WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR 13.5 MILLION

Jeb Bush, the president's brother and former governor of Florida, is up for election Thursday

as a director of troubled hospital chain Tenet Healthcare.

Assuming he's waved through, his pay in his first year would come to nearly $37,000 a day.
This is the same Tenet that had to pay $900 million to Uncle Sam last summer to settle charges that it had overbilled Medicare and Medicaid over many years.
Nine hundred million dollars.
The U.S. attorneys announcing the settlement accused the company of "fraud" and trying to "manipulate and cheat the system."
Mike Leavitt, the Health and Human Services Secretary appointed by Jeb's brother George, said the company had "fraudulently abused the Medicare program."
It's also the same Tenet that just paid $80. million to the IRS after an audit found it owed back taxes going back as far as 1995. The company recently had to restate nearly five years of earnings statements after an investigation into its books.
And this is just the big stuff.

Tenet's recent public filings read like a police blotter. One of its clinics in South Carolina performed 436 open heart operations without certification. The company is being sued in California by staff claiming they were systematically short-changed on pay and overtime, in breach of the state's labor code. Three former Tenet staff members, at a New Orleans hospital it owned, are under investigation for allegedly euthanizing four patients following Hurricane Katrina.

ANOTHER CHANCE SQUANDERED

The truth has come out in regards to the world outpouring of support, and offers of aid from the world community. Reports are that the Bush administration either spurned, or refuse to collect on the many generous offers that would have helped out the Katrina victims, especially since the administrations lack of support / FEMA ineptitude left so many of them high and dry. Despite Bush administration assurances that international aid offers will be kept free of politics, Cold War tensions seemed to freeze out help from Cuba, and pride froze out many of the rest of the offers, many of which were very, very generous.

One such instance was the offer of cruise ships to be used as emergency hospitals and clinics. The administration said no, then hired Princess cruises to do the exact same thing that was previously offered for free from other countries. Many, including Bill Maher on "Real Time," have speculated that the administration said no so that Princess cruises could get massive revenues for the effort, and thus receive a return on their political contribution investment with the Bush administration. I would like to believe this is untrue, but day in and day out, we get reports of how this administration is capable of anything, legal, or borderline illegal.

Cuba, a long time sufferer from an ignorant cold war that dates back to the Kennedy administration and the Bay of Pigs incident, generously (and inexplicably) offered medical help, namely, to send some 1,600 medics, field hospitals and 83 tons of medical supplies to ease the humanitarian disaster. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack asserted that the Cuban medical brigade would probably not be needed since there has been a “robust response from the American medical community.” We now know that help was, indeed, not on the way. The administration largely sat back and let the largely African-American victims of this tragedy twist in the wind. At the time, White House spokesman Scott McClellan scorned the Cuban proposal. When asked if the president would consider accepting the Cuban help, “When it comes to Cuba,” said McClellan, “we have one message for Fidel Castro: He needs to offer the people of Cuba their freedom.” No, that is not political at all.

Another Bush lie surfaces from the murky depths of their incompetence.

Was this a golden opportunity to resume more rational relations with a neighbor? Yes, they are a communist country. Yes, they do not have our sense of human rights. Hell, not even we have that same sense anymore. Since 1960, we have built up this ridiculous cold war with Cuba, and for what? We have seen in Russia that communism is not a threat to us. We (Bush administration) have even made it impossible for Cuban Americans to legally go to Cuba and see their families there. What does this accomplish? More stupidity from the administration that couldn't shoot straight.

Attempts at normalcy have been made. Carter's visit in 2002, the Elian Gonzales case where Clinton did not block his return to Cuba, which was applauded by Cuba, the exportation of US food to Cuban citizens in 2001, and other attempts.

This cold war is ridiculous, and could have ended with their offer of Katrina relief. We should have relations with Cuba. We should allow travel to and from Cuba. We should set up an embassy and work with the Cuban government, which is weak with reports of the condition of Fidel Castro. We should allow all U.S. exports into Cuba (except weapons of course), and imports of their products. we should have allowed American investment into Cuba. From some of my Cuban friends accounts, this country is rich in resources and is a beautiful, beautiful coast line rich country. A perfect vacation spot not far away from Florida in fact.

We should stop being stupid. We are only hurting ourselves, our Cuban American citizens, and the Cuban citizens themselves.

Isn't it time we reached out to all countries with normal communications. Isn't it time we stop trying to force our particular brand of government on others?

