Compromise Solutions

Let me be clear. Compromise solutions do exist.

In my recent Facebook comments I expressed the fact that I am deeply disturbed by the components of Mr. Humphrey's proposed compromise. I stated my reasons behind my disturbance. It is the prerogative of anyone to reject my reasons and to reject my thinking. At the same time if compromise means a meeting of different points of view and an acceptance of different points of view across the spectrum of Eastman owners before coming to a resulting "compromise" then one needs to be open to different points of view and to different compromise proposals. On this Blog I presented a “Compromise” proposal entitled “A Five Point Assessment Cost Reduction Plan”. eastmanblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-five-point-assessment-cost-reduction.html.

The world has gone through a never-ending inability to reach compromise over its history. The total inability of different points of view to be resolved as far as the Palestinian - Israeli situation is one that screams out at the citizens of the world. There is always legitimacy to a point of view. When a party pretends or claims that it is more righteous than another party any ability to compromise brakes down. That is of course unless one excludes a point of view from being heard or considered.

Moving away from the different points of view at Eastman and moving to the Palestinian situation is there somebody who has proposed a compromise and because they are more righteous than another party rejects the other party's point of view? It is this superiority arrogance that has caused many wars and destroyed many relationships.

Former President Jimmy Carter has urged the US Government to recognize Hamas as a "legitimate political actor"; that recommendation has been rejected by Israel. Are there parallels for Eastman Owners to learn from in the Palestinian-Israeli situation or will Eastman Owners simply repeat what is going on there for a few decades in a non-violent way?

No compromise is ever achieved by deciding that a party whose compromise you agree with is righteous, and that a party whose compromise proposal you disagree with is wrong. That is conflict. Conflict will continue here at Eastman until we get at the core issues however that will not stop those in power from attempts to marginalize those who want open, transparent and accountable governance. Indeed it is no different here than in Palestine or Israel.

We welcome your thoughts and encourage your emails expressing them.

Bob and Geri Logan are partners in their consulting practice since 1993 that provides expertise on improved business, financial and operational performance as well as leadership.