"When this hinge-point in human history is
remembered, there will be far more sympathy for the people who took
to the streets and rioted than for the people who stayed silently in
their homes. Two global crises have collided, and we have a
chance here, now, to solve them both with one mighty heave – but our
leaders are letting this opportunity for greatness leach away. The
protesters here in London were trying to sound an alarm now, at five
minutes to ecological midnight..."-Johann Hari, 4/3/2009
To heal the
earth, we must heal ourselves. To heal ourselves, we must heal the
earth.
Most beloved
Know that my
beloved is hidden from everyone
Know that she is beyond the belief of all beliefs
Know that in my heart she is as clear as the moon
Know that she is the life in my body and soul
-Rumi, translated by Freydoun Kia from,
The Love Poems of Rumi,
edited by Deepak Chopra.
The connection to
individual enlightenment is recognizing who we are. Who we are
is not our emotions, our feelings, our fears, even our
love...who we are is that essential primordial self- manifesting
in pure silence, peace and love. Complete emptiness...complete
awareness. Non-duality. Our thoughts are not who we are....
Human beings often ask
themselves what is the purpose of life. Sometimes they resign
themselves to the notion that there is no purpose. But the
answer to the question is simple. In fact is all around us- in
every natural process there is a cycle of birth, decay, death
and rebirth. The ultimate longing of the soul is to return to
source- merge with the one. Merging- becoming part of the great
creative oneness of the universe. But to merge we must become
the emptiness- dissolve- realize our true selves. And as the
universe begins- so it ends and begins again-and so the process
repeats- like the waves on the ocean. How to merge with the one-
how to become who you are- how to dissolve. Simply be. Simply
love. Understand that love and consciousness is in everything-
become who you are- the great luminous being that is in
everything that lives. It is already there, you must simply
remember.
Veritas et integritas:
Fight for what you believe
There is
nothing more important in the universe than unconditional love-
remember this if nothing else.
The fear of
being loved is a fear that we are unlovable- yet love reaches out
to us from the very soul of the universe. Accept it- sacrifice for
its sake- Let it become you.
Hate,
withdrawal, anger is really a plea for love- in some ways it can
be the soul's preparation for achieving the ability to receive
love. No one is alone. There can be no fear where there is
unconditional love. There can be no true love where there is fear.
From darkness & silence comes light. Light & darkness are one and
in all creation.
The lesson
is to learn compassion with detachment.
If one could stand atop the Universe and see all things at once,
one would know that all is in balance and compassionate- creation
and destruction, ebb and flow.
Love as the Universe loves you- unconditionally, with compassion
and great understanding of the pain- and what lies beyond. The
fruit of spiritual pursuit is compassion and respect for all
creation.-
Lowell Greenberg
"The Great Work now, as we move into a new millennium, is to carry
out the transition from a period of human devastation of the Earth
to a period when humans would be present to the planet in a
mutually beneficial manner."
Thomas Berry, The Great Work, 2000
"They would
teach the peoples how to pray to the Great Spirit with love that
flows like the beautiful mountain stream, and flows along the path
to the ocean of life."-
Warriors of the Rainbow
I asked the Mountain who created you. I expected him to say- the
Earth- I arose from volcanoes and shifting tectonic plates. But he
said- no, you created me. But I asked him- how is this so? He said- I
am spirit - your spirit is part of the universal consciousness from
which all creation arose. Later I realized how much the Earth loves
us- even as we hurt her and take but do not give in return- we are
still loved unconditionally.
"Mountaintop removal
is a crime against local people, nature, our children, and our
planet."
Dr. James Hansen, NASA
"I am gay, out & proud, so the issue of LGBT rights obviously
has a special poignancy and significance in my life. While my
homosexuality is only one aspect of my character, acceptance of it is
fundamental to my happiness and well being. Society's lack of
acceptance is therefore a tragic reminder of the importance of being
who I am and the struggle that can entail.
Even though we
seek to live our lives with joy- we cannot but be made to feel
powerless- in part for who we are, for not accepting what society says
we should be. Every time there is a denial of rights, a slight, an
injustice it cannot but effect us and remind us of who we are and what
that means in this world. It is this experience that binds us as
a community and we all share it." Lowell Greenberg
Many things have transpired
since I have last commented on this web site.
This is not because I have been inactive- but
because I have been quite busy. We had
success
against the Keystone XL Pipeline- for now. Brave
activists of all ages have been brutalized by
the state police and forced to leave encampments
where they were exercising their right to free
speech and assembly. Egypt is again aflame with
freedom's call and the sacrifice it demands. The
federal government in Washington DC continues
over and over again to demonstrate cronyism,
corruption and the gross abuse of power. 5,000
Occupy arrests, no Wall Street arrests.
Financial institutions using government
guarantees to make even riskier investments- an
economy less structurally sound than the one
that collapsed in 2008. This is what Washington
offers the American people.
Yet what is clear more than
ever, is that there are brave, wise people
throughout the world- of all ages and
ethnicities- that will challenge these corrupt
institutions and work forcefully and creatively
together- with the Truth on their side- to bring
forth a new world. A world where each human
being has an equal voice and where violence is
replaced with love and community. Where men
achieve happiness not with material possessions
but with the gifts of the human soul. The reign
of today's tyrants is coming to an end. The only
question is, Whose side are you on??
Bradley Manning
He is a hero. As much as
anyone else who has died or sacrificed for what
they believe. So much of what has been delivered
was already known. The jaded liberals profess,
"We already knew." Which, if true is a form of
complicity. Apparently it is more important that
those most afflicted know. They actually have
the guts to act.
Comment: Martina
Correia demonstrated more courage, love and
wisdom defending her brother against the unjust
assault of the state than anyone I have ever
known. Infinitely more than the Georgia
politicians, bureaucrats and judges- who caught
in a corrupt system- decided to illegally and
immorally kill her brother, Troy Davis. To the
scrap heap of history will go these wrong doers-
but future generations will honor her and her
brother's stand against state barbarism.
My
speech to a Keystone XL Rally/March that I
helped organize with a small group of Tar Sands
arrestees and Occupy Portland. Approximately 500
participated.
Today
we face planetary disaster- a holocaust never
before seen in recorded history. Every man,
woman and child- every animal and plant is faced
with extinction.
The earth is
losing 30,000 species per year. The ice sheets
are disintegrating. The subtropics are
expanding. The coral reefs are dying. The Amazon
experiences record droughts. The oceans are
turning acid. The great glaciers are receding
rapidly. Today, unprecedented flooding,
drought, forest fires and super storms are
ravaging the earth and killing 150,000
men, woman and children each year. Indigenous
lands are being carved into dead moonscapes to
extract minerals and oil, the Great Pacific
Ocean Garbage patch is now larger than the
United States and growing, great mountains are
being leveled, toxic chemicals are infiltrating
our air, water, land and bodies, birds are
falling to their death from the sky, sea life is
dying, communities exposed to oil spills are
afflicted by horrifying forms of petrochemical
caused cancer and respiratory illness.
Fresh water-
the very source of life- is running out- from
Chile to the Philippines, from South Africa to
the United States, yet instead of protecting it
for the common good, we seek to privatize it for
profit. And as we face these disasters, perhaps
an even greater one looms. The threat of nuclear
destruction- for without food and water
security, nations may seek survival- at any
cost.
And in
the face of this approaching holocaust, what
have we done to avert it?
Nothing. In fact we are accelerating it. Why
is this?
Extreme
concentration of wealth and the welding of power
and influence at all levels exclusively
for the needs of the plutocracy has destroyed
our democracies, made our governments corporate
shills and threatens to destroy life itself.
How do
we fight this?
The urgency
and severity of the crisis may require the
ultimate sacrifice. Men and woman have died over
history in the name of social and environmental
justice. They are dying as I speak.
Why in
fact are we gathered here today? The Alberta Tar
Sands, if fully developed will destroy the
world’s climate. I repeat- it will destroy the
world’s climate. What stands in the way of the
international banks, politicians, and revolving
door government officials to stop this?
The answer is you!
Paulo Freire, the great Brazilian
educator spoke of three principles of
non-violent, revolutionary education and change:
To possess sufficient passion to seek
justice for all; to possess convictions without
imposing them and to dream the world one
seeks in order to create its reality
I cry for
the suffering I cannot see, but that I feel and
know is present everywhere. I take
responsibility for my role in creating this
suffering. In my dream, there is
no war, no inequality, the earth is cherished
for all generations and we are all loved and
cared for.
2 PM, November 6th: March against Tar Sands
Extraction and the Keystone XL Pipeline:
Encircle the Portland Courthouse Federal
Building in Solidarity with 350.org
Beneath a green sweep of Boreal
fen and forest in northern Alberta lies a
promise of addiction — tar sands that are being
refined into petroleum products like gasoline.
With the tar sands, Canada has the second
largest oil reserves on Earth.
Proposed is
a massive 7 billion dollar pipeline to transport
this oil-The Keystone XL. To be routed from
Hardisty, Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast, this
tar sands pipeline is set to cross the country’s
largest freshwater source, the Ogallala Aquifer
(30% of all agriculture), and the fragile
Sandhills of Nebraska, posing devastating
consequences to human health, livestock and
agriculture.
If we stop
construction of the pipeline- we will choke off
the supply at the source and put a major dent in
TransCanada Corps profits and the viability of
exploiting this oil.
What else
happens if we don’t stop Tar Sands extraction?
James
Hansen, one of the world’s leading
climatologists wrote: “The carbon emissions
from tar shale and tar sands would initiate a
continual unfolding of climate disasters over
the course of this century. We would be
miserable stewards of creation. We would rob our
own children and grandchildren.”
In addition
to the destruction of the water, land,
indigenous communities, people’s health,
production of enormous toxic waste areas that
are visible from space, destruction of one
quarter of the Earth’s remaining intact forests
and 11% of the planet’s terrestrial carbon
storehouses (an area the size of Florida)- the
Tar Sands oil extraction project produces 3
times the global warming pollution of
conventional fuel. The burning of fossil fuels
is making our oceans acidic, destroying our
climate and jeopardizing food and water security
for billons on the planet.
In the face
of this threat to the 99%- what does the US
State Department have to say about Tar Sand oil
exploitation? Drill-baby-drill.However, final approval of the
pipeline is Obama’s decision- he and he alone
can stop the pipeline.
Fight the
global plutocracy- as Chomsky refers to it,” the
rule by the wealthy or power provided by wealth
that is destroying life on this planet.”
Join us
at 2:00 PM at Terry Schrunk Plaza at 1200 SW 3rd
St, downtown Portland. This event is endorsed by
Occupy Portland, The
Sierra Club Oregon Chapter and Climate
Justice Portland.
On The Occupy Movement
Currently 1% of the US
population have as much wealth as the bottom
half. An unfair distribution of wealth and a
lack of true democracy have been hallmarks of
the American republic since its founding. This
is why we needed an abolitionist, woman's
suffrage, union and civil rights movement, to
name a few.
At various points in our
history- including today, it has become apparent
to most of the remaining 99% that the social,
economic and military system that pervades all
aspects of our lives is failing and can no
longer address the needs of the majority.
Essentially, we have today a global plutocracy,
serving the needs of those wealthy enough to buy
sufficient influence. In addition our global
military industrial complex is inherently
unsustainable- already in a state of collapse.
If the government is in
opposition to one's moral compass- then there is
an obligation to oppose government and the
foundation of its rule. Too often people believe
they fulfill their civic responsibilities by
abdicating their moral compass and voting for
the lesser of two evils. This is not freedom-
but a kind of bondage. It is one thing to
recognize evil or misdoing- it is quite another
to do something about it. I am firmly opposed to
violence in any form. Yet short of this, there
is much that we can do...
There are many steps from a
bare awareness to bringing awareness and action
in accord. Ultimately it is a moral choice. It
always involves risk. The question is always-
what is the alternative. The answer is always
the same- and it is never easy.
The harder government
reacts- the greater the level of violence-the
more it shows its weakness. However, I do not
assume the inevitability of any outcome. The
point of civil disobedience is not to be
persecuted, but to effect change. I can
chose to be non-violent- what others do, I
cannot control or entirely predict.
I believe the Occupy
Movement is an effort to restore true democracy,
giving everyone a voice-regardless of status or
wealth
I believe it is the only international movement
that is willing to face the truth of what I just
wrote and work at all levels for solutions. It
is a natural reaction to a failing, dangerous
system out of touch with the reality it has
helped create. It
is a strong reaction to a world corporate based
culture that through greed and domination is
destroying itself- life itself. The path we are
on is unsustainable. The vast inequity in global
society, the endless wars of domination, the
utter disrespect for the land, air and water,
all of these things are understood by the
movement at a visceral level. The young and
young of heart, see through the lies. If their
heart is not too scarred by hate, they recognize
their individual and collective responsibility
for this mess. If nothing else it is Occupy
Heart. The details of policies to undermine,
radicalize, transform our way of life- they are
almost boundless- but at the core is community,
non-violence and love The movement is here to
remind us of ourselves and save what is left of
our humanity.
