Latent Entrepreneur Personality Type (LEPT)

By: Sprig Allan

In a normal day to day conversation, the terms ADHD and entrepreneurship are completely unrelated.  For Deb Gilbertson, former corporate Marketing and Innovation Manager at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, ADHD can be redefined as Latent Entrepreneur

Personality Type (LEPT). Gilbertson explores the concept that ADHD developed on an evolutionary standpoint to give hunters a mental advantage over their prey. LEPT allowed for the hunters to “see everything,” constantly on the look out for the next meal or threat.  This capacity to observe all, served them well in the hunt, but in the classroom it looks like inattention and distraction.

These rapid sifts in focus and high energy may hinder a person with LEPT in the classroom but in terms of entrepreneurship, this person is well equipped to deal with the challenges facing an entrepreneur. In ADHD people and young children, the frontal lobes are immature or sluggish, so they appear to act without thinking.  In adults it is characterized by restless energy, rapid onset of boredom and deficient short -term memory. It is also characterized by passion, utter commitment to areas if interest, creativity, resilience to setbacks, willingness to engage in moderate risk taking, slightly maverick behavior, eclectic experiences and high energy.

These qualities of being creative, insightful, breaking rules, making rules, reframing issues, and gaining meaning are characteristic of entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and creative people. They are also a signature of ADHD.  Considering the fact that people with ADHD are four times more likely to be an entrepreneur than an average person, there is an obligation to notice the positive characteristics that LEPT individuals have and to encourage them to try entrepreneurship.

A quick comparison between the bootstrapping and deep pocket — fast burn strategies on how to start a business

By: Sprigley Allan, SDSU ‘11
Every year, over eight million entrepreneurs start businesses in the United States alone. Each one of these businesses needs an energetic entrepreneur, a strong work ethic, and a great idea but what they may not need is money. In the world of entrepreneurship, there are two potential approaches on the best way to finance a start—up. These are the bootstrap and the deep pocket — fast burn strategies.

Bootstrapping is for the entrepreneur that wants to spend as little money as possible to launch his/her venture quickly to see if the market exists for their product. This is a direct opposite of the deep pocket — fast burn strategy. This strategy is essential for companies that require large sums of money to be initially invested product marketing, advertising and product research and development before the product even reaches the market.

In today’s economic environment, it is becoming more difficult and time consuming to find large amounts of capital for new entrepreneurs and unproven products or services. However, this is no reason not to start your company now. With major companies maintaining a low profile to survive the current “storm” and additional talent now available, the time is perfect for new and adaptable companies to step in and thrive.

Bootstrapping allows for an entrepreneur to start a business without having to put themselves in a tremendous amount of debt and keeps them from giving up too much equity. Along with bootstrapping their business, the best thing a new entrepreneur can do is to make use of all the resources available.

Among the most powerful tools available on the internet are:

• United States Small Business Administration
  This government funded and government run program can assist in all stages of starting a small business. Some of the 100’s of tools that their website provides are tools for writing a business plan, finding funding both in grants and connecting companies with investors both on a local and national scale.
• Weebly
  This is a FREE, easy way to start marketing your product on the internet and generating some interest.
• PayPal
  PayPal was itself started in 1998 by an entrepreneur in the attempt to provide a quick, inexpensive and user friendly mechanism for e-commerce.It is still one of the easiest ways to accept credit card payments securely online.
• The Best Things in Life Are Free
  A comprehensive list of FREE online business resources that come in handy whether you are a bootstrapped company low on funds or simply a cost conscious CEO looking for affordable alternatives to brand named products.

This strategy is essential for companies that require large sums of money to be initially invested in marketing, advertising and product research and development before the product even reaches the market.

Maintaining ethics, morals and integrity in the modern business world

By: Sprigley Allan

Morality and ethics in business can be an interesting discussion.  You should not overlook the clear connections between entrepreneurial character traits and their related moral virtues.  A student interested in entrepreneurship is taught both, the practical traits of business success as well as the ethics and moral virtues they should stand for.  Although most conventional wisdom  suggests teaching these two topics as separate ideas, not all agree.  According to The Journal of Private Enterprise these topics should not only be taught together but that they are mutually supporting.

The following table itemizes both the necessary traits of a successful entrepreneur and the corresponding moral virtues.

Together the left and right side of the above chart constitutes an entrepreneurial code for business ethics.  According to The Journal of Private Enterprise, the list of virtues listed above is both very Aristotelian (Aristotle, 1984; see Aristotle’s discussions of courage in Book III, pride as the “crown” of the virtues, truthfulness, and liberality with respect to money in Book IV, justice in Book V, and phronesis or practical wisdom in Book VI of Nicomachean Ethics) and very Objectivist (Rand, 1964).

This conjunction of entrepreneurial traits and moral virtues shows the fallacy in believing that success according to business criteria and success according to ethical criteria can not be one in the same.  Whether entrepreneurs are developing their business plans, dealing with investors, employees, competitors or customers it is imperative that they have a strong foundation in ethical business practices.

