Soon, family and friends gather for one of our most cherished rituals, Thanksgiving. Based on the gathering of early settlers and Native Americans who worked together to just survive, our modern-day Thanksgiving moments offer a unique time to reflect in the company of people about whom we care the most.

Rather than burn up too much adrenaline on the politics of the day, consider something causing you to dig a little deeper and learn a little more about family and loved ones. Ask others about their aspirations and let them ask you about yours. You can include everyone at your gathering no matter how close you may be or the age of a person. We all carry around aspirations, but how often do we have the opportunity to talk about them or hear the aspirations of those we care about?

And, rather than limit the discussions to a single sitting, use the holiday period to pop the “aspirations question” spontaneously to let a friend or family member ponder the question and state yet another aspiration. A friend and I tried this over the course of a weekend, and it was remarkable how much you can learn about yourself and a friend.

When you look at definitions, you find that aspirations are what an individual would like to attain in their life….and, they can be short-term or long-term.

The nice part about taking time to think about aspirations is that you can cover a lot of ground. Think about where you want to travel. Consider who you want to spend more time with. What interests or hobbies do you want to concentrate more time on? Is there a new experience you seek? What kind of person do you really want to be? The list goes on and on.

The point, take some time to really focus on your own aspirations and share aspirations honestly with those you care most about this holiday season.

If you want to take one more step, write them down. Put the list in an envelope and open it a year from now. I’m betting you will have realized more than a few of your aspirations and wouldn’t that be worth spending time next year focusing on aspirations for a new decade!

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore.

Serving as the chairman of the Academy Art Museum’s annual Craft Show for the past two years has been an honor and a pleasure. In so many ways over the next few days we will be telling the community what we are doing during the full 3-day Craft Show starting Friday, October 11th.

I’d like to take a moment and, from my perspective, tell you why we are doing it.

All of us on the Craft Show team share a passion for art and a true appreciation for those making the work presented to a few thousand people attending the Craft Show. We selected this year’s theme, Celebrating the Makers, as an expression of our respect for the seventy artists bringing their unique art forms to our community. We hold this annual event (for the 22nd time) to support the makers of these unique expressions of art so they may be recognized, appreciated and, indeed, have their work purchased by members our community.

Our three-day opportunity is in every sense an opportunity for the makers and members of the community to come together. It is an opportunity to appreciate the fine work and skills of the makers. And, it is an opportunity to support the wonderful artists chosen to be part of our show.

It is also true that we build a meaningful event in an effort to build support for the Academy Art Museum as it pursues its mission over the course of the next year.

A very important part of the mission relates to education. And, increasingly I’ve come to appreciate that this, too, is a vital aspect of the Craft Show. As people attend over the three days they realize that individuals of all ages have found a way to pursue a passion. Their work, their craft and the artistic designs they pursue serve as models to young and old alike that there is a path for those who wish to dedicate themselves to art and craft.

We have tried to do more than just create a theme, “Celebrating the Makers.” We are now approaching 200,000 views of our Craft Show Facebook page where we share the stories of the makers coming to the Show. And, through podcasts, we allow the artists themselves to tell their stories and why they look forward to being in Easton for the Craft Show. Every podcast causes those of us working on the Craft Show to redouble our efforts as the artists’ messages are so personal and touching.

So, these are some of the reasons why we do what we do.

We all hope you will join the effort to Celebrate the Makers by visiting the 22nd Annual Academy Art Museum Craft Show – October 11-13, 2019. See you at the Museum and the Waterfowl Building during the Show.

Important Links:

For more on the Craft Show go here

To select podcasts go here

Follow the Craft Show on Facebook — @AAMCraftShow

Tickets for the Craft Show and Preview Event go here

For sponsorship information — https://www.academycraftshow.com/sponsors

Time was when running for President of the United States came after years of public service, building a national base and racking up life experience that could credibly suggest an individual was prepared to serve the nation in a complicated world if elected. Watching most of a 3-hour debate last week and hearing the commentary before and after show, makes me think we’ve managed to turn one of the most important elements of a democracy into a reality TV event in search of television audiences. And, there are real consequences!