Global society is now at a
fork in the road. If the Occupy movement is
forcibly repressed by government, it will become
further radicalized. If government at all levels
gives it a meaningful voice, allowing for
radical changes in power structures-it can help
co-create a peaceful and sustainable world.
Can we achieve a just,
sustainable and peaceful world? I believe the
answer is yes- but not with the current systems
of political and economic power.
The Occupy Movement- All
have a Voice
I am actively participating in this movement.
One thing I can assure you of- the majority of
the protesters and occupiers get it- they
understand the fundamental corruption in society
and the way the unfettered actions of
corporations-and their egregious influence on
government, the military and society in general-
literally kills people and nature- all life.
Direct action can take many forms. There is
direct action that focuses on a specific
individual, company, industry, government
branch, department, agency or official, etc.
There are specific actions to address key
issues. There are also coordinated sets of
actions intended to build a movement and impetus
for change by raising awareness as to the the
general rot of the system and they need for a
fundamental shift in power and institutions.
None of these forms of direct action need to or
should take place in the context of violence.
The adherence to non-violence is not itself a
mere tactic- but a fundamental pillar of a
successful movement. To adopt the means of the
oppressor to justify one's own ends- no matter
how worthy- in effect causes one to become like
the oppressor and will ultimately undermine the
cause and remedy sought.
I would encourage readers
to actively follow the Occupy Movements and
related actions on Twitter and Facebook, as well
as the various Occupy web sites. Social media-
has become a great facilitator of change and
direct organizing. I would also warn readers not
to believe all of what is reported in the
mainstream press. That press is highly
manipulated and rarely has the inclination and
resources to thoroughly investigate an issue.
Rather, show up yourself. Be respectful, learn
and contribute and finally free your voice from
fear and a sense of disempowerment. The
leadership models are intended to be
non-hierarchical- giving everyone a voice.
Finally, the movement is about far more than
slogans- at its core, I believe it is a response
to injustice and the suffering of people. It is
not corporate funded, like so many movements on
the Right and it is not really supported by
either political party- since both are dominated
by moneyed interests. However, politicians,
business people, teachers- people from any walk
of life that care about the suffering of others-
who truly want a more just and equitable society
are welcome. However, the movement models a
system where all have a power and a voice- not
just the rock stars :-)
The name of the movement is
the OCCUPY movement. Not the protest injustice
XXX and go home movement. Further, if there is a
way to create genuine community without day to
day interaction, discussion, fighting and
peacemaking-please let me know. Forgive the
awful analogy, but it reminds me of a marriage
breakup where one of the partners wants to be
friends. They want to be friends, just not have
to put up with you every day :-) Is it possible
to develop a movement were people genuinely
interact without occupying a city park-probably.
But I believe there needs to be an ongoing
physical community. Destroying the possibility
of physical community will only drive more
people underground. Humans are social animals.
They can only actualize their potential working
and living with others. Alone we are weak and
easily controlled by the state and the vagaries
of Fate. Together we are powerful, not because
of our weapons, but because of our innate
compassion and greatness.
Comment: The level of
hypocrisy, corruption and injustice in society
cries out for direct action and protest. The
spirit and heart of the Occupy WallStreet
protesters deeply resonates with me. They care.
They understand that the problem IS the system.
My hope is that the movement- still I believe in
an embryonic phase- can gel around specific sets
of demands and become part of a coordinated set
of actions to effect political, economic and
social change. I write these words fully aware
that by endorsing a movement where people have
been subjected to police brutality and arrest, I
may be encouraging others to risk the same.
However the level of hypocrisy and corruption at
Wall Street and DC is so great, so damaging to
people's lives and the future of the nation and
the world- I don't know what choices remain. At
the moment I will avoid arrest, having recently
been involved in the Tar Sand's protest and
civil disobedience action in DC a few weeks ago.
I do not believe arrest and acts of civil
disobedience are an end in and of themselves.
However such acts are a part of a cleansing of
the national soul- a catharsis- saying no more
to gross injustice and repudiating the system
that forces those injustices on people and all
life.
More than 500 Arrested in Wall Street
Protest.
Earth Roulette
When will our "leaders" begin
to value the rights of future generations? When
will there be leadership that says " This is
enough." To argue that
tar
sands extraction, the delivery of the
oil and its ultimate use, does not pose a
significant threat to the planet- is insane. To
approve this pipeline is criminal.
I was proud to join the Tar Sands action and be
arrested for what I believe in an act of civil
disobedience. Compassion- love- the poor,
children, the weak, the innocent- untold future
generations, it is their very existence that is
at stake. To do nothing in the face of this
holocaust is itself criminal.
People- particularly those
that know truth- but do nothing- frequently look
for answers. Each time they get answers- they
find holes in what is said-“It is impractical-
people are too jaded or uninformed, etc.” Yet it
is THEY who are the true source of the problem.
In return for a comfortable existence, they are
willing to sell out their fellow human beings-
knowing full well what is at stake.
The only thing that gives me hope are people
that care, are willing to take a stand-who act
and speak the truth. I was fortunate to meet a
few of these people in the action I participated
in.
If, as Cornel West says. the condition of truth
is to allow suffering to speak, it seems me that
the suffering- now and in the future- cries out-
screams out-in wailing that perhaps has never
been heard before on this planet.
Civil Disobedience
"There are
thousands who are in opinion opposed to slavery
and to the war, who yet in effect do nothing to
put an end to them; who, esteeming themselves
children of Washington and Franklin, sit down
with their hands in their pockets, and say that
they know not what to do, and do nothing; who
even postpone the question of freedom to the
question of free trade, and quietly read the
prices-current along with the latest advices
from Mexico, after dinner, and, it may be, fall
asleep over them both. What is the price-current
of an honest man and patriot today? They
hesitate, and they regret, and sometimes they
petition; but they do nothing in earnest and
with effect. They will wait, well disposed, for
other to remedy the evil, that they may no
longer have it to regret. At most, they give up
only a cheap vote, and a feeble countenance and
Godspeed, to the right, as it goes by them.
There are nine hundred and ninety-nine patrons
of virtue to one virtuous man. But it is easier
to deal with the real possessor of a thing than
with the temporary guardian of it." -
Henry David Thoreau- Civil Disobedience.
"We are now faced with the fact, my friends,
that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce
urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history,
there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is
still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare,
naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the
affairs of men does not remain at flood -- it ebbs. We may cry
out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is
adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and
jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the
pathetic words, "Too late." There is an invisible book of life
that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect. Omar
Khayyam is right: "The moving finger writes, and having writ
moves on."- Martin
Luther King
We--a group of Nobel Peace Laureates--are writing today to ask
you to do the right thing for our environment and reject the
proposal to build the Keystone XL, a 1700-mile pipeline that
would stretch from Canada's Alberta tar sands to the Texas Gulf
Coast.
It is your decision to make.
The night you were nominated for president, you told the world
that under your leadership--and working together--the rise of
the oceans will begin to slow and the planet will begin to heal.
You spoke of creating a clean energy economy. This is a critical
moment to make good on that pledge, and make a lasting
contribution to the health and well being of everyone of this
planet.
In asking you to make this decision, we recognize the more than
1200 Americans who risked arrest to protest in front of the
White House between August 20th and September 3rd. These brave
individuals have spoken movingly about experiencing the power of
nonviolence in facing authority. They represent millions of
people whose lives and livelihoods will be affected by
construction and operation of the pipeline in Alberta, Montana,
South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
All along its prospective route, the pipeline endangers farms,
wildlife and precious water aquifers--including the Ogallala
Aquifer, the US' main source of freshwater for America's
heartland. We are aware that Nebraska's Governor Dave Heineman--as
well as two Nebraska Senators--has urged you to reconsider the
pathway of the pipeline. In his letter to you he clearly stated
his concern about the threat to this crucial water source for
Nebraska's farmers and ranchers. The aquifer supplies drinking
water to two million people in Nebraska and seven other states.
We know that another pipeline that covers some of the same route
as the proposed pipeline, and built by the same company
proposing to build Keystone XL, already leaked 14 times over its
first year of operation.
Like you, we understand that strip-mining and drilling tar sands
from under Alberta's Boreal forests and then transporting
thousands of barrels of oil a day from Canada through to Texas
will not only hurt people in the US--but will also endanger the
entire planet. After the oil fields of Saudi Arabia, the full
development of the Alberta tar sands will create the world's
second largest potential source of global warming gases. As NASA
climatologist James Hansen has said, this is "essentially game
over for the climate."
There is a better way.
Your rejection of the pipeline provides a tremendous opportunity
to begin transition away from our dependence on oil, coal and
gas and instead increase investments in renewable energies and
energy efficiency.
We urge you to say 'no' to the plan proposed by the
Canadian-based company TransCanada to build the Keystone XL, and
to turn your attention back to supporting renewable sources of
energy and clean transportation solutions. This will be your
legacy to Americans and the global community: energy that
sustains the lives and livelihoods of future generations.
Sincerely,
Mairead Maguire, Nobel Peace Laureate (1976) - Ireland
Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Laureate (1976) - Ireland
Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, Nobel Peace Laureate (1980) - Argentina
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate (1984) - South
Africa
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Nobel Peace Laureate (1989) -
Tibet
Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Nobel Peace Laureate (1992) - Guatemala
José Ramos-Horta, Nobel Peace Laureate (1996) - East Timor
Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Laureate (1997) - USA
Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Laureate (2003) - Iran
Comment:Truth to power. Watch this. Cornel West is a
man- in every sense of this word. He knows what
is most important is what flows from the heart.
He understands courage. There is no obfuscation,
no timidity in his words. Truth transcends all
of these things.
Excerpts:
"...And we live now in
revolutionary times, but the counterrevolution
is winning. The counterrevolution is winning.
The greedy oligarchs and plutocrats are winning.
One out of four corporations don’t pay taxes,
been gobbling up billions of dollars. And
yet, not just 21 percent of our children living
in poverty, of all colors, each one precious, 42
percent of America’s children live in poverty or
near poverty. That is sick. It’s a moral
obscenity. It’s a national disgrace. And yet, we
have a political class, no matter what color
they are, that won’t say a mumbling word about
that poverty. Why? Because it sits outside of
the give and fro between a right-wing,
mean-spirited Republican Party, run by the
oligarchs and the plutocrats, and a spineless
Democratic Party, that’s got ties to the
oligarchs and plutocrats, and the poor people
get left out. They get invisible, disposable."
"...And the young people are
hungry and thirsty, but the young people are
thirsty for truth. Oh, yes. They’re hungry for
truth. And the problem is that most of our
leaders have either sold out, caved in, gave up.
They don’t want to tell people the truth.
They’re too concerned about their careers.
They’re too concerned about success. They’re too
concerned about just winning the next election
for their status. In 1971, the Attica brothers
told the truth. But they weren’t the only ones.
You had a whole cacophony of voices telling the
truth. But who wants to tell the truth? The
condition of truth is to allow suffering to
speak. If you don’t talk about poverty, you’re
not telling the truth. If you’re not talking
about working people being pushed against the
wall, with corporate profits high, you’re not
telling the truth. If you’re not talking about
the criminal activity on Wall Street and not one
person gone to jail yet, you’re not telling the
truth. Don’t tell me about the crime on the
block with brothers and sisters and Jamal and
Latisha out taken to jail, and yet gangsters who
are engaged in fraudulent activity, insider
trading, market manipulation, walking around
having tea at night. That’s what we need."
Comment: How to bring
about collective awakening is the central
question they address. It is true that without
love and community, there can be little healing
and without healing, the crisis we face cannot
be solved. But there is something else. Humans
have evolved in a way that allows them to see
the suffering of others and not experience it as
their own suffering or the suffering of their
close loved ones. In one sense, this has great
survival value- if this was not the case, we
might find ourselves in continual grief and
pain- unable to act with compassion.
Unfortunately, this ability to
perceive your suffering versus mine and to
externalize the suffering of others- placing it
at a lower level of concern- the inability to be
open to the suffering of others- is at the root
of mankind's self destructiveness.
Creativity is always inspired.
You don't sit in front of a TV and become
creative. You become creative when you feel pain
or great desire to change yourself, help a loved
one, increase your understanding of the world,
share deep insights. Yet without this
creativity- we cannot change our natures to
insure the survival of life on this planet.
If someone is awake- if they
can feel and understand the suffering of
themselves and others-they will need to act. I
will repeat this- they will need to act. They
will need to act, not just, on behalf of
themselves or their immediate loved ones- but
the needs of people in their community-local or
global. By now, it should be clear, that while
this desire to act is one of compassion and
love- it is also one of selfishness. It is
no longer about helping others out of altruism
or a desire to satisfy your god- the very
survival of the community- life on the planet-
depends on this.