Ethics are a classic example of something that rests on a slippery slope.  When an aspiring entrepreneur breaks any of these moral virtues or is deceitful in their business practice, the bottom line of their business ultimately reflects this.  To assure the respect of their employees, investors and customers an entrepreneur must follow an entrepreneurial code for business ethics.  What will you create?

Original copy at www.sdsu.edu/emc

Talking with my girl friend on the phone yesterday we begandisccusing the morality of lying.  In her and the church’s opinion lying is never an option.  If it is a mis-truth than it should never be uttered as the truth is always better.

However the argument I bring to bear is this;

Is it better to tell the truth when it causes un-neccesary pain to both the person telling it and the person hearing it, or to be descretionary on the amount of information given and the method of delivery, to some this is lying.

The Best- The Joker (ESFP)

ESFPs are friendly, outgoing, fun loving and naturally drawn to people. They are quite enthusiastic and exuberant, and are usually well liked by others. They are good at meeting people and helping them enjoy themselves. They are sympathetic toward people and generous with their time and money. At their best, they are able to realistically meet human and situational needs in a fun and lively way.

Living

ESFP children are friendly, warm, active, and enthusiastic. They are very giving and concerned about others. They like to make others happy, believing that “it is better to give than to receive.” Being on the receiving end may make them feel self-conscious. They tend to be good at comforting others, regardless of whether others are in need. ESFPs are aware of what is happening around them and notice much that escapes the eyes of others. They are tied into the present, particularly with people, they may sense what is happening with others before others know it. They may also noticewhat is going on in their environment and take delight in a spring flower, a bird’s song, or a bright fabric, pointing these out in their enthusiastic way for others to enjoy. They are popular and gregarious, and are often busy in social activities with others. As teenagers, they are likely to be instigators of activities with their friends. It is difficult to catch them sitting still. They tend to be bright and sunny in disposition and enjoy laughing at themselves and others. It is hard for them to be “down,” mainly because of the excitement of each upcoming event.

As adults, ESFPs lead what might look like “a charmed existence,’ even when things are not going well for them. They live with the idea that “the glass is half full” and seem to land on their feet, even when they are not sure how. They usually find a niche for themselves in any situation because of their spontaneity and flexibility. Their social skills may attract the eye of a boss. For ESFPs bring a liveliness to a groups to which they belong. Life is meant to be enjoyed and is not taken too seriously.

ESFPs often are able to interact with all ages, backgrounds, and types of people. Most individuals who connect with ESFPs feel that they are treated as equals by them, regardless of age or convention. They enjoy sharing their love of life with others, not just their mates and children. People around them benefit from this.

In retirement, ESFPs continue their fun-filled, people-focused, actively-oriented life. They keep close friendships and continue to provide amusement to those who have been important to them in the past.

Learning

ESFPs prefer learning through participating in groups where they can interact with others and do things, not just observe or listen about things. They want to get to know their teachers well. It is not that the teachers have to be nice, but they do need to care. ESFPs dislike and are upset by intellectual arguments and conflict. They need to experience the concept first before discussing it or receiving a didactically presented theory. Directions must be very concrete, simple and accurate. They are also plugged into the environment. Atmosphere, attitudes, physical setting — all make a difference. If the encouragement they receive for their social life is more than the encouragement they receive for their academic life, they may err on the side of being too social. Most ESFPs learn actively and do not function as well when they must read quietly by themselves about matters that are theoretical. They find themselves easily drifting off while studying, and they are ultimately diverted by things more real to them.

Working

ESFP like action and excitement, and are able to link together people and resources. Because they accept and deal with people as they are, they are able to understand what is necessary in order to motivate them to get jobs done. They prefer a work setting that is lively, action oriented, and harmonious. The atmosphere and overall attitude of the work setting means a great deal to them. They like adaptable people who are energetic, easygoing, and focused on the present realities. If something is not immediately useful or of intrinsic value, it may be quickly reflected by ESFPs. They notice what is going on with people and focus on these happenings intently. ESFPs are likely to adapt as the situation requires. ESFPs like occupations that allow them to be with people. They want to be direct and practical service to others and seek work that is self-fulfilling and rewarding. Being a resource to others is an important part of their work. Some occupations seem to be more attractive to ESFPs: childcare worker, clerical supervisor, coach, designer, factory supervisor, food service worker, receptionist, recreation worker, religious educator, respiratory therapist, and other occupations that allow them to be responsive to others.

Leading

The ESFP leadership style is one that promotes good will and team work. ESFPs are quickly adaptable and thus able to guide others in crisis situations, unless that crisis is one of disharmony among people. They are able to focus on immediate problems and using their ability to work with people. They are more relationship oriented but will work hard on the task part when the people part is going well.

Leisure

ESFPs are quick to take leisure, give it a new twist, and create new enjoyment. They love being active, whether in craft projects, exercise classes, sporting events, or going out to dinners, parties, or movies with friends. ESFP reading tastes run toward what is useful or historical accounts about what happened, which they can use to make predictions for the future. They are more likely to read short things, such as newspaper and magazine articles, than long books. Whatever the case, they like to discuss their readings with others. ESFPs are fun to be with; they find enjoyment in most situations. Being out and about is more comfortable to them than sitting still with long periods of quiet. Their friends are very important to them, and they are likely to let them know how much they care through small mementos, special poems, or cards. They regularly reach out and touch someone.

