Solstice Solace
Today marks the winter solstice. It is the longest night of the year. Often we believe that the darkness and trials that have occupied our lives will never end. We think them to be permanent fixtures that have taken up residence in our lives. Its easy to forget about the light.
The Torah recounts the stories of Moses leading his people through the barren desert. Time after time the ancient ones were challenged with hardship. They would cry out their complaint bemoaning their circumstance. Some wished to return to the bondage of slavery rather then to continue to suffer the privation born from freedom.
I believe that faith helps empower us to perceive the infinite wisdom of God’s compassion continuously at work in our lives. An active willingness to receive the grace of light is a necessary precondition to lift the vale of darkness. Our ability to discern and a willingness to take action will lead to deliverance from misfortune and privation only if we are open to receive the divine grace. The light emanates from many sources and may light paths to destinations and places that are unfamiliar to us. Trusting that the light will reemerge in our lives will lead to an enlightened state of acceptance and a deep sense of profound gratitude.
Beware of darkness beloved. Trust in the light.
Peace be with you on this winter night.
You Tube Music Video: George Harrison, Beware of Darkness
Risk: complacency, reticence, cynicism, surrender to hopelessness, capitulation
The Profitability of Patriotism: SME Lending
What a difference a year makes. A year ago the banks came crawling to Washington begging for a massive capital infusion to avoid an Armageddon of the global financial system. They sent out an urgent SOS for a $750 billion life preserver of tax payers money to keep the banking system liquid. Our country’s chief bursar Hank Paulson, designed a craft that would help the banks remain afloat. Into the market maelstrom Mr. Paulson launched the USS TARP as the vehicle to save our distressed ship of state. The TARP would prove itself to be our arc of national economic salvation. The success of the TARP has allowed the banks to generate profits in one of the most prolific turnarounds since Rocky Balboa’s heartbreaking split decision loss to Apollo Creed. Some of the banks have repaid the TARP loans to the Fed. Now as Christmas approaches and this incredible year closes bankers have visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in their heads as they dream about how they will spend this years bonus payments based on record breaking profitability. President Obama wants the banks to show some love and return the favor by sharing more of their balance sheets by lending money to small and mid-size enterprises (SME).
Yesterday President Obama held a banking summit in Washington DC. Mr. Obama wanted to use the occasion to shame the “fat cat bankers” to expand their lending activities to SMEs. A few of the bigger cats were no shows. They got fogged in at Kennedy Airport. They called in to attend the summit by phone. Clearly shame was not the correct motivational devise to encourage the bankers to begin lending to SMEs. Perhaps the President should have appealed to the bankers sense of patriotism; because now is the time that all good bankers must come to the aid of their country. Failing that, perhaps Mr. Obama should make a business case that SME lending is good for profits. A vibrant SME sector is a powerful driver for wealth creation and economic recovery. A beneficial and perhaps unintended consequence of this endeavor is the economic security and political stability of the nation. These are the worthy concerns of all true patriots and form a common ground where bankers and government can engage the issues that undermine our national security.
The President had a full agenda to cover with the bank executives. Executive compensation, residential mortgage defaults, TARP repayment plans, bank capitalization and small business lending were some of the key topics. Mr. Obama was intent on chastising the reprobate bankers about their penny pinching credit policies toward small businesses. Mr. Obama conveyed to bankers that the country was still confronted with major economic problems. Now that the banks capital base has been stabilized with Treasury supplied funding they must get some skin into the game and belly up to the bar by making more loans to SMEs.
According to the FDIC, lending by U.S. banks fell by 2.8 percent in the third quarter. This is the largest drop since 1984 and the fifth consecutive quarter in which banks have reduced lending. The decline in lending is a serious barrier to economic recovery. Banks reduced the amount of money extended to their customers by $210.4 billion between July and September, cutting back in almost every category, from mortgage lending to funding for corporations. The TARP was intended to spur new lending and the FDIC observed that the largest recipients of aid were responsible for a disproportionate share of the decline in lending. FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair stated, “We need to see banks making more loans to their business customers.”
The withdrawal of $210 billion in credit from the market is a major impediment for economic growth. The trend to delever credit exposures is a consequence of the credit bubble and is a sign of prudent management of credit risk. But the reduction of lending activity impedes economic activity and poses barriers to SME capital formation. If the third quarter reduction in credit withdrawal were annualized the amount of capital removed from the credit markets is about 7% of GDP. This coupled with the declining business revenues due to recession creates a huge headwind for SMEs. It is believed that 14% of SMEs are in distress and without expanded access to credit, defaults and bankruptcies will continue to rise. Massive business failures by SMEs shrinks market opportunities for banks and threatens their financial health and long term sustainability.
