Using Information Contained in Court Documents Filed

Today there seems to be a practice of broadcasting information about the content of court documents. Filing of court documents is not an indication that the case being presented will result in a decision for the prosecution. Many cases are brought forth when enough information is available to indicate an investigation is needed. Sometimes this requires a formal court process to make a decision on the guilty or innocence of the defendant (s). There have been cases where it appears that information is being used to discredit or affect the integrity or reputation of government or private officials. This practice results in trying the person within the broadcast community and therefore results in a public opinion. This occurs even before a final decision is made within the court system. This method is wrong where it does not present both sides of the issue. There also appears to be cases where people are up for re-election and a court case would help their chances of re-election.

Content of court documents are only pieces of paper presented to bring forth a case for suspected crimes and does not necessarily provide validated information. Media organizations must be careful to not use information within court documents that could impede a fair and just trial, which is required by our constitution. Many cases are brought forth based on testimony of individuals and sometimes documents, which must be validated.

All media organizations have the right to cover any news story that has an impact locally or nationally. However, this right should not be abused by the practices of giving an impression that the information in court documents has already been validated to be true. The media must qualify the information being presented, and some do that the information must be validated through the court proceedings. It is up to the court and/or jury to determine the validity of the documents filed to substantiate cases filed. Yet when a case is filed, especially a high profile case, there is a practice of using the content of documents filed to present the information to the public.

Scare Tactics in Election Campaigns

In this an election year and the battle for political or local election issues I am tired of political candidates, school boards or anyone else who uses scare tactics for election purposes. Many schools use tactics to scare the people in their district to pass bond issues for increases in funding. Many times they make statements that without the tax increase services would be reduced. Some examples are extracurricular activities and school busing. The problem that I have seen or heard is the school board does not efficiently manage their funds. Many times the employment base is more than required to provide the needed quality services for our schools. I have also found or heard that spending is not being properly prioritized. Spending the tax money they receive should be allocated to improve the value of education students receive. To maintain activities and employment levels that do not impact the quality of educational services being provided, school boards must ask for increase in funds. Sometimes it is a matter of increase cost based on proper salary raises associated with increased cost of living. However, these increases could be reduced if the schools properly manage the funds they receive.

In political campaigns, which include local, state and federal elections political candidates use scare tactics to convince voters to vote for them. They make statements that the incumbents make decisions that are inappropriate for their constituents. Making these statements usually does not include the reasons for the decisions being made or what they would do given the same information to make the decisions. Many times issues that are decided by government officials are not popular but they must be made. We may not like the decisions but many times they are in our best interest. Candidates running for office who are trying to unseat a government official use scare and in so doing are I believe, are showing disrespect for the intelligence of voters.

Voters for the most part are intelligent and can make good decisions if given accurate information. When candidates for any office use scare tactics to win votes I tend to vote for their opponents as they are not talking about the issues but only making efforts to discredit their opponents. This is wrong. A voter needs to make decisions not based on scare tactics but the qualifications and records of the persons running for office. Understand a candidate’s position on the issues and vote for those who support your position. Voters deserve to hear candidates talk about the issues that are important to them not making statements trying to discredit their opponents.

Integrity of Candidates in Political Campaigns

I am tired of political campaigns that do not talk about the issues facing voters. Today it seems that the only thing most political candidates for office want to talk about is how their opponent (s) have made decisions that are bad for their constituents. These statements are often made without any specific details. When this occurs the statements are often unverifiable and should be ignored. When a political candidate or anyone else makes a statement that cannot be verified, the statement carries no weight or truth in the content. Some methods a candidate may suggest to verify are to review the records of the senator or representative or government official. These are usually available on the Internet through government web sites.

Making statements that cannot be validated are not worth the time taken to make them or the expense to publish them in newspapers or on the Internet. Sometimes statements made by candidates are factual but the information to support them may not be available for verification purposes to the general public. Candidates usually know this and make statements to discredit their opponents. They know that the information to support decisions may not be available to the public without causing security concerns. Many times people try to focus on issues about their opponents to take the focus away from their qualifications or the lack of them.