Loving

Love means enjoyment of one another. ESFPs want to share values with the loved one. They way people are treated is usually one value they care about. They may move in and out of relationships quickly when the situation feels uncomfortable. They are not likely to take man interpersonal risks since they fear rejection themselves. They are warm and become more generous and outgoing in the face of approval. They can become quite hampered by disapproval.

Even when a relationship ends, ESFPs tend to be very respectful of the former partner. They do not want to call undue attention to the breakup and thus move on rather quickly, surrounding themselves with their valued friends.

Profile by David Keirsey

ESFPs radiate attractive warmth and optimism. Smooth, witty, charming, clever, voluble, and open to the environment-this describes ESFPs who, like ESTPs, represent about 13 percent of the population. They are great fun to be with and are the most generous of all the types. Performer would be the word which best describes an ESFP.

ESFPs will avoid being alone and seek the company of others whenever possible. ESFPs easily find company, for others are usually highly entertained by the presence of an ESFP. ESFPs love excitement and create it wherever they are. Their joy of living is contagious and generally they wear happy faces. Often outstanding conversationalists, their flowing banter is amusing in its wit. ESFPs have an air of sophistication and are likely to be dressed in the latest fashion, displaying an enjoyment of all good things of life: dress, food, physical comfort, and happy times. ESFPs create a mood of “eat, drink, and be marry” wherever they go, and around them life can have a continual party-like atmosphere of gaiety.

Career

ESFPs prefer active jobs and should not be given lonely, solitary assignments. Outstanding in public relations, they love working with people. Decisions are made with personal warmth, based on personal reference or reference to significant others. This type relies heavily on their personal experiences and generally show good common sense.

The gregarious sociability and adaptability of ESFPs make them a source of warmth to others. They do not mind telephone or personal interruptions and are verbally facile in both situations. They can be counted on to have accurate data about the people around them, gaining these data through effortless and continuous observations.

ESFPs are not deeply interested in scholastic pursuits, wanting knowledge only for immediate utility. They avoid science and engineering, gravitate toward business, and are adept at selling, particularly selling tangibles. They can be effective in education, especially elementary school teaching, and can enjoy nursing for its drama. They are good at working with people in crisis, a facility which often leads ESFPs into social work. They also enjoy entertaining people and are thus drawn to the performing arts, thriving on the excitement of being in the limelight.

Home

ESFPs make exciting, if somewhat unpredictable mates, which may give quieter type mates some anxiety and tension from living on the edge of adventure. The home of an ESFP is likely to be filled with people all having a good time. Problems will not be allowed to make their appearance. The ESFP accomplishes this by taking an attitude of “walking by the graveyard whistling,” refusing to recognize doom and gloom.

ESFPs can be generous to a fault. What is theirs is yours, and what is yours is yours still. They give assistance to one and all without expectation of a return, just as they love freely without expecting something in return. ESFPs seem to view life as an eternal cornucopia from which flows an endless supply of pleasures that require no effort on their part to insure.

ESFPs’ talent for enjoying life can make them more subject to temptations than are other types. They are inclined to be impulsive, and thus both male and female ESFPs are vulnerable to psychological seduction, if not physical seduction, with an ESFP giving in easily and agreeably to the demands of others. As a parent, the ESFP will be entertaining, a friend, and a source of fun and excitement. When there is sickness, or trouble, however, ESFPs may become impatient and may want to absent themselves.

ESFPs’ tolerance for anxiety is the lowest of all the types. Anxiety is avoided by ignoring the dark side of a situation as long as possible. They are inclined to be somewhat self-indulgent, but, rather than make an outward show of resistance or make waves, ESFPs will give apparent compliance-and then go their own way to what they enjoy.

Midlife

At midlife ESFPs might want to look to building deeper commitments to fewer people and begin setting stable, long-term goals. ESFPs may, by midlife, begin to feel that they are used as a source of fun to others, but are not cared for themselves. This can build resentments. They may want to work at building one or two deep relationships where they are able to show their fears, their sadness, and their anxieties about the future-and still find that they are accepted and loved. They may want to increase their enjoyment of solitude and their repertoire of solitary activities. Extending their reading in “serious” literature or technical works might be one way of doing this.

Mates

There is an affinity of the INTJ “scientist” for the ESFP exciting entertainer. This type of mating, however, is so infrequent as to be a mere academic interest (the INTJ is a mere 1 percent of the population and, furthermore, rarely comes in contact with ESFP). More frequently the ESFP is drawn to the ISTJ “trustor.” Here is the entertaining ESFP, bursting with energy and hankering to put on a show of some kind. More than others the ESFP yearns for the bright lights, the party, the excitement of gatherings. In a sense, the ESFP is the life of the party. How many times have novelist and screenwriter told the story of “the showgirl and the banker” or “the playboy and the owner”? The ESFP wants to liven up this Rock of Gibraltar at the same time he or she wants to be settled down by this very stable and responsible person.

The Performer (ESFP)

As an ESFP, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is internal, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

ESFPs live in the world of people possibilties. They love people and new experiences. They are lively and fun, and enjoy being the center of attention. They live in the here-and-now, and relish excitement and drama in their lives.