So it is really quite simple-
change or become extinct. Use your creativity to
reinvent what it means to be human in the 21st
century- or become extinct. Some religions have
a notion of god that seems more a projection of
human characteristics onto some fictitious super
human called god. Some human beings believe they
are god-like. Well, at one time the dinosaurs
ruled this planet- like gods. They became
extinct in part because of the demands their
very nature placed on their survival-including
one of conspicuous consumption. They are gone-
with traces perhaps in the lovely song
bird...just traces.
"Whatever the outcome of Tim’s
sentencing, we urge you take a stand. The
survival of humankind must become our leaders’
top priority. Historically, social change has
only occurred when ordinary citizens are
empowered to stand up for their rights, and act.
To accomplish this, we must work together. We
will win this crucial battle only through an
empowered, unified movement committed to
principled, positive, and sustained resistance.
– Dr. James Hansen, Terry Tempest Williams, Bill
McKibben, Ted Glick and many more environmental
organizations and leaders"
Comment: Oh America.
Woe is is me. Political paralysis; A weak
President; the stench of money in politics so
great it- it sickens every American from New
York to Hawaii; Unwillingness to address huge
income inequality; Failure to address long term
economic growth risks related to health care,
climate and energy; Grossly excessive military
spending; An uniformed electorate; Failure to
responsibly address debt by increasing tax
revenues for the wealthy even in the face of
gross income inequality...sob, sob, sob. It
seems as if the money goes where there is the
greatest likelihood of profit- which if it isn't
America- oh well...next victim. America it seems
is not the flavor of the day.
Try to point fingers if you
will. It won't work. The flow of money and the
confidence of those that hold treasury
securities has been shattered. It is irrelevant
whether S&P is highly flawed and itself helped
precipitate the great financial crisis of 2008.
That is after all the past. This is not 1956. It
is 2011. Things change.
Let me give you a hint Mr.
Obama and the US Congress- just one. At the end
of the day- the financial markets are completely
self-serving and care about one thing- success.
By deemphasizing job growth- by allowing the
foreclosure crisis to "correct" itself with
almost no government intervention- you have sown
the seeds of economic stagnation. By agreeing to
excessive spending cuts- without additional tax
revenue and significant cuts in military
spending- you have also committed the nation to
a path of economic ruin. Oh- yes- while the
world's bankers and in an interesting twist of
fate China and Russia may tell you to cut...cut..cut-
austerity- price stability- Know this. If your
economy doesn't grow- all the kings horses and
all the kings me- won't restore the
creditworthiness of the United States. The only
good thing our government has done is lay the
seeds for a powerful progressive movement for
real (non-Obama like) change. Do we still have
enough of a democracy to meet the challenge?
Comment:
What else is new- though it is unclear the
degree to which he surrendered and the degree to
which he got what he wants (it was Obama who
brought social security cuts to the table). See
also: New York Timed editorial,
To Escape Chaos, a Terrible Deal. Not
withstanding, I do think this is a great deal
for Wall Street- Obama's largest campaign
contributor. What baffles me though is by what
convoluted sense of election politics does he
and his advisors think this sham of a deal will
help his reelection chances. Americans do not
respect leaders who point fingers (at say the
Republicans in this case).
Since Wall Street controls the Capitol- how
likely was it that the US would actually
default? The entire threat of default was a
sham. The Republicans should take credit for an
impressive victory- except of course that the
victory, while tactically brilliant- was morally
reprehensible-a form of extortion- and causes
harm to millions of Americans. Congratulations.
Republican campaign coffers should be
overflowing.
Finally, even if one believes
that spending cuts are necessary, cutting
programs like Medicare while there are record
foreclosures and high unemployment, huge income
inequality, unfair taxation benefiting the rich,
excessive military spending (Iraq and
Afghanistan are exempt from the cuts)-opens the
floodgates to class warfare. As
Paul Krugman wrote,
"For the deal itself, given
the available information, is a disaster, and
not just for President Obama and his party. It
will damage an already depressed economy; it
will probably make America’s long-run deficit
problem worse, not better; and most important,
by demonstrating that raw extortion works and
carries no political cost, it will take America
a long way down the road to banana-republic
status."
Comment: As the Murdoch
"news" empire collapses under the weight of its
own corruption, abuse of power and deception-
now a report of the death of a key whistleblower
in the scandal who linked Andy Coulson, Director
of Communications for British Prime Minister
David Cameron, to phone hacking.
Comment: I
do not know what will happen with the Gaza
Flotilla- but I do know that if there is Israeli
aggression- every citizen of every country needs
to insist on a boycott of Israeli goods. If this
worked in South Africa- it can work in the
brutally oppressive environment of the Middle
East.
"...As the second "Gaza
Freedom Flotilla" gets ready to sail this week,
Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore urged
Israel to avoid any repeat of last year's
actions against the convoy, Irish media reported
Sunday.
"Israel must exercise all possible restraint and
avoid any use of military force if attempting to
uphold their naval blockade," Gilmore, who also
holds the post of trade minister, said after
meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Dublin Boaz
Moda.
"In particular, I would expect that any
interception of ships is conducted in a peaceful
manner and does not endanger the safety of our
citizens or other participants," he added,
reiterating the country's position that the Gaza
blockade was "unjust and counterproductive'" and
that the violence that marked last year's
flotilla venture was "completely unacceptable
and unjustified.""
Comments: Why given what the Irish
Foreign Minister wrote is Israel considering
repeating acts of violence against innocent
citizens, including even journalists from their
own country? Why is the United States seemingly
condoning this violence- even when the lives of
peace-loving
US citizens are at stake?
There is an upcoming election year in the United
States. Maybe this will be a factor in the
response. Perhaps Obama and Clinton will use
their influence to restrain Israel- since Obama
cannot afford any further erosion of his liberal
base. Maybe this notion that this- more than
anything- will result in principled action is
cynical. Maybe, behind the scenes, Obama and
Clinton are working to head off the crisis-
while publically sounding bellicose or stern.
One thing is clear- the Flotilla will not give
up. If their ships are attacked, the outcry will
be so loud as to deafen the ears of the servile
or cowardly who condone such behavior through
overt action or covert complicity.
“Hear this, O foolish and
senseless people, who have eyes, but see not,
who have ears, but hear not.-Jeremiah 5:21
Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and
the rod of his fury will fail. - Proverbs 22.8
"The climate crisis, in reality, is a struggle
for the soul of America. It is about whether or
not we are still capable — given the ill
health of our democracy and the current
dominance of wealth over reason — of
perceiving important and complex realities
clearly enough to promote and protect the
sustainable well-being of the many. What
hangs in the balance is the future of
civilization as we know it."-
Al Gore, "Politics of Denial," Rolling Stone,
6/22/2011
Comment: Former Vice-President Al Gore is
hardly a radical. He is in agreement with 98% of
the scientists on this planet. He is better
informed than any US Congressional and Executive
leader. He is also not running for election or
reelection and is beholden to no corporate,
governmental or military interests.
The rapid and terrifying
acceleration of global warming, which is
disfiguring the ecosystem at a swifter pace than
even the gloomiest scientific studies predicted
a few years ago, has been confronted by the
power elite with equal parts of self-delusion.
There are those, many of whom hold elected
office, who dismiss the science and empirical
evidence as false. There are others who accept
the science surrounding global warming but
insist that the human species can adapt. Our
only salvation—the rapid dismantling of the
fossil fuel industry—is ignored by both groups.
And we will be led, unless we build popular
resistance movements and carry out sustained
acts of civil disobedience, toward collective
self-annihilation by dimwitted Pied Pipers and
fools-
"The Sky Really is Falling," Chris Hedges,
5/30/2011
Comment:
It is very difficult for me to
write on these matters. The existence of life on
earth depends on our collective awakening to a
new dream- a dream of compassion for all life
and self realization. As with individuals, so
with societies- the very causes of suffering-
ignorance, anger, greed, hatred, indifference-
perhaps these can become the grist mill of our
awakening to who we are. Perhaps when we
understand at a deep level what we have wrought-
and the nightmares that we create- perhaps this
realization can help jog our awareness enough to
realize the simple truths of our existence- and
give birth to a new dream.
Again, this topic Is not easy when you are as
“dialed in” as I am. What I have learned however, is that there
is very little difference between the suffering we experience in
our daily lives- in our relationships for example, and the
suffering that pervades society. No difference. It is pure
illusion to believe that what happens “outside” is in fact
“outside.” There is no outside. If you wish to understand the
causes of environmental collapse and devastation- you need look
no further than yourself- I need look no further than myself. Or
perhaps I should say the illusion of self.-
Lowell Greenberg
A Bird
A few days ago, coming back to
my car from work, I noticed a small, fat little
bird was lodged in the front air grille of my
car. The bird had died- hopefully painlessly and
quickly- when I removed him, his head was
crushed- but otherwise- he was intact. I moved
to a place near where I was, buried him and
offered blessings for his movement to the Great
Light..Which is where he is now. While death is
a part of life and life a part of death, yet I
was struck with the cruelty of machine culture-
how it obliterates life- animal, plant, human,
river, mountain, water....I wrote this so that
bird's voice is heard and that by so doing I may
honor his death. That some may consider this
sentimental, overly emotional or even absurd-
speaks more to their coldness and lack of
awareness than to the truth this fat little bird
offers.
Nuclear Power, Coals and
Gas- The Big Lie
My feelings about nuclear power
is that it is unnecessary, costly and dangerous- both from a
radiation standpoint and potential national security threat. It
can be argued that there is in no safe level of radiation and
that the effects of radiation are insidious and accumulate
occur over time- often a long time- whether we are talking about
an individual or an ecosystem. Probably related to this is that
the overall rates of cancer are dramatically increasing.
However, the key point is it is
unnecessary. Renewable energy from the sun (solar, wind, etc.),
geothermal, etc. coupled with conservation can provide
all of the world’s energy in the near term. Of course, this
notion does not serve the needs of the coal, gas and nuclear
energy industry- so they continue to spread lies, while buying
politicians so that they can continue to receive huge tax breaks
and irresponsible government subsidies- loan guarantees.
Fukushima, which granted was
built on an earthquake fault line- like a number of US reactors-
is nonetheless indicative of the risks of nuclear energy. Aging
plants, outdated technology, lax regulation and increasing risks
over time- all spell disaster- in some cases for major
population centers in the United States. To believe that US
nuclear plants are safer than Japanese plants is to stretch
incredulity. Stretching the truth as much, for example, as to
say that the Gulf spill oil magically dissipated a few weeks
after the wells were capped. In fact, the use of toxic
dispersants to create the illusion of oil disappearing, itself
has and continues to wreak havoc with the environment and the
lives of the people in the Gulf- particularly those whose
livelihood depends on the Gulf itself.
There is no Hobson choice-
nuclear energy or climate change disaster. This is myth. While
coal is probably more dangerous in some ways than nuclear- both
are irresponsible choices. Climate
change is now in the process of wrecking economies, destroying
the agricultural base of poorer nations, adversely affecting the
supply of water, etc. Of the nations of the world-the
United States consumes far more per capita than any other nation
of the world- and not surprisingly has been a major force
blocking action on climate change. The federal government has
completely failed to address this issue and without national
regulation and controls, it is almost impossible to address it
successfully. Even worse, state/defense department and private
think tanks know full well the implications of peak oil and
climate change on the world economy, internal strife and global
war. Lemmings off a cliff- no disrespect to lemmings though.
Comment: Massey
Energy-
recently found guilty for the deaths of 29
men- having over 60,000 mining
violations, more than one billion dollars in
fines- union busting activities, rampant damage
to the health of men, woman and children and
massive mountain top destruction- Massey energy-
who has paid off politicians while impoverishing
everyone else...is a major Republican party
contributor. Which is why- if people do not
speak out- Massey's reign of terror will
continue.
Comment: Truth to
power- a truly great man speaks about the civil
right's struggle, his own struggles and
contemporary challenges. What stands out is how
this great confidante of Martin Luther King sees
the world- understands the truth and still has
the courage to speak out and boldly do good.
Comment: At some
point it is not enough to spout words. Not
enough to simply know what is right. Not enough
to criticize. Sometimes it is necessary to act.
To change one's life in order to do what is
right. -Lowell
Greenberg
Was the Killing of Osama
bin Laden Morally Justified?
Osama bin Laden was not armed
during the attack on his compound. The mission
of the security forces was to kill him- not
bring him to stand before an international court
of law. An international court of law would have
allowed him and others a voice. It would have
catalyzed a discussion about the root causes of
terrorism and perhaps shown how tenuous is the
line between state terrorism and acts of
terrorism by al-Qaeda and similar groups.
