"Do the right thing." What is on our readers minds?

Jim, Absolutely Spot On! Well stated! Kirk Stallsmith GP-Plattsburgh Plattsburh, New York, USA *** Jim Thanks for this article. It says what I heard long time ago - a true test of character is to see what a person does when he or she doesn't think anyone is looking. I guess I was before the baby boomers (1942) for although my parents lived through the depression, they never spared the rod on this boy. I was convinced that I would have it better off then they did financially because I had better opportunities. And that came true. My kids, who are now 26 to 40, have it better off that I did at their age. And I assume that their kids may have a better life than their parents, though that isn't guaranteed with 10 gandchildren floating around. I think it is safe to say that barring a catastrophy, the world's population as a whole has it better of with each succeding generation, thanks to better governments. Today we can blame most starvation to policies of governments, not the lack of food. Gene Canavan Prattville, Alabama, USA *** In the morning. Brook E. Lamm Business Development Manager Celanese Polyvinyl Alcohol Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA --- No, Brook. See above. *** Nice job, as always, Jim! My experience is that the best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning. Best regards from Augusta, Jeff Reese IP Loveland, Ohio, USA --- No to you, too. I assume you are not playing golf in Augusta. *** Jim, I thought your article, "Do the Right Thing" made some excellent points. What it boils down to is integrity, something that has been slowly disappearing from our society. Integrity was lost at a high level when we had a US president who had no integrity and did not even know the definition of the word "is." Several years ago, probably in the early 90's I gave a talk at the Rust Engineering Toastmasters club when they were celebrating their 15 year anniversary. It was at a time when an American youth was arrested in Singapore and his punishment was to be caning. The US press made a major issue of this discipline being used. The press, and many Americans, preferred no discipline at all, just a slap in the wrist, like you mentioned in your article. The title of my talk was "Conscience, Consequences, or Chaos." The message was very similar to your message on 10/20/08, i.e. if a society does not have a well developed conscience, then there must be severe consequences for any misbehavior, such as was exercised in a totalitarian state like the USSR at the time of my talk. With a weak conscience and a permissive society we end up with chaos. Last week I had my very first experience being called to serve on jury duty for Houston county Alabama. This was for the circuit court and all the cases were criminal. There were 65 criminal cases to be tried that week in only one county in Alabama. Can you imagine how many criminal cases there are across the USA? It appears we have reached societal chaos. Mickey Johnson Dothan, Alabama, USA *** Nice. George Mead Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, USA *** Nice job Jim. Larry Montague TAPPI Norcross, Georgia, USA *** Enjoyed your recent advertising promotion... Unfortunately for the industry, your commentary on the march of electronic communications is all too accurate. The quote below could apply to several older managers, and MANY younger ones. Even my 82 year old mother in law has given up on having a daily newspaper delivered, and uses her laptop. Your comment on the younger staff is borne out by the under 35 professionals of my acquaintance too. Hopefully see you at PAPTAC in Montreal in early February. Neil McCubbin Foster, Quebec, Canada --- Neil: I don't think I can ever recall anyone thanking me for an advertising solicitation before! Jim *** Dear Jim, I always enjoy scanning (not much time to read these days) your newsletter. Just wanted to let you know of a minor spelling error. Paperitalo Publications, wholely owned by Talo Analytic International, Inc. should read Paperitalo Publications, wholly owned by Talo Analytic International, Inc. Best Regards, Franz Resch Andritz Inc. Atlanta, Georgia, USA --- Franz, when I look at your note and the one from Neil McCubbin directly above, I think I am very blessed to have such wonderful readers. Jim ### Have a comment? Send your email to jthompson@taii.com. Unless you tell us otherwise, we will assume we can use your name if we publish your letter.