Isn't it time we stop letting our arrogance and ignorant pride hurt and penalize our own people?

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE OUR IDENTITY

We've arrived at the war, as I said that we would.
And war is a thing that does every boy good!
We will sleep in the trenches and go without supper
To make the world safe for New York; Side Upper.
And we'll shoot every traitor and all out-of-towners
Who side with these bibulous Middle East Frowners!
Any questions?
Sir, This war makes no sense.This does seem quite dense.
Would it kill our defense, if this war was past-tense?
We've crashed in the desert! There's no help in sight.
So why are you here teaching children to fight?
So here is my sword. And here is my hat.
We're going home! And that, sir, is that!
It's a minefield out there! We must stay the course!
For which Bush and Cheney show no remorse
Sir, I think what I think. Now get out of my way!
Halt soldier, you liberal, you must obey!
But listen
Would you stay, if I let Congress have their way?
I will fire Don Rummy, and put good food in your tummy
Spam and fried chicken, of this I am certain
The food must be good, it comes from Dick Cheney's Halliburton
So stay the course, if only for two years
I told you the Iraqi's will lead the cheers
We took out Saddam, and that is no joke
Stay with me, stay with me, now find me a rope

NEW STUDY SHEADS NEW LIGHT ON HOMOSEXUALITY

A controversial Harvard (not) study has just been released smashing many previously held perceptions about homosexuals, and the homosexual community. Here are some of their findings....

After exhaustive research, scientists have concluded that homosexuals are actually human beings. Carbon based creatures in fact; needing and capable of creating love, kindness, acts of charity, and random acts of positive and giving behaviors previously thought to be performed solely by heterosexuals. Who knew?

Homosexuals do not seek to adopt children in order to train, mold and increase the ranks of fellow homosexuals. As radical as it sounds, it turns out homosexuals have the same loving and nurturing inner nature as real human beings (as opposed to the openly gay, have mass sex orgies in the streets, freaks we once knew). Further studies have shown that an adopted child by homosexuals are actually not automatically going to turn out gay. Apparently, research has shown that a large majority of homosexuality is innate, and not necessarily a learned proclivity. Guess I'll drop that class. Too bad, I was getting an "A' in "How to avoid becoming a homosexual 101."

Lastly, although religious leaders of all faiths have held the opinion that when committing bigotry, hatred and perpetrating hate crimes against all homosexuals was in the name of "doing God's works", biblical research has actually proven that our God is, in fact a loving God, and probably would look down on someone causing pain and ridicule of an entire group of people not only born out of his image, but a group of people he loved so dearly that he sent down his only begotten son to save them, and grant absolution of their individual sins, no matter what they may be.

PROJECT IMPLICIT

https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/demo/selectatest.jsp

Try this Harvard test / study on whether or not you are a bigot, politically, racially, by religion, by weight, by disabilities, etc. You night just learn something about yourself.

BACK WHEN THE COURSE WAS GREEN AND ALL THE PLAYERS WERE WHITE

1997, it seems so far away, and then again, it seems like yesterday. The Masters golf tournament, the premier professional golf tournament actually turns 10 this year, 10AT to be accurate, 10 years after Tiger.

Played each year at the Augusta country club, the venue is arguably the last bastion of open golf racism and served to symbolize all that was wrong with the old south. Only Augusta held onto its racist policies much longer than anywhere. Blacks (and women) were not allowed to join, or play. So nothing gave the country more pleasure than seeing one Tiger Woods come into Augusta and win year after year. 1997 marked the first time Mr. Woods won the tournament, and slipped on the traditional green champions jacket.

Each year the winner of the tournament determines the menu for the yearly champions dinner held the following year. All previous champions are invited to break bread, and relive old times in a traditional ceremony of past champions only. Nothing illustrates the feelings and sentiment of the old guard of golfers than Fuzzy Zoeller's remarks when asked what he thought Tiger would put on next years menu. He replied "I don't know, I just hope it is not fried chicken."

Although innocent in nature, Mr. Zoeller's remark (and many of his oft quoted remarks), meant only to elicit humor, underscored the resentment at not only the multi-racial Mr. Woods victory, but the prospect of many of his future anticipated victories. His talents scared many of the old golfing guard, and rightly so. He is a virtuoso with a golf club in his very, very talented hands.