My sensibilities about this come from the good fortune of having had a direct engagement in five presidential campaigns; two of which I was involved in running. Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Pete Wilson all spent years in public life. They operated in the world of elected office and had executive branch experience. They dealt extensively with domestic and foreign policy. And, they traveled the country for years building their national political base and they traveled the world building understanding and relationships with foreign leaders. All this before ever announcing an ambition to seek the presidency.

In these efforts, the individuals who would become presidential candidates gained a better understanding of the country; and, citizens in early and important primary states gained an understanding of those who were “testing the waters.” Now, it seems there are no “waters.” Simply announcing gives an individual media attention. Professional fundraisers turn that into cash. The cash pays for advertising — a one-way form of communications where a candidate cannot listen. With enough cash and enough advertising airtime, polling begins to register some “movement.” That generates news…especially cable news. Soon, someone is rising in the eyes of the media.

The big break comes not for a surprising victory in Iowa (Bush, 1980) or a crushing win in New Hampshire (Reagan, 1980). No, the big break comes by getting time on the stage of a nationally televised debate. Even more, once scheduled to participate, commentators surmise one’s chances. The pundits explain what someone “has to do.” And, after the televised event, commentators share their instant view of how people did. Who had a better opening statement. Who got the best shot at the front runner is determined. I even heard this past weekend a critique of who had the funniest line of the debate (Booker: “…my answer is no…and, to translate that into Spanish, no.”)

Now, you can’t really criticize a person for entering the contest as it is presently configured. But, it used to be a voyage taken by an experienced and well-known statesman like individual. Today, it goes to those who crave television time and can raise the funds to meet the rather low threshold for the right to be on the show.

It’s argued that second tier candidates know they cannot win. However, many do win in their own way. Suddenly, we have people who in virtually every case expand their reputation well beyond anything they have previously enjoyed because of media exposure. Even if the probability of Oval Office success is remote, they might land in the cabinet. Or, maybe even on the ticket. They increase their possibility for success in seeking a higher office than the one they hold, if they even hold one. And, then there is always the possibility that from defeat will come a highly charged career as a pundit….always interesting to see how many people who having failed to win an election suddenly have such pithy views about what it takes to get elected.

I think we’ve broken the process so necessary to a presidential quest. The early televised debates for the many who seek exposure has had the effect of turning this important process away from building personal experience and a following into a televised reality show of sorts. And, my experience suggests that the skills necessary to perform in a televised debate do not perfectly align with what it takes to be a successful chief executive of the nation.

Of course, knowing something is broken and fixing it are very different things. I would like to think that there could be some agreement not to have these early televised debates. Let the field compete inside the key early primary states with the four or five leading candidates sharing local stages where issues can really be discussed – another big thing with me. Imagine telling someone that you would really like to hear their views on a matter of mutual interest and then letting them know you’ve allocated one minute and fifteen seconds for them to share their thoughts.

Trouble is, there are too many forces driving the early debates. Fundraisers want their candidates to get the airtime. Candidates want to increase their television exposure. The media wants and needs content, so these shows are passed off as news events where the political journalists share time in the chairs as the panelists in the debates.

In the end, voters really will make the decisions. And, if the early debates really meant much in determining who would be elected, there would be a list of former presidents very different than what history offers. However, the trend is disturbing. Mastering the early media show “primary process” brings attention and contributions. To the extent we allow the media show to replace real engagement over years of service to our citizens, we put ourselves at risk of lowering the threshold to reach the highest public office in the land. And, wouldn’t that be a shame.

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore.

So, I worried a little about the Dog Days of Summer. I really enjoy summer, and I am more than a little attached to my Weimaraner, Maggie. My concern came from the notion of wanting neither of us to become lethargic with the summer heat. Thus, we committed – Maggie and me – not to let the heat get to us. We would stay active!

We try to start our day with breakfast on the screened porch. With a cooler morning temperature, we enjoy watching the Osprey fish as well as the watermen working away on Trippe Creek. No better way to plan the activities of the day.

Boating has become a favorite activity. My initial worry about Maggie relaxing on the Ranger Tug proved unnecessary as she adapted quickly this summer. She remains as attentive as any crew one could have; however, she has become a bit aggressive recently about claiming the captain’s chair! Applying full power is her specialty.

