American Election News

Human Nature and Ego

Over the past few years, I have experienced many wonderful things. The home birth of two amazing kids and at AngelVision we saw exponential growth, abundant industry recognition, and numerous customer success stories. The most satisfaction comes from the many emails describing how we have changed the lives of the people with whom we have come in contact.

About 95% of this email is wonderful - glowing comments praising us on a range of issues. However, about 5% of this email is nasty - just plain vicious. You would be shocked at some of the terrible things people have to say. Do these emails bother me? Not really. I generally don’t get affected emotionally by the events in my life. For the most part, I stay pretty calm, even during times of crises.

Why do people say these things?

My guess is the human ego. The ego manifests itself in many ways: fear of change, jealousy or the fear of risk or being wrong. There are people who feel guilty or need to create a story for the news. There are also people who feel threatened or have something to loose. Our friend Jack (a lobbyist and Washington insider, see below) certainly fits into this category.

Unfortunately, if you try to help people or try something different, you will probably get attacked. Just look at Bono, Oprah, Bill Gates, Madonna or Angelina Jolie. Sure, they’re admired by many, but a small percent of people harbor deep hatred towards them. In fact, I’m sure that they receive the same proportion of negative feedback to positive feedback as I receive.

So what do we do? Do we stop trying to make this world a better place because a small number of people are angry? Do we say, “Oh, screw them! I’m not wasting my time trying to save this country. I’m going to look out for myself?” Do we let people like Jack Yoest frighten away those who want to put this nation back on track? In revolutionary times, these individuals sided with the British and were called, “Tories”. Did the Patriots let the Tories win because they said nasty things about the Founding Fathers? Today’s revolution is not against a foreign country, it is against those in power in Washington.

I admit. Sometimes I wonder. Should I place the needs of people I don’t know above those of my company and my family, particularly when I have been attacked unjustly?

No, I will not let a few bad apples ruin our only chance to save our freedoms and our future.

Most people who choose to respond in a negative manner don’t really know why they are behaving this way. They are programmed to react to situations in the same way that they have reacted in the past. It is not their fault. Believe me: I understand how difficult it is to suspend that internal voice of reason telling you to play it safe and to stick to the ‘old way’ of doing things. They merely have not been exposed to different points of view. They are the victims of Story Pollution.

Most people are seriously concerned about our Nation and our Planet. We can argue, disagree, and even vigorously defend an opinion. But personal attacks distract us from the real issues. I’m sure that for some people, this is precisely the objective.

Talented individuals would participate more in government if they felt that they would not be attacked personally. Hasn’t this always been the problem with all third parties?

There are many qualified and experienced people who wish to serve government, but outside the 2 party system.

By creating a collaborative environment, void of politics and self-interest, talented people will feel comfortable to participate. The quality of candidates will rise quickly…