Yeah, I know it is a long title but something about this story really struck a nerve with me.  For those of you who don't know Greg Smith is a former executive at Goldman Sachs and created quite a stir with his resignation, the reasons for which, he documented here.

What really strikes me about his OP-ED piece is the sincerity he conveys.  He truly believed in the place in which he worked and then he takes the reader on a journey of dark rooms filled with greedy individuals, seedy deals, and self interest.  This piece, if true, confirms all of the angry bile spewed towards Wall Street Companies since the 2008 Financial Crisis.

Undoubtedly, if this story remains in the news cycle for long, we will be treated to Goldman Sachs defending themselves the way most large corporations and politicians do these days, by completely and totally discrediting detractors.  Greg Smith will be called disgruntled, incompetent, and many other extremely bad things.  Stories will probably be unearthed that he did drugs, killed kittens, and was a member of a Neo-Nazi party.  None of this will be true, and more importantly none of this will be traceable back to Goldman Sachs.   But the damage will be done.  This should create huge outrage in society, but it won't.  Mainly because we have all become desensitized to it.  Think back to 2008 or even better 2007.  Think about all that was said of Hilary Clinton during the primaries.  Then think about all that is said about President Obama then and now.  Think about Sarah Palin and the constant attacks she and her family endured.  Now some of you might agree with all three people I listed and some of you might only agree with one or two of them, but the truth of the matter is that all three examples listed above were and still are attacked without any sense of right or wrong, without a fair chance to respond, and most importantly without class.

And we as a society have accepted it.  We still watch the news, even when they are one sided.  I will no longer stand for one sided journalism, even if it supports my beliefs.

Which takes us back to Greg Smith.  He stood up for his beliefs, he shared what he thought was happening in his company and he did the only thing he felt he could.  He left.  The story is only half complete now.  I am interested to hear what Goldman Sachs will have to say as a rebuttal, but if history is any indication, they will slander Greg rather than counter his points in a logical, intelligent manner.

"Ah, TheHusBlog...  I am just kind of wondering when the F@#?! you are going to get to a point about marriage here.  I mean come on this is a marriage blog, right?  Or did you decide to become a current events blogger instead?"

Listen here voice in my head, I am laying a foundation here okay?

Marriages often times resemble companies.  Two people come together in a partnership to create something bigger than themselves.  Often times the results are a success, two people become better together than they were apart.  But that does not happen overnight, and it does not happen without hard work.  Our spouses should ride a fine line of cheerleading and accountability.  They should be there to help pick us up when we have fallen while simultaneously holding us to the highest standards.  And while things will get rocky along the way it is the combination of support and accountability that keeps marriages together.

Greg Smith was unfortunately just one man in a company of thousands.  He was not the CEO and did not have the clout needed to help steer the company on the path he felt it should be one so he had only one real option.  In marriage you do have that clout.  We must all understand the power we have to shape our life and our spouse just as our spouse has the same ability to shape us.  Make sure your marriage stays on the path best traveled.  One that is based on respect, support, accountability, and just the right amount of fun.  Don't let your marriage get to the resignation is the only options stage.

Also remember that comments and criticism are a part of being a grown up.  There is no one better to point out your faults than your partner.  In fact, it is part of their job.  How could you grow as a person without honest comments.  Don't shoot the messenger.

-TheHusBlog