ESFPs have very strong inter-personal skills, and may find themselves in the role of the peacemaker frequently. Since they make decisions by using their personal values, they are usually very sympathetic and concerned for other people’s well-being. They’re usually quite generous and warm. They are very observant about other people, and seem to sense what is wrong with someone before others might, responding warmly with a solution to a practical need. They might not be the best advice-givers in the world, because they dislike theory and future-planning, but they are great for giving practical care.

ESFP is definitely a spontaneous, optimistic individual. They love to have fun. If the ESFP has not developed their Thinking side by giving consideration to rational thought processing, they tend to become over-indulgent, and place more importance on immediate sensation and gratification than on their duties and obligations. They may also avoid looking at long-term consequences of their actions.

For the ESFP, the entire world is a stage. They love to be the center of attention and perform for people. They’re constantly putting on a show for others to entertain them and make them happy. They enjoy stimulating other people’s senses, and are extremely good at it. They would love nothing more than for life to be a continual party, in which they play the role of the fun-loving host.

ESFPs love people, and everybody loves an ESFP. One of their greatest gifts is their general acceptance of everyone. They are upbeat and enthusiastic, and genuinely like almost everybody. An ESFP is unfailingly warm and generous with their friends, and they generally treat everyone as a friend. However, once crosesed, an ESFP is likely to make a very strong and stubborn judgment against the person who crossed them. They are capable of deep dislike in such a situation.

The ESFP under a great deal of stress gets overwhelmed with negatives thoughts and possibilities. As an optimistic individual who lives in the world of possibilities, negative possibilities do not sit well with them. In an effort to combat these thoughts, they’re likely to come up with simple, global statements to explain away the problem. These simplistic explanations may or may not truly get to the nature of the issue, but they serve the ESFP well by allowing them to get over it.

ESFPs are likely to be very practical, although they hate structure and routine. They like to “go with the flow”, trusting in their ability to improvise in any situation presented to them. They learn best with “hands-on” experience, rather than by studying a book. They’re uncomfortable with theory. If an ESFP hasn’t developed their intuitive side, they may tend to avoid situations which involve a lot of theoretical thinking, or which are complex and ambiguous. For this reason, an ESFP may have difficulty in school. On the other hand, the ESFP does extremely well in situations where they’re allowed to learn by interacting with others, or in which they “learn by doing”.

ESFPs have a very well-developed appreciation for aesthetic beauty, and an excellent sense of space and function. If they have the means, they’re likely to have to have many beautiful possessions, and an artfully furnished home. In general, they take great pleasure in objects of aesthetic beauty. They’re likely to have a strong appreciation for the finer things in life, such as good food and good wine.

The ESFP is a great team player. He or she is not likely to create any problems or fuss, and is likely to create the most fun environment possible for getting the task done. ESFPs will do best in careers in which they are able to use their excellent people skills, along with their abilities to meld ideas into structured formats. Since they are fast-paced individuals who like new experiences, they should choose careers which offer or require a lot of diversity, as well as people skills.

ESFPs usually like to feel strongly bonded with other people, and have a connection with animals and small children that is not found in most other types. They’re likely to have a strong appreciation for the beauties of nature as well.

The ESFP has a tremendous love for life, and knows how to have fun. They like to bring others along on their fun-rides, and are typically a lot of fun to be with. They’re flexible, adaptable, genuinely interested in people, and usually kind-hearted. They have a special ability to get a lot of fun out of life, but they need to watch out for the pitfalls associated with living entirely in the moment.

Entertainer (ESTJ)

“Where’s the party?” ESFPs love people, excitement, telling stories and having fun. The spontaneous, impulsive nature of this type is almost always entertaining. And ESFPs love to entertain — on stage, at work, and/or at home. Social gatherings are an energy boost to these “people” people.

SPs sometimes think and talk in more of a spider-web approach. Several of my ESFP friends jump from thought to thought in mid-sentence, touching here or there in a manner that’s almost incoherent to the listener, but will eventually cover the waterfront by skipping on impulse from one piece of information to another. It’s really quite fascinating.

New! ESFPs are attracted to new ideas, new fashions, new gadgets, new ______. Perhaps it’s the newness of life that attracts ESFPs to elementary education, especially to preschool and kindergarten.

ESFPs love to talk to people about people. Some of the most colorful storytellers are ESFPs. Their down-to-earth, often homespun wit reflects a mischievous benevolence.

Almost every ESFP loves to talk. Some can be identified by the twenty minute conversation required to ask or answer a simple factual question.

Judging (ESTJ)

ESTJs thrive on order and continuity. Being extraverted, their focus involves organization of people, which translates into supervision. While ENTJs enjoy organizing and mobilizing people according to their own theories and tactically based agendas, ESTJs are content to enforce “the rules,” often dictated by tradition or handed down from a higher authority.

ESTJs are joiners. They seek out like-minded companions in clubs, civic groups, churches and other service organizations. The need for belonging is woven into the fiber of SJs. The family likewise is a central focus for ESTJs, and attendance at such events as weddings, funerals and family reunions is obligatory.