Then, there is a new alternative this summer, an RV. Having traveled a bit with me in a camper as a very young puppy, Maggie has taken to camping…well, camping with air conditioning. As this commentary is being composed, we sit in a beautiful nearby state park. I’m writing. She is sleeping. She’ll be ready to roll out of here tomorrow…

So, staying busy during the Dog Days of Summer deserves a reward…

While relaxing with the “reward,” I sought an appropriate quote to wrap up this piece. That’s when I discovered something that I have yet to reveal to Maggie. The Dog Days of Summer have nothing to do with dogs!

Turns out, it’s all about the dog star, Sirius, and its position in the night sky.

According to experts at the National Geographic, “…to the Greeks and Romans, the ‘dog days’ occurred around the day when Sirius appeared to rise just before the sun, in late July. They referred to these days as the hottest time of the year, a period that could bring fever, or even catastrophe.”

So, imagine that. Well, it’s time for our night time walk and maybe, just maybe, we’ll see the dog star in the sky tonight or tomorrow. Here’s to Sirius, the star! (Just don’t tell Maggie.)

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore.

The dictionary tells us that to endure means that “something continues to exist without any loss in quality or importance.”

This past month, with the loss of a loved one, I learned a great deal about enduring friendship.

Craig and Karen Fuller

During the month of Karen’s passing, her memorial service and the reception that followed, I was reminded so often in notes and conversations about Karen’s lifelong success in building enduring friendships. From the neighbor she met at age 2, through high school, college and all the activities that followed, enduring friendships formed.

While I have always enjoyed strong professional relationships and many friends, the number of enduring friendships, if I am honest, is a small fraction of the number Karen formed. It was astounding to embrace the joy of remembering long ago moments and shared experiences that found expression all month long…in fact, the power of enduring friendships was expressed during the past few months visits, calls and messages.

Time was when we didn’t move through life so fast. When the town was a community where the townspeople knew each other and shared experiences together. We find ourselves more worldly while also more dispersed. Staying in touch is easier electronically, but schedules test our ability to sit and enjoy moments face to face.

For many, the professional relationships and even friendships fall away over the years. But, for the enduring friendships – and here’s the lesson – time and distance are of no consequence. With Karen’s enduring friendships there was no loss in quality or importance.

During this past month as we celebrated Karen’s life, whether people came across the country (as some did by car) or from next door, the expressions of friendship formed decades ago or only months earlier were heart-warming, deep and sustaining.

A friend offered a poignant perspective on all of this as I explained the task of looking at decades old documents that mean little today; in fact, many I never knew we had. The point was made that at the time they seemed so important, which is why they were saved; but, what has truly lasted and what was really so important then and now are the friendships around those shared experiences.

Important lessons…and going forward, I intend to work harder at building enduring friendships and be far less concerned about records of past acts. With more years behind me than ahead of me, the lesson of the enduring friends comes at no better time.

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore. 

Those of us who have this periodic opportunity to share something of ourselves with readers of the Spy in our commentaries reveal, when we are at our best, insights about what moves us, concerns us and commands our focus.

Karen and Craig Fuller

Because of a moving message from a former colleague who read my last piece about the AOPA 80th anniversary in Frederick, Maryland, I worked for a couple weeks organizing my thoughts around memories. I’ve focused a fair amount on memories over the past few months and so that was to be the topic of my column.

Then things changed. During the past few days my sole focus has been on memories of Karen and our 38 year journey together. For, as the first of July arrived, so, too, did Karen’s final days.After seeing two close friends last Friday, Karen has been at home here on Trippe Creek in a peaceful and comfortable sleep.

Over preceding months, our friends have shared memories and photographs from the past and I marveled at how these memories energized and cheered Karen and me!

The path we have been on that began with mild cognitive impairment a few years ago, moved to dementia and about 2 months ago the process accelerated. While Karen could not be as active as she had been, the pleasure from conversations by phone and in person or from emails I’d read her helped keep her going and keep her smiling.

Karen has just about come to the end of the path she’s on. However, among the many lasting lessons she provided to me over our 38 years together is that memories are meant for sharing.