Candidates who use this kind of tactic should be ignored. Using this tactic may also be an attempt to bring more exposure to them but the tactic backfires as for as I am concerned. It shows a lack of knowledge and respect for the voters. This tactic is used regardless of party affiliation and the response to it should be the same. Candidates must focus on the issues by identifying their position and the position of their opponent (s). This helps to identify the differences between them to allow the voters to make a comparison between them. Another aspect of integrity in the political campaign is candidates many times never answer the question directly and try to provide a vague reply. Sometimes this is necessary dependant upon the subject of the question. Documentation is the key to determining the validity of information transmitted and answers received. This may be by any method whether it is newspapers, television, radio or the Internet. These types of resources do qualify as documentation only if specific sources for the information is identified such as hard records not words by others.

There are many instances where an incumbent in office makes decisions, which we feel are bad but if we had access to the information they use to make those decisions, we may feel differently. Candidates running for office trying to unseat an incumbent know this and try to use this to their advantage. This is wrong. Making statements, which cannot be verified through public information, to support decisions, should be ignored.

To summarize, voters want to hear candidate’s position on the issues not efforts to place their opponents in an unfavorable perspective. When this occurs it takes away from the issues and forces some candidates to respond to allegations. Most candidates would or should discuss the issues that are important to voters. They should not have to spend time responding to allegations made by their opponents. The above information applies to local, state and federal office holders and is not restricted to senators and representatives.

Job Qualifications

Today there are many job listings requiring a person have a degree for job qualification. This may be needed in some situations but not having a degree should not disqualify you from applying for a position. There are numerous people, I believe, that are qualified to fill jobs that are now listed on the Internet and in newspapers but never get the chance. Having a degree does not automatically mean that you can perform the required functions of specific positions. It is also a true statement that not having a degree does not mean that you can not perform the required functions. There are those who self-teach themselves on various subjects. I feel that there needs to be a mechanism that would benefit both the prospective employee and the employer.

Employers should not automatically disqualify job applicants simply for the reason they have no degree. I myself have experience in a variety of subjects through work and training that qualifies me for specific jobs. Sometimes in our work we are placed in positions to perform functions that have never been accomplished. This type of experience, which is not associated with a degree, does not mean we are any less qualified for performing specific tasks. I am also self taught through reading books and accessing web sites for various topics. The sites provide the tools to understand various processes and allow you to learn by doing various functions. Learning by doing a function is the best way to learn. Reading a book or taking a class helps to give you information but you must put it into practice. I have also met people who have degrees but they do not have the common sense necessary to perform common work functions. Again experience and evidence

One mechanism that should be employed is allowing proof of experience for specific job requirements. There are organizations that provide testing to validate people can perform specific functions, which qualifies them for specific jobs. Another avenue is for the applicant to provide documentation of performing specific functions either through documentation of taking specific classes such as those giving certifications or examples of work performed. There are other methods to prove you can perform specific tasks. Sometimes this can be documented in letters of reference from friends that you have worked with or can substantiate your qualifications. When job openings are placed on web sites or in newspapers, the employers should allow this kind of qualifications to be used to apply for the position (s). All these avenues of proof should be available to substantiate your experience and qualifications.

There are some positions that are advertised that allow either a degree or work experience in applying for positions. Companies that use this kind of qualifications will, I believe, receive applications from individuals that may not otherwise have qualified to apply. If companies block out certain avenues for applicants, they will never know if they have received an application from the most qualified individual (s).

I welcome comments regarding this position in announcements for positions. Companies should allow people to apply without restrictions that block qualified applicants from applying. When companies do this they will have a better chance to receive applications form the most qualified, available people.

Qualifications of Teachers

There are many good teachers that are now teaching in our schools today but there are also many others that are not given the recognition to teach. These people are those that have certain skills that they have acquired through work experience, training or learning by performing certain procedures or functions. These people do not have degrees and in some instances do not have certificates. Many employers train people in their organization to train others for a specific subject or program. This does not mean that they are not qualified to teach but our present educational system does not recognize them. Degrees are a wonderful thing and it has been a good practice in the past to require those who teach to have degrees or certification from their respective states. Degrees do not make people a good teacher. It is also true that not having a degree does not mean that people are not qualified to teach.