Perhaps this is why there was no interest in a
trial.
Perhaps- given the nature of the venue- the
result would have been a foregone conclusion.
However, the function of an international court
is not merely to render a verdict- but also to
promote awareness and understanding such that
similar events do not repeat in the future.
By murdering bin Laden, the United States
reinforced its reputation as a world power that
justifies its actions based on the use of force
and not international law. What could of been a
responsible act designed to promote justice-
bringing bin Laden to trial in world criminal
court- instead became more an act of revenge and
hatred. As such, the act caters to people's
worst instincts.
So- the answer to the question
is no- the killing of bin Laden was actually
murder and in violation of international law. It
was not morally justified. This in no way
condones the acts of bin Laden or al-Qaeda.
Rather it speaks more to the United States
government and its morality and goodness- or
lack thereof.
Everything David writes is
true- but is still only the surface. The
dilemmas we find ourselves in as a species are
rooted in the dilemmas we find in ourselves in
as suffering beings- the wounds almost always
self inflicted.
In nature, in the spirits that live in nature-
the trees, the mountains, the running rivers,
the smallest insect and the greatest mammal-
there is only love and wisdom. This can only be
understood if it is experienced directly. There
is death of course in nature- but that death is
the source of life- the returning of a tree to
the ground when it dies- to be consumed by
microbes and insects, to dissolve into the
fertile soil and to live forever in the spirit
and soul of new trees- the new deriving
sustenance from the old.
There is suffering that is defined by the very
nature of our existence-disease, injury, old age
and more. But often the greatest suffering is
self inflicted- unnecessary- but brought about
by a failure to understand that we are infinite-
that all there is- is love/consciousness and
ultimately all there is- is love. To heal the
world, we must heal our souls. To heal our
souls- we must become self aware of who we truly
are- to quiet the mind- to awaken to our true
selves and our connection to and oneness with
the universe. We must see the truth.
Comment: Bill
still has the notion that climate change is an
isolated issue- that it doesn't reflect
something fundamentally criminal in our global
society. It may be important to focus on climate
change- recognizing that a failure to face up to
its reality will create untold suffering- but
one must remember- that at the core the issue is
spiritual and more broadly touches upon the very
fabric of global society. The longer we chose to
ignore this in the name of pragmatism- the
longer we delay solutions and genuine hope.
To Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Quantico Base
Commander Colonel Daniel J. Choike, and Quantico
Brig Commander CWO Denise Barnes:
We call on you to stop obstructing official
visits to PFC. Bradley Manning at Quantico
Marine Base. Marine confinement rules clearly
state that people "conducting official
government business, either on behalf of the
prisoner or in the interest of justice," can be
allowed "official visits" not subject to
monitoring by the brig. Rep. Dennis
Kucinich is clearly conducting official
government business in the interest of justice.
He should be allowed to official visits with
PFC. Manning, along with officials from the
United Nations and Amnesty International
Obama and the Republicans-
Class Struggle
Nuclear disaster in Japan-
While Germany and other nations are moving away
from nuclear power- the US continues
recertification of nuclear plants that should
have been retired decades ago and supports
expensive loan guarantees to build more nuclear
plants- this is Obama's nuclear policy- even
after Fukushima. What perverse level of self
interest allows this President and his
Republican friends to sacrifice the health and
well being of the people he is supposed to
protect?
A recently announced Obama
energy security policy that emphasizes non-renewables- more oil drilling,
more natural gas extraction, more biofuel...all
with a blatant disregard for the ensuing climate
change holocaust. Not to mention just how
dangerous to workers and the environment is the
drilling for oil and the extraction of natural
gas. Raise your hand if you believe the causes
of the disaster in the Gulf have been properly
addressed and that the recent explosion (pun
intended) of new drilling permits is proof of
this. Sorry...if you raised your hand you would
be wrong- go to the back of the class.
Freedom...goes to the
highest bidder. Dilute Miranda; Codify
illegal search and seizure; .Deport foreign
nationals that face great hardship or
persecution in their home countries; Illegally
imprison immigrants; Destroy the ability of
public and private workers to unionize and
collectively bargain; Privatize government;
Elevate corporate leaders such as Immelt- who
export most of their jobs overseas and whose
companies pay no taxes; Do nothing of any
consequence to prevent a future economic
meltdown- of far greater proportions than the
one in 2008; Get a health care plan into law
that is legally challenged and lines the pockets
of the health care industry; Kill innocent
civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, the
Philippines and elsewhere- in the name of
anti-terrorism; Start an undeclared,
unconstitutional and illegal war in Libya as
part of the "Obama Doctrine" (this phrase is
beyond laughable)
While the crisis in Japan
understandably dominates the world stage- with
all peoples and nations concerned with the
suffering that is taking place- it seems our
leaders have abandoned support for democracy in
Libya and Bahrain. In the later case it appears
all to convenient given the Saudi/Bahrain
monarchies' support of US gulf oil/military
interests. In the case of Libya- it is perhaps a
demonstration of a lack of will. While I am not
advocating the use of military force or securing
of no-fly
zones in Libya- there needs to be no sparing of
diplomatic and other efforts to support the
freedom movement in that country. While not new,
there is also no tangible support from the
Executive branch for the brave Wisconsinites who
are fighting for their economic and political
rights.
In the United States the weekend firing of PJ
Crowley, a very senior state department official
that told the truth regarding Bradley
Manning's torture and, in addition, the denial
of visitation rights to Dennis Kucinich and
others- are abject, transparent acts of
dishonesty and deception. Since these acts, as
well as other acts that deny basic human and
economic rights, are clearly condoned and in
some cases codified by President Obama- he will
not have my support in his 2012 Presidential
bid. While the President will clearly not lose
sleep over my decision- he may lose sleep over
the constituency I symbolically (admittedly in
my own mind) represent- the progressive wing of
the Democratic party. While this block of
potential voters is a clear minority in the
Senate and House, it is not an inconsequential
minority in Ohio and Wisconsin- and Obama is not
winning the Presidency without Ohio.
Comment: It is unclear
whether or not complete meltdowns can be
avoided- including further breakage of
containment- and substantial and deadly leakage
of radiation.
At this point, the only thing that is
clear is that nuclear power is not a viable
source of energy for the future. Not only is it
not cost effective,
requiring expensive public subsidies and loan
guarantees to build new plants- it is
dangerous and unnecessary. Renewable sources of
energy can meet the world's current and
future energy needs.
Disasters like this will
increase in frequency as developed nations
continue to engage in riskier and riskier
efforts to exploit non-renewable forms of
energy. While there is no direct connection
between the Gulf disaster and the tragedy in
Japan, the essential connection is nonetheless
clear- the willingness to take inordinate risks
to feed an insatiable appetite for energy. It is
important to not let governments justify these
pursuits under the guise of "national security"
or economic growth. The real cause is the
unbridled pursuit of profit and the ability of
corporations to externalize environmental costs-
completely avoiding responsibility and risk to
shareholders.
The tragedy that is ensuing
in Japan pales in comparison to the unfolding tragedy
caused by climate change. Again, mankind will be
shown the limits of technology and the
devastation that may occur if nature is ignored.
Those politicians who prefer the comforts of
corporate largess while deceiving their
constituents and/or stubbornly refusing to
accept the truth of nature - will be harshly
judged by their children and their children's
children. These judgments are not merely my own-
but are shared by the vast majority of the
world's climate scientists.
None of this in any way
diminishes the suffering and pain that is
occurring. We should as a world reach out to the
Japanese and recognize that their tragedy is
truly ours. Please give in any way you can...
See also:Obama Loves Nukes
Comment:Give me a break- Tim is convicted of bidding
on federal lands for oil and gas development
with no intent to pay- while corporations
externalize trillions of environmental costs. All
agree the auction itself was irregular and
illegal apart from anything Tim did...In conclusion- a
principled young man could go to jail for up to
10 years...while corporations that are destroying
the environment...pay nothing. Now that is
justice....IN REVERSE.
Comment: Obama, why
don't you offer your support for the civic
resistance in Wisconsin and 15 other states? Or
are you sympathies with the sycophant
Republicans (and their backers) who are
attempting to break the backs of unions?
Bill in Michigan that has
passed the Michigan House allows the state
executive to dissolve local governments and
appoint corporations to run municipalities in
the event of unspecified emergencies....
U.S.
Representative Tom McClintock attempting to Undo
Historic Dam Removal Agreement
The Oregon and California
state governments, the federal government,
farmers, fishermen, ranchers and PacifiCorp- agreed it
was in the best interest of all to
remove four Klamath River dams by 2020.
This dam removal would be the largest in US
history. Tribal communities and others strongly made the
case that to protect the environment, their
communities and the salmon- it was necessary and
cost effective to remove the dams. Enter
McClintock- who attempting to politicize the
issue- under the guise of protecting rate
payers- wants to stop the studies that are
required prior to dam removal and thereby
obstruct the process. His
argument of reducing the cost of electricity is
a ruse. The dams provide electricity to no more
than 70,000 rate payers. In fact, dam removal
would probably decrease rate payers rates- since
PacifiCorp would not be required to make costly
dam modifications to conform to environmental
laws. In fact, from a shareholder perspective,
it appears that it is in
PacifiCorp''s economic interest to bring down
their dams.
The issues surrounding this
issue are complex, and McClintock is
representing at least a part of his constituency
who oppose dam removal. Further, some in support
of dam removal see the
Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement as flawed.
Still, if properly managed, the
removal of these dams will serve the interests
of all parties. Quoting from a
National Geographic article by Greg
Addington, Director of the
Klamath Water
Users Association and others:
"A crucial turning point came
in 2007 when, for the first time, farmers,
fishers and tribes realized they shared a common
future. If the Klamath’s rural
communities were to survive, they had to work
together. This translated into a joint
commitment to restore the Klamath River."
White Dove
I saw a white dove on the
parking lot pavement. Wings outstretched and
bloodied. At first a sharp pain wrenched through
my heart- like a stab wound. Then I realized I
had seen an angel fallen on the ground- a victim
of human anger and hate- environmental
devastation. In every way a martyr and a
reminder of what we have become.
Comments to a Friend on
Climate Change, 3/2/2011
It requires forceful and clear
political leadership to address the challenges
we face. Obama is not up to the task. Quite
frankly- even if 80% of Americans believed that
climate change was a serious issue and had dire
consequences- in my opinion- that would still
not be enough for Obama to act decisively- the
man can’t even mention the term climate change
in his post 2008 election speeches. Energy
SECURITY is the “new” code word for climate
security.
The issue is not simply climate change as you
know. We are undergoing a level of species
extinction only matched a few times in Earth’s
history. Food and water supplies are seriously
compromised throughout the globe. While
inflating food prices are in part related to
market manipulation- the underlying cause is
ballooning fuel prices and scarcity. Peak oil-
that can easily strangulate every “advanced”
economy is by some OIL company estimates- less
than 20 years away (may already be taking
place). Abusing the environment further to feed
this oil addiction will only exacerbate the
effects of peak oil and environmental
destruction.
Unfortunately, unlike government and corporate
think tanks- most ordinary citizens cannot
couple the notion of climate change and war.
Governments that cannot feed their populations-
let alone their oil addictions- will if allowed
by their citizens- engage in a war for survival.
This scenario is not a sci-fi plot- but a likely
possibility if current trends continue. Do you
understand that these think tanks I just alluded
to even see nuclear war/winter as a partial
counterbalance to global warming. Can you
conceive of how horrific this notion is?
He issue is NOT over population. Even at
Europe’s level of consumption- the earth could
support up to 11 billion people. At US
consumption- the Earth cannot support the
current 6 billion. The issue is unnecessary
consumption, mass deception of the public and
irresponsible manipulation of the environment
coupled with spiritual death. The latter permits
people to destroy life and busily go on with
their daily lives- without much concern-
focusing on their own individual needs- the rest
of the world be damned. It also relates to the
core questions of economic versus spiritual
values- and whether GDP is a measure of
happiness or there is something else of greater
value.
The world is on the precipice of disaster and
destruction- like no other period in human
history. Collective action is required- it is
impossible to address any of the issues I
mentioned above in isolation.
Chris- as usual
writes boldly and clearly and
presents the dilemmas we face. The operative term however must
be WE. When one has the insights that Chris has- however much
truth resides there in- it is important not to descend into
misanthropy. The earth- all life- including man derive from the
same source. In many respects the earth gave birth to us. In
nature- in life- in the universe we find boundless compassion.
The true inner and essential nature of man has nothing to do
with the societal destruction and suffering he co-creates. In
truth- this time in history demands an evolution in
consciousness- not something new- but a remembering and
hearkening back to our true natures.
When I work on solving issues- as soon as I find
one exception- one anomaly- I know whatever theory I
constructed that does not incorporate that anomaly is flawed.