The number one reason why financial institutions turn down a SME for business loans is due to risk assessment. A bank will look at a number of factors to determine how likely a business will or will not be able to return the money it has borrowed.
SME business managers must conduct a thorough risk assessment if it wishes to attract loan capital from banks. Uncovering the risks and opportunities associated with products and markets, business functions, macroeconomic risks and understanding the critical success factors and measurements that create competitive advantage are cornerstones of effective risk management. Bankers need assurances that managers understand the market dynamics and risk factors present in their business and how they will be managed to repay credit providers. Bankers need confidence that managers have identified the key initiatives that maintain profitability. Bankers will gladly extend credit to SMEs that can validate that credit capital is being deployed effectively by astute managers. Bankers will approve loans when they are confident that SME managers are making prudent capital allocation decisions that are based on a diligent risk/reward assessment.
Sum2 offers products that combine qualitative risk assessment applications with Z-Score quantitative metrics to assess the risk profile and financial health of SMEs. The Profit|Optimizer calibrates qualitative and quantitative risk scoring tools; placing a powerful business management tool into the hands of SME managers. SME managers can demonstrate to bankers that their requests for credit capital is based on a thorough risk assessment and opportunity discovery exercise and will be effective stewards of loan capital.
On a macro level SME managers must vastly improve their risk management and corporate governance cultures to attract the credit capital of banks. Using programs like the Profit|Optimizer, SME’s can position themselves to participate in credit markets with the full faith of friendly bankers. SME lending is a critical pillar to a sustained economic recovery and stability of our banking system. Now is the time for all bankers to come to the aid of their country by opening up credit channels to SMEs to restore economic growth and the wealth of our nation.
You Tube Music Video: Bruce Springsteen, Seeger Sessions, Pay Me My Money Down
Risk: banking, credit, SME
Bring the Warriors Home
Heart of my heart, is it meet or wise
To warn a King of his enemies?
We know what Heaven or Hell may bring,
But no man knoweth the mind of the King.
Of the gray-coat coming who can say?
When the night is gathering all is gray.
Two things greater than all things are,
The first is Love, and the second War.
And since we know not how War may prove,
Heart of my heart, let us talk of Love!”
The Ballad of the King’s Jest
Rudyard Kipling
The irony of President Obama’s selection as the Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2009 was not lost on the recipient. In one of the receptions held to honor him, Mr. Obama spoke about Alfred Nobel’s invention of dynamite and its use as a weapon of war as the source of wealth that funds the prestigious peace prize. Earlier in the day during his acceptance speech, Mr. Obama spoke eloquently on the motives for his decision to continue the prosecution and escalation of the Afghan war. As a war time President, Mr. Obama sees war as a tool to bend the will of history toward justice and good. He believes the greatest global good will be served by the pursuit of the Afghan conflict. I respectfully disagree.
The greater irony in Mr. Obama’s acceptance speech for a peace prize is that it was essentially a discourse of war apologetics. Mr. Obama delivered a speech void of any contrition and never once equivocated as he outlined his commitment and reasoning why a nation should engage in war. To be fair to Mr. Obama, his decision to escalate the war in Afghanistan is not a surprise. Throughout his Presidential election campaign, Mr. Obama was explicitly clear that he intended to pursue Osama bin Laden and his band of murderous terrorists to the Gates of Hell. Even if those gates led to a protected compound in downtown Karachi, Mr. Obama’s resolve to check mate al-Qaeda remains steadfast.
The problem with the continued prosecution of the Afghan War is that our enemies are not a nation state nor do they occupy a single geography. Al-Qaeda and their confederates are stationed throughout the globe. They exist in underground sleeper cells waiting to be summoned by unconscionable puppet masters. They are guided by an ideology of hate neatly disguised and wrapped in a hajab of religious orthodoxy. They use asymmetric strategies and tactics to wage war on citizens and soldiers alike. A conventional army garrisoned in a provincial hamlet is ill suited to fight an enemy that knows no bounds in territories and tactics and is prepared to conduct a military operation that spans multiple generations.