What many fans did not understand at the times were the galleries comments of racial slurs and epithets while Mr. Woods worked the golf courses he played during his rookie year. He never went public in these regards, preferring to remain a class act, a predisposition passed down from a tough, Green Beret father. The times have changed (thankfully), and the Masters lives on. And all those of a non-white heritage have one more hero to look up to, one Tiger Woods, a young man who took the baton passed down to him from all those who stood before him, and carved his way around the lush grounds that is the Augusta country club.

PASSOVER DAY

There are those that celebrate Passover, an important Jewish holiday, celebrated with a long drawn out celebration culminating with the eating of bitter herbs and dried out brisket. I have attended many such passover Seders, as they are known, with my family, pretending that this is what Passover truly is. But get real, would you?

I will tell you what Passover means to me. Passover actually occurs when the next highest career progression position comes along. I apply, I get numerous interviews (including the "final" interview, somehow symbolizing that I am on a short, short, short list of candidates), and I get passed over.

Now that I think about it, there actually ARE some similarities between the Jewish practice of celebrating Passover, and my dogmatic employers passing me over for promotion. For one thing, my employers must atone for their sin of passing me over. Thankfully, Rosh Hashana is right around the corner.

My employers have rejected me the last three times I have tried for promotion, thus my carcass is now as dry and tough as an actual beef brisket. In fact, they have busted my matzo balls time and time again, and that is chicken shit. Finally, I can only assume that in order to eventually come to the conclusion of passing me over, they obviously partook in the annual smoking of bitter herbs. Throw in a few prayers, and some old ladies whose usage of lipstick clearly surpasses the actual shapes of their lips, and you got it....Passover.

Happy Holiday, and good Shabbos.

GATOR MEAT

Once again, the Florida Gator big men did in the UCLA Bruins in their second consecutive bid for a national championship. Let's face it fellow Bruins, we do not match up with them at all. And I mean at all. At point guard, both teams have excellent defensive players who take each other out of the game.

Throw in some truly stupid fouls (especially the first reach in foul by Afflalo), some to be expected fouls, and a curious decision by Ben Howland to allow Afflalo the opportunity to grab his third foul by the half, and the writing was on the wall. Josh Shipp tried to take over, but he was a one man team by then. Collison saw no good looks, Rolle saw zero good looks (but threw some up there anyway), and our three big men could do nothing offensively, especially Moya (no offensive star anyway), who was also saddled with three fouls. M Bah Moute, although certainly a plus for our team this year, failed to recapture the high hopes we had for him following our run two years ago.

On the positive side, we emptied out the bench somewhat and saw some imprending talent for next year. We will see what high school phenom center Mr. Love can add to our team next year as well. The nucleus will still be there, sans Mr. Afflalo, who should squeeze in as a first round NBA pick.

Should be a very interesting year next year, with all positions except possibly point guard up for grabs. And Westbrook may make that interesting. All in all, another exceptional year, another enjoyable, pride filled year. But, the Pac 10 has many, many returning players, especially for USC, and in the states of Oregon and Washington, not to mention Arizona, who may have the best recruiting year of anyone. I cannot wait for next year. Go bruins!!

NOSTALGIA

Ahh, to go back to those much simpler times!!

They really were much better days, weren't they?

CLCIK YOUR HEELS AND YOU CAN GO BACK TO KANSAS

What a game!! Fast paced, tough defense, 6 players with a combined 28 steals. And we won. Number two UCLA vs. Kansas, the number one seed. We took it to them and we got em'.

Was it just me, or were there more hacks than at a lung cancer clinic? Obviously, the refs were letting them play, for the most part, although we had some unfair quick fouls leveled against us. But we survive and are going to Georgia. The final four for the second straight year.

Our opponent? Hopefully Oregon, who we know well, and match up better against, although we did take a loss against them in the regular conference play. If not Oregon, then Florida, the team that beat us (and I mean pulled down our britches and beat us) in the finals last year. That would mean looking at the ugliest man in college basketball, possibly ever, for 60 minutes, Mr. Noah. But, whatever. One game at a time. Two games left.

Will we be outplayed? Possibly, we lost some really stupid games this year, especially to teams ranked in the 50 to 100 range.

Will we be out coached? No way. At first, I thought Howland was out of his mind letting us run the court in a fast paced tempo. But we did OK. Yes, we won, but we just did OK. Aaron went off for the first time in the tourney, and he will stay hot for the duration. But, we took some stupid shots (Luc from the three point line), and Darren had a total of seven, count them seven turnovers, way too much, even against a well executed press.

But for now, we won, we are headed for the final four, and it is ever so cool to be a Bruin right now.