Just as I cannot and do not ignore Chris's message- in fact I
grapple with it every day- every minute of my existence- I
cannot deny the existence of compassion and wisdom...and with
compassion and wisdom there is hope. However, I must radically
agree with Chris- there is no guarantee that our species will
survive- or survive without a period of great and untold
suffering and destruction.
It is more productive perhaps to think
about process- how to create the societal structures- the ways
of thinking and feeling that allow transformation. In life- when
I want to overcome something- I do not focus exclusively on the
the negative forces- instead I overwhelm them- rendering them
impotent. Focusing on the negative confers a power to it that in
the end only makes it stronger. However, becoming a pollyanna-
an apologist or a hypocrite- are not options. Inaction- turning
the cheek- are not options.
One more thing- openness and vulnerability-
YES-..weakness- NO. Strength, commitment and purpose are
essential. The doing is important- as soon as one acts- the
entire matrix changes- new possibilities emerge that where not
foreseen- fear is what dis-empowers and is the chief instrument
of control.
As the world faces environmental collapse and
runaway climate change- with the United States being the world's
most prolific contributor to this disaster- consuming grossly
more per capita than any nation on earth- Obama and his
administration will agree to a 30% cutback to the EPA's budget?
30 years of economic stagnation, environmental devastation,
gross income inequality, corporate/military domination of
government, hopelessness, anger...How long will we remain
silent?
We face a crisis so severe that it is as
compelling as if somebody was shooting at our children, raping
our partners, poisoning our food and water- and worse. How dare
we stand by.
Comment: The conditions under which
Bradley Manning are being held constitute
inhumane torture and are in contravention to the
Geneva Convention. The charge of aiding the enemy is unfair- not
substantiated by facts. What is clear is that if he was the
principal source of the series of Wikileaks revelations that
have helped bring down repressive regimes in Egypt and Tunisia-
that he is in fact a hero. If he is an enemy- he is an enemy to
the entrenched powers in the United States and elsewhere who
seek to maintain their power by deceiving the public and
oppressing the ordinary citizen. Their time will come.
“Mr. Walker, if you’re listening: We know
pretty well know who you work for.
Now let me tell you who we work for,” he said,
eliciting a round of cheers from the crowd.
Comment: Where are the voices of the
United States and Europe in condemning the action of Muammar Gaddafi? Are those
voices so afraid of jeopardizing the supply of oil that they dare not speak out?
Is there nothing more the world can do to support the Libyan people?
"...As the situation continues to develop, those words mean
much more to me than the platitudes of government representatives in the US and
the UK, who have done so little to oppose Gaddafi’s rule, and so much to enrich
themselves, and who, in addition, have almost excelled in cynicism when it comes
to Libya’s role in the “War on Terror...”-Revolution
in Libya: Protesters Face Gaddafi’s Murderous Backlash as US, UK Ooze Hypocrisy
by Andy Worthington
Comment: Wisconsin has become a battleground. Just how
far can a government go to repress free speech and the right to unionize? How
far will moneyed interests be allowed to control government? How far will media
outlets such as Fox News be allowed to repress and distort the truth? How
accountable will public officials be held for their action? How much
scapegoating be allowed and finally- will the real culprits of the economic
collapse be held accountable- instead of the victims?
By starving funding for states- the federal government has
unwittingly set the stage of a true revolution of values. Thank you.
Comment: This article- predictably
enough on MSNBC- illustrates the shallowness of an approach to
news that focuses solely on the most recent job numbers, recent
this and recent that. The underlying weakness of the American
economy is due to irresponsible government and corporate
policies that have emphasized the short term over the long term
and a short sighted American public that seems to have no
collective memory and a propensity to elect corrupt and
incompetent leaders beholden to special interests (witness the
new and old croup of Republicans and Democrats). The American
economy is threatened on all fronts as things come to roost.
Irresponsible tax policy, derelict energy and environmental
policies, astronomical military spending- out of proportion to
any nation on Earth- horrendous social and economic policy that
has resulted in staggering inequality, a diminution of worker's
rights, unimaginable debt, gross corruption in the economic and
political system and the virtual fiscal collapse of state
governments.
You sow what you reap. It is unfathomable that
the only thing that wakes up so many Americans is the price of
oil at the pump- in the meantime their basic economic and
political rights have withered to almost nothing. Buy those
SUVs- the illusion of safety they provide is just that...an
illusion.
Notwithstanding the above- there are still
amazing patriots and compassionate Americans who work for the
well being of themselves and others. However, something is
rotten in the state of the United States- and unlike Hamlet's
Denmark- it is only barely concealed.
IPad 20 and No Food
Imagine the IPad 20- no touch interface-
only voice. Retina + resolution and speeds that go faster
than the blink of an eye...wait- there is something
else...no food. You see- instead of using Facebook and
Twitter to start a climate revolution in this country in
2011- we enjoyed the latest Duke Nukem game. Climate change
accelerated with the melting of the permafrost, the
strangulation of the oceans and the destruction of the
world's rainforests. As a result of weather instability- the
United Stated cannot grow or import enough food to feed
itself. Due to melting glaciers and flooding-China- with its
2 billion people can also barely feed itself. Food prices
have skyrocketed and in many cases there simply isn't
enough.
But there is more. You wakeup in your beautiful spacious
home and find that there is barely enough drinkable water.
You feel sick- because with the destruction of habitat,
starvation and drought- there is an increase in disease.
Turn on the TV- and there are wars
everywhere- nation's that can't feed themselves use nuclear
weapons to try to secure what their survival demands. When
that is unattainable- there are always chemical and
biological weapons.
Cling to those IPads- because there may
be not enough rare earth metals to make it to IPad 30. Then
what will you do?
What do I know? Not much. It is true I
have more science degrees than most in Congress and the
Executive branch. It is also true that the IPCC and
virtually all climate scientists agree with the existence
and impacts of human induced climate change. It is even true
that the stench from government is so strong that even the
likes of Shell Oil see the above scenario as possible.
Wait- I know- you have your faith. Well
you are correct- the earth will never be destroyed by the
hands of man- just all life on it. If you don't believe me-
ask Noah.
Comment:There is
no subtlety in this analysis- no margins of error that reduce
the potential threat- the world stands on the precipice of
disaster.
What it means to be human...
To be human is not the possession of great
technology. It is not the power to destroy all life. It is
not the capacity to build hospitals, roads, power plants,
etc. It is not the capacity to make revolutions. It is not
the pursuit of pleasure or the avoidance of pain. To be
human is to be compassionate and loving to all things. To
recognize the connectedness of all that is and was and will
be. It is the spirit that seeks truth and is willing to
sacrifice for what one loves.
Chris Hedges and Wendell Berry have devoted their
lives to love. Perhaps the pain they obviously feel is a
form of attachment- and it may not fully define what makes
them truly human- it nonetheless may be in part the
wellspring of their compassion.
To conclude, I would simply say that
all life is interconnected. The violence we do to our Mother
Earth and to what is upon it is violence to ourselves. There
is no difference- none.
Solutions to the world's problems are
not difficult- it is rather our difficulty in facing fear
that obscures our willingness to see that solutions are
possible. See:
Fight for a World Without Coal
by Chris Hedges
In response to a quote from Wendell
Berry
Wendell Berry also wrote:
"I must invent a new economic system or be enslaved by the
other man's." That project is underway.
My first impression upon reading your Wendell Berry quote
was favorable. In fact I was going to ask what you mean by
"that project is underway."
Perhaps you are referring to the work of David Korten and
others who wish to- among other things- redefine wealth and
productivity. I agree that it is important that local
communities- intentional or not- continue to open up new (or
rediscovered) possibilities and levels of awareness around
community and sustainability.
However, I believe that it is naive to believe that in a
period where human beings can and are destroying life on the
planet- whether through nuclear annihilation or
environmental holocaust- that a change in economic and
political structures is enough. This age embraces a kind of
modernism that is nihilistic and in this sense more
primitive than any past culture. The institutions we create
reflect ourselves- and while it is true that the reverse can
also be true- the former cannot be forgotten.
It is not inevitable that humanity will
survive this period. All things in nature ebb and flow, rise
and fall. Yet if we are to survive, we must hearken back to
our truer selves. We as a species must attempt to
consciously define what it means to be human- what our true
place in the universe is. Diversity is healthy and
beautiful- but by forgetting who we are- we are becoming
something we are not- monolithic and without beauty.
Any system- economic-political- social- that fails to
recognize this reality- this crisis- and the change it
demands-will fail.
"Empires communicate in two languages. One
language is expressed in imperatives. It is the language of
command and force. This militarized language disdains human life
and celebrates hypermasculinity. It demands. It makes no attempt
to justify the flagrant theft of natural resources and wealth or
the use of indiscriminate violence. When families are gunned
down at a checkpoint in Iraq they are referred to as having been
“lit up.” So it goes. The other language of empire is softer. It
employs the vocabulary of ideals and lofty goals and insists
that the power of empire is noble and benevolent."
One can't help but feel that we are hearing
from the United States and Europe the "softer language" with
regards to Egypt. Knowing that if the Egyptian revolution turns
fully to the will of the people- the language of oppression will
follow- and its consequences.
As usual I agree with
Chris Hedges' analysis. Yet the movement of American
democracy to totalitarianism and empire was observed by de
Tocqueville in the early 1800s. One question to pose is whether
any prior society was truly free from the domination of fear and
powerful elites. While there is a tendency to equate egalitarian
and sustainable societies with simpler (and more profound)
indigenous society- to what degree is this over idealized?
We must go beyond the dystopic vision- however true and
yes....frightening. We must fully accept as a species that our
problems are spiritually rooted. Evil governments spring from
ignorance and fear- and that fear is us. There can no longer be
an abandonment of individual responsibility.
It is understandably difficult for some to disassociate
spirituality from corrupt religious institutions that represent
the ultimate attempt at mind control- but if mankind is to
survive- and remain human- we must.
People must end perceiving themselves as victims. Massive
empowerment is needed. As we redefine what it means to be human-
to be alive- we will redefine what it means to die.
All that mankind is experiencing and may experience in
increasingly evil dystopias- is a culmination of centuries of
oppression, war and fear. Not unlike an individual facing their
past- we are being asked to face our collective future.
Our lives as individuals and as part of collective communities
is a gift. We may chose to bask in fear and lose our gifts- or
become one. We have a choice.
See also: this
reply to the above from Stephen V. Riley.
No Time for Silence-The Environmental Holocaust
My first thought this morning- however
unoriginal- was that Nuremberg-style war crimes trials are in
order for political leaders who through inaction, malfeasance,
etc. are allowing nations to be destroyed, species in
unfathomable numbers to die- who are creating untold suffering
for both current and future generations...But then I asked..who
would hold these trials? And the answer is that all major
nations are complicit- with the United States the most- perhaps
because they are all controlled by corporations. Environmental
holocaust is not an inappropriate or inaccurate depiction of
what is taking place. As a society and a world- we as
communities and individuals have become so inhumane and corrupt
as to allow this holocaust to occur- in the face of virtually
certain knowledge and no chance of escape.
Without the beauty of nature to remind us
of our humanity and connection to all things- we will further
descend as a species into a machine-like hell dominated by
militaristic states- without values- or I should say the only
values will be the one deemed Darwinian- the survival of the
fittest- strength-power-money.
I was a teacher once. One unit I
conceptualized, developed and taught was about the
Jewish
holocaust- in part from a children's perspective. To
achieve this- and to make it meaningful- I challenged my
students to live the holocaust through the eyes of its
victims. The story was not completely bleak- there were many
individual acts of courage and compassion. But my point is
that your words- however "realistic" are dross. It shows
that you cannot FEEL what is happening- you can
intellectualize- you can observe- but you are not THERE. I
have the fortune or misfortune of being THERE. I can FEEL
this suffering. I cannot escape it. I cannot allow pretense
to change my thinking. Please understand- I am sure you are
well meaning and caring- but do you FEEL? If you did- you
could not sleep. You would have difficulty containing your
tears. You could not look at a tree- a mountain- a suffering
child- and easily walk away- without something deeper than
guilt- an admission of responsibility.
The Buddhists argue for detachment and
compassion. Without the former the later is supposed to be
difficult to achieve. I argue for attachment and compassion.
Not the attachment to material things- delusions of
strength-vanity- rather attachment to what is- to the
silence within- to the great unfolding- to who you are-
REALLY are. In this sense I suppose I agree with the
Buddhists- except to say that detachment is not nihilism- it
is the embracing of what is.
Perhaps it is too much to ask of
humanity that it be human. And who am I to say so?
