It’s such a dreary experience to wake up each morning, turn on KNX for the news—-and be forced to endure yet another of your self-righteous, self-congratulatory commentaries featuring you and your four insufferable daughters.

Your most recent commentary, “Sixty-Five Is the New 40,” is utterly without point and in no way addresses anything of ethical relevance. It’s simply about the profoundly uninteresting you.

Instead of telling us about yourself, why not give us a short reading from, say, Kierkegaard, Buber, or Tillich?

By the way, I also find the slogan, “Character counts,” quite meaningless and even misleading. Hitler, Lenin, and Saddam Hussein were men of immense character . . . that counted for nothing.

I heard your commentary on turning 65 last night and I want to thank you for putting my 50th birthday today into the proper perspective. I can now uncurl from my fetal positon!
Bill N.

At least Jim Brock listens. He does have a choice to change channels but apparently he does not.
Of course character counts! Could be positively or negatively-it counts.
Maybe Jim was annoyed about something else he may not even be aware of, and you were the last straw with "your self-righteous...." :)
With all the unethical behavior and negativity we are faced with on a daily basis, I welcome your articles. I find it refreshing and comforting to know that I am not the only one who feels who we are make a difference-or, that character counts.

I would like to thank you for ALL of your commentaries. I found it very sad to read the comment by J. Brook. But then I realize that in this world, not everyone will be able to find the particular message in each commentary. Maybe, if at very least, the message "plants the seed" and someday, through some experience, the idea becomes clear.
I am very greatful to have these commentaries available. I find them so inspiring and refreshing.
I think this world is in serious need of a "character overhaul" - so thank you again and I look forward to many more Character Counts Commentaries by Michael Josephson -
THANK YOU!

As I approach MY 64th birthday, I find your perspective both revealing and full of promise. I, too, have those achy knees and the lines in my face that tell me "I'm not as young as I used to be", but each day I am blessed to have a wonderful group of young women - a junior college women's basketball team - that look to me for direction and guidance. Feeling and acting "older" is not an option and wouldn't have it any other way.
I look forward to your postings and the periodic reminders that we all need that, yes, character really does count. Keep up the good work.

One of the six pillars of Character is Compassion. Jim needs to look more closely at it. His comment was uncalled for and more importantly, UNKIND. It betrays a cynical and self-centred mindset that frankly I would be embarrassed to put on public display. I'm sorry for you Jim. If you do not like Michael's commentaries, don't listen to them. For every Jim out there, there are many more people who derive great value from what Michael has to say.

I would not be honest if I said I have agreed with every commentary, but before I rush in with a negative comment, I consider VERY CAREFULLY how important it is that I make it.

I have given due consideration to this letter, and feel it is important that I counter what Jim had to say.

Michael, keep making Character count!

I think Character Counts is more than appropriate for your program. It takes good character to become an official "senior citizen" in an ever-growing world of baby-boomers. If you look in the Bible (Matthew 5) character is about being meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and being merciful. As for you being self-righteous, I cannot agree because I've been reading your words for a long time now and do not find you to be that way at all. As for your daughters, that's no one's business, children shouldn't be attacked on a public forum. Thank you! Happy Belated Birthday too.

Michael, Jim misses the point of your commentaries. If he is so displeased, he can switch stations. Your commentaries make me think each time I read them. I will turn 40 this weekend, and I have had moments of dispair over where I am in life and some of the choices I have made. Your commentaries help me realize the past is done and the future holds only opportunities for better choices.

Michael,

I find it inconceivable that I could be 56 years old. There's another thing I don't understand - how I could be the same age as my eldest daughter - 33. I know people who act old at 40. You are absolutely right that what counts is attitude, not age! Maybe Mr. Brock just wanted attention?

Keep up the good work!
Craig

Jim's comment was "utterly without point". He must be a sad site. I imangine him to be at least twenty years older than his actual age. Good luck Jim, I hope you regain your physical and mental health!

That Mr. Brook listened, then took time to find and respond to your commentary is both telling and a bit amusing. Don't know about his radio, but mine has several buttons and knobs that keep me from having to "endure" anything, including my own singing. Happy 65th -- I'm too near to admit.

Dear Sir;
Mr. Brock was right in a way. I think everyone has a right to voice an opinion, or am I mistaken? The thing that keeps me controlled is that sometimes it is prudent to remain silent and appear ignorant than to speak out and remove all doubt. By ignorant, I would also include selfish, rude, angree at the world and all the negative things one can think of.
Your voice is important and you should not let it divert your messages. I am confident that you won't.
Best wishes for you and your family always. Thanks.
Edward

To MJ: You are so human and are like some of us who own frail feelings at moments of challenge. Then the best within rises and takes over. People who dwell on that which they don't like often seem to postpone positive thoughts and comments.

Dear Michael:

Happy Birthday to you.
Each day you are younger ethically.
Thank you for all your comentaries.
Usted es un gran eticista que nos orienta sabiamente.

Sincerely,
Darìo Valencia.
Bogotà,Colombia.

