts.
(3) A chair must know how to prioritize. There are many nice ideas, but some are more important to the success of the conference.
(4) A chair must be able to say, "No." Invariable, many people will try to wield influence, and try to get the chair to do something "their way."
(5) A chair must be able to figure out alternative ways to get things done.
(6) A chair must have excellent negotiating skills.
(7) A chair must understand budgeting, and be able to work effectively within a budget.
(8) A chair must be able to anticipate various ramifications of action or inaction.
(9) A chair must understand the concept of "perceived value." "Perceived value" is the value an attendee gives to either getting an amenity or it lacking."
(10) A chair must properly spend on necessary items, while reducing waste, and attaining value.
(11) A chair must understand that overall value is only achieved by getting maximum value on each item, regardless of how small a savings. It is the sum of these small savings that maximizes value!
(12) A chair must be self- confident, while also being able to admit which areas he most needs help and assistance.
(13) A chair must have a positive "can do" attitude
(14) A chair must perform well under pressure
(15) A chair must be a welcoming- type individual.

The above list is simply the surface of what to look for when choosing a convention chairperson. Obviously, these are not skills possessed by "average" individuals. A good chairperson must be an exceptional individual, who strives for perfection, while maintaining his sense of pragmatism, adaptability and reality.

Conference Strategies In Trying Economies

Conference planning today requires a different approach than it did just a few years ago. The attendee's demographics, financial realities, competition, and alternative venues are all factors that directly impact conferences today. Another factor that has impacted conference planning is the priorities of the attendees. The widespread use of things such as Webinars, Web conferences, Skype, conference calls, expanded use of e-mail, texting, and social media have also had an impact.

Many organizations have gotten "nervous" planning their conferences because of the uncertainties in terms of predicting attendance and participation, fewer exhibitors, less sponsorship money available, etc. The cost/ benefit ratio, in some cases has become more skewed towards costs than benefits. These organizations have often delayed confirming arrangements, thus making the "lead time" before the conference shorter, which, of course, brings with it the ramification of making it more difficult to attract attendees.

Successful organizations have realized that for their conference to be successful that it must offer more "value" than its competitors. These organizations want to offer more to attendees while securing attractive venues, and they want to, and need to, get "more bang for the buck." A successful conference must today prepare and use creative, carefully constructed Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from the potential conference site, and must adequately address all potential issues and needs of the conference in this RFP. Some of the items that specific information and perhaps concessions might be needed include getting concessions in areas such as: room rate; internet access; parking fee waiver or reduction; complimentary meeting rooms; adjusted menus; attrition concessions; more complimentary items for conference such as complimentary rooms (perhaps 1 in 40 or better, which has become the norm), sponsored reception, etc.; major concessions regarding costs of Food and Beverage; etc.

While conference arrangers must realize that the best way to make arrangements for a conference is to get competitive bids (RFPs), hotels and/ or conference facilities need to also make a profit. A successful organizer will work with a facility to offer creative ways that the hotel, etc., can reduce its costs, while offering conference attendees a superb experience. Many costs associated with a conference are fixed, and thus, in general, the greater the attendance the lower the overall cost per attendee. Today's Facility Conference/ Convention managers must also realize that most organizations are working with lower budgets, and therefore both sides must readjust their mind sets, and work cooperatively to optimize the win-win aspect.

Creative and effective negotiation is possible with expert planning and attention to detail. The more that can be pre-negotiated the better, because those add-ons are often the "breaking point" in terms of financial feasibility for a conference. Although there is less money available, attendees expect as much or more than ever, and it is important to make cost reductions in areas that will not impact attendee expectations and experiences. Friendly, personal communication and warmth, and effective advance marketing maximize conference success.

Natural Alternatives For Stress Relief

For close to two decades, I was either in management, development, marketing or training of the use of natural health products as an alternative to conventional techniques. I have appeared on over 200 radio and television programs, and written a book published by Safe Goods Publishing in 1995, "Natural Alternatives To Stress Relief."

Stress is a natural occurrence in everyday life. More prescription drugs are sold in the United States for stress and depression- related problems than for anything else. However, there is another approach for handling everyday stress, that does not require drugs. One of the definitions of stress offered by Dictionary.com is "physical, mental or emotional strain or tension." There are quite a number of "natural" approaches to stress that have been proven to be quite effective is assisting with coping, especially in mild to moderate cases. Some of these include:

(1) Relaxation exercises - - these exercises help to clear "stressed minds," relax stressed muscles, calm one's breathing, and slow down racing heartbeats.
(2) Music therapy - - for many individuals, there is nothing as relaxing as listening to music. Music can be calming in a number of ways. Music can serve as a "temporary escape," and help one to refocus away from whatever is the cause of the stress.
(3) Rest - - sometimes all that's needed. Very often, when someone has not slept well or had enough sleep (whatever is enough for them), it stresses them.
(4) Breathing exercises - - there are a variety of exercises that have been proven to be quite relaxing.
(5) Self- talk - - using techniques such as Affirmation Lists, Positive Mental Attitude, and other self-talk techniques, can often be extremely relaxing and stress- reducing. I have previously published Associated Content articles on Affirmation Lists and Positive Mental Attitude.
(6) Natural remedies, including:
(a) Massage therapy- often reduces stress by reducing muscle tension, and slowing one down, thus relaxing them.
(b) Aromatherapy - many have found using this therapy to effectively reduce stress.
(c) Accupuncture/ accupressure - often removes negative "energies," or "chis," thus reducing aches, pain and anxiety.
(d) The Bach Flower Remedies - - I have extensively written about these in my book, Natural Alternatives for Stress Relief (published by Safe Goods in 1995, as well as in several published magazine articles. These remedies were discovered around 1930 by the British physician, Dr. Edward Bach, who found 38 wildflowers that, when made into essences, were extremely helpful in handling a variety of different emotional upsets. Dr. Bach also created a five- flower combination for stress relief that he called his Rescue Remedy. This five-flower combination is now manufactured under a variety of brand names. In my book, I go through a thorough discussion on the use of Dr. Bach's essences, as well as a variety of other natural stress relieving alternatives.

There is no one way to relieve stress. When the stress is acute enough, it is important to immediately contact a competent, trusted health professional. When stress is chronic, treatment should be dictated by degree of functionality or dysfunctionality. Each individual must determine for himself which approach is best for his situation. However, I feel it is important for people do realize that drugs are not always the only solution!

Essentials of Leadership Training

One of most organization's essential needs is an adequate and continuous leadership training program. Unfortunately, while some organizations create and administer one, many do not include the needed ingredients to properly or effectively train leaders. Leadership training is far more than simply discussing the philosophy of leadership, or some random ideas about governance, or merely providing manuals for new leaders. Effective leadership training is an ongoing exercise, and must include certain key topics, including:

(1) The Decision- Making Process: New and prospective leaders should be extensively trained in all the factors involved in arriving at a well thought-out decision. This training must demonstrate the dangers of making hasty decisions, as well as the dangers of being indecisive. It must include training in data analysis, human relations, understanding human nature, etc.
(2) Evaluation: This training must effectively train leaders in the process and implementation of evaluating situations, and develop an understanding of various ramifications.
(3) Communication Skills: Leaders must learn and understand that communicating requires far more than merely e-mailing. It requires using all communication areas including face-to-face, one-to-one, presentations/ speeches, telephone, texting, conference calls, Webinars, etc.
(4) Staff Relations: Leaders must be trained in how to effectively deal with and handle paid staff, and the fine line between being friendly and befriending staff members. Many "leaders" make the mistake of trying to be friends with paid staff, and this often ends up clouding judgment and reducing effectiveness.
(5) Negotiating Basics: Leaders do not need to be trained to be negotiators themselves, but must understand the basics, and obey the rules of what they should and should never do, so as not to weaken the organization's negotiating position.
(6) Organizational Orientation and Historical Perspective: Prospective leaders must fully understand the organization's mission, and must have a vision that relates to the mission. They must also understand something about the heritage, so that they can better inter-relate with membership.
(7) Emphasis on Membership: Leaders must understand their responsibility is to do what is always in the best interest of the organization and its members.
(8) Job Responsibilities, Commitments, and Expectations: Prospective leaders should never assume a position "blindly," but have a good understanding of the time and resource commitment, responsibilities and expectations of the position.
(9) Positive Mental Attitude: Leaders must approach their position in a positive nature and with a positive point-of-view. They must have a "can-do" rather than a "can't be done" philosophy. Must look at obstacles as challenges instead of problems.
(10) Understand the Essentials and Use of Parliamentary Procedure, and how to run an effective meeting
(11) Learn how To effectively give a speech. While a leader does not have to be a "great" speaker or orator, he must be able to effectively communicate at a minimum, and hopefully also motivate his audience.
(12) Understand the Concept of Sound-Bytes: Leaders must be able to easily, in thirty seconds or less, answer someone in a compelling way, when asked about their organization.
(13) Must Know the "5 Steps to Answering an Objection." If a leader cannot use objections to his advantage, he will never be an optimum leader, in terms of effectiveness.

Other areas that must be in a Leadership Training curriculum include: management necessities; the importance and need for effective follow-up; having the courage to do the right thing; having a vision and being able to effectively articulate it; motivating others; an efficient and effective work ethic; productivity; the basics of budgeting; financial realities; membership retention/ attraction; etc.

Organizations must not hesitate nor minimize how important effective leadership training is to the success, viability, productivity, and ability to evolve of their organization. In my three decades of consulting, I have witnessed many organizations with inadequate leadership training, and far fewer with a good training program. Invariably, organizations that do continuous and true leadership training are far more successful in achieving their missions and goals.