President Obama
gave an appropriate and insightful speech during the Tucson
Memorial Service. One thing he said in his speech is that there
is evil in the world. This is true- which is why it is
imperative that we take stands. If a Rush Limbaugh declares
himself a fair and unbiased journalist- and for example calls
donations to Haiti the US income tax, or claims that President
Obama is not black- but is Arab- as if by doing so he can fan
hatred and anger- then this commentator needs to be called
out-and where there is incitement to violence- prosecuted to the
full extent of the law. If Sharon Angle espouses second
amendment remedies- then she needs to be called out- not in some
pseudo debate about the left versus the right- but directly as a
false patriot and someone who should be condemned. Bill
O'Reilly,
Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and other media ratings
hounds- need to be called out- not with palliatives such as Jon
Stewarts weak appeal for getting along with his buddies- but
clear condemnation.
Yes- there can be a debate between positions. Yes- because
someone holds a position I disagree with- no matter how
misguided I may feel it is- it does not give me the moral or legal
right to espouse violence or to impugn their motives. We live in
an Orwellian society where the government and media manipulates
words and too many citizens are afraid to speak out. However,
this was not the case with Gabby Giffords. The right wing
talking heads- of which Sarah Palin is nothing more- pretend to
forget that Gabby herself spoke out against Sarah
Palin's cross hairs and her messages of hate. It will never be
possible to prove a direct relationship between a sycophant's
words and an individual's act of violence- yet there is always
the possibility that there is a link- witness the murder of Dr
George Tiller- where the link is far less than tenuous.
The right wing
commentators I mentioned deserve to be called out and condemned.
To the extent their free speech encroaches on the freedom and
safety of Americans that oppose their views- they need to be
held legally accountable. And- President Obama- you need to take
sides. Not because it is childish- not because it will bring
short term resolution- but because it is right- a simple
notion that you sometimes forget. Who is going to stand up for
the brave political leaders in Congress who continue to meet
face to face with constituents in public settings? Who is going
to make their pain and fears known? Who is going to bring
attention to the strain threats to their life have on their
families and personal well being. While these legislators
support the Presidents weak positions- that by their very
weakness generate hostile debate- who is going to support them?
The Tucson
county sheriff is a straight talking man who is probably at some
level voicing not only his own concerns but those of Gabby Giffords. It is ashamed that such straight talk doesn't come
from the White House. Oh yes Mr. President- enjoy your interview
with Fox News during the Super Bowl. Be sure to praise their
journalistic integrity that you help dignify-if not by your
presence- the presence of your office. Also- finally- instead of
great speeches- how about straight talk and principled stands.
"I
mean, this is
a situation where -- I mean, people don't -- they really need to
realize that the rhetoric and firing people up and, you know,
even things, for example, we're on Sarah Palin's targeted list.
But the thing is that the way that she has it depicted has the
crosshairs of a gunsight over our district. When people do
that, they've gotta realize there's consequences to that
action."-- Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), in a MSNBC
interview earlier this year.
I wrote this
(see below) in April 2010 in response to now House majority leader
John Boehner's threat against a Democratic congressman. In light
of the recent shootings that involved Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, I would ask that the Republican leadership take
responsibility for their rhetoric and its consequences. While
most Americans would not act on verbal threats by Boehner and
others- a small percentage of Americans would be encouraged to
act violently. For this reason- the violence threatening
campaign of Sarah Palin to defeat her political
opposition disqualifies her from any public office now or in the
future. The same applies to Representative Boehner- but I doubt
he will step down. Again, while I recognize that neither
politician wishes physical harm on another- the irresponsibility
of their rhetoric and the violence they encourage- demands
rebuke and legal repercussions.
Further,
Fox News and commentators like Bill O'Reily, Glenn
Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and others also bear responsibility for the
culture of violence- all driven I might add by a quest for
higher ratings and nothing more. While these cynical
personalities may be embraced by parts of the popular culture-
they have no principle- and are undoubtedly repulsed by very
forces they appear to champion.
As for Congresswoman Giffords- she is a courageous politician
that has demonstrated a sincere desire to act from principle on
a range of issues. I have the deepest respect for her and her
family and offer sincere prayer for her recovery and ability in
the future to serve in any way she sees fit.-1/9/2011. See also:
Brady Will Offer Bill to Expand Protections for Members; Climate of Hate, Paul Krugman, 1/9/2011
Boehner called
Ohio Congressman Steve Driehas a dead man for voting for health
care. A day or two later the Congressman and his family's life
was threatened. Boehner needs to be censured and forced to
resign. His vituperative, cowardly and intimidating
behavior encourages violence and should not be tolerated.
Congressman
Boehner is reminded that If someone yells 'Fire' in a crowd to
start a stampede and people are harmed- it is called
reckless endangermentand can be treated as a felony crime.
Comment: While leading
economists such as Joseph Stiglitz argue for increasing taxes on
the wealthy - we find instead that state and federal politicians
are attacking the wages and pensions of middle and lower class
public employees and doing nothing to force the wealthy to pay
their fair share.
Why is this? In part it is because government
employees are relatively easy targets and most politicians are
cowards. However, make no mistake- this is part of an
ideological agenda that seeks to weaken or destroy public unions
and privatize the public sector. The destruction of public
unions will destroy wages and needed job protections- resulting
in significantly fewer qualified teachers, firemen, policemen,
etc. If efforts are made to privatize key government
functions such as police and fire protection, the history of
such efforts suggests that the public may be endangered.
Significant legal issues will arise and citizens may no longer
be afforded equal protection under the law and a quality
education for their children.
My advice to public unions is to fight back and use whatever
power they possess- including the right to strike- to make clear
they will protect their members from corporate dominated state
and federal legislatures who seek to protect the rich while
decimating the working class. Further, every American should
understand that an attack on the public sector is really an
attack on the private sector and all working class Americans.
Truly- United we stand- divided we fall.
Comment: Israel needs to be held
accountable to international law for the killing and maiming of
innocent protesters. Israel is an
apartheid state that should be condemned and isolated
in the world community.
I am weak and you protect me
I am hungry and you feed me
I am homeless and you shelter me
I am forgotten and you remember me
I am unlovable and you love me
Whatever I do- you see through me- into who I am
And in your eyes I am perfect
Mother
Obama & the Price of "Victory"
Pundits like Rachel Maddow and others are
declaring the recent lame duck legislation passed by Congress as
a significant legislative victory for President Obama. Well here
is my assessment.
The President caved in on a cornerstone economic issue. As a
result there will be 900 billion dollars of tax cuts in the next
two years- of which a grossly (disgustingly) large percentage
will accrue to the top 2% of wage earners. This is the case even
though the top 1 percent earn between 21.4 and 23.5 percent of
the national income and this share exceeds what the entire
bottom 50 percent of the United States earns. Income disparity
in the United States is the greatest of any developed country in
the world. This degree of income inequality is undermining the
political, economic and social fabric of the country and will
increase economic instability.
Perhaps to some Americans- tax cuts are a
simple way of stimulating the economy during a recession. But
far from it. These tax cuts will, by heavily favoring the wealthy, have a
minimum stimulatory effect and exacerbate income inequality. In
addition- by providing no additional aid to the states- state
governments will be forced to raise taxes to provide basic
services- in effect nullifying a large portion of whatever
stimulatory effect there is from the Federal tax cuts. Further,
the government has yet to address the foreclosure crisis- with
about 2.5 million delinquent mortgages and 2.3 million in
foreclosure. As a result prices continue to drop- creating a
snowball effect that could result in as many as
11 million (1 in 5) borrowers losing their home.
In fact,
taxes need to substantially increase for the wealthy and large
corporations- to allow a responsible decrease in deficits while
continuing to allow the economy to expand.
Yet this will not
happen in what is essentially an oligarchic society. To
underscore this point- even with the majority of Americans
opposing tax cuts for the wealthy-the Republicans pressed
their elitist agenda and the President caved. In truth, the
recent financial and health care reform bills- rather than being
seen as true reforms- need to be seen as concessions to these
economic elites- since they are the ones that will ultimately
profit- to the detriment of the average American. In the
case of health care- this is precisely why a strong public
option was so vital- it would have provided the principal
counter-weight/competition to the private insurance industry and
a means to control costs. Instead we have an insurance company
monopoly codified into law and guaranteeing accelerated health
care inflation and significantly increased profits to health
care providers. And for precisely this reason, Republicans will
never repeal health care reform. As for banking reform- there is
no clear indication that the reckless speculation that led to
the financial collapse will be curtailed in the new laws. Both
health care and financial reform seem more like endpoints than
as the President claims, starting points for additional reform.
In the next two years- leading up to the 2012 elections- the
mantra from Washington will be reducing the deficit. What the
tax cuts will do is place intense pressure on Congress to cut
social spending. The Republicans will not agree to significant
cuts in military expenditures. Congress will be "forced" to cut
programs that serve the needs of the poor and middle class- and
then have the temerity to blame an aging population and
irresponsible government spending as the root cause! What this
effectively does is undermine the safety net for the average
American.
Once the President agreed to this extremely
damaging tax policy- it appears as if the Republican leadership
released its stranglehold on its party members- allowing members
to vote their conscience. DADT was repealed- with support of 75%
of Americans and the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the
Joints Chiefs of Staff. While this is a significant milestone in
the advance of Lesbian, Gay and Bi rights- it is hard to see its
passage as a profile in courage for the President- given the
strong level of popular support. Similarly, the START treaty was
supported by almost every responsible member of the foreign
policy establishment. Most importantly, the treaty helps prevent Russian
nuclear stockpiles from going into the hands of terrorists by
reinstating nuclear cooperation/inspections of Russian
facilities. A victory for the world- Yes. However only in a
bizarre political environment would this be construed as a great
victory for anything but common sense.
The President deserves some praise for not
overly politicizing the DADT and START debates. However, what he
gave up is beyond the pale. DADT would have been eventually
overturned by the courts. A new START treaty would have been
passed regardless- if the President summoned any political will-
and ditto for an extension of unemployment benefits.
Victory in exchange for massive defeat does not equal political
courage and most importantly- what is good for the nation.
Adding to this- environmental collapse, threats to the world's
water and food security, wars, etc.- perhaps the metaphor of
victor should be replaced with the image of Nero fiddling while
Rome burns.
Comment: This repeal is a a significant
advancement of Lesbian, Gay and Bi rights in the United States- yet there is
still much more to be done. Stiffer laws against hate crimes,
much better protections for transgender citizens, LGBT marriage-
with all of the benefits and rights conferred on opposite sex
married couples, protection against bullying and harassment in
schools and the work place, access to partner health care plans
and retirement benefits- in other words: full legitimacy in the
eyes of the law and society.
WikiRebels - The Documentary
It should be clear from viewing this
documentary why Wikileaks and similar organizations are needed
to counterbalance excessive secrecy and the abuse of power-
ultimately to save lives.
Comment: Ironically in this case we
have a confluence of multiple forces- all aligned to
significantly weaken the American economy in the mid to long
term. We have a measure that will (1) Significantly increase
income inequality thereby further erode sustained economic
growth; (2) Create a type of indebtedness that will not
stimulate sustained economic growth, but instead will decrease the
solvency of the nation and its debt- accelerating the transfer
of economic power away from the United States and European and
Asian economies dependent on the United States economy; (4)
Result in a significant erosion of long term growth prospects
and remove any semblance of a safety net for the average
American. Quite a deal Obama struck. Wait...Did I write
mid-term? It's becoming clearer- short term= 2012 election and
increased political contributions for the courageous politicians
that dropped estate taxes while the nation has trillions in
debt. Well at least we can rest easy. The President's reelection
chances have not been to compromised- or so he thinks...
In addition to Senator Sanders, I would also
like to praise Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon for his
courageous and clear stand against the egregious tax cut
agreement. This is the first time in two years I can begin to
see the Senate and House Democrats standing with conviction for
what is right (sane)!
As for Bill Clinton- he is no model for principled opposition.
His support of the Obama/Republican tax agreement only
strengthens the argument against it...Further- he should use
whatever limited influence he has to
release aid to Haiti. See
also:
Maddow And Olbermann Slam Obama's Tax Cut Compromise;
Comment:Disgusting, irresponsible tax giveaway.
While the US government is at it-
preparing for Assange's indictment on espionage- they may as
well add the New York Times, Guardian UK, Der Spiegel and Le
Monde to their list. According to the Declaration of
Independence, governments derive their just powers from the
consent of the governed. Whether this is another principle
sacrificed to the whims of expediency or a principle to be
treasured and defended- remains to be seen in the case of the
United States and other countries. In my view it would be a
grave mistake to extradite Assange to the United States. Not
only is it unlikely he would be convicted- it reinforces that
the practices described in the cables are in fact alive and
well- only further justifying the work of Wikileaks and others
in exposing abuses of power.
Expediency and political "realism"- these seem
to be the bedrocks of Obama's tax "compromise." None of these
are the basis of good policy- and in this case they are the
basis of very bad policy. Compassionate action- which the
President pretends to espouse- looks not just to the next
election cycle- but to the needs of future generations.
