Comments on: On Three Years Since My Electoral Defeat

By: Parthi

Parthi — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:43:20 +0000

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends themself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”

By: zen2then

zen2then — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:12:56 +0000

To be successful in your life and business, here is what Winston Churchill told some school children:

“The pessimist sees the problems in every opportunity. Whereas the optimist sees the opportunity in every problem”

“Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense”

info@neverevergiveup.com

“Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.”

Sorry to cut and paste, but had to use it.

If I had lived in Ward 43 I would have made it 933 votes for you and proud of it. No shame. Shame would be not trying.

By: LMA

LMA — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:58:39 +0000

Were you motivated to enter politics to seek personal fame or glory, it might be considered hubris. Taking pride in the work that you do to help and represent others seems entirely appropriate to me. Best of luck with your career!

By: M Anderson

M Anderson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:52:45 +0000

You have found a purpose in life and see value in getting involved with the community and fighting for what is right. You have years and years to hone those skills and pursue your dreams. It will come in time.

By: John Laforet

John Laforet — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:48:56 +0000

Irene – I personally don’t see hubris here.

I mean how you derive arrogance out of acting on principle against what is in my best interest to help others, choosing a difficult road instead of an easier one is beyond me.

Am I self confident? To a degree yes, but when folks are trying to tear you down – if you weren’t they would win.

Am I excessively proud? Yes I am. Is it excessive pride with myself? No. I’m not the reason for my pride in the experience or the outcome. It was the amazing folks I worked with, met along the way and continue to work with that fill me with pride.

Hubris is the last trait someone who volunteers hundreds of hours a month in a position that sees him attacked personally would have. Generally hubris would also prevent someone from seeking results over recognition. If you take a look at what I’ve done or have had a single coversation with me, you would know that everything I do is outcome oriented.

That being said as you”ve demonstrated in your one word, you wouldn”t want to let facts get in the way of your opinion.

By: CD

CD — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:48:49 +0000

John,
I’ve only just found your site a couple days ago by accident, but find you have an interesting, and hopeful take on things.
Although I don’t personally know you, what I do know is that we need change from top down at City Hall. We’ll get change in the top job as we know, but also critical are the ‘spokes’ which are of course City Council. Most on there are metaphorically speaking, fat, tired, and not hungry anymore to work for their constituents. Change is desperately needed. The ultimate slap came when they voted themselves a raise last year (I think?). For what, I’d still like to know.
I’d be happy to discuss this further with you offline (I believe you have my email address).
It might be time for you to try again!

By: Irene

Irene — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:02:36 +0000

Hubris.