I recently viewed an excerpt from President Clinton's tirade in response to Chris Wallace's question on whether he had done enough to get bin Laden.  His main emphasis was "I tried". 

Now that seems to be the hallmark of the Democratic Party.  They tried to fix poverty with the "Great Society" of Johnson.  They tried to fix health care with "HillaryCare" and they tried to fix the economy with tax increases. 

This all brings to mind an episode early in my professional career when after a long day of fruitless pursuits, my superior asked me what I had accomplished. 

I reviewed all of my work and detailed each job I had performed. 

He then reiterated "What did you accomplish?" 

I had no answer, but he gave me the best piece of advice I've ever been given in a work setting.  He said,

"I believe you are confusing effort with results." 

We then went through the tasks I had performed and showed me how each was never finished to an outcome with value.  I've never forgotten that lesson and always examine the tasks I perform and try to discern their effect toward an end result.  Best message I've ever received in the workplace.  I think the Dems could use some private enterprise to help their cause. 

Rick Bowen   9 24 06