By accepting this "compromise" Obama is committing the nation to
policies he knows are economically and morally bankrupt. If a
purist objects to a 900 billion dollar boondoggle- I would hate
to hear the objections of a realist. Is Erskine Bowles a
realist?
Listening to Obama defend his compromise- it struck me how
disingenuous he is. At times the analogies became ludicrous.
Keeping your aim on the North Star- or better yet- the wisdom of
negotiating with terrorists- with the American people deemed
hostages. Wow…this really is a beleaguered President. He seems
to have lost his way- his voice- his convictions and his
purpose- if he ever had these things to begin with.
In his press conference, the President reminds us that the
battle has just began and that he intends to defend the solvency
of the nation- while only whispering about how he will defend
the needs of the poor and middle class.
What I want from this President is a tangible commitment on what
he will or will not cut going forward. I want specifics as to
the impact of the tax cuts for the wealthy on programs that help
the poor and middle class. I want specifics as to how far he
will go in reducing the deficit. The freezing of the wages of
federal workers- Is not a good sign. I want clear answers to
fundamental questions and not vague hints and hopeful rhetoric.
I will not stand for a child going without a school lunch
so as to support a tax deduction for a Wall Street hedge fund
manager. And I have news for Republicans and Democrats- at some
point soon- neither will the rest of the American people.
It appears Republicans are
holding the vote on DADT "hostage" to the Democrats agreeing to
the tax compromise. Well I have a message for the Republicans-
"Go ahead, make my day." The courts will hopefully end DADT
soon- relegating the Republican party and the DADT policy to
anachronisms.
One last thing- some in the Press feel the
President is finally acting "Presidential." The only things I
can say in reply is that some very well educated people believe
that McDonald's hamburgers are healthy and nutritious- go
figure. Bottom line: Look at the fruits of their labors. The
truth always has a nasty way of pushing aside the delusions of
egotistical men who believe they are demi-gods and can dictate
for the lesser mortals- namely us.
"I am a
supporter of LGBT rights and am against DADT - I fight every
day. Until you are the daughter of a republican senator - don't
assume what I do and the stances I take are ever easy."- Meghan
McCain- daughter of John McCain.
What do these countries have in common?
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania
(though having other gay rights issues),
Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru,
Philippines, Poland (though there may be anti-gay bias in the
government),
Romania, Russia,
Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Bermuda, Uruguay.
They all allow gay men and woman to serve in the
military.
What do these countries have in common?
Antigua and
Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize,
Botswana,
Brunei, Cameroon,
Cuba, Cyprus,
People's Republic of China, Dominica,
Egypt, Fiji,
Ghana, Greece, - The Greek ban on homosexuals is the
object of criticism by the European Union, as EU law prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation;
Grenada, Guyana, Iran,
Kenya, Kiribati, Jamaica,
Lesotho,
Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mozambique,
Namibia, Nauru,
Nigeria,
North Korea, Pakistan, Papua
New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Solomon Islands,
South Korea, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland,
Syria,
Tanzania,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu,
Uganda, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Yemen,
Zambia,
Zimbabwe
They all do not allow gay men and woman to serve
in the military.
The countries highlighted in
red have particularly serious
human
rights issues. While it is true that not all
countries that allow gays in the military have acceptable human
rights records-even towards their LGBT communities- the majority
do. The same cannot be said for those countries that ban
gays from the military. The countries highlighted
blue, in addition, are African
nations- in a continent that is rife with homophobia and
anti-gay policies. Uganda, in particular, has a pending
anti-homosexuality law that in its present forms calls for the
death penalty for gays and lesbians who engage in sex and are
HIV positive, have committed the "offense" of homosexuality more
than once, have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol
during a sexual encounter or where one partner has a disability.
Further, while Uganda like many other African nations, has a
deep seated homophobia- it was only after the intervention of American evangelicals such as Scott Lively, Rick
Warren, Mark Tooley, Stephen Null and others that the government
decided to bring the issue to the fore and begin systematic
persecution. While some of these evangelicals indicate they
oppose the Ugandan law- to this day American right
wing evangelicals come to the country and make loud anti-gay
speeches- further reinforcing their blatant hypocrisy and
sending the wrong signal to the Ugandan populace and government.
Why then does the United States of America put
itself in pariah status and at least partially on the side of nations that abuse human rights and
delegitimize behavior- which I- as a gay man- know is
natural and normal?
Most Western military forces have now removed policies
excluding non-heterosexual individuals. Clearly the
issue is not military combat effectiveness as Senator John
McCain and others state. McCain is transparently cynical. Even
in the face of support from the Secretary of Defense and
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff- even when a soon to be
released Pentagon study indicates that allowing gays to serve
would not be disruptive to the armed services- even then- he argues for
more study- further exposing the true nature of the opposition-
who refuse to see serving in the military as a human rights
issue. I served in the military and I was gay. I can assure you-
the policy of DADT- implemented after my time- is nothing more
than a selective cover for a military superior to punish a
service member when there is no other reason to. The policy is
reprehensible and is a detriment to morale- since it denies the
basic rights of service members and solidifies the military's
hypocrisy on the issue.
Finally- remember this. A nation that
discriminates against some of its citizens- ultimately
sacrifices the rights of all of its citizens- not just those who
appear to be the targets. It is no coincidence that so
many nations that discriminate against gays have the worst human
rights records- for all of their peoples.
This revelation is important. Why? From the
web site/movie
Sweet
Crude:
"In this small region of Nigeria known as the
"south-south," something huge is happening. The adverse effects
of oil exploration have been unfolding in the Niger Delta for
the past 50 years. Now, the people have had enough. From
environmental activism to peaceful protest to stakeholder
dialogues, nothing has worked. A new brand of militancy has
emerged in a different kind of attempt to call attention to the
desperate poverty and injustice.
Here, citizens of an oil-rich nation struggle to eat in a land
that can no longer support them. The Delta’s water and soil have
been fouled by the same oil production that accounts for more
than 80 percent of the country’s revenue. Traditional fishing
and farming livelihoods are all but gone. Potable drinking water
is rare. So is electricity. With pitifully few clinics and
schools, curable conditions go untreated and illiteracy is high.
Families are broken up, as men die young or take off for the
cities to find jobs.
The advent of militancy has brought both hope and fear to the
region. People live with the constant threat of war, yet many
feel that armed resistance is the only avenue left to make their
voices heard."
"Yes, letting taxes go up would be
politically risky. But giving in would be risky, too —
especially for a president whom voters are starting to write off
as a man too timid to take a stand. Now is the
time for him to prove them wrong."-
Paul Krugman on tax cuts for the rich cave-in,
12/5/2010. Result:
Voters are right. ; Also:
Frank Rich: "A chief
executive who repeatedly presents himself as a conciliator,
forever searching for the "good side" of all adversaries and
convening summits, in the end comes across as weightless, if not
AWOL."
What is perhaps most tragic is that Obama himself cannot and/or
will not accept the truth of his critics. The essential element
of tragedy is that the protagonist cannot change his very own
nature- the source of his downfall. The twist for Obama is that
at times what some may deem cowardice- could perhaps be
perceived as a kind of wise and mature leadership and acceptance
of the truth. The test however is whether the leadership is
compassionate and defends the basic rights of the innocent, weak
and oppressed. And measured against this test- his leadership
again fails and the perception of wisdom gives way to that of
cowardice.
In the spiritual realm- seekers of truth often have difficulty
reconciling their spiritual understanding with their worldly
actions. Perhaps too many recoil or escape from the world- not
necessarily in divine silence- but in avoidance. And when a
person with spiritual understanding engages in worldly action-
to alleviate suffering or effect social change- one of the
greatest challenges is to recognize the difference in themselves
between compassionate action and ego driven acts. There is no
simple answer- however the solution of avoidance in the end
yields no fruit and becomes a failing of the spiritual life.
Foreshadowing...
On the Choice of Rick Warren for Obama's
Inaugural Invocation, 12/21/2008
Whatever the reason- friendship, a quid pro quo- it doesn't
matter. At a personal level, I believe that the Warren's
attitudes towards gays is not merely a social stand- not merely
a biblical interpretation- but an effort to dehumanize gays- to
make it more difficult to grow up gay and as a youth believe
that you are normal and entitled to the same quality of life
that straight people can have.
By bolstering Warren in this way, Obama contributes to
undermining the gay community. It diminishes his voice as a
leader of integrity. It reminds people of his view of politics
and change- one that mayforeshadow weakness- not
strength. Shallow manipulations by politicians or others
will ultimately have no effect on the course of history and
emergence of the truth. So as Obama returns a favor to his
friend and reaches out to the evangelical Christian right- the
struggle for gay rights marches on and will prevail. A struggle
that Obama says he fiercely supports.
Update:Julian Assange's Arrest, 12/7/2010: "In the
race between secrecy and truth, it seems inevitable that truth
will always win."- Julian Assange quoting a young Rupert
Murdoch. Assange wrote this in an editorial released prior to
his arrest in London on 12/7/2010. To be honest- I am not
certain this quote is true- or consoling. The power of truth in
part is that its revelation is timely- so as to avoid wars and
other human misery. Also- as many have found- the release
of the truth is no assurance it will be used courageously and
wisely or even understood. This is especially true in an
age of media manipulation where propaganda and disinformation
are treated as equivalent to the truth. Ironically, no greater
distorter of the truth exists than Rupert Murdoch and his
ratings driven news empire.
Still, without the Bradley Manning's and
Julian Assange's of the world- what hope for informed change
remains? Merely wishing for the best is an act of cowardice.
Blaming one's adversaries is equally so.
"The cables, which date from 1966 up until the end of February
this year, contain confidential communications between 274
embassies in countries throughout the world and the State
Department in Washington DC. 15,652 of the cables are classified
Secret.
The embassy cables will be released in stages over the next few
months. The subject matter of these cables is of such
importance, and the geographical spread so broad, that to do
otherwise would not do this material justice.
The cables show the extent of US spying on its allies and
the UN; turning a blind eye to corruption and human rights abuse
in "client states"; backroom deals with supposedly neutral
countries; lobbying for US corporations; and the measures US
diplomats take to advance those who have access to them.
This document release reveals the contradictions between the
US’s public persona and what it says behind closed doors – and
shows that if citizens in a democracy want their governments to
reflect their wishes, they should ask to see what’s going on
behind the scenes.
Every American schoolchild is taught that George Washington –
the country’s first President – could not tell a lie. If the
administrations of his successors lived up to the same
principle, today’s document flood would be a mere embarrassment.
Instead, the US Government has been warning governments -- even
the most corrupt -- around the world about the coming leaks and
is bracing itself for the exposures.
The full set consists of 251,287 documents, comprising
261,276,536 words (seven times the size of "The Iraq War Logs",
the world's previously largest classified information release).
The cables cover from 28th December 1966 to 28th February 2010
and originate from 274 embassies, consulates and diplomatic
missions."
Comment:There are many questions raised by
the most recent leaks. They expose a pattern of lies, corruption
and deception among the powerful elites that are inimical to the
national and world interest- perpetuating, for example, conflict
in the Middle East. Our nation's catering to the corrupt,
unpopular Saudi elites on
Middle East policy while the very same elites fund
Al-Qaeda is beyond the pale. Our illegal expansion of the
Afghanistan War into Pakistan through
secrets ops- now laid bare by the Wikileak
disclosures- is immoral and unjust. They way in which we attempt
to obstruct justice in Spain - as in the
Couso case-is reprehensible.Clearly war crimes tribunals need to be convened to hold US leaders responsible for illegal acts against the
citizens of the world.
Speaking of war crimes,last night I watched the movie,
"Fair Game," which is about the
falsification of intelligence leading up to the Iraq War and the
illegal outing by former Vice-President Cheney of Valerie Plame Wilson as
a covert CIA agent. The outing was a vendetta against her
husband- former US Ambassador Joe Wilson- and his
revelation that in 2001 George W Bush lied about the purchase of
aluminum rods by Iraq to create weaponized uranium. Bush used
this "information" as a principal justification for going to
war. Perhaps if there was a Wikileaks then- the true nature of
the US involvement in Iraq would have been revealed sooner- and
lives saved.
Americans are naive if they believe the illegal and unjust
practices our government pursues overseas doesn't spill over at
home. In fact, they are all part of one very corrupt
system. Erosion of freedom of speech, illegal detention,
corporate domination of government, environmental abuses and
favoritism for the wealthy- Welcome to America- 2010.Julian
Assange, Bradley Manning and others have done this nation and
the world a great service by bringing the truth to light.