Tradition is important to the ESTJ. Holidays, birthdays and other annual celebrations are remembered and observed often religiously by this type. The ESTJ is inclined to seek out his roots, to trace the family heritage back to honored ancestors both for a sense of family respectability and for a sense of security and belonging.

Service, the tangible expression of responsibility, is another key focus for ESTJs. They love to provide and to receive good service. The ESTJ merchant who provides dependable service has done much to enhance her self image.

ESTJs have an acute sense for orthodoxy. Much of their evaluation of persons and activities reflects their strong sense of what is “normal” and what isn’t. ESTJ humor is frequently centered around something or someone being off center or behaving abnormally.

ESTJs promote the work ethic. Power, position and prestige should be worked for and earned. Laziness is rarely viewed with ambivalence nor benevolence by this type.

Some men can make decisions and some cannot. Some men fret and delay under criticism. I used to have a saying¹ that applies here, and I note that some people have picked it up.
–Harry S. Truman, Mr. Citizen
¹“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

The ESTJ is outspoken, a person of principles, which are readily expressed. The ESTJ is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right even in the face of overwhelming odds. ESTJs are able to make the tough calls.

Occupations attracting ESTJs include teaching, coaching, banking, political office, and management at all levels.

Functional Analysis:

Extraverted Thinking

ESTJs are very good at making impersonal decisions quickly, and standing by those decisions. They live in their Extraverted Thinking functioning, thus, their prime directive is in discovering that which is true and logical in the events of the real world. Circumstances calling for product invite the ESTJ to supervise or direct other individuals toward production and productivity. Extraverts are attracted to the “object,” the external things and people in observable reality. This bent translates into a natural interest in goods and material objects.

Introverted Sensing

The secondary Introverted Sensing is like that of the ISTJ, but not as strong. Si provides practical form and concept data to the Te head, however, form is not the overriding principle, especially if Thinking has already decided. In times of need, ESTJs are tempted to overlook even necessary information if its absence impedes closure. Secondary sensing sometimes translates into interest in sports. The persistence of primary Thinking gives many ESTJs a desire for discipline and regimen which can be beneficial in skills development in the arena.

Extraverted iNtuition

As the ESTJ matures, and as situations arise which call for suspension of criticism, Extraverted iNtuition is allowed to play. Under the leadership of the Te function, iNtuition gravitates toward the discovery of broad categories which at worst amount to stereotypes. Those ESTJs who hone their Ne abilities may find success in academia. (I’ve encountered ESTJs whose Ne overshadows the auxiliary Si function–for whatever reason–to the extent that there is an appearance of NT radical geekism.)

Introverted Feeling

This function may rarely be expressed. ESTJs who have cultivated, or have been blessed with, a “natural indirect expression of good will by inference,” have great prospects of developing genuine friendships (as opposed to ESTJs who merely act out the behavior of Extraverted Feeling). Such a weak, introverted function is best observed in facial expression, eye contact, body language, and verbally only by implication.

Time for Change!

“True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.”
-Marquis de Lafayette

My name is Sprigley Keys Allan and I am a born and bred patriot who believed himself to be a staunch republican until the last couple of years.  I have been convinced by the spineless actions of republicans in the house and senate along with the GOP’s kowtowing to Rush Limbaugh that the republican party is not going in the direction I believe is necessary for the USA.

The United States of America has always been and should continue to be the metaphorical light on the hill. This country was founded on the principles of liberty, safety and the freedom of expression.  Our founding fathers hoped to create an entirely new type of country governed BY the people and FOR the people.  Not a government that regulates every move you make and has the audacity to charge 200% taxes on products in the attempt to extinguish them from the marketplace or to murder a doctor who might of saved thousands of teenagers from the impossible situation of raising a child while the mother is still in high school.  I will not waste you(the readers) time with a plethora of annectdotes or mere slander agaist the excisting parties, but rather I want to lay down some ideals and ideas for a new type of party, a party that would support strong conservative financial values, social liberties and an overall down sizing, streamlining and overhaul of the United Stated Political System.

In the last 100 years we have gone from a horseback riding, non refrigerated, non computerized, land line locked, isolationist country to the icon of modernization.  The United States has been a global leader in innovation for 100’s of years and yet we are still battling it out on the political floors with the same two, outdated political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats.  It is time for something new and here is the beginning.

Some Ideas for a New American Party:

VICTIMLESS CRIMES – We believe the government has no right to criminalize conduct consensually agreed to between adults that cause no direct harm to others. We believe in people taking responsibility for their own lives and oppose paternalistic government. As a result, we seek the immediate decriminalization of marijuana, cocaine, mushrooms, pornography, prostitution and other victimless crimes.  These are not under the domain of a national government.

The United States spends more than $18 Billion dollars annually on a hopeless drug war.  According to the Economist, since the United States began their crusade against drugs, drug usage has gone up by at least 3%.  That does not sound like a lot but consider the fact that 3% of the national population is 9,240,00. (based on current US census data)  We need to stop dumping this money down the drain and instead use the same resources to fight crime, violence and theft on a national scale.  Also we could launch more educational campaign’s to educate the population about the tremendous risk they take if they decide to do some of these harmful drugs.

