Memorial Day year-to-year tends to follow the same format for most Americans. It is a day of remembrance and respect for those who paid the ultimate price for their country. As we do every year, many will bow their heads in unity for those who lost their lives due to war.
Archive for: Ethics
Seeing “The Long Peace” through The Fallen of World War Two
Hosting an international visitor for Thanksgiving: Citizen diplomacy at its finest
Enjoying an international encounter
One of the very best elements of any international encounter is when a visitor can participate in a family or community’s expression of tradition. Such events are the very center of cultural meaning and are often the most memorable parts of foreign travel no matter what other success may take place…
Don’t Forget the “Saint”
This week I was asked to speak to a group about what sort of decorations we put up in my home for Valentine’s Day. I took this opportunity to explain that though we don’t decorate in my home for Valentine’s, that is not because we don’t value the day. Rather than set aside a…
The terrible condition of emotional health in China: let’s share our wisdom
I just read a translation of a great essay responding to the People’s Daily’s recent article “The Post-80′s Generation is Dispirited: Early Decline Cause for Alarm”
In the essay, the author describes his own experiences trying to survive the difficulties of bureaucracy, incredulity over corrupt officials’ influences, institutional lies from his schools, despair…
Facing Corruption: No External Roles for Internal Woes
With the conclusion of the central government transition to Xi Jinping’s leadership and a new cast of Politburo Standing Committee members, the news on China returns to a semi-normal state of affairs, which is to say there will be continued speculation on the short-term challenges facing the complex nation. After the run-up of anticipation…
Day Doesn’t Understand the Night’s Darkness
My favorite novel is Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, a story that investigates the questions of what lives inside the heart of man, and what relationship civilization has to dark regions of the Earth. Do we really understand the heart of darkness, and can we say that when we “live in the light” that…
Patriotism Innovation Inclusiveness Virtue
While on a recent visit to a major city, I was struck by the boldness and freshness these four words brought to the public arena: patriotism, innovation, inclusiveness, and virtue. Emblazoned in many locations, these four words announced this city’s new effort to define its spirit and inspire its residents. I think these four…