WE ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS GUY

Kevin Love, the 6'10", 255 lb. Oregonian center has completed his high school basketball career as the top vote getter for the prestigious Naismith high school basketball player of the year.

Kevin averaged over 33 points per game in his senior year, to go along with his 17 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks per game.

Need more? How about averaging 41% from the 3 point line, and he can actually make an occasional free throw, averaging over 81%.

But the best news about Mr. Love? The Santa Monica native has signed a letter of intent to attend U.C.L.A. next year.

It just isn't fair is it? The Bruins, still rollin' along this year in the March Madness tourney, finished second in the nation last year (got creamed by Florida in the final), and was frequently ranked #1 in the nation this year. Next year we will be even stronger, especially if no one goes early for the NBA draft, a likely possibility, especially in the case of one Mr. Afflalo, who would go in the first round, but hang out with us one more year, alright? If you do, you could be in, say, 3 straight finals?

THE GLASS CEILING

I have been trying for years now to take the next step in my career. This position would take my single store managerial excellence into multiple store supervision. A position I know I am well suited for. I am unquestionably, the best manager in the corporation (a position widely held in the corporate ranks). This is not false bravado, it has been told to me from my immediate supervisor up through the corporate ranks to VP's as well. But, as I have been told over and over, the next step is not just decided on whom the best manager in their location is.

The selection process is as following. All applicants must first meet all selection criteria (normally 15 to 20 applicants each time). The "first cut" is decided by a homework assignment, normally a written report on an in-depth analysis on a given topic. This is where I truly excel. Over the past two years, the corporation has had three openings at this level. I have passed the first cut each time. Many, many do not (normally 6 to 10 do).

Next, the first cut survivors receive an interview with high level managers, normally involving an hour long grilling on all possible topics and issues. Although nerve wracking, I make my points, give my opinions, and succeed. Out of the three times I have applied, I have been selected as a finalist all three times. The survivors are a very short list of known winners, and applicants that the questioners know can do the job. This normally comes down to 3 or 4 applicants. A very high honor to be sure. To attain this status, you are among the elite in the corporation.

The final cut survivors are invited downtown for another hour+ long grilling, based on more intense questions, questions raise from the homework assignment you have produced, and questions involving the very issues that are plaguing the corporation today. Very tough, very serious stuff. The results of the final interview, along with other performance related factors, are what decide who gets the coveted position.

In all three of my attempts, I have excelled at every level. When I attend corporate wide managers meetings, I am known throughout as a three time finalist, a member of the elite "short list" for greatness, yet I do not get the carrot. Those finalists that do not get the position receive another interview explaining exactly what they need to improve on, and why they fell short this time.

The reasoning behind my not getting the position for the third straight time is a human failing that I have. A personality flaw that I am unsure can be learned, can be developed. Hell, I am not even sure it should be a pre-requisite for the position.

I have been told (and somewhat agree) that I lack a "command presence." I lack the ethereal ability, the aura, the persona, the personal cache, if you will, to walk into a room, and have everyone there know I am the man, without saying a word. Some people definitely have it. Clinton has it, Ollie North has it, most military leaders, .......... no, most leaders have it, in some shape or fashion. Most just seem to be born with it.

And therein lies my dilemma. Can I develop that trait? Can this be taught? Obviously I was not born with it. There is no doubt that the success I have attained in 24 years with the corporation could not have been accomplished without a certain leadership style. But, I concentrate more on development, than leadership. I treat people like people, with human dignity, rather than a "human resource." Let's face it, I may just be too soft for the position. No one is going to fear me upon first glance. I am, for good or bad, the guy who can help you through, can develop your skills and performance to where they need to be to reach the expected standard. I do not do it by instilling fear. I do it with mutual self respect, and hard work. I build confidence and knowledge, I never tear down, and try to make my subordinates fear me, or hate me. This is probably a career death blow, but I have news for everyone out there, my way works. My way works, and yours does not. Fear of condemnation, fear of demotion, fear of losing your job strips at the human psyche, and is undermining. How does this work for you? It doesn't. My way works, and yours doesn't. Get over it, and redefine what makes a true leader in your eyes.

LEFT WING EXTREMISM

Joe Klein, a very influential political essayist for such publications as TIME magazine and the New Yorker, as well as the author of "Primary Colors", an "anonymous" best seller, he later admitted writing, has published his definition of a "left wing extremist." Interesting reading. Thanks to "Talking Points Memo" blog for bringing this about. They are linked below, and I would whole heartedly recommend you visit the blog daily, it is fast becoming one of the most important avenues for the news (and the truth) out there in the blogosphere, in my opinion.