DRINKING AGE: The drinking age should be lowered to the age of 18.  Our current system is a complete logical fallacy.  At the barely past pubescent age of 16 a person is allowed to pilot a 2,000 pound killing machine known as a car.  Then at the age of 18 a person is allowed to buy cigarettes (guaranteed to cause cancer), buy pornographic materials, VOTE and join the US Military and if the situation arises are expected to lay down their life in defence of a country where if they got married before they were twenty they are not allowed to taste the Wine.

We need to completely re-thinking the age restrictions we have in place and make some more logical decisions.  One thing that would HAVE to change is the drinking age.  We need to change the drinking age to a maximum of 18 years and would encourage people to consider either lowering it further or making the driving age 18+ as it is in Europe.  The logic behind this is that you need to give people the opportunity to try alcohol and learn their limits before putting them behind the wheel of a car, not the other way around.

MONETARY POLICY & TAXATION – The current taxation system is a form of modern train robbery.  For a country founded on the principle of no taxation without representation and low taxes we have ENORMOUS tax responsibilities.  Lets follow the life of Bill, the dollar bill.  Bill is printed by the US federal government and shipped out to banks to be circulated into the economy.  So Bill is given to a random person named Fred as part of his pay when cashes his pay check.  Before leaving the building Bill has already had Social Security deductions, Healthcare deductions, Welfare Deductions along with both federal and local income tax deductions.  Then when Fred spends 50 cents on a pack of gum Bill is taxed yet again in the form of a sales tax that tops 10% in some places.  At this point Fred is feeling very disheartened at the apparent lack of value of his dollar and deposits the remains in bank of his choice where he runs the risk of being taxed when he withdraws it.  Unfortunately Fred meets an untimely end and so Bill enters the twisted world of post mortum estate preparation.  Fred had 4 children who are all in tight economic situations and are needing Bill to help so they decide to cash out dads goods and slit the money between them.  So in response the US government steps in and taxes approx. 50% of all the cash in a so called post mortum tax.  So to sum it up Bill has been taxed a minimum of 4 times during its life.  Fred was taxed when he earned it, he was taxed when he used it, he was taxed when he saved it and the last travesty, he was taxed when he gave it away in his estate.

I also believe the government should not cause inflation and devalue our currency by permitting the Federal Reserve to “print money” or by borrowing money in order to balance the budget. As this merely bankrupts the next generation and puts presidents in incredibly difficult circumstances from day 1 of their presidency.  I also oppose the large percentage of people’s earnings the government takes through taxation.  As a first step toward the goal of drastically reducing taxation on a federal, state and local level, I support the institution of a percentage based, federal flat tax.

Let me lay out both the logic behind this idea;

1. We need to institute an updated and continuously tracked, minimum standard of living.  Lets say hypothetically that is $35,000.  Then we need to decide what a fair, rational and logical tax rate would be that would simultaneously fund the US government while still allowing the family to live in comfort and security.  Lets say a 8% tax seems appropriate at a federal level along with a 5% state/local tax rate.  This would mean the abolishing of the income tax, and consequently would mean the family only pays $4,800 in taxes and keeps the rest of their hard earned money.  If you then extend that same rate to someone who makes $500,000 a year they would pay $65,000 in taxes which is a tremendous amount of money but still is FAIR and BALANCED.

GAY ISSUES – We believe the government should not discriminate against anyone on the basis of that person’s sexual orientation. On a federal level, we support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.   On a State level, while our ultimate goal is to get the government out of the marriage business, we support full recognition of gay marriages so long as the government continues to issue marriage certificates to heterosexual couples.

IMMIGRATION - We support the right of all countries to control their own borders and to set the conditions immigrants must meet in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. We would give State law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration law and to deport illegal aliens. We would grant immigration preferences to those with special skills; to those who would create jobs; to those who ideologically support free enterprise and respect for individual rights; to those who are committed to the use of science and reason when evaluating and discovering objective reality; and to those who believe in self-reliance and the pursuit of productive and purposeful lives.  We would also give illegal but productive members of the American public the opportunity to become citizens and allow us to tax this enormous work force.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: Unacceptable. Private institutions will always have the right to discriminate. Racism to be deterred by private protests not government bayonets.  Do not miss understand me and think that I would ever support blatant racism,  or discrimination based on religion.  Affirmative action served a very important and noble purpose but they are no longer needed.

DEFENSE – We believe one of the primary purposes of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Toward that end, we would support expanding the incentives offered to encourage citizens to join the military and the National Guard.

CIVIL LIBERTIES – We believe the government must respect the individual and constitutional rights of all citizens including the right to keep and bear arms. We oppose all forms of censorship and invasions of privacy. We believe in the strict separation of church and state, faith cannot be the policy of a law based on reason.

ABORTION: Acceptable, not to be subject to regulation, not to be funded with public funds.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MONUMENTAL PROJECTS – We believe the entrepreneurial spirit should be encouraged by reducing corporate taxation and bureaucratic regulation. We support the identification and development of privately financed grand scale monumental projects that can inspire citizens to lead heroic lives and to contribute more to their civilization.

