Posted by Will Benge LD11 on 07/07/10
Last updated 07/07/10

Do find the title of this blog puzzling?  

If so, then perhaps you would enjoy learning about the usefulness and legitimacy of the FULL range of emotions and how embracing this knowledge and powerful skill-set could enable our movement to prevail where we otherwise might falter.

What is the name of this science, and how do we learn more about it?  You can be sure, I will be sharing aspects of it in the future.

I write you this note because I perceive the immense potential benefits that might be offered to our group from an expertise in this applied knowledge.

As an example of what I am alluding to, without naming it outright, please watch the attached video and as you do so notice how Ron Paul implements an emotional strategy probably intuitively yet effectively in this recent CNN interview.   Observe the shift in emotional intensity.

So what do you think?  What is your analysis?  Did Ron Paul's series of responses come off as strong, respectful, accurate and assertive?  Did his assertiveness seem to you to have success toward countering the rhetorical aggression (critiques, constant interuptions) and unfair emotional inferences made by the CNN reporter?  Take another look at the video and see if you dont agree with what I say next.

The Congressman is adamant and determined to defend the principles he has espoused, is the underlying (emotional) message.  This is THE non-verbal message, in my opinion.  

So we see that Ron Paul knows not only how to win an argument, knows not only how shut down an opponents argument verbally, but he is adept at doing so on multiple levels, ie both mentally (logic, reason) and emotionally.  This makes the Congressman extremely dynamic and equally a very formidable opponent.  What an invaluable tool such a skill-set would be for all liberty activists to possess!

Still borrowing from the example of Ron Paul, why not assess once more the value to us of what is called 'emotional intelligence.'

In real-time, Congressman Paul did effectively ante that bombastic CNN reporter's rudeness and the many misleading intonations too.  But we should not overlook the lesson taught.  He did so by, among other things, increasing his own emotional intensity.  Did you notice that?  That intentional and by-design response, in my opinion, was a great example for each one of us on how we too can responsibly use the power of human emotions to achieve beneficial results.  

I'm grateful that you have given me a few moments of your time and considered with me this exciting and unique opportunity for growth. Emotional intelligence may be an unfamiliar topic for some, it's true.  And for the same reason this concept may not be immediately embraced or understood by all.  Keeping that in mind, I can understand how this might challenge the spirit of enterprise and trust for an individual or two.  

Still, I personally feel that if we willingly apply ourselves to these sorts of knowledges, and also to this relatively new particular science we have just considered, and enhance our personal skills in this way, then the benefits to us will vastly outweigh any costs.  

I am confident we would reap valuable rewards from acquiring the suggested skill-sets and expertise.  For instance, we will more quickly gain the most valuable resource--human resources--by progressively winning over hearts and minds and support of the people by means of our persuasive and accurate rhetorical argumentation.   This sort of success correlates very meaningfully and almost directly to the attainment of our ultimate goal, the successful championing of true freedom for all Americans.

In Liberty,

William Benge
Region Nine Coordinator 

 
Posted by Will Benge LD11 on 07/03/10
Last updated 07/09/10

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Each time I read these words of Roosevelt, I am encouraged and inspired.  And it causes me to reflect on my own sense of dedication.  Am I genuinely doing all that I am capable of doing?  How can I better my share?  Can I somehow improve my personal circumstances, increase my knowledge or ehhance my talents in order to make a difference in the quality or quantity of service?

What questions, as a liberty activist, come to your mind from this reading? 

Perhaps some of us wonder, Am I as fully supportive of my peers as I could be?  Do I gladly acknowledge them for their efforts and personal contributions?  Have I been eager and helpful toward those who are expending great amounts of personal resources--their time, their finances and their special talents--to advance the cause of liberty? 

Others of us may find ourselves asking, Am I being diligent about living up to my commitments?  Do I allow myself or those around me to be unduly negative, to succumb to a pessimistic attitude, or to entertain undo critisism of fellow members?  Pehaps other questions come to mind.  Such as, Have I endeavored to reach out to others in my nieghborhood?  What more could I do to champion and advance the cause of liberty and to win over my neighbors?

I ask myself these same sort of questions.  And the answer, of course, is that I could definitely do better.  Theres always room for improvement.

For members with more responsibility, a few other questions arise that are also of great importance. There are questions such as, How can I better equip every individual (in my sphere of influence) for selfless and enthusiastic participation in whatever avenue of liberty work they most desire?  How can I inspire members to readily excersize their personal talents to advance liberty? 

For those in our group who are obviously over-engaged, and could tire, how can I marshall support for them, and enhance their effectiveness? 

Will I be quick to see the potential in each one? 

Will I be attentive enough to percieve real limitations as well as strengths and capacities, to comprehend personal circumstances of members and be quick to acknowledge and appreciate from it the very high value of each one's personal contribution(s) and the personal sacrifice involved? 

Will I be up to the task of effectively communicating, of mirroring back, to each member the significance of their generosity and the value to us of their amazing personal gifts; those treasured qualities they are so uniquely endowed with?

How am I endeavoring to execute all means and methods possible or presently available, with the aim of making every member's liberty-related events, activities, and services, their projects and selfless ambitions, of making them successful?

Through this sort self-appraisal, rigorous self-scrutiny, well there is no better way to arming ourselves with the most needed and most pertinent knowledge.  And this is true of every individual.  From the awareness such knowlege brings, we will be better able to adopt personal methods for our steady progress, which might add richly to our greater shared advancement on the local level.  This will eventually translate into more successes for the region and the state.  And while we're on the topic, and as far as I am concerned, to be highly successful (at our mission) is the singular most important reason we are presently organized.

And so, with that point in mind, I restate a saying recently heard in the district; namely, that it is so easy to feel excited about and to be drawn toward, and to have a fun time with a group that is... constantly WINNING!!

Let that be said of us!!

In Liberty,

William Benge
Region 9 Coordinator