A left-wing extremist exhibits many, but not necessarily all, of the following attributes:
--believes the United States is a fundamentally negative force in the world.
--believes that American imperialism is the primary cause of Islamic radicalism.
--believes that the decision to go to war in Iraq was not an individual case of monumental stupidity, but a consequence of America’s fundamental imperialistic nature.
--tends to blame America for the failures of others—i.e. the failure of our NATO allies to fulfill their responsibilities in Afghanistan.
--doesn’t believe that capitalism, carefully regulated and progressively taxed, is the best liberal idea in human history.
--believes American society is fundamentally unfair (as opposed to having unfair aspects that need improvement).
--believes that eternal problems like crime and poverty are the primarily the fault of society.
--believes that America isn’t really a democracy.
--believes that corporations are fundamentally evil.
--believes in a corporate conspiracy that controls the world.
--is intolerant of good ideas when they come from conservative sources.
--dismissively mocks people of faith, especially those who are opposed to abortion and gay marriage.
--regularly uses harsh, vulgar, intolerant language to attack moderates or conservatives.

You can read more of Mr. Klein's article in the blog "Talking Points Memo", linked below.
I read it everyday, and I hope you will as well.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/horsesmouth
/2007/03/joe_klein_defin.php

THEY LISTENED

Bruins trounce Weber State 70 - 42

Sorry I had to do that to you guys, but you needed waking up. You read, you got fired up, and you hammered them in the FIRST half. Got up by a ton, then sat the starters for the fourth quarter. Nice job. Don't get cocky now. That was a freebie. Go out and work next game, whether it is Gonzaga or Indiana. What the post. Give them nothing but long range jumpers. Then crash the boards. Second team, when you come up against the press, don't terminate your dribbles so fast. Then all you got is making an outrageous pass against a double team. Dribble out of it, or pass immediately before it gets too sticky. Kudos to Afflalo for the comeback game of the season, and Darren, way to work!!

And don't even think about VMI beating Duke.

You probably weren't going to play them anyway.

Besides, the only thing worse than playing Duke, is playing the team that beat Duke

Good job guys, hit the showers.

DEAD MEN WALKING

I hope the UCLA basketball team reads this. I have been a die hard Bruin fan since the early 1970's. Live and die with every game. Grew up before Jabbar and Walton, when we still put up a banner or two. I love the tradition. I love the campus, and the school.

But I have witnessed the end of a great year. The last two games you have really looked like shit in the first halves, and although you can come back on Washington and state that way, you are in the tourney for gawd sakes. What the pattern of behavior for stinking up the place in the first halves?

Show some fire for Christ's sake. Dive for a ball once in awhile. Play tough under the hoop and block out. And learn how to shoot a fucking free throw. You are playing a team , Weber State, that isn't a stiff. They can beat you when you are playing decent, and right now, you aren't even playing decent. You cannot take any game for granted now. Do or die. For your, AND my college basketball season. You see, if my Bruins aren't in the dance, then I ain't dancin' either. Don't make me turn on the spoiled, selfish ball hogs of the NBA.

You can go all the way, you guys. Only Florida, Memphis and Ohio State are in your league when you are rollin'. Blast Weber State out of the friggin' building, and reclaim some of your long lost swagger. You got Duke coming up and OK, forget I wrote that. You just have Weber State....Weber State...Weber State, and absolutely nothing else. Go Bruins!!!

WE SHOULD DEMAND A RECOUNT

U.C.L.A. is the men's basketball champion of the PAC 10 for the second year in a row. They have survived in the strongest conference in the nation, and is, pound for pound, the best team in the nation, bar none. And they are improving with every game. They have the best two guard system in the country, not to mention the best coaching staff. Their only losses this year have come at the hands of ranked teams; Stanford, Oregon and West Virginia. They have wins against Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Texas A & M and Michigan, all perennial power houses.

Yet, the sports writers have ranked them number two in favor of Ohio State. Ohio State? Their losses have come to the hands of Wisconsin, Florida and North Carolina. Otherwise they have played no one. No one. Come tournament time, we will see who is number one. I do know one thing, if Ohio State played every team in the PAC 10, they would have experienced more losses than Wall Street this week. Ohio State...give us a break.

Saturday, 1:42pm

No sooner do I puff out my chest and strut my UCLA swagger, than our Bruins go into Washington and patty cake another first half. This time they cannot come back from the depths of defeat. What was surprizing was our offensive performance. They just couldn't hit their asses with two hand fulls of fish hooks today. A ten point victory that was never, ever close, from a team that couldn't fill our jock straps. Shake it off, gentlemen, although our seeding is going to suffer, and we just inherited a much tougher third and fourth round opponent. We still believe in you.

DEAL OR NO DEAL?

Just in case you missed it, the Aaron Sorkin (West Wing) drama, "Studio 60, Live on The Sunset Strip" was officially replaced by something called "The Black Donnoly's" (or something like that).

"Studio" aired its last first run episode last night, and may not appear again, and that is a real shame. Smart dialogue, intriguing characters and real human drama topics made this show one of the best on TV that almost no one watched.

Actually, it is the most TIVO'd show of the new season, suggesting a time slot change was in order. Unfortunately not to NBC, which preferred to keep its stellar 10pm lineup of Law and Order(s): ad nauseous and Night line:titillation intact.

What can you expect from the broadcasting network who saturates the airwaves with mind-numbing game shows and insipid "news" shows, who document the criminal and sleazy dregs of society. There used to be journalism. There used to be studio execs who actually cared more about their craft, and elevating society through their programming, instead of going after the easy buck.

Yes, this show had flaws, mostly with its casting. Sorkin's casting was a blatant homage to all those who appeared on The West Wing. Way too much, especially with Mr. Whitford, who phoned in his role, to be sure. But, he did cast Matthew Perry, who is spot on, and consistently stretching his talents in the drama field.

This show will appear again, probably as part of a Studio 60 Marathon on Bravo. When it does, please watch it. By the third hour, you will be hooked. If not, turn over to the Game Show Network, there is a housewife from Toluca Lake going for a gazillion dollars on Wheel of Stupid.

TV owes its audience programming worthy of its public. Yes, reality TV sells, but shouldn't we demand some real honest to goodness acting once in a while? How about a little talent sprinkled in between the game shows and lowbrow pablum? Society (especially its youth) does have a tendency to emulate what is on its airwaves. Is this really the legacy you want to build for yourselves? Take some pride and allow a quality show to build an audience. Keep Studio 60 on the air.

THE CREAM PUFFED AND PUFFED

I live and die by UCLA Basketball. Almost nothing brings me more pleasure than a big Bruin win, in any sport. Having said that, nothing brings me more anxeity than watching them lose, especially to road teams they should slaughter.

This was the case today, as they keep up their first half doldrums, and go down by 19 points in the second half. Miraculously, they come back from this huge deficit (not uncommon of these upstart Bruins). All this without our playmaker, and leader on the floor, Mr. Collison.

Yes, we lost by a nickel (mostly due to a couple of shots not falling, and the usual bricked free throws). But, if we are to survive in the tournament, we need to stop cream puffin' the first halves. Making an occasional free throw wouldn't hurt either.

You are still my team, always will be. And, oh by the way, coaches in polo shirts are for football. You are the next to step into Mr. Wooden's shoes. Dress like it.

THE INTERVIEW

Tuesday is the day for me. Another interview for a position in the corporate world I highly covet. This is my third interview for the third opening in the department, the third time I have applied, written letters of interest, submitted resumes (to a corporation I have worked for since 1984), written preliminary written reports to gain a finalist status, and finally, getting one last interview as a member of the "short list."

I know what they want to hear, I just can't say it. Shouldn't have to, it is not how I feel. Shouldn't have to act at all. After 24 years, I am the unquestioned best at what I do in the corporation. My way works, for lack of better phraseology. After two and a half centuries of employment with the same corporation, they certainly know who I am, and my basic philosophies. It would be ludicrous to put on a show now. They should see right through it. But others have, and the last two times, I have been passed over for outstanding interviewers. They said what they wanted to hear.

But, when taking the high road and truly representing who I am, and how I get things done (with an outstanding tract record), lessens the chances to get promoted, is it highly moral, or just plain stupid?

I believe in candor with my supervisor(s). In a closed door session, I believe that we should brainstorm ideas and develop innovative new ways of combating our business obstacles. I am not naive, however. I know, that at the end of the day, my vision must be their vision. It is my job to sell their vision, and execute their stated direction and focus. But, in the corporate world, is it possible to stretch the envelope, and be a free thinker, and survive?