As stated above, many states and schools require people who teach to have degrees. This requirement is an effort to assure that certain credentials are accomplished. However, there are those who teach outside of their element as defined in statistics with the Department of Education. Teaching out of your element means teaching subjects that you are not certified to teach. Sometimes schools have a need for a teacher in a specific class but does not have anyone trained in the subject. In this respect they assign another to teach. Many times the person tries their best but not having training for the subject can and does impact the learning capabilities of the students taking the class. Information regarding the latest statistics can be found on the Department of Education web site

Having a teaching degree does not mean that you are or are not a good teacher. Many people receive training and certifications and are knowledgeable about a subject but do not have the capability to teach. It takes people with certain skills to teach others. It is also true that there are those who possess the knowledge, skills and willingness to teach but are denied this privilege. I consider teaching others a privilege and many teachers feel the same. This can be evidenced by the recognition of teachers by various organizations for those that put much effort in assuring their students receive proper instruction.

People who have experience from work in specific functions and training received can qualify to teach certain subjects. Our educational system would have increased integrity if schools and universities would allow others who can demonstrate they have the ability and expertise to teach specific subjects. This can be associated with a specific element of a standard subject. An example would be where a person could be a guest teacher. This aspect would bring a connection between society and the school. This connection is important. Students must understand the connection between the classroom and the workforce they are about to enter. This can or may cause extra effort by students in realizing how the subject will benefit them in the workforce. Allowing people to add their experiences from their work functions can greatly increase this connection.

Courses taught through our educational system must be able to relate the subjects to a real workforce environment. If this is not accomplished with a degreed teacher, and I am not saying that it cannot, then the system needs to allow this mechanism. I have a published article on integrity in education, which addresses to some extent qualifications of teachers. This article which is in two (2) parts can be accessed on my web site www.myqualitywriting.com/MyArticles.html. I also have a published book titled Integrity: Do You Have It? 2nd edition, which has a chapter on Integrity in Education. It identifies the statistics from the Department of Education relating to out-of-field teachers. The ISBN of my book is 0741429160 and can be purchased from Infinity Publishing or sites such as amazon.com, Borders.com and Joseph-Beth.com

Integrity Today

Integrity is an important subject that is constantly in the news. It seems that there is always news items where people have been exposed, forced to resign or have been or being prosecuted for violating laws and rules of ethics and integrity. People in the United States and for that matter all over the world must take action to inform other individuals, organizations and companies that lack of integrity will not be tolerated. We as individuals must make an effort to instill integrity in everything we do in our responsibilities on the job and in our personal lives. Our responsibilities as an employee are to show up on time for work and perform our duties to the best of our ability. Employers have a responsibility to provide the proper training and guidance giving us the ability to perform our assigned responsibilities. Management in organizations should not blame individuals for poor performance if this is not accomplished. Integrity in the past, I believe, has been overlooked and has not received the recognition it deserves. Politics is one place that appears to constantly have news stories about integrity issues for politicians.

We as customers and business people must require ourselves to perform with integrity and require businesses and organizations to operate with integrity. This involves requiring companies to live up to their guarantees and adhere to their company policies, especially if they involve integrity principles. If we as individuals want integrity in others, then we must project to others that this quality is important as displayed in our words followed by actions. Statements made by people must be followed by actions. Statements and actions must have evidence of a commitment to integrity principles.

Integrity is also something that should be evaluated on a level playing field by applying the same criteria to everyone. I have become tired of examples that are constantly in the news where individuals or companies have not displayed integrity. When I deal with a company that does not treat their customers with integrity and respect, I sever my relationship with them. If upon registering a complaint, however a company or organization makes changes toward integrity and respect, I will not sever my relationship. Requirements to make companies and organizations to follow their principles are something that all of us need to do when we receive poor service and/or products. The more people demand integrity from businesses and individuals the more businesses will change. Customers of organizations, companies and even constituents of political representatives deserve integrity and accountability in all aspects. People who want change as I do must do something to make the change happen. Change will not happen by itself and we must take action to make change happen. Examples of what actions I have taken are discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. If you as an individual want to change the way businesses operate, I urge you to read the content of the remaining paragraphs and join me in the effort to change the scope of business in society.

