Open Water Ventures, LLC

Website Links

Description

Q3 2010 CHANGE I think we can all say with confidence that not that much has changed since our government shifted to a new party in 2008 and quite frankly I don't anticipate a great change when it likely shifts to the other political party in November of this year. The fundamental problem that seems to condemn us to the foibles of human nature is lack of accountability. People who we decry as causing many of our problems seem to continue to pop up like bad wars. But what if we were more simple in our approach? What if, for example, we voted for a candidate only upon the written assurance that they sign an affidavit affirming that they prepared their own federal income tax form and that they have enrolled their children in public schools? How complex would the federal tax code be if the officials that passed these many draconian tax laws were required to interpret them and pay taxes based on their understanding? Do you think the tax laws might change? If the children of our lawmakers attended public schools would the power of change shift from the 150 year old teacher's union to the student and their family? The result would be a windfall for small business, increased innovation and economic prosperity in this country. Anything that simplifies regulation and provides a well-trained work force can only benefit. Be simple and demanding of your representatives. INSPIRATION In times like these when life can be so difficult and the future so bleak it is good to deliberately seek out some good old fashion inspiration. One of the great sources of inspiration are people who have already done what we want to do, or walked a path that has meaning for us. I look at Stephen Jobs and see an individual that has accomplished a great deal in his life, but not without serious trials. I encourage you to read or listen to the commencement speech he made at Stanford University in 2006. I am including an excerpt that I think is particularly potent. "My third story is about death. When I was 17 I read a quote that went something like "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "no" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something. Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important thing I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life, because almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." Many people fall back on the excuse, "I would do that if I had as much money as Steve Jobs," but the real point is the money makes no difference. Many of the high profile people you hear and read about have been in bankruptcy before.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby