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There are lots of jobs that can be adequately performed by the guys listed above, right? Oh, and just to remain (?) politically correct, that includes Mary, Jane or Juanita too.
But the truth is, there are a lot of Tom, Dick or H..., (well you get it) who can’t do some jobs, adequately or otherwise.
Not only do some folks lack the necessary basic skills, education or experience. They lack other, even more important prerequisites. Including, integrity, honesty, intuitiveness, the ability to maintain a confidence and Judgment. Sometimes even the innate intelligence to do certain jobs (apologies to the “average” folks among ya).
For instance in my case (quiet down, it’s “my” opinion column, ain't it?) back when I was an actual productive member of society, I was a mortgage banker. Few jobs require more of the traits in that last paragraph.
During my training as a banker a few things I was taught really made an impression on me. For instance, I was told I’d have to be able predict the future!? Eventually I figured out that meant being able to “know” (often with just paper in a file to study) that borrowers would pay back their loan..., in the future. Then I was told I had to “judge” people (what?! without a robe?).
Learning to “feel” a good loan, based on my judgment of people. Not simply their jobs, assets (or relatives). Eventually I became a pretty good prognosticator. My “delinquency ratio” (measured by who didn’t pay as I predicted) rarely exceeded 2%. Much better than many banks these days!
For a long time I managed bank office(s) in one of the countries wealthiest areas. We offered a “Top Qualifier” loan. If a borrower had perfect credit, verifiable cash down payment and a property that appraised, we could grant the loan with little other documentation (meaning the file didn’t have to weigh a half-pound). Since I acted as the “Loan Committee” I loved these easy loans.
Occasionally this “feeling” a loan, upset loan officers who worked with (for) me. An amusing example comes to mind (indulge me).
This particular time a loan officer brought me a Top Qualifier application for several hundred thousand dollars (big money in those days).
Shortly I turned it down. My loan officer (wringing his hands) inquired, “Why? The file is perfect!” I told him it just didn’t “feel” right. Later he’d calmed down (scary glare still in his eye) he asked again. I calmly explained (as to a wayward offspring) ending with, “It just smells bad”. He stormed out (without hitting me!).
Couple days later he stomped back into my office. Seeing blood in his eye, I braced myself for a tirade.
Instead, he threw the local newspaper on my desk and inquired how I'd known in advance about “This!” Seems his client, that “businessman” I’d denied days before, had been busted for running a string of covert “gentlemens” establishments. Eventually he forfeited most of his assets, including the house (some other banker had lent him the money to buy!).
Did I exercise intuition, premonition or plain old luck? No, his stated occupation and huge bank account didn’t add up. I (optimistically) prefer judgment.
There now! I’ve wandered all through this little story (partly) because I was “too late” to print my planned “political” column in last weekends edition. I’d wanted to talk about a potential judge(ment?) and lawmen, integrity, experience and the future. But somehow, unlike last springs primary, this election snuck up on me! Phooey!
But it’s ok, I’ve calmed down. The swelling‘s gone down and the glare has ebbed from my eyes. Primarily because of some fine exercise of judgment on election day. Not mine, Yours!
You didn’t elect just any old Tom, Dick or Harry. You elected Ted, Mark and Jack! Oh, and Cathy and Joan too! Not to mention lots of other folks. Many of whom I didn’t know well enough to feel obligated to..., “Brag ‘em up”.
You apparently felt strongly enough about common sense (and the common man) to actually elect a non-lawyer as your next JP!! Oops, “Magisterial District Justice”. My! What an auspicious title. I expect the man you elected will be just that!
Our new Sheriff may never face “High Noon” (we hope). But he’ll face the future! With all the requisite qualifications I’d looked for, plus one more. Youth! Which should offer us a continuity long into the future of an already proven track record.
These folks are to be congratulated! And so are those of you who voted!
I Don’t Know About You..., I’m right proud of the new “Lawmen” we’ve put into office!
Cal Teeple, Observational Cogitation Consortium founder still lurks three stools down where he may be ignored, accosted or contacted. As well as at: www.wayneindependent.com/cal And At: calteeple@gmail.com.
There are lots of jobs that can be adequately performed by the guys listed above, right? Oh, and just to remain (?) politically correct, that includes Mary, Jane or Juanita too.
But the truth is, there are a lot of Tom, Dick or H..., (well you get it) who can’t do some jobs, adequately or otherwise.
Not only do some folks lack the necessary basic skills, education or experience. They lack other, even more important prerequisites. Including, integrity, honesty, intuitiveness, the ability to maintain a confidence and Judgment. Sometimes even the innate intelligence to do certain jobs (apologies to the “average” folks among ya).
For instance in my case (quiet down, it’s “my” opinion column, ain't it?) back when I was an actual productive member of society, I was a mortgage banker. Few jobs require more of the traits in that last paragraph.
During my training as a banker a few things I was taught really made an impression on me. For instance, I was told I’d have to be able predict the future!? Eventually I figured out that meant being able to “know” (often with just paper in a file to study) that borrowers would pay back their loan..., in the future. Then I was told I had to “judge” people (what?! without a robe?).
Learning to “feel” a good loan, based on my judgment of people. Not simply their jobs, assets (or relatives). Eventually I became a pretty good prognosticator. My “delinquency ratio” (measured by who didn’t pay as I predicted) rarely exceeded 2%. Much better than many banks these days!
For a long time I managed bank office(s) in one of the countries wealthiest areas. We offered a “Top Qualifier” loan. If a borrower had perfect credit, verifiable cash down payment and a property that appraised, we could grant the loan with little other documentation (meaning the file didn’t have to weigh a half-pound). Since I acted as the “Loan Committee” I loved these easy loans.
Occasionally this “feeling” a loan, upset loan officers who worked with (for) me. An amusing example comes to mind (indulge me).
This particular time a loan officer brought me a Top Qualifier application for several hundred thousand dollars (big money in those days).
Shortly I turned it down. My loan officer (wringing his hands) inquired, “Why? The file is perfect!” I told him it just didn’t “feel” right. Later he’d calmed down (scary glare still in his eye) he asked again. I calmly explained (as to a wayward offspring) ending with, “It just smells bad”. He stormed out (without hitting me!).
Couple days later he stomped back into my office. Seeing blood in his eye, I braced myself for a tirade.
Instead, he threw the local newspaper on my desk and inquired how I'd known in advance about “This!” Seems his client, that “businessman” I’d denied days before, had been busted for running a string of covert “gentlemens” establishments. Eventually he forfeited most of his assets, including the house (some other banker had lent him the money to buy!).
Did I exercise intuition, premonition or plain old luck? No, his stated occupation and huge bank account didn’t add up. I (optimistically) prefer judgment.
There now! I’ve wandered all through this little story (partly) because I was “too late” to print my planned “political” column in last weekends edition. I’d wanted to talk about a potential judge(ment?) and lawmen, integrity, experience and the future. But somehow, unlike last springs primary, this election snuck up on me! Phooey!
But it’s ok, I’ve calmed down. The swelling‘s gone down and the glare has ebbed from my eyes. Primarily because of some fine exercise of judgment on election day. Not mine, Yours!
You didn’t elect just any old Tom, Dick or Harry. You elected Ted, Mark and Jack! Oh, and Cathy and Joan too! Not to mention lots of other folks. Many of whom I didn’t know well enough to feel obligated to..., “Brag ‘em up”.
You apparently felt strongly enough about common sense (and the common man) to actually elect a non-lawyer as your next JP!! Oops, “Magisterial District Justice”. My! What an auspicious title. I expect the man you elected will be just that!
Our new Sheriff may never face “High Noon” (we hope). But he’ll face the future! With all the requisite qualifications I’d looked for, plus one more. Youth! Which should offer us a continuity long into the future of an already proven track record.
These folks are to be congratulated! And so are those of you who voted!
I Don’t Know About You..., I’m right proud of the new “Lawmen” we’ve put into office!
Cal Teeple, Observational Cogitation Consortium founder still lurks three stools down where he may be ignored, accosted or contacted. As well as at: www.wayneindependent.com/cal And At: calteeple@gmail.com.