As a middle school advisor, I continue to look for programs to educate and encourage healthy character development. I found the Josephson Institute on the internet and have been using it as part the curriculum ever since. It was sad to read the letter from Jim Brock as it seemed that he unfortunately missed the whole point of sharing personal stories as a method of education and outreach. Some folks find it much easier to criticize than to offer solutions.

A superb account of a special day, and I thank you for sharing it with "people who count." Your words of wisdom have impacted many people. I recently completed the certification course in Ownensboro, Kentucky, and it was great. I,too, feel forty since I will turn 61 soon next year. So, unless anyone is close to the magic age or past it, no critical comment is necessary. Yes, Character Counts!

Ken Morris

Contrary to those who would critize you commentary as being self indulgent, I find your personal approach and observations refreshing in a world of dispassionate reporting and commentary. We all make choices about what inputs we give our attention and I find yours worthy of the time to listen. You provoke thought and speak to the betterment of our human existence with all its frailties. Keep up the good work.

Happy Birthday!
I feel Sorry to hear Jim's comment. People are entitled with their opinion but it does not mean they are always right. Obviously, Jim is one of those character that does not count. He must be depressed and naturally grouchy kind of personality who should be actually listening to your commentaries so he can be uplifted and energize. I have my ups & downs and listening to you when I wake up in the morning is refreshing and enlightening that you actually start your activity in a better prespective. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Re Jim's comment about your commentary on December 10:
I immediately got "wound up" when I read Jim's comments. I wanted to defend your statements, throw out a couple of "zingers" toward this individual. Then it really hit me:
How sad it is to hear the words of such an angry and bitter individual. We all have the choice to let opinions and comments improve our lives or make us grumpy. Your wisdom is refreshing and I appreciate the honesty and authenticity you share. The world is slowly shifting, one ethical choice after another, changing lives. Thank you for being the voice for ethics in all things.

Michael,

You are doing good in the world. JB is not doing any good in the world by attacking you. So the record is 1 and 0 in the MJ vs. JB series.

I am a Christian and not of the Jewish Faith, and in that I suppose you and I would not agree. We are both human beings on the same planet, however, who evidently face many of the same challenges and enjoy
many of the same blessings.
While I can not always agree with you, I do find almost everything you say
thought provoking and uplifting. Please don't
let someone like Mr. Brock
make you feel that your work is not helpful. You
can see by the many e-mails you have received
that many people have benefitted from your efforts. We must pray
for Mr. Brock because he evidently has problems that need Divine intervention. I just hope
that the whole world comes to realize that we all have
more things in common than we have differences. I praise your work and wholly agree that Character Counts!

Just a couple of thoughts...

1) It is interesting to hear that Mr. Brock is "forced to endure" the Character Counts messages. It makes me wonder if he's living with imposed restrictions; gains some satisfaction through "dreary" experiences; or something that has nothing to do with logic.

B) The assertion that the meaningless nature of the slogan Character Counts with reference to Hitler, Lenin, and Hussein, and the suggestion that their "immense character...counted for nothing" is lacking. Character, either good or bad, does provoke outcome. In the cases of Hitler, Lenin, and Hussein, the meaningless murders and unquantifiable misery and suffering inflicted upon humanity, stands to attest that character does count, as bad character often accounts for negative outcomes that influence generations.

WOW!

I think Mr. Brook is right. Hitler, Lenin and Hussain had character. However, it was not good character. I think that he fails to understand the difference. It is disappointing, but there is lttle hope for bitter people.

Those of us that have not had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Brook can all be thankful. I have had the pleasure of breifly meeting you and hearing you speak (ABCA in San Antonio). I will always be thankful for that.

Happy Birthday.

MGC

I have to admit that I agree somewhat with JBrock's point, although it was stated extremely harshly. I try to be very unbiased and stay focused on everyone's point and I feel it was criticism worth paying attention to. There are probably others out there that agree, but they aren't taking the time to give feedback.

I wasn't raised in a household like "The Cleavers" and I am not raising my children in a household like that, either (though I wish I could). I catch myself thinking somewhat the same thoughts JBrock has expressed when hearing some of your personal commentaries. They are hard for me to relate to and I have a hard time understanding your point. Please take this as constructive criticism and understand why it is that he might feel the way that he does.

I feel others have been harsh in their responses too - isn't honesty a trait we are striving for?

Yeah! Another 1942 baby! We're having a centennial celebration for ourselves in 2042 at Disney World...or maybe Estes Park, CO. Harrison Ford (7/16), Vincente Fox (7/2), Wayne Newton, Barbra Striesand (4/24), Paul McCartney (6/18) are some of the 1942ers "invited" to assess how our character stacked up, though anyone interested can come. (Jimi Hendrix -- 11/27 -- sadly left us over 30 years ago!)

I feel the same way -- 65 is like 40.

I enjoyed reading everyone's commentary to your 65th birthday story, even the carpish ones.

Good character comes from good judgment. Good judgment comes from bad judgment. Bad judgment comes from false perception. (Is that how the aphorism goes?) Some people don't get high enough on the flow chart.

Sounds like Satan trying to discourage you to me. You do a good job in a messed up world. Keep it up!