Thank you Barack Obama

In what I can only imagine was a first for a US president, Barack Obama acknowledged that there are Americans who do not believe in god. It is probably the last prejudice that no one talks about.

I googled "Obama non-believers" and before I clicked on any of the links a thought ran through my head that I am not proud of. I wondered if anyone was going to be able to track my actions and link my name to the search. It's not like I was off looking for ways to kill someone and get away with it. I just wanted to see what the talk was out there about this. Did anyone pick up on this little inclusion during what had to be the most watched event in history? I was actually fearful to be "caught" searching this.

But my search (because I did suck it up and click on many links) lead me to find some very thought provoking sites. This video below is my current favorite.

Miracle on the Hudson

The current major news topic is the amazing job a pilot did by landing a jet on the Hudson River after losing both engines. All passengers and crew survived. There's lots of talk about the pilot being a hero and he is. And while this story is being played to death (death by media) there are some things that aren't being said.

First of all this man was doing his job and he did it well. He clearly knew what to do in an emergency situation. This is the kind of pilot you want flying every plane. Perhaps with training every pilot can be this good. More importantly every pilot should WANT to be that good.

The rescue was also amazing. Again trained people did their jobs and did them well. They should all be commended. We should all hope that in times of crises there are people who know their jobs and do them well.

Clearly the big lesson here it that when people work together the outcome is good. Another lesson to all is that you should do your job well. For some doing their job with enthusiasm is asking too much. But you should do your job to the best of your ability. If you hate your job, find a different job.

Imagine how different life would be if everyone was trying to do their job to the best of their ability. For every cranky clerk I come across I'm going to try to find one happily doing their job. Sure being a store clerk isn't a public safety position but they come in contact with a lot of people every day. Ever have an unpleasant meal in a restaurant because of a waitperson in a bad mood? If everybody would just think about the impact they have on those around them (and this includes strangers) and try not to have a negative impact it would make life better for everyone.