Peer Or Potentate?

A  L  O  H  A !

 " To myself I am

 but a small child 

wandering upon the vast shores 

of knowledge, every now 

and then finding 

a small bright pebble 

to content myself with. "

                               Plato

" There is no respect for others 

without humility in one's self."

                   Henri Frederic Amiel.

" The vulgar man is 

always the most distinguished, 

for the very desire 

to be distinguished 

is vulgar. "

                   Gilbert K. Chesterton

Have you noticed

that successful politicians 

standing for election, or re-election

are warm, approachable,

kissing babies,

shaking hands,

smiling?

Have you noticed

that office holders

very often

carry the aura of 

potentates?

Attending an awards ceremony

for Hawaii's music industry

I found myself

in an elevator

with a famous local producer

associated with wonderful music.

"Love your work, man. Thanks."

"Always like to satisfy the consumers,"

he replied.

What a jerk!

It so happens,

that I was attending

as guest of a former band mate

who was up for an award

with his new band.

Great people

are focused on

other people

and the journeys ahead.

Small people

are so insecure

that they constantly

enforce, and

reinforce ANY

distinction they have.

Alan Brennert

is a VERY successful writer.

His work in scripts and novels

has won him many fans,

and awards.

I let him know

how fine his Hawaii

novels are.

He is an amazing 

and humane writer!

I wrote one little novel

(so far)

But Alan has been friendly

and kind when visiting Hawaii,

exchanging signed books

and later quoting me in an interview.

He called me Hawaii author.

[not a fan or consumer]

His spirit is generous.

Why do local "somebodies"

[wherever local happens to be]

act like a separate species,

yet world-class people

treat each person

as a friend,

as valuable?

I think the question

answers itself,

don't you?

I have confused and upset

some "achievers"

by treating them like friends

instead of making obeisance.

Don't get me wrong,

I express appreciation for their

work, but. . . . 

I'm not looking for rank,

invites to events,

or Medals.

Each person I meet

has something to teach me

[yes, some of the lessons

are cautionary].

So carry on,

my fellow great person!

By this ye shall know

insecure jerks:

they are preoccupied

with being respected.

So give them what they want

to get what YOU want,

but make real people,

animals,

the whole world,

your fellow of the journey'

of life.

Then YOU shall be

known as

a truly great human.

Like me.

[\]

Thank YOU 

for laughing along.

The only reason I post

is for the friendship 

and comments

from YOU!

      Thanks So Much

                   fondly, cloudia

Moki