Defenseless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame,
Writer and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist,
after critiquing the current state of politics, society and
reform movements wrote in an article entitled,
"Power and the Tiny Acts of Rebellion,"
"It is time to think of resistance in a new way, something that
is no longer carried out to reform a system but as an end in
itself. African-Americans understood this during the long night
of slavery. German opposition leaders understood it under the
Nazis. Dissidents in the former Soviet Union knew this during
the nightmare of communism. Resistance in these closed systems
was local and often solitary. It was done with the understanding
that evil must always be defied. The tiny acts of rebellion—day
after day, month after month, year after year and decade after
decade—exposed to everyone who witnessed them the heartlessness,
cruelty and inhumanity of the oppressor. They were acts of truth
and beauty. We must take to the street. We must jam as many
wrenches into the corporate system as we can. We must not make
it easy for them. But we also must no longer live in
self-delusion. This is a battle that will outlive us. And if we
fight, even with this tragic vision, we will lead lives worth
living and keep alive another way of being."
Comment: I respect
Chris Hedges critique and embrace his analysis as fundamentally
sound. However while he can correctly diagnose the patient and
recommend one healing modality- voicing and acknowledging the
truth- his way of thinking about the system is to accept the
very assumptions that led to the problems. "Reality" is highly
malleable. Change is the only constant. Stability is an
illusion- there is only change. Small shifts in perception can
bring about fundamental societal change. Chris abets the process
of meaningful change be speaking and writing the truth. The
possibilities of change are only limited by our imagination.
Imagine the reality you desire and bring it into being. There is
no hope and there is no lack of hope- both are delusions.
Sustaining a War Economy
Deficit cutting seems to be the rage in many
Western economies. Under pressure from the very financial
institutions that caused the Great Recession of 2008,
governments have decided to squeeze their populations. In the
process they go counter to Keynesian theory and the experience
in the 1930s that says that cutting expenditures in a deep
recession/depression is folly and counterproductive. Instead the
emphasis needs to be in creating employment, stimulating demand
and lessening economic inequality- not out of love for the
lower or middle class- but because it makes economic sense. Of
course, if we repeat the pattern of the 1930's- then War will
become the main vehicle for ending this recession. Which
coincidently is the only spending program supported by the very
elites who caused the financial crisis and whose elected cronies
have gained an even greater foothold in Washington during the
mid-term elections.
This pattern occurring in the developed nations
is of course no stranger to the left behinds of the developing
world- who acceding to the bankers- in many cases crippled their
economies and devastated their economic base. Only those
developing countries that stood up to the IMF and World Monetary
Bank- China for example- who discouraged speculative
investments- only those economies are now prospering- becoming
the love children now of the very economic forces they spurned.
Yet the issues are even more complex than in the
1930's- on top of this we have peak oil looming and the
devastating effects of climate change. And how does the elite
and their crony politicians react?... by fudging numbers and
denying reality.
So what should take place is not taking place
because of the very individuals and institutions that caused the
financial crisis to begin with- and who historically have
oppressed the world's poor. And once again- what goes around-
comes around. The United States is becoming tomorrow's
banana republic. In fact- despite its wealth- its
level of income and GNP- the United States is more unequal than
Guyana, Nicaragua, and Venezuela in income distribution, and
roughly on par with Uruguay, Argentina, and Ecuador (with all
due respect to these countries).
Today I watched the recording of Derrick
Jensen's recent interview with Amy Goodman. Derrick is sometimes
referred to as the philosopher poet of the environmental
movement. In response, I would like
to say this. First the premise that global capitalism is
destroying this world and that in addition to environmental
destruction- destruction based on war is possible- even
probable- is I believe self evident. Yet it is as Max Frisch
wrote, "unworthy of man to call stupidity a fate."
Is it so difficult to imagine a different world? What would it
be like? How do we get there? Jensen is right. A failure of the
progressive and environmental movements is that they work piece
by piece and fail to see the big picture- the overreaching
whole- the cumulative impact of human actions.
Derrick spoke of his abusive father and said
that even if his father was perfect- there would still be the
environmental holocaust that is taking place around us. Well in
an obvious sense this is correct- but in a deeper sense it is
not. His father- all those alive today- are a product of a
karmic chain that extends from past to future generations. The
anger, the fears, the distrust, the abuse- the
inability to understand our own minds- our own constructed
realities- is the basis of the destruction that is now taking
place.
The gift to mankind is that it is possible
to re-imagine- to dream something else and bring it into being.
Yet, we are living in the age of Orwell- the Orwellian vision is
not in the future- it is NOW. We are conditioned to limit our
imaginations and settle for what we are told is possible.
This must change.
John McCain Attacks DADT Study, 11/15/2010 "I am a
supporter of LGBT rights and am against DADT - I fight every
day. Until you are the daughter of a republican senator - don't
assume what I do and the stances I take are ever easy."- Meghan
McCain- daughter of John McCain.
What do these countries have in common?
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania
(though having other gay rights issues),
Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru,
Philippines, Poland (though there may be anti-gay bias in the
government),
Romania, Russia,
Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Bermuda, Uruguay.
They all allow gay men and woman to serve in the
military.
What do these countries have in common?
Antigua and
Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize,
Botswana,
Brunei, Cameroon,
Cuba, Cyprus,
People's Republic of China, Dominica,
Egypt, Fiji,
Ghana, Greece, - The Greek ban on homosexuals is the
object of criticism by the European Union, as EU law prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation;
Grenada, Guyana, Iran,
Kenya, Kiribati, Jamaica,
Lesotho,
Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mozambique,
Namibia, Nauru,
Nigeria,
North Korea, Pakistan, Papua
New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Solomon Islands,
South Korea, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland,
Syria,
Tanzania,
Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu,
Uganda, Vanuatu,
Venezuela, Yemen,
Zambia,
Zimbabwe
They all do not allow gay men and woman to serve
in the military.
The countries highlighted in
red have particularly serious
human
rights issues. While it is true that not all
countries that allow gays in the military have acceptable human
rights records-even towards their LGBT communities- the majority
do. The same cannot be said for those countries that ban
gays from the military. The countries highlighted
blue, in addition, are African
nations- in a continent that is rife with homophobia and
anti-gay policies. Uganda, in particular, has a pending
anti-homosexuality law that in its present forms calls for the
death penalty for gays and lesbians who engage in sex and are
HIV positive, have committed the "offense" of homosexuality more
than once, have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol
during a sexual encounter or where one partner has a disability.
Further, while Uganda like many other African nations, has a
deep seated homophobia- it was only after the intervention of American evangelicals such as Scott Lively, Rick
Warren, Mark Tooley, Stephen Null and others that the government
decided to bring the issue to the fore and begin systematic
persecution. While some of these evangelicals indicate they
oppose the Ugandan law- to this day American right
wing evangelicals come to the country and make loud anti-gay
speeches- further reinforcing their blatant hypocrisy and
sending the wrong signal to the Ugandan populace and government.
Why then does the United States of America put
itself in pariah status and at least partially on the side of nations that abuse human rights and
delegitimize behavior- which I- as a gay man- know is
natural and normal?
Most Western military forces have now removed policies
excluding non-heterosexual individuals. Clearly the
issue is not military combat effectiveness as Senator John
McCain and others state. McCain is transparently cynical. Even
in the face of support from the Secretary of Defense and
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff- even when a soon to be
released Pentagon study indicates that allowing gays to serve
would not be disruptive to the armed services- even then- he argues for
more study- further exposing the true nature of the opposition-
who refuse to see serving in the military as a human rights
issue. I served in the military and I was gay. I can assure you-
the policy of DADT- implemented after my time- is nothing more
than a selective cover for a military superior to punish a
service member when there is no other reason to. The policy is
reprehensible and is a detriment to morale- since it denies the
basic rights of service members and solidifies the military's
hypocrisy on the issue.
Finally- remember this. A nation that
discriminates against some of its citizens- ultimately
sacrifices the rights of all of its citizens- not just those who
appear to be the targets. It is no coincidence that so
many nations that discriminate against gays have the worst human
rights records- for all of their peoples.
The Truth
Strategically it would appear that Obama,
having through his generals, won a decisive battle (the
Presidency), then decided that the vanquished (Republicans)
would work for the common good and not seek redress. Perhaps he
did not realize early on that his adversaries saw and still see
his eventual defeat as their principal goal and future source of
victory. Yet his response has been to tack politically to the
right and squander opportunities with excessive compromise and
back door dealing- undermining his popular base of support.
Perhaps he believed improvement in the economy would somehow
rescue his Presidency or that the public would understand his
"historic" achievements- and victory would then fall into his
lap. All this however did not materialize- because for them to
have a chance of taking place he would have needed to align his
words and actions with Truth.
And what is Truth? Truth is
inherent in the Universal. In our choices in life we can chose
to be compassionate, loving and sensitive to the suffering of
others. We can forgo personal gain and the pursuit of power. We
can see fear for what it is and instead seek what is genuinely
human and good. We can allow our self to face the consequences
of this at whatever the cost. For me this is Truth. And without
the pursuit of Truth- there is nothing- all victories without
the Truth are ephemeral. What remains is suffering.
The Democratic Defeat
The rout of Democrats yesterday can be looked
at many levels. Fundamentally, a misinformed populace,
manipulated by corporate media and clinging desperately to a
failing and unsustainable corporate system/value structure
returned to their corporate rulers for solace and protection-
they very forces that undermine their security. I might add that
some of those elected are equally victims of this repressive
structure- essentially believing their own lies- made even more
dangerous because of blind passion and a tendency towards
violence.
Democrats and Republicans are both bought and sold by this
political/economic/social structure. Yet it is astounding how
Americans could yesterday elect so many leaders whose views
(stated and unstated) are so antithetical to their best
interests.
Predictably, Democrats will probably look at the defeat of Russ
Feingold- a relatively principled Senator- as a reminder of the
need to move to the right and compromise principles for
expediency. This in turn will be their undoing.
Perhaps instead they ought to study the works of the late Nestor Kirchner in Argentina- or even better the
teaching of Howard Zinn. Perhaps they need to think about how to
revitalize, not just their political base- but the country as a
whole- not just through spending programs or nods to the system-
but fundamental change that builds community, equality and
creates a future vision that treats all peoples of the world as
important, valued and loved. In summary- perhaps they need to
begin to restore democracy to America and free this country and
the world from the stranglehold of corporate and military power.
Sadly, this election, is one more blow to this goal- and another
setback- a learning experience whose lessons will be born in
pain- unnecessary pain.
The Republican "Tsunami" and Why...
Vote! Below is an analysis of a
possible/likely Republican victory this week. But remember-
there is still time to vote. The Republicans fear nothing more
than the votes of working class Americans, woman, minorities and youth.
The Republican/Tea Partyis poised to sweep Congress- and
would have swept the Senate if enough Senators were up for
reelection. The question is why. Is it because the party has
better ideas? No- the party is bankrupt of new ideas or common
sense. Is it because the party has greater integrity- No- the
party is morally bankrupt, espouses violence, is corrupt, and
promises to reinstate an even more influence peddling culture in
Washington. Is it because the party is better organized, more
effectively run? No. Michael Steele, the Party Chairman for
example, is a veritable laughing stock. Is it because of the new
rules that allow massive amounts of corporate money to flow into
elections? Partially perhaps- but by no means does this fully
explain what is taking place.
So why. There are three answers. The party
since Obama's election has engaged in a destructive policy whose
primary goal- in the words of Senate minority leader Mitch
McConnell and others was/is to destroy and defeat the Obama
Presidency. This singular goal to discredit the President and if
even if by doing so harm the nation has thus far, been
successful.
Second, the Republicans by focusing on the
negative- pursued the "easy" path- it is far easier to destroy
than create- far easier to act selfishly then morally and
ethically- far easier to suppress the truth than embrace it. Far
easier to scapegoat then accept responsibility and work
together. Far easier to lie than tell the truth.
Finally, the condition of the economy- which Republicans worked
to worsen- generated outrage and impatience from an American
electorate that expects instant results and has little sense of
what it means to build an enduring, sustainable future. The
President- whether due to misguided policy, politics or both has
failed to convince Americans that he is in fact working towards
a better future.
Like the policies of the Reagan and George W
Bush administrations- the "new" Republican policies will hasten
the destruction of the moral, economic and political fabric of
the country. It will increase the propensity for war. Attempt to
silence those that seek justice and truth. In the end they will
hasten the destruction of the very corrupt system they embody.
It is seems hard for the US
government to admit its mistakes- the atrocities committed by
American and Iraqi soldiers- the hundreds of thousands of
unnecessary civilian deaths. Recently,
a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Bush
Administration, Hugh Shelton, admitted that,
""There was a very strong push in those days for us to go into
Iraq, and there was absolutely no intelligence, zero, that
pointed toward the Iraqis." This all suggests, in my
opinion, that war crimes charges need to brought up against key
members of the Bush Administration for deliberating fabricating
evidence and/or knowