By BILL ELLIS
Special to the Assist News Service
November 12, 2009

SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- I know a man who became excited about nothing. He heard some top political leaders, at various times, make this statement: “I want to do what is best for the American people.”

With a burst of energy, he quickly announced to his wife and other friends, “Senator so and so and Representative so and so are resigning.” The immediate response was, “Where did you hear that?” He replied, “I just heard them say they wanted to do what was best for America.” It is not that easy because there is a distinct difference of opinion as to what is best.

Recently, I attended a meeting of a very active Rotary Club. Both the lunch and program were good. It was the place mat, however, that caught my attention. It had some interesting information on it. For example, it stated: “The world’s first service club was the Rotary Club of Chicago, founded February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris and three of his friends. The name ‘Rotary’ was derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among the members’ offices.”

Rotary International consists of more than 27,000 Rotary Clubs in 150 countries. Each determines its own activities and projects and most meet weekly. “Rotary International is encouraging clubs to focus on illiteracy, drug abuse prevention, childhood immunization, and helping the young and elderly.”

More than one million volunteer business and professional men and women are united worldwide to “provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and build universal peace and goodwill.” Rotary members may be best described by their motto “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.”

Perhaps every bill considered and passed in every state legislature and by the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate and certainly the United States Congress should pass what Rotary calls “The Four-Way Test.” Every governor and the President of the United States should use this important test before they sign any bill.

It is “The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do.” Here are the four test questions.

First, “Is it the TRUTH?” Lies and misinformation are often buried deep within the many words of proposed bills. Government leaders talk about the transparency of their work only to cloud, muddle, and crowd out the real truth of what they really want to accomplish. Business and professional people must always deal with the whole truth and never with just a part of the truth.

Second, “Is it FAIR to all concerned?” Are some people neglected because they are considered unimportant? How a nation treats it youngest, even those yet unborn, and its oldest, may determine its greatness.

Third, “Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?” How does our speech and actions relate to the well being of others? Find somebody who needs you as a friend.

Fourth, “Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?” All are important, none should be forgotten. Blessings received are blessings to share.

Every piece of state and national legislation passed should meet this “Four-Way Test” or be reworded until it does before it is ever signed by the chief executive officer. Copping out and doing things too quickly and without sufficient examination should never be acceptable. No bill is ever ready just because it is passed by a certain date. Such mistakes are far too costly.

We are all called to live in the will of God. His book says, “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (I Peter 3:17). Whatever the price, it will be paid in full for our actions in personal, state and national affairs. The good news is that we can have the best in life if we make the right choices.

Ellis

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 2,000 newspaper and magazine columns, articles and contributions to books. He is also a widely known motivational speaker and pulpit guest who utilizes enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems makes him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher.

For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.