Power or Greed - Being Self Centered

In recent weeks we have all heard about Building 18 at the Army's Show Place Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Most of us know this Complex as Walter Reed Army Hospital.

The picture above is reported as a room at Mologne House, an outpatient room. The picture was on the WTOP Website and reportedly was taken on February 22, 2007.

Now, let us all focus on the title of this Blog. "Power or Greed - Being Self Centered" because we all have witnessed through the media what happens when a new individual takes over. We all have witnessed through the media what happens when a new group takes over. The "Flower Child" is aware of what happened in recent months when a New Group of Lawmakers took over the U. S. House and Senate. Offices were renovated and many had to relocate to different offices. Yet today, some of these same esteemed lawmakers are going to hold hearings on what happened at Walter Reed. I am confident that they will ascertain this fact, among others:

When a New Commander of a Major Facility takes over you can be sure that the office will be renovated. Much like the offices in the Senate and House Office Buildings in our Nation's Capitol. It is human nature that causes these events to happen. A New Leader needs new digs.

So, today, I, the Flower Child would encourage our Nation's Lawmakers to look at themselves before they throw too many stones at someone else.

Now, please do not misunderstand the Flower Child. I am all for providing nothing but the best for our U. S. Military, both in peacetime and in wartime. I am all for providing nothing but the best for our Nation's Wounded Heroes. I am also all for providing the necessary funding for our Nation's Heroes who are currently deployed in Harms Way. I have recently read that we have those currently in power that desire to defund the current War on Terrorism; while some of these Lawmakers and their peers today commence hearings on the grave situation in the Out Patient Area of Walter Reed Medical Center. Please let me know how this can happen. On one hand some want to defund the War on Terrorism and cause more of our heroes to be maimed while they seek the spotlight in decrying the deplorable conditions at Walter Reed. Can they have it both ways?

Now, to relate a personal story from my own days in the U. S. Military. Many years ago as a Chief Petty Officer on a Capital U. S. Navy Fighting Ship we were in the Chief's Mess awaiting the Admiral's Inspection. We were ready of course. We had assured ourselves that our Assigned Mess Cook had done an Excellent job in cleaning up the CPO Mess Galley. It looked spotless. In comes the Admiral, pulling his white coveralls over his uniform. He then proceeds to crawl into the Galley (a very small space) from the mess. He runs his hand and arm under the reefer and then proceeds to display for us the grease that is on his right arm sleeve. The next words out of his mouth were: "Gentlemen, You Get What You Inspect, Not Expect." I shall never forget those words.

May I add that I sincerely believe that in this day and age, far too many expect the best without ever inspecting to ascertain if the desired results are being achieved. Yes, it is time for everyone to stand tall, get out of their comfort zone and actually look at what is happening around them. All of this stated to close this blog with this comment: "I sincerely hope that our Lawmakers strive to lead by example." Most of us know that Leadership starts at the top. Let us see some!!!!