Recent Commentaries

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Being Trustworthy
Reading some after-talk comment cards, I came across a note which read: “Nice talk, but how about using a personal story or two to make your point?” Okay. Being trustworthy requires more than being honest. It requires us to make reasonable efforts to keep promises and obligations, and carry out the necessary integrity to resist temptations and pressures and do...
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June 20, 2011
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A Guy Named Joe
Hands down, my favorite movie of all time is the one where Spencer Tracy plays a hotshot World War II pilot who flies on instinct and hot coffee. He also has a knack for showboating on every bombing mission he’s sent out on until the day comes when he doesn’t come back. The defining moment in A Guy Named Joe occurs when...
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June 17, 2011
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The Upside
Anthony Weiner, Bernie Madoff, low economy, high unemployment, questionable housing, if you’re house hasn’t already been hit by a flood or tornado. How do you remain optimistic in an atmosphere of so much negative news? In an intriguing TIME magazine cover story (The Science of Optimism), author Tali Sharot offers some positive news. “Collectively we can grow pessimistic — about...
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June 15, 2011
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The Razor’s Edge
Jeffrey Wigand, former executive at tobacco giant Brown & Williamson, becomes a celebrity after appearing on 60 Minutes telling how big tobacco lied for decades to millions about the facts of cigarettes and smoking. Hollywood makes a major motion picture about his ethical stand and hires Russell Crowe to play him. Result: Jeff becomes an even bigger celebrity. Cynthia Cooper, former internal auditor...
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June 13, 2011
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June 2011 Ethical Hero – Reverend Peter J. Gomes
“He was a thundering black Baptist preacher,” the New York Times writes, “and for much of his life a conservative Republican celebrity who wrote books about the Pilgrims, published volumes of sermons and presided at weddings and funerals of the rich and famous. He gave the benediction at President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration and delivered the National Cathedral sermon at...
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June 12, 2011
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Doing Right
“We know we can find stories of people who do it wrong, but where can we find stories of people who do it right?” Those words began the second chapter of my book, What Do You Stand For? whose stated purpose was to offer a collection of positive examples of integrity and moral courage. The goal I set for myself at the beginning...
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June 10, 2011
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The Gospel of Gaga
I’m beautiful in my way ‘Cause God makes no mistakes I’m on the right track baby I was born this way. – Stefani Germanotta, Lady Gaga Known for her other-worldly, origami-like costumes, Stefani Germanotta – a.k.a. Lady Gaga – is the hottest thing in glam rock not only for her music but her message of self-acceptance.  » Read more about: The Gospel of Gaga...
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June 8, 2011
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Look Who’s Teaching Ethics!
Okay, you’re registering for Fall classes at… oh, let’s say, The New Hampshire Technical Institute in that charming little town of Concord just a stone’s throw from Manchester. But wait… there’s been a last minute change in the required class of Contemporary Ethical Issues. Instead of Professor Stephen Ambra, this semester’s class will be taught by former White House Counsel for...
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June 6, 2011
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Would Lincoln use Facebook?
When founder Mark Zuckerberg announced that his social media giant, Facebook, had reached the equally gigantic goal of 500 million users, my first reaction was, “What’s Facebook?” I mean, I’m computer literate – have been since the stone age of 1990. I rely heavily on my laptop for all work and most long distance communication. However, when Facebook was explained to me,  » Read more...
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June 3, 2011
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About Trust
The Dilemma is a comedy about honesty, or rather about how dishonesty contributes to a loss of trust. The film follows best buddies and hi-tech business partners Vince Vaughn and Kevin James at work and play. Ronny (Vaughn) is a 40-year-old former gambling addict and bachelor who exudes so much self-confidence about his product (an electric car engine that sounds and...
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June 1, 2011