These are the first steps to creating a modernized government that still respects the morals and values that were essential in the foundation of this great nation!  Please comment away as I am always open to new thoughts and view points.

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
-Theodore Rosevelt

What is a Sprig?

I was born on March 16, 1988 at Rose Hospital in Denver, CO. I was two weeks over due and had trouble breathing but was quick to recover. In a nutshell, that story was an omen of the life to follow. I grew up on a ranch in Colorado then moved to a beach in beautiful La Jolla, then it was off to Spain where I stayed until I moved to San Francisco and then last summer to my true home in San Diego. These anecdotes are part of an explanation of what a Sprig is, and what a Sprig is, directly influences how I communicate and to whose culture I feel a part of.

Being born in Colorado gives me my most sacred cultural affiliation, I am an American citizen. Ever since I can first remember pride in my country and our customs has been instilled in me by my teachers, parents, siblings, media and a million other sources. Along with the national pride, I am proud to be a Caucasian of German, Scottish, French and Welsh decent. However you will never catch me calling myself a Caucasian American. The reason for this is, I don’t think an American should need to tell what their race is when describing their nationality.

America is so unique in its incredible diversity. It is diverse in terms of race, religion, sexual preferences, political groups and in many more ways. This diversity along with my immediate family helped to shape who I am and what I see as an American. My father is from an ultra-conservative family in Springfield IL and my mother is from a tiny town called Mankato in Minnesota. Combined, my parents raised my brother and I in a very strict and old fashion way. We were taught to open the door for a girl and to always eat properly along with the importance of honesty and good manners. However my parents were also very modern in the sense that they taught us to not see race but to see people of any color as they really are, people. Also we were never hushed but rather encouraged to voice our opinion and join in the “Big Kids” activities. This was instrumental in making me who I am today, and helping to give me a very out going personality and the resulting “low anxiety/uncertainty levels (Gudykunst & Kim, 2003) that help me communicate across cultural barriers. I have been proud to be an American my entire life. I cannot say there has ever been any significant change in that fact. However it is not hard to explain how I came to be so proud.

My greatest hero/role model has always been my Grandfather, Colonel Harper Charles Allan. I see him as a model American and a perfect snapshot of my view of ideal American culture and why I am proud of it. My grandfather was raised in the hell hole of the great depression and rose to be an American hero. He finished college only months after Pearl Harbor and foregoing his invitation to play professional baseball he joined the US Air force to help defend our freedom. He safely flew 12 different B-17 Superfortress over Germany 42 times and earned the distinguished flying cross. After marrying his OSS sweetheart he took over his father-in-laws insurance company and raised a family of 5. His children became CEO’s, Movie Directors and Entrepreneurs of the finest caliber. He stayed in the Airforce Reserve and retired a bird colonel. A republican, my grandfather was a great man and lived the American dream. If this story represents what it means to be an American, than I would rate my culture identification at a 9.

In terms of being able to identify with my ethnic group, impossible because I do not have one. Am I German because I have blond hair? Or maybe I am Scottish because my last name is Allan. Perhaps I could consider myself French because I like good cheese and wine. Maybe I should say I am a northerner because I am a decedent of Abraham Lincoln and Francis Scott Key? None of these are the right answer alone, because I am all of them combined. I am a classic American, a decedent from a dozen places but none to call mine. I don’t mind not having an ethnic group because it allows me to become a part of wherever I am. However when abroad or in another town/city/state I have to be careful and not let my very American communication style get me in trouble.

In America we tend to be loud, fast and rude as a part of life. When we feel life speaking our mind we are encouraged to do so regardless of whether it is good for other people too. This is a good example of what the authors mean when they say, “Most people in the United States have individualistic tendencies…”(Gudykunst & Kim, 2003, p. 54) Unfortunately in my opinion, America seems to be driven almost exclusively by money which leads to an almost Darwinian and individualistic style of culture. Although I am not proud of this part of our culture, we are all forced to play along with it or face a very bleak future while others take the opportunities. Another byproduct of this is Americans tendencies to keep their personal ‘bubble.’ Americans tend to keep everyone at an arms distance and hesitate to even sit right next to someone on the bus or in a movie theater.

To put it as Woodrow Wilson did, “Sometimes people call me an idealist.  Well, that is the way I know I am an American.  America is the only idealistic nation in the world.” I am an American to the core but that does not mean I look down on other cultures. To finalize my cultural explanation I use the immortal words of James Bryce, “Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance.  It is also owed to justice and to humanity.  Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong”

American Patriotism Today

Depending on who you are, patriotism is a gift, an obligation or a burden. The dictionary defines patriotism as, devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty. The definition may seem straight forward and simple, but in reality patriotism has many more definitions and its meaning changes over time. Being born in Denver, CO in 1988 my views of patriotism were shaped by my family as well as by the ultra-conservative community I grew up in. A persons definition of patriotism is generally shaped by three main factors; the timing of the question, their family values and their community values. The timing of the question is of vital importance as the national view of patriotism can change in as little as a couple months.