The Taliban and al-Qaeda’s access and control of Afghanistan’s lucrative opium trade forms the socio-economic base that allows them to leverage considerable political power to pursue their terrorist agenda. The opium trade is weaved into a complex tribal culture whose power and prominence supersedes a weak and corrupt central government that derives its right to govern by the tepid consent of friendly tribal leaders and the military might of foreign armies.
Afghanistan is not the world’s sole narco-terrorist state. A number exist in the Western Hemisphere and one need look no further then across the Rio Grande to witness the growing power of a narco-dollar financed state subversion. Mexico’s difficulties serve as a reminder that the risks to the stability of our republic lie much closer to home and is in fact in full residence within our borders. Engaging a war in Afghanistan is a clear and present distraction from addressing the pressing issues that undermine our national security.
True al-Qaeda’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon conjures up many unimaginable and terrifying scenarios. Unfriendly regimes that are hostile to the United States like North Korea and Iran control nuclear capabilities. But we have no armies attacking them. Perhaps the solution is to remove nuclear weapons and uranium devises beyond the reach of the Taliban, al-Qaeda and other avowed enemies of our republic. If this is the major threat, its mitigation can be achieved without the prolonged deployment of 130,000 troops. It can be accomplished by having an international force guard and quarantine Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. Certainly the Bush Doctrine allows for this type of intervention. Some will object to this course of action on the grounds that we must respect Pakistan’s sovereignty. But Mr. Obama’s escalation of the Afghan War will require unilateral incursions into Pakistan. This action to eliminate the ultimate horror of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists is the surest way to mitigate this pressing threat.
The multifaceted omnipresent dangers to the United States transcend nuclear terrorism. Economic degradation is compounding social problems and creating deep political fissures within the country. Our countries fractured culture is being exploited by powerful self serving interests. A cabal of corporate elites equate national security with their economic well being. They employ armies of lobbyists and ply multi-channel media platforms to stoke fear and division to advance their narrow interests. Usually at the expense of supporting initiatives that address the complex threats that weigh on the security of the country. These special interests attack programs that stabilize social safety nets. They finance expensive media campaigns condemning aid for local government fiscal stability, universal health care, meaningful environmental policy, expanded funding for public education, infrastructure improvements, support for trade unions, job creation programs and social assistance programs. The well being of our people is the basis of our national prosperity. The sources of social instability remain strong and continue to grow. The recession, a jobless rate of 10%, 4 million foreclosed homes, 30 million citizens unable to have access to affordable health care, failing school systems, bulging prison systems and environmental degradation represent a greater threat to national security then 100 al-Qaeda fighters holed up in an ice cave in the Tora Bora tribal regions.
No doubt the United States was attacked by terrorists enjoying protection of a friendly regime in Afghanistan. On 9/11 I witnessed first hand the horror of fellow countrymen jumping to their deaths from the upper floors of the World Trade Center. Moments later as I stood in front of Trinity Church I escaped the pyroclastic cloud of the falling South Tower through a revolving door on Wall Street. I understand the irrational hatred terrorists harbor in their hearts and the devastating consequences of their insane acts. They are a cancer that must be eradicated.
Mr. Obama, has stated that the Afghan insurgency enjoys no popular support. Afghanistan has a long memory and a longer history of a people subjected to the designs of imperial powers and foreign invaders since the time of Genghis Khan. The resistance to foreign occupation by the Afghani’s is legendary. From the massacre of Elphinstone’s Army trying to escape blood thirsty tribes through the Khyber Pass, to the Soviets disgraceful retreat from the hail of Stinger Missiles supplied by the United States; it now may be our time for a ride in this horrible wheel barrel.
Afghanistan is a region of the globe where the great powers and trends of history clash. It is a vortex of a turbulent maelstrom that brings the powers of China, Russia, India and Islam into a volatile mix. The forces of national interests and modernity is held at bay by tribesmen toting WWII rifles, expedient tribal allegiances and ancient codes of honor. Why doesn’t China and India have a more prominent role in ending this conflict? It is in their geopolitical interest. Better let the United States send its nations finest young people to chase phantoms and fight in the endless canyons of the Hindu Kush; while Chindia builds their economies at home and forge new alliances abroad. Perhaps they hope that this war could be the Pax Americana’s Waterloo?
Mr. Obama quoted from Dr. Martin Luther Kings Nobel acceptance speech, stating, “Violence never brings permanent peace. It solves no social problem: it merely creates new and more complicated ones.” This above all else may prove to be the most prophetic and ironic truth to Mr. Obama’s war.
