Wednesday, April 1, 2009
HEALTH
The other day I received a complimentary email from "Martha". She had read the interview in AARP's March issue and noted the photograph of me. Martha wanted to know what my health regime was and felt I should share it with other folks. So, here it is as I enter my 85th year. I work out nearly everyday for about an hour, either with a trainer or by taking a brisk walk. Twice a week I get a massage. I eat three healthy meals a day and I'm known to eat the occasional piece of "See's" or dish of ice cream. I still smoke a cigar everyday (not during Lent, however) and have a "finger" of Dewers each evening. I'm technically retired, but still engage in some business, my foundation and other philanthropy of interest. I throw catch with my dog and try to keep up with my 8 grandchildren. I believe I was blessed with "good" genes, so I intend to continue to do whatever I can to make the most of my life.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Obama's Speech
The Wall Street Journal requested no more than 100 words of my opinion on President Obama's inauguration speech. Here is what was published:
President Obama got it right in his inauguration speech.
He did the one thing I believe is the most important: He asked everyone to join the team in service to the country. He is smart enough to know that the presidency is not a one-man show. It's a team effort, and in this case, the team is millions strong.
A true leader has the humility to understand that when he's at the top, he's standing on the shoulders of the people. We all have our work cut out for us.
President Obama got it right in his inauguration speech.
He did the one thing I believe is the most important: He asked everyone to join the team in service to the country. He is smart enough to know that the presidency is not a one-man show. It's a team effort, and in this case, the team is millions strong.
A true leader has the humility to understand that when he's at the top, he's standing on the shoulders of the people. We all have our work cut out for us.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Detroit
It's been awhile, I hardly know where to start. There are so many important subjects that we need to address. The other day a good friend, Bob Fria sent me an editorial he wrote that I agree with and is right on the money. Please read:
"Take a hard look at bankrupt company retiree pension costs for the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp.)
General Motors alone has 500,000 retirees on the rolls. Pension costs transferred to the PBGC, by law, would absolutely bankrupt the PBGC coffers, which is already stretched to the limits. The PBGC is funded in full by congress, to absorb B-K company pension obligations. With current liabilities, it will be itself out of funds within a few years. In addition to all the new bankruptcies which will occur under this economy nationwide, the PBGC will be beyond its capabilities next year. Adding auto manufacturer liabilities will become a MAJOR congressional obligation with overwhelming tax payer consequences over several hundred billions of dollars, a cost surely to exceed any investment today in the industry. It is incumbent on the Government not to allow any of the big three to enter bankruptcy, for this reason alone.
I speak from experience. I am a retired United Airlines Captain now receiving severly reduced pension payments from the PBGC after UA entered bankruptcy several years ago. The United problem alone nearly caused insolvency for the PBGC."
"Take a hard look at bankrupt company retiree pension costs for the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp.)
General Motors alone has 500,000 retirees on the rolls. Pension costs transferred to the PBGC, by law, would absolutely bankrupt the PBGC coffers, which is already stretched to the limits. The PBGC is funded in full by congress, to absorb B-K company pension obligations. With current liabilities, it will be itself out of funds within a few years. In addition to all the new bankruptcies which will occur under this economy nationwide, the PBGC will be beyond its capabilities next year. Adding auto manufacturer liabilities will become a MAJOR congressional obligation with overwhelming tax payer consequences over several hundred billions of dollars, a cost surely to exceed any investment today in the industry. It is incumbent on the Government not to allow any of the big three to enter bankruptcy, for this reason alone.
I speak from experience. I am a retired United Airlines Captain now receiving severly reduced pension payments from the PBGC after UA entered bankruptcy several years ago. The United problem alone nearly caused insolvency for the PBGC."
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thinking out of the box
Throughout my life I have learned an important lesson, you have to always be looking ahead, learning from the past and thinking out of the box. As most of you know I am passionate about finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. I am pleased to share that we are funding an important project at Massachusetts General Hospital that is actually going to test a potential cure on humans - not mice.
Go to www.iacoccafoundation.org for the news article.
Go to www.iacoccafoundation.org for the news article.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Living off our credit card
The other day I was handed a report from Decision Economics, Inc.
Sinai’s Market Perspectives: The Weakening Dollar and “Next Great Global Currency”, published on March 4th, 2008.*
After reading the report, I think you’ll agree this is the price of not giving a darn and living off our credit card. Real fighting stuff in my opinion.
*This proprietary research article is provided through the generosity of Decision Economics, Inc. and Dr. Allen Sinai, President.
Sinai’s Market Perspectives: The Weakening Dollar and “Next Great Global Currency”, published on March 4th, 2008.*
After reading the report, I think you’ll agree this is the price of not giving a darn and living off our credit card. Real fighting stuff in my opinion.
*This proprietary research article is provided through the generosity of Decision Economics, Inc. and Dr. Allen Sinai, President.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Mr. Schneider Goes To Washington
If you think just showing up to vote in November is going to fix this country, you got another thing coming. Voting (which 50% of Americans usually don't do) can't be the end of our obligation as American citizens.
Recently I saw a fantastic documentary film. The director, Jonathan Neil Schneider left a successful career and spent his savings to expose how our elections are financed and how it can corrupt Washington. "Mr. Schneider Goes to Washington" couldn't be more timely. It is also funny and entertaining. Throughout the film I kept asking myself, "Where is our democracy heading?" "Aren't there any rules anymore?".
Everyone needs to see this film! And to all my friends in the media, if you want to know what Lee Iacocca thinks is wrong with politics, watch "Mr. Schneider Goes to Washington."
(www.MrSchneiderGoesToWashington.com )
And, please take a look at the "revised" 9C's Scorecard! Print it out and pass it around.
Recently I saw a fantastic documentary film. The director, Jonathan Neil Schneider left a successful career and spent his savings to expose how our elections are financed and how it can corrupt Washington. "Mr. Schneider Goes to Washington" couldn't be more timely. It is also funny and entertaining. Throughout the film I kept asking myself, "Where is our democracy heading?" "Aren't there any rules anymore?".
Everyone needs to see this film! And to all my friends in the media, if you want to know what Lee Iacocca thinks is wrong with politics, watch "Mr. Schneider Goes to Washington."
(www.MrSchneiderGoesToWashington.com )
And, please take a look at the "revised" 9C's Scorecard! Print it out and pass it around.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Demanding Answers
I’ve been thinking a lot about the Presidential race and the remaining front runners. Last year, Katie Couric asked if we’d come up with some questions, based on my latest book Where Have All The Leaders Gone?, to ask the candidates.
Take a look at the following questions. Do you know any of the candidates’ responses to them?
1. Leaders are not born; they’re made in times of crisis. Name a crisis that you have faced, and talk about how you demonstrated leadership.
2. Name your two primary models for leadership from the past 50 years. These are the individuals you call to mind when you’re faced with a tough decision.
3. The ability to collaborate with those who have different ideas and approaches is a key factor in leadership. Give an example of a time (professionally or politically) when you have successfully collaborated with people who have different views.
4. As a businessman I learned that the best way to fully understand what it means to be responsible is to meet a payroll every week. In your life, when have you had tangible responsibility for the livelihoods of others – and what did the experience teach you about leadership?
5. Being President is not a one person job. The team is just as important. Are you prepared to tell voters who will be on your team so they can make an educated choice? In particular, who are your candidates for Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and Attorney General? (If you’re not prepared to name them, can you name individuals from recent history who have excelled in those positions?)
6. The United State has one of the lowest voter turnout rates among democratic nations – especially for young single adults. What will you do to encourage young people to vote and participate in government?
7. A leader inspires others to participate fully in the life of democracy. The words of JFK – “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” – still resonate. Give a specific example of what you will ask citizens to do, and what sacrifices you will ask them to make.
Maybe if these questions are circulated to millions by email (just like the first chapter of my book), the tough questions will get asked and the candidates will feel obliged to give the American people an answer!
Take a look at the following questions. Do you know any of the candidates’ responses to them?
1. Leaders are not born; they’re made in times of crisis. Name a crisis that you have faced, and talk about how you demonstrated leadership.
2. Name your two primary models for leadership from the past 50 years. These are the individuals you call to mind when you’re faced with a tough decision.
3. The ability to collaborate with those who have different ideas and approaches is a key factor in leadership. Give an example of a time (professionally or politically) when you have successfully collaborated with people who have different views.
4. As a businessman I learned that the best way to fully understand what it means to be responsible is to meet a payroll every week. In your life, when have you had tangible responsibility for the livelihoods of others – and what did the experience teach you about leadership?
5. Being President is not a one person job. The team is just as important. Are you prepared to tell voters who will be on your team so they can make an educated choice? In particular, who are your candidates for Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and Attorney General? (If you’re not prepared to name them, can you name individuals from recent history who have excelled in those positions?)
6. The United State has one of the lowest voter turnout rates among democratic nations – especially for young single adults. What will you do to encourage young people to vote and participate in government?
7. A leader inspires others to participate fully in the life of democracy. The words of JFK – “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” – still resonate. Give a specific example of what you will ask citizens to do, and what sacrifices you will ask them to make.
Maybe if these questions are circulated to millions by email (just like the first chapter of my book), the tough questions will get asked and the candidates will feel obliged to give the American people an answer!
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