American Patriotism used to be supporting the Constitutional right of all men to be free, then it was patriotic to ration during WWI and WWII. After WWII it was patriotic to be anti communist, and to turn in your “red” neighbor. Following McCarthyism, it became patriotic to fight the governments involvement oversees, or to support it depending on whose political ideology you followed. After the peaceful and lucrative 90’s people were forgetting what it meant to be patriotic. Then on september 11^th the country was united and a whole new wave of flag waving and anthem playing patriotism arose. However the consequences of 9/11 would later divide the country in a way that has not been seen since the 1960’s.

A couple months after 9/11 it became patriotic for republicans to defend Bush and his decision to go to Iraq. At the same time it became popular for democrats to constantly batter Bush for his not finding of WMD in Iraq and to constantly fight every move president Bush tried to make on everything from health care to education. Iraq became the iconic hot button for Bush’s presidency, and helped re-write the definition of patriotism for the rest of his term.

Now that the reader knows the importance of this brief history of American patriotism, I can now explain my personal view of what it means to be patriotic. To be patriotic a person needs to meet a couple of very important criteria. First, a person needs to be driven not only by what is good for them but also by an honest concern for the greater good of their countrymen. Second a person needs to know what they are being patriotic for. For example a person who has no knowledge of our countries history would have a hard time being honestly patriotic. I would define patriotism as; a love and respect for your country and a willingness to make sacrifices for it.

Following this definition of patriotism I would be considered a patriot of the first order. The United States of America is far from perfect but it does represent an idealistic society unlike any other in the world. However to enjoy the right to vote, the right to free speech and all of the other rights we take for granted some one had to pay the ultimate price. In my opinion the greatest patriot is the soldier. The US soldier is a volunteer who has given an oath to defend the constitution of our country and is sometimes asked to lay down his life to guarantee those rights. Although sometimes a soldier is driven more by the monetary incentives than by their patriotic ideals but that is not the norm. However it does not take the blind obedience of the soldier to be a true patriot.

Some of the greatest patriots of all were people who spoke out against the current administration and/or against unjust laws. Although I do not go to the extremes that Kazin does when he says, “Throughout or history, and still today, the most effective way to love the country is to fight like hell to change it,”(The Informed Argument) I think that it is entirely possible to be patriotic and not support what is going on in Washington at any given time. One phenomenal example of an American patriot is Martin Luther King Jr. Our founding fathers put down in writing that all men are created equal and yet they allowed the enslavement and later discrimination of people based on nothing but the color of their skin. Being born in the time of segregation in America, Martin Luther King had an enormous task in bringing equality to all Americans. Marting Luther King believed in the uniquely American ideals of freedom and equality and took measures to guarantee them. He led dozens of enormous and peaceful protests against Washington D.C. and yet he is still, according to my definition, a model for American patriotism.

American Patriotism should never be defined as a blind obedience to any political party or president. American patriots need to balance their allegiance to their political parties or other groups with their national pride. As McClay puts it, “On the contrary, American patriotism has generally affirmed and drawn upon the vibrancy and integrity of other, smaller-scale, and relatively independent loyalties.”(The Informed Argument) This quote is explaining that being of a different race, religion or even sexual orientation does not need to take away from a persons patriotism but rather can help make it stronger. In America an unjust rule can always be fought against and changed if the majority agree with you. This means that to be an American patriot does not mean blindly following all the rules but rather fighting for what you believe in.

As JFK so eloquently put it, “And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” Thanks in part to this mentality and Americans definition of patriotism is changed depending on the time, their family and their community. American patriotism as McClay so beautifully put it is, “To be an American… is not a matter of whose child you are but of what principles you accept. It is a nation of the twice born, politically and culturally, a nation founded not upon decent but consent.”(The Informed Argument)

Works Cited

Miller, Robert, and Robert Yagelski The Informed Argument. Massachusetts, 2004

Studying in my garage with my friend Deaton, I was struck by the inequities of our legal system. Knowing that I had to write an essay about argument I decided to ask Deaton about her views on capital punishment. Deaton was quick to respond with a resounding “NO” and I knew I had found the perfect topic to explore the different kinds of arguments defined in our text. The four arguments presented in the text were; the argument to inquire, the argument to assert, the argument to dominate, and the argument to negotiate differences.

Initially Deaton was very sure of her argument that people who had committed murders should be imprisoned as appose to being punished with lethal force. She presented her arguments in comments such as, “death is the easy way out” which is an argument to assert. Two other arguments she made are, “prison is punishment” and an argument to compassion, “the peoples lives will be sufficiently ruined by being in prison and having their identities marked with a criminal record.” I asked why the criminal record is a sufficient punishment and she answered by saying that, “because of the record they would have a hard time getting a job, which can be seen as a punishment.”

After she had her say I proceeded to utterly and completely tear apart her argument using statistical evidence and many arguments to dominate. One such counter arguments I used was, “The American prison system gives even death row inmates state of the art medical care, 3 meals a day, in some cases a TV and air conditioning. These are luxuries that thousands of Americans do not have a hope of getting, and yet our tax dollars are providing them for people who have committed heinous crimes against fellow human beings.” I am very passionate about this topic for a variety of reasons and I found myself using predominantly argument to dominate with no arguments to negotiate differences. After about twenty minutes I decided that my arguments to dominate were not appropriate to use with a close friend because it hurt too many feelings.