As a businessperson I have taken two specific steps to help achieve a change in the way people and businesses operate. The first step was to make a commitment to treat my customers with respect, honesty and integrity. Evidence of this commitment is noted on my web site and through email signatures regarding the signing of a business ethics pledge. There is a movement in place regarding companies committing to integrity principles. The movement has a site http://www.business-ethics-pledge.org, which provides a wide range of subjects and suggestions to spread the movement. Details of the pledge can be found on this site and a list of those committed to the principles. There is also a book by Shel Horowitz that I highly recommend titled Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First. It is great and helps to identify things that businesses and individuals can do to change and how it benefits their bottom line.

The second action I have taken is the writing of my book titled Integrity: Do You Have It? 2nd edition. Infinity Publishing publishes the print version of this book. An ebook version is available at http://www.booklocker.com/books/2118.html with an excerpt available to review before purchasing. This book provides the definition and discusses the characteristics of integrity. The characteristics of integrity are the same for all individuals, companies and organizations. It makes sense that we evaluate others and us on the same level. This allows comparisons to be made of people, businesses, and organizations as to whether integrity exists and to what extent.
Some examples of information in the book include the following:

Help to evaluate you on the existence of integrity.

Learn to use the criteria and suggestions in car repair services.

Evaluate the actions of political representatives, local, state and federal for existence of integrity.

Evaluate the coverage of news reported in newspapers, TV and the Internet.

Evaluate the content and reliability of information on Internet Sites.

Learn information about codes of ethics established in various segments to help people require businesses live up to their commitment.

Both versions of my book present the definition of integrity so all readers understand the concept. When this is accomplished the characteristics are then applied to various segments discussed in the book with individual chapters on each. Examples of segments discussed include integrity in the news, integrity in politics and integrity in education among others. Discussing and presenting information on the various segments helps the public to know what commitments have been made or are required. This knowledge helps to provide the tools to make companies or organizations aware that we expect them to follow their established principles.

The book also brings the subject of integrity down to the individual level rather than the corporate level to which we are familiar. One aspect to note is that there needs to be compassion in the reporting of news events for the people involved in the story. The book also helps to bring about the realization of how these segments impact society and the way we live and work when integrity does not exist and when it does. Actions by others always impact decisions we make and we must make sure that any actions or decisions made are accomplished with integrity.

The items identified above as reasons to buy the print or the electronic version and the commitment to a business ethics pledge will help to change the way society operates. If you feel after reading this blog and/or the articles that you want to be a part of efforts to increase integrity in society, then I urge you to sign the business ethics pledge at the link provided. My book, I believe, also will help provide information to ask the right questions of society and/or individuals in assuring integrity exist in all areas with which we have contact.

There are various policies that businesses try to present that they have integrity in their business operations. Is the hype true or an effort to get the public, their customers, to do business with them? I have also written several published articles on the concept of integrity such as Integrity in Management, Integrity in Education and Integrity in Auditing. These are free articles and may be found on my web site http://myqualitywriting.com/MyArticles.html. I feel that integrity in these areas, which are applicable in every segment of society, is important. Other articles on integrity that can also be found at this link include Integrity in Election Ballots and Integrity and Free Speech.

If after reading this blog and/or the articles mentioned you would like to purchase either version, please use the following links:

For the print version you can visit www.infinitypublishing.com go to the bottom of the page and click on bookstore. You can then input the following ISBN: 0-7414-2916-0 to get access to the place to purchase the print version of the book. The print version of the book is also available on www.amazon.com or www.borders.com and other bookstore sites. If you are interested in the electronic version please go to the following link: http://www.booklocker.com/books/2118.html. This site offers the option to read an excerpt from the book before your decision to purchase. It allows an insight into the type of content and detail provided in the full version. Both the ebook and the print version are the same even though the titles are different.