Let someone know what you remember most about a pleasant adventure. You will feel better. And, I guarantee your friend will feel better.

Given the complications and details consuming my time, my column was cut short. However, my path going forward will most certainly include regular commentary in the Spy.

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore with his wife Karen.

Living in Easton, there are constant reminders of the value a community provides. The value flows from the people, the relationships, the culture and the shared experiences. It also flows from a unique geography associated with one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world.

Recently, a weekend event reminded me that the power and elements of a strong community need not be geographic; or, perhaps, I should say they can be multi-geographic.

The event occurred in Frederick, Maryland where the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) hosted their 80th anniversary celebration. The events over the weekend marked the formation of an association that developed into a full-fledged community we know as general aviation. It happened with the approaching world war when a small group of young and adventuresome aviators feared their beloved flying activities might be curtailed if America entered the war. The year was 1939 and the place was what is now Wings Field outside of Philadelphia.

These aviators decided to form AOPA in order to protect the freedom to fly and to encourage safe aviation. The organization grew over the years and evolved, but always remained true to the purpose the founders gave it. Today, it reins strong as the protector of airmen and aviation enthusiasts, running safety and educational programs right along with a formidable advocacy effort in Washington, D.C. and all 50 states.

It was an honor to be invited by the current AOPA President, Mark Baker, to join my friend and predecessor, Phil Boyer, for a gathering of the three living individuals who share the privilege of representing hundreds of thousands of pilots as presidents of AOPA. We spent a good deal of time together and were captured signing the beautiful AOPA 80th Anniversary books for members.

AOPA President, Mark Baker, Phil Boyer, and author Craig Fuller

As I stood near the flight line, I marveled at the foresight of the founders and appreciated the hundreds of people who have worked tirelessly at AOPA to make a vision into a reality. Aviators had come from all over the country to be present for the celebration. Pilots were demonstrating short field landing skills in a competition with two-seat backcountry aircraft (some of the most fun flying I’ve done was in one of them…the Husky); while at the same time, restored World War II aircraft were used to launch paratroopers dressed and using parachutes just like they would have in the war.

Aircraft of all kinds were on the field drawing a record crowd even on days with marginal weather. They came to witness the event. They came to enjoy the company of fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts. They came to show their support for general aviation. They came, in every sense of the word, because they wanted to show they are part of a community.

Often, success in the world of associations is judged by numbers. However, while numbers matter, the impressive nature of the general aviation community built by AOPA and the other general aviation associations is the strong bond that is shared by so many. That bond results in engagement when threats appear on the horizon. The bond is why safety information is shared rapidly throughout the aviation community. Not only do pilots want to know everything there is to know that can enhance the safety of flight, they are anxious to share it with others.

Having flown airplanes for fifty years purely because I chose to do so, I was never prouder or more moved by the community that has become general aviation. It was as exciting to see a 100-year-old World War II veteran stand to speak of his love for aviation as it was to see the excitement on the faces of children as they watched the World War II era aircraft lift off the ground.

As long as the bond that brings aviators and aviation enthusiasts together remains strong, the community will remain strong and the unique freedom to fly we enjoy in the United States will provide new opportunities for people of all ages to, as an American pilot in World War II, John Magee, Jr, said, “…slip the surly bonds of earth.”

Perhaps on this 80th Anniversary, we could celebrate with John Magee, Jr.’s full poem and reflect on the remarkable experience of flight….

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, –and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of –Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Happy birthday, AOPA! Well done!

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore with his wife Karen.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Clever cell phone ad phrase, but an increasingly important question related to civil discourse in today’s highly charged environment where toxic messages fly with abandon. If the question is a good one to explore, it does not take long to find that the answers about being heard are more complex than one might think.

Thinking about understanding one another and communication has been going on for a very long time, of course. Smart people have various takes on what matters, but if there is one theme running through communications commentary by wise people it’s that we don’t really do too well today on the clarity of communication scale.

And, if we start at the heart of communication, understanding a reality we want to share, one might conclude things breakdown pretty fast.