The United States cannot afford this war. It is a distraction. It weakens us. National security is more then a well provisioned and gallant army. A nations strength and its ultimate security is based on an enlightened, well fed, healthy and industrious people.
Mr. Obama acknowledged his indebtedness to those that went before him. He stated that, Mahatma Gandhi, George Marshall, Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela are worthy figures that we should emulate. Their greatness showed us that a better path must be chosen if we are to progress as a people. Their choices and examples of leadership were not based on expediency and some came at terrible cost. The pathway of war is worn and old. The world is much too weary from the familiar journey. Its time to choose a better path. End the war now Mr. Obama. Bring the troops home.
You Tube Music Video: Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Battle Hymn of the Republic
Risk: war, peace
Lighting a Lamp for the Festival of Lights
Why was I born to see these terrible things,
the ruin of my people and of the holy city?
Must I sit here helpless………
1 Maccabees 2 7
Today we celebrate Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights. The holiday recounts the re-dedication of the Temple that was desecrated by a force of foreign invaders. All the oil in the temple had to be thrown away save a single vessel previously sealed and sanctified by the rabbis and suitable for burning. The oil from the jar miraculously burned for eight days. The 25th day of Kislev was dedicated as a day to remember, the Festival of Lights.
Hanukkah and the stories recounted in the Book of the Maccabees testifies to the faithfulness of a people to endure by engaging the pressing challenges that confronted them. The Festival of Light is an expression of gratitude for the faithfulness of God. We are the grateful heirs to our spiritual ancestors, the ancient people of Judah. They remind us to light the lamps to honor the faithfulness of the One Who Cannot Be Named. We remain ever thankful to the One who lights the pathway and provides the means and nourishes the fortitude of faith that sustains us.
Selah
You Tube Music Video: Neil Young, Light a Candle
Risk: capitulation to hopelessness
Giving Thanks
We give thanks for all who have enriched our lives with their presence;
may we honor them by always being present for others.
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We give thanks for those who selflessly serve in our armed forces,
for the quiet sacrifices of their family and friends
and for those who witness for peace and work to end the conflicts of war.
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We are thankful for the tears of the poor
and their example of fortitude in the daily struggle to live
and for those that extend a handkerchief
and offer a vision of hope and a pathway to advancement.
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We are thankful for our rich abundance
and the blessed spirit that leads us to generously share it with others.
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We are thankful for wise thoughtful teachers
and students that are eager to use that wisdom to better the world.
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We are thankful for courageous truth tellers
and the hard truths they speak
and to people of good will that are open
and willing to listen and act on those truths.
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We are thankful for the care givers
and their veneration of life
and to those who receive care
and fill the heart of the giver with fathomless gratitude.
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We are thankful for people of humility and good will
and their blessed example of quiet service and grace.
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We are thankful for children as an embodiment of our hopes
and the future flowering of our greatest aspirations.
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We are thankful for our animal friends
and their example of trusted companionship
and unconditional love.
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We are thankful for sobriety
and our ability to discern, see, discover
and experience the daily graces life confers upon us.
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We are thankful for those who are no longer with us,
may our time on earth be a blessing to others as they were to us.
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We are thankful to a higher power that keeps us right sized,
humble and grateful for one more day on life’s path.
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Wishing All the Beloved a Grace Filled Happy Thanksgiving
Peace and Prayers
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You Tube Music Video:
Goldman Sachs as Social Entrepreneur
Goldman Sachs’ CEO Lloyd Blankfein and his largest investor, The Wizard of Omaha, Warren Buffett , descended from the mystical heights of Valhalla with some startling news. They were bearing a new mythical golden ring. As they held the ring aloft they made a bold proclamation. They would embark on one of the grandest social entrepreneurial programs of all time by offering some of the rings precious power, about $500 million worth, to capital starved small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs). The 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative will distribute $100 million per year over the next five years to SMEs through Community Development Financial Institutions.
These lords of commerce have heard the cries from endangered SMEs. In their infinite wisdom Blankfein and Buffet understand that the real economy needs to resuscitate and incubate the critical SME segment as an absolute prerequisite to a vibrant economic recovery. The buzz about this news in the marketplace ranged from cynical suspicion at one extreme to puzzled bemusement and ecstatic aplomb at the other.
What motivated Goldman to announce this initiative is an interesting question. Was it guilt, greed or a sense of corporate social responsibility? Some suggest it is a master PR move to counter a growing public perception that Goldman Sachs, the poster child of government favoritism and bailout largess, has leveraged its unfair advantage to achieve historic levels of profitability. Thus enabling management to pay obscene bonuses to company employees. But capital has no psyche, and half a billion dollars is a tall bill to underwrite absolution for some phantom form of guilt. True to its nature, capital always seeks a place where it will find its greatest return. Goldman and Buffett are casting some major bread on the receding waters of a distressed economy. As its foretold in the Good Book , doing God’s work will produce a tenfold return. If the Bible’s math is correct, thats a lot of manna that will rain down from heaven for the shareholders of Goldman Sachs and Berkshire Hathaway. Looks like our modern day version of Moses and Aaron have done it again. Leading their investors across the dangerous waters of the global economy to live in the promised land of happy shareholders.
As one of the world’s preeminent investment banks and purveyor of capitalist virtues, company shareholders must be questioning how Goldman’s managers will realize a return on this investment? Has management examined the potential corporate and societal moral hazards surrounding the program? Surely shareholders have asked when they expect to be compensated for this significant outlay of capital. The desire to realize gain is a more plausible motivator and makes more sense for an enterprise like Goldman and the storied investment Wizard from Omaha.
Its wise to ascribe the best intentions and virtuous motivations to actions that we may not fully understand. This program should be viewed as a seminal event in the history of corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship. Its important to understand that institutions that practice corporate social responsibility do not engage it solely as a philanthropic endeavor. Indeed, the benefits of good corporate citizenship pays multidimensional dividends. All ultimately accrue to the benefit of company shareholders and the larger community of corporate stakeholders.
Goldman’s move to walk the point of a capital formation initiative for SMEs seeks to mitigate macroeconomic risk factors that are prolonging the recession and pressuring Goldman’s business. Goldman needs a vibrant US economy if it is to sustain its profitability, long term growth and global competitiveness. Goldman needs a strong regional and local banking sector to support its securitization, investment banking and corporate finance business units. Healthy SMEs are a critical component to a healthy commercial banking sector. Goldman recent chartering as an FDIC bank holding company may also be a factor to consider. This SME lending initiative will provide interesting insights into the dynamics of a market space and potential lines of business that are relatively new to Goldman Sachs. This initiative might presage a community banking acquisition program by Goldman. At the very least the community banking sector is plagued with over capacity is in dire need of rationalization. Goldman’s crack team of corporate finance and M&A professionals expertise would be put to good use here.
Goldman’s action to finance SMEs will also serve to incubate a new class of High Net Worth (HNW) investors. Flush with cash from successful entrepreneurial endeavors, the nouveau riche will be eager to deploy excess capital into equities and bonds, hedge funds and private equity partnerships. Healthy equity markets and a growing Alternative Investment Management market is key to a healthy Goldman business franchise.
Community banks, principal lenders to SMEs are still reeling from the credit crisis are concerned about troubled assets on their balance sheets. Bankers can’t afford more write downs on non-performing loans and remain highly risk adverse to credit default exposures. Local banks have responded by drastically reducing credit risk to SMEs by curtailing new lending activity. The strain of a two-year recession and limited credit access has taking its toll on SMEs. The recession has hurt sales growth across all market segments causing SMEs to layoff employees or shut down driving unemployment rates ever higher. Access to this sector would boost Goldman’s securitization and restructuring advisory businesses positioning it to deepen its participation in the PPIP and TALF programs.
The financial condition of commercial and regional banks are expected to remain stressed for the foreseeable future. Community banks have large credit exposures to SME and local commercial real estate. Consumer credit woes and high unemployment rates will generate continued losses from credit cards and auto loans. Losses from commercial real estate loans due to high vacancy rates are expected to create significant losses for the sector.
Reduced revenue, protracted softness in the business cycle and closed credit channels are creating perfect storm conditions for SME’s. Bank’s reluctance to lend and the high cost of capital from other alternative credit channels coupled with weak cash flows from declining sales are creating liquidity problems for many SMEs. Its a growing contagion of financial distress. This contagion could infect Goldman and would have a profound impact on the company’s financial health.
The 10,000 Businesses initiative will strengthen the free flow of investment capital to finance national economic development and empower SMEs. It strengthens free market capitalism and has the potential to pool, unleash and focus investment capital into a strategic market segment that has no access to public equity and curtailed lines of traditional bank credit. The 10,000 Businesses initiative will encourage wider participation by banking and private equity funds. In the aggregate, this will help to achieve strategic objectives, build wealth and realize broader goals to assure sustainable growth and global competitiveness. All to the benefit of Goldman Sachs’ shareholders and it global investment banking franchise.
Sum2 believes that corporate social responsibility is a key tenet of a sound practice program. Goldman Sach’s has always been a market leader. We salute Goldman Sachs’ initiative and welcome its success.
In September of 2008, Sum2 announced The Hamilton Plan calling for the founding of an SME Development Bank (SDB). The SDB would serve as an aggregator of capital from numerous stakeholders to focus capital investment for SME manufactures. More on the Hamilton Plan can be read here: SME Development Bank.
Risk: SME, bank, recession, unemployment, credit, private equity
You Tube Music: 10,000 Manaics, Natalie Merchant: Dust Bowl
To Build a Fire
One of the best short stories I read during grammar school was Jack London’s “To Build a Fire”. The story recounts the struggle of a Yukon prospector hiking through the wilderness in sub-zero cold. The unnamed prospector falls through a thin layer of ice covering a spring fed pool of water. Though he was wet only up to his knees if he failed to dry his boots and socks, frost bite would quickly overcome him. Frost bitten feet in sub-zero temperatures would cripple the prospector making it impossible for him to continue his journey to the warmth and safety of a lodge just a few miles away. If the prospector was unable to continue he would freeze to death. His only chance was to build a fire so he could dry his socks and boots before he could resume his journey. To build a fire was the difference between life and death.
I was reminded of this story this past weekend while participating in a Matt Talbot Retreat. Matt Talbot is a non-denominational spiritual wellness movement for people in recovery. It advocates the practice of The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous as a suggested program of recovery. Matt Talbot is a blessing for many people experiencing the grace of recovery. AA teaches us that alcoholism is a disease and that alcoholics and addicts suffer a sickness that afflicts our mind, body and spirit. The Matt Talbot Movement places an emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of our disease. We attend seminars and meetings. We enjoy fellowship with our brothers in recovery. We make new friends with others suffering from a common malady and we reconnect with other Matt Talbot brothers we have not seen since our last retreat. The biannual retreat is a special weekend that allows us to nourish and recharge the spiritual batteries that become so dangerously low by the emotional and mental demands of modern life. For many of us, Matt Talbot is a critical cornerstone of our recovery program. It is a critical tool that helps us to free ourselves from the spiritual bondage of addiction. It encourages us to draw closer to our Higher Power; thereby moving us further away from the emotional and mental shackles that threaten to enslave us.
On Saturday evening after the days sessions and nonstop witnessing and ministering to one another about our personal journey of recovery, many of the brothers assemble on the banks of the Hudson River for a traditional Saturday night bonfire. On this moonless night the huge bonfire provided a striking contrast to the black woods that enveloped us. Like our hopes for continued recovery, the dancing flames soared into the night air expressing a sincere yearning to touch the massive hardwood boughs that towered above us. We closed in on the fire remaining transfixed by the unbounded flames and the fleeting shadows of quickly passing apparitions. We were a band of wounded brothers drawn to a lamp of hope we desperately needed to navigate the uncertain dangers posed by the swift dark waters of addiction.
At the bonfire we are encouraged to choose a log to place in the the fire. But before we can burn that log we must stand before our brothers and make a statement about a resentment, misgiving or fear that threatens our recovery. As we say in AA, holding onto a resentment will lead you back to a drink. Naming our fears and resentments is our first step toward conquering them. The brothers spoke of the ugly compulsions that drive our addictions; revealing painful truths about low self esteem, victimization, unbridled anger, tragic circumstance, sexual and emotional abuse, violence, poverty and ignorance and other issues that led to unfathomable depths of guilt and shame. As alcoholics and addicts we let these things have power over us and in so doing we feed our alcoholic and addictive behaviors. Standing within a circle of trusted brothers, divulging secrets that have long held our soul captive and conferring bitter resentments and raging fears onto a log truly liberates the soul. It is a critical step in the recovery process and spiritual wellness. The giant bonfire is a life affirming tool that allows us to cast out these powerful demons, condemn them to death by fire and happily witness their power over us dissipate as they burn away into a pile of harmless ashes.
In Jack London’s story after the prospector fell through the ice he quickly moved to build a fire. He moved under the protection of a tree, found some dry leaves and small wood chips and started a fire. He was relieved that the fire caught and grew but a wind kicked up and blew snow off a pine tree and crushed his fire under a pile of snow. It was a unfortunate event that would cost the prospector his life. As the prospector began to accept his sad fate he remembered the advise of an old timer who warned him about traveling through the Yukon. “Never travel alone” said the old timer. As the prospector lay freezing to death, he realized the hard truth of the old timers wisdom.
When it was my turn to cast a log into the raging bonfire I recounted a telephone call I received that morning. A person from my home group with 40 years of blessed sobriety called to tell me about the death of a fellow alcoholic. This fellow was in and out of the AA program for many years. He was found dead in the bathroom of a boarding house in which he lived. He was about 40, has a daughter in college, recently lost his mother and his job. He went out a couple of months ago and was just coming back into the program. He landed at the hospital, they told him his liver had high levels of enzymes and that he needed to stop drinking. The past few weeks I was taking him around to meetings. He was a Christian, loved to play guitar and was a gentle man who cared about his daughter and deeply loved her.
The 23rd Psalm says that God’s rod and staff comforts us. I grabbed a stick that was worthy of Moses to throw on the fire. This disease needlessly claims too many souls but there is an easier softer way. I wanted to convey to the brothers and to remind myself that God is always a near and present help during time of adversity. We never have to go it alone. That the fire of faith is freely available to all. It is up to us however to draw near to the flame and to tender a burning desire of recovery for it to take hold in our lives. Recovery is truly a matter of life and death. I offered my thanks that God has never abandoned me to the ravages of my disease. I remain grateful to be counted among the present here this evening still able to draw near to a fire to keep the hope of my recovery burning bright. I blessed the soul of the fallen friend that the disease had claimed. I also prayed that the brothers present by the fire this evening will be counted among the living at the next bonfire. I placed my stick on the fire. It burned a long time.
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.
For behold, darkness covers the land;
deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.
But over you the Lord will rise,
and his glory will appear upon you.
Nations will stream to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawning
Isaiah 60:1-3
You Tube Music Video: Jose Feliciano, Light My Fire
Risk: alcoholism, recovery, spirituality, death
Welcome Diwali
We want to extend our greetings to all Diwali celebrants. The Diwali celebration is a time of reflection and an opportunity to express gratitude for all the gifts we receive. It is a holiday that expresses the human joy and hope in good triumphing over evil.
May all our Hindu, Sikhs and Jain brothers and sisters have a joyous and meaningful Diwali.
Namaste
You Tube Video: Origins of Diwali
You Tube Video: Happy Diwali 2008
Risk: peace, tolerance, grace
Blog Action Day: The Jersey Tomato is Hurtin Too!
This summer Georgia and other southwestern states emerged from their prolonged drought by experiencing the nightmare of devastating floods. It was shocking to see how volatile and changeable the climate of that region was becoming. I counted my blessings that I lived in New Jersey because our moderate climate saved us from living through those types of extreme weather events.
During the summer my wife and I took a trip to Northern California. We hiked through the dwindling Redwood forests and scaled peaks in Lassen Volcano National Park. It’s beauty was at times overwhelming. One afternoon we took a dip in the pristine Yuba River but we had to cut that short due to the raging 49er fire that destroyed over 50 homes and businesses. We were happy to return home to New Jersey where the problems posed by wild fires and exceedingly dry climate are not that great a threat.
In addition to a temperate climate another benefit New Jersey offers its residents is the famous Jersey Tomato. Those with discerning pallets eagerly await the end of summer when farmers begin the harvest and bring to market the agricultural crown jewel of the Garden State, our beloved Jersey Tomato. It is big, juicy and luscious. It doesn’t require a sandwich or Hogi to sit upon. Its is great with a touch of basil leaf or sitting a top a slice of fresh mootz, that Jersey slang for mozzarella cheese. You can make an entire meal of it if you add some crusty Hoboken brick oven bread. Yes, Jersey at its culinary lip smacking best.
One Saturday morning my wife returned from Abma’s Farm in Wycoff with the devastating news that their would be no Jersey Tomatoes this year. Unusually excessive rainfall across the region had destroyed much of the crop. We would have to do without our much looked forward to annual treat. I was crushed. I started to do a bit of research into this degustibus disaster.
I discovered that Jersey farmers are coping with heavy crop losses after steady summer rains saturated fields, creating an environment ripe for overgrown weeds, rot and disease. The downpours damaged crops, from tomatoes, green bell peppers and corn, to barley, peaches and watermelon, decimating whole crops or severely reducing yield.
Wilfred Shamlin of The Courier Post reported on the economic impact the unusual weather had on some of the states farmers. His report is an important anecdotal record of the economic distress changing weather patterns can cause. The observations and quotes from farmers directly effected by this years extreme weather change is an important testimony on the risk of climate change and its impact on crop yields and economic solvency of small farmers agricultural businesses.
“The rains have just killed me this year,” said Tucker Gant, 51, a vegetable and fruit farmer in Elk, who estimates his total losses this year at nearly $220,000.
In Mullica Hill, Fred Grasso, 52, said late frost damaged his peaches and rot ran through his tomatoes, green bell peppers, zucchini and watermelon. “Nobody has ever seen rain as drastic as this year, even talking to old-time farmers,” said Grasso, a third-generation farmer who estimates losses so far at roughly $50,000.
“Weeds are a big issue, especially in a wet year. When it’s time to cultivate, you can’t and when you finally get in there and cultivate, and it rains day after day, weeds set in and reroot because of the moisture,” Grasso said. “Weeds steal nutrients from crops, grow tall and block out sunlight, and prevent plants from drying out after rainfall. And constant rain creates problem because the weeds grow faster and herbicides get washed away before they work.”
“It’s never been that bad as far as I can remember,” said Gant, pointing to water pooling in a field as he drove his pickup truck along a bumpy dirt trail toward 35 acres of barley overrun by tall weeds. “I have never seen water lay there more than two days. It should have been harvested, but you can’t harvest weeds taller than barley.” Blueberry and peaches thrived in the wet weather but the same disease responsible for the Irish potato famine attacked South Jersey’s tomato crops.
“Farmers’ yields will be down this year because a lot of fruit out there wasn’t able to be marketed,” said Michelle Casella, an agricultural agent for Rutgers Cooperative Extension for Gloucester County. Gov. Jon S. Corzine has requested that 15 counties be declared disaster areas by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture after rain, hail, wind and even a tornado caused crop and property damage across the state. The designation would allow farmers with severe weather-related losses to apply for emergency low-interest loans.
This year’s hay crop was such poor quality that Gant marked down the price for landscapers, making 25 cents profit per bale rather than $1.50. Though struggling, Gant and Grasso are bent on persevering as operating costs continue to climb. Gant’s losses include $30,000 on bales of straw for mom-and-pop stores that order 15,000 bales and sell it as decoration during the holidays. He grew enough straw to make 10,000 bales but he had to buy the remaining 5,000 bales from a neighboring farmer. Crop losses have cut into profits that the Gant and the Grasso family normally would have invested back into the farm. “We have cut every corner we can without hurting the business itself,” Grasso said. “We’re at just about the limit where we can’t cut anymore. I’m trying to conserve.”
Gant said he has depleted his retirement savings and supplements his income by working three days a week repairing tractor-trailers. He often works 16-hour days on the farm. His wife also works full-time. He has trimmed unnecessary expenses, postponed farm equipment upgrades, and criticizes the federal government for coming to the aid of car dealers and other big businesses, but not farmers.
“Where’s the bailout for farmers?” Gant asked.
“When everything went into the toilet, my costs didn’t go down one bit,” Gant said.
Gant said he would need a $250,000 loan to bail out his farm.
Gant remains optimistic that he can ride out the recession. He’s planting seeds now so he can get barley, rye and wheat next spring.
“We’ll get there. It’s just a matter of time,” he said. “I believe in the Lord. I know He’s going to take care of me. That’s one reason I’m confident we can come back.”
As all farmers know, we reap what we sow. We trust that Mr. Gant’s optimism and faith will help to restore the good fortunes of farmers and the hungry citizens of New Jersey. We should also view this as an opportunity to begin the sowing the seeds to address the problems of climate change. Even in an area as blessed as New Jersey. Farmers livelihoods and a significant portion of the economy of New Jersey depends on the economic viability of small farmers. I also have a selfish reason to address the threat of climate change. I continue to crave the taste of the sweet fruits of our farmers yields and pray that the Jersey Tomato makes a reappearance on our dinner plates next summer.
This article extensively used the report of Mr. Wilford S. Shamlin at The Courier Post.
To Reach Wilford S. Shamlin at (856) 486-2475 or wshamlin@courierpostonline.com
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Risk; small businesses, farmers, agriculture, climate, Jersey Tomato
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