Do you remember Star Trek II The Wrath of Kahn? There is a line that gets repeated several times about “The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” I am thinking that this is a good way to define “Personal Agenda”.

Here are a few more definitions for the word Personal:

of, pertaining to, or coming as from a particular person; individual; private

intended for use by one person

and also for Agenda:

a list, plan, outline, or the like, of things to be done, matters to be acted or voted upon, etc.:

I have a friend who insists that people who have a personal agenda should re-think themselves. I think I agree.  I have tried to be more of a “Team Player” than I used to be. I want to make the whole package (Whatever that may be) as good or as efficient as it can be.

I can look back on my life and see where I would let Personal Agenda rule me, and it always backfired, big time!

It just seems that when I am in a situation where someone is taking things to a personal level that is unnecesary, I feel more and more uncomfortable. I have taken notice to the change in myself. I think that is a good thing. 

In Star Trek, Captain Spock saves the Enterprise by sacrificing his own life. While he and Kirk are talking through the glass wall, the line is repeated by Spock: “Tis logical, the needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few.” and Kirk finishes with “Or the one.” Spock was talking about both of them, not just himself. The film ends with a somber but hopeful feeling. That there are always possabilities!

The next film  Star Trek III The Search for Spock, starts with that scene at the glass wall. If you have seen that film, you know that Kirk embarks on a “Personal Agenda” of going back to find Spock, because of Dr. McKoy.  In Star Trek II there is mayhem caused by Kahn’s personal agenda, and ends with Spocks heroism. In Star Trek III there is mayhem caused by Kirks personal agenda.  That is the crux of what I am talking about here! 

The final definition of “Personal Agenda” is:

That which causes mayhem, and ultimate failure no matter what the situation.

Personal agenda has no place in human society.

Finally, is that why our soldiers are fighting and dying overseas, because of our Governments “Personal Agenda”?

Only this time, there isn’t a director yelling cut! This blood is for real. Death is so final.

To our Servicemen and women, I thank you all, for answering the call.  We love you and support you, come home safe! ALL OF YOU! GOD BLESS.

 Jack Servello, Feb 13, 2008 7:09 PM

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