DEATH AND TAXES

Isn't it unusual that two of the most common things in life are the most hated? We do a lot of complaining about taxes. I'm self employed, so I save every month in preparation for the quarterly tax payment. Some people choose to not pay, but I believe in paying taxes, so I do it willingly. I don't agree with the concept of estate taxes, so I've decided that when I die I am not going to pay those.

I also believe in being prepared to die. Just because we don't like to think about it, doesn't mean we shouldn't make plans. The most obvious way to prepare for our own death is to provide for those that are dependent on our income by purchasing some type of life insurance.

Even less talked about is being ready to die. How does one ever get ready to die? I just purchased my 2009 desk calender and nowhere, in filling out important dates, did I write in the date of my own death. I wish it were that easy. Instead, I have to realize that every day I wake up may be the last one I live. I'm not sure how successful I've been at making every day my last, because I haven't been tested yet. I'm still here. However, I am "ready to go," as they say, having made peace with God in every way. I have no regrets, no known enemies, and no unspoken conversations I wish to make with anyone I leave behind. That doesn't mean I want to die. It does, however, free me to live life to the fullest. Each day is a new adventure, a gift from God. I think more about this than I used to, because almost daily I hear about someone younger than myself who has died.

Unfortunately, for most of us death won't come suddenly. Instead, it will begin with an illness that gets progressively worse, resulting in a death that is expected by all. For a short time five years ago I thought I might have to go through that process, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early and up until now there is no reoccurence.

It's too bad we can't choose how we exit life. I remember my friend who proclaimed that he wanted to die peacefully in his sleep like his grandfather, not screaming in horror like the passengers in his car. How do you want to die? More importantly, are you ready?

CROWD BEHAVIOR

The psychology of crowd behavior has always interested me, ever since I studied it in a college Sociology class. It has caused me to analyze my actions in a group as if I were being observed by a neutral party, like a scientist watching a rat in a maze. The dynamics of a crowd can be scary. It's not unlike what happens when you find out your precious dog that sleeps on your bed at night is part of a daytime pack that takes down sheep.

There are three viewpoints when you are part of a crowd. The first is as a participant. I try to determine if my actions in the crowd are a true reflection of my values, or if I am being manipulated. Another viewpoint is to look at the person leading the crowd. What is their intent? If the crowd follows their lead, what will the result be? The third perspective is if I am the leader. Am I using my abilities to influence people in an ethical manner? Do these people really know what the end result of this action is going to be?

Frankly, I don't think we can depend on the leader to be ethical. We, as individuals in a crowd have a responsibility to be manipulated ethically. I know, it sounds strange, but it happens all the time. At a football game, everyone stands up when there is a touchdown. What if you don't stand? Are you worried about peer pressure? In a group of friends, everyone is expected to laugh at a joke. Do you laugh when it's not funny? Arn't you allowing yourself to be manipulated in little ways, all the time? Political rallies are notorious for manipulating crowds. They have made it a science. When you are in a crowd, are you aware of your behavior? When is it permissible to be manipulated? When is it ok to manipulate? Comedians do it all the time. Do you have the gift?