A well-regarded communications expert, Paul Watzlawick, offers this challenging assessment: “Our everyday, traditional ideas of reality are delusions which we spend substantial parts of our daily lives shoring up, even at the considerable risk of trying to force facts to fit our definition of reality instead of vice versa. And the most dangerous delusion of all is that there is only one reality.”

By the way, Watzlawick published some of the most influential publications in communication/interactional theory during his lifetime during which he authored more than 150 scientific papers and 22 books that are translated in 80 languages.

I confess the Watzlawick theory about multiple realities throws me off my long-held notion that we can all form our own point of view, but we can’t make up our own facts. Indeed, selective fact selection does contribute to much of today’s misunderstandings, especially when the communications comes in the 140-word bursts of Twitter.

At the moment of actual communication, executive coach Ed Batista offers an important observation. Says this expert, the “failure to distinguish between intent and impact” is frequently the cause communications misfires. The individual seeking to share a thought misses the fact that their intent and impact are two different things.

This reminded me of a former colleague who was thought by her staff to often be angry. It was true, she had a short fuse. But, knowing she thought well of her staff, I asked why they thought she was angry with them most of the time. It turned out that she had formed a habit of sending her emails in all caps to get people’s attention…that was her intent. The impact was that people likened the all-cap technique as screaming at them and concluded she was mad.

This brings us to the corollary of Batista’s argument that the individual receiving a message also joins together in their mind intent and impact. The impact of the all caps email made recipients feel the boss was mad; therefore, the boss was in fact mad at them!

Of course, email, Twitter, Facebook, in fact all electronic communications makes all of this much more difficult. Face to face communication gives you so much more information before someone even speaks. You get to sense whether the person in front of you is happy, angry, sad, relaxed, tense and so many other readings one gets from face to face interaction.

Knowing people in organizations who fire off messages to colleagues who might be right down the hall, I always found that a short walk and face to face conversation brought about a far better result than a hostile email chain.

There is plenty of reason to fear today’s shorthand communication. As mentioned, there is the shortcoming of eliminating the understanding that comes from face to face dialogue. Then, there is the tendency to use Twitter or just short communications bursts to communicate complex thoughts assuming a recipient is going to possess the ability to decipher the intent of the message. It is fair to say that things go off the rails faster and faster using shorthand techniques.

One reason for a deteriorating situation is offered by London author/journalist James Bartholomew who introduced the concept of “virtue signaling” a few years ago. It’s his theory that increasingly people are working to create a favorable view of themselves to a select audience through the expression of indignation. The concept is that expressions of anger and outrage replace the real intent which is boasting about one’s devotion to a particular point of view. And, in many ways, Twitter proves a perfect vehicle, perhaps even encourages virtue signaling, by offering the availability of only so many words to make a point.

One example the author uses is that an individual with strongly held environmental views including a deep commitment to conservation and preservation might select a statement that plays to these interests like, “I hate 4X4 off-road vehicles.” This comes with no research or even an argument on the merits, just one strong negative statement.

Bartholomew makes an additional point about how many people not only fail to offer a thoughtful case for their position, they also find they can take a pass on actually doing something virtuous. Here is his comment:

No one actually has to do anything. Virtue comes from mere words or even from silently held beliefs. There was a time in the distant past when people thought you could only be virtuous by doing things: by helping the blind man across the road; looking after your elderly parents. These things involve effort and self-sacrifice. That sounds hard! Much more convenient to achieve virtue by expressing hatred of those who think the health service could be improved by introducing competition. (Emphasis mine.)

Maybe the shorter version of this is found in the phrase, “deeds speak louder than words.”

The take away from all of this, for me, is that clear and thoughtful communication is difficult. It is difficult when two thoughtful people sit and talk through an issue making it almost impossible when challenges fly via tweet or in Facebook.

Seems like, with challenges growing, we all might brush-up on our communication skills and increase contact with those with whom we want to share ideas as well as voice concerns.

I sure hope that intent and impact came together in this short discourse!

For more information:

Batista, Bartholomew and Watzlawick

Craig Fuller served four years in the White House as assistant to President Reagan for Cabinet Affairs, followed by four years as chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush. Having been engaged in five presidential campaigns and run public affairs firms and associations in Washington, D.C., he now resides on the Eastern Shore with his wife Karen.