Recent Compassion Commentaries

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7 Lessons from the Life of George H.W. Bush
Looking back on his life and presidency, George H. W. Bush made decisions consistent with specific ethical values. Here are seven illustrations. 1: Nice Guys Don’t Finish Last (Respect, Compassion) – Bush was always respectful. Even in the political fray, he never ridiculed or berated opponents. He also understood how others felt and went above and beyond to support them....
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December 7, 2018
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Character and Leadership
“America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle.”      – George H.W. Bush, 41st U.S. President There are people in our lives who, despite not personally knowing, cause you to feel connected to them. It comes through their words and their character. President George H.W. Bush was that kind of man and president. And you can...
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December 1, 2018
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“We Can Be Better Than This”
Times of crisis call forth a leader among us who, through their compassion and wisdom, can help both comfort and unite. Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers is doing just that by not only tending to the needs of his own community but offering a broader message to us all. CNN’s Alisyn Camerota spoke to Rabbi Myers on Monday morning...
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November 1, 2018
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What Would Mister Rogers Say?
In less than seven days we have seen: what has now grown to 15 pipe bombs delivered to top Democrats, actor Robert DeNiro and cable news network CNN by vocal Trump supporter Cesar Sayoc; a school shooting near Charlotte, North Carolina; white racist Gregory Bush shot two black shoppers at a Kentucky grocery store; and earlier that same day –...
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October 30, 2018
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A Line of Awesomeness
With the continuing chaos coming out of Washington on an almost daily basis, we need re-acquaint ourselves with our better angels. This week, I offer three baseball stories. This commentary is only 217 words, but it speaks volumes about civility and the simple human kindness that took place in the stands of a Detroit baseball park. As reported by Vladimir...
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September 24, 2018
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Updates
In Friday’s commentary (Right Message, Wrong Moment), I sided with Serena Williams’s point about a double standard that women are held more accountable for their bad behavior than men. I was wrong. Near the end of this year’s women’s U.S. Open final, Williams was fined $17,000 for three code violations in the finals against Japan’s Naomi Osaka, her first Grand...
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September 17, 2018
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Last Man Standing… Tall
Halfway through the comedy City Slickers, Curly – the irascible, tougher-than-leather cowboy played by tough guy Jack Palance – unexpectedly dies on the trail. At his burial, the cook offers this short admonition to the Almighty: “Lord, we give you Curly. Try not to piss him off.” Given Senator John McCain’s somewhat regular bouts of anger, the Almighty would be...
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September 4, 2018
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“He’s Our Role Model”
When a twenty-year old college student’s car broke down the night before he was to begin work at a new job, he immediately contacted friends for help, but no one was available. After checking the mileage, Walter Carr realized it would take him about 7 hours from his house in Homewood, Alabama to Pelham where Bellhops moving company was located....
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July 20, 2018
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Truth, Justice and the American Way
“Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” “Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird.”  “It’s a plane.”  “It’s Superman!”  “Yes, it’s Superman, strange visitor from another planet who came to earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman,  » Read more about: Truth, Justice...
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July 4, 2018
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Go and Do Likewise
“ ‘Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?’ “And he said, ‘He that showed mercy on him.’ Then said Jesus unto him, ‘Go and do thou likewise.’ ” – Luke 10:36-38, 21st Century King James Bible We start the month with two stories of good Samaritans. As reported by Michelle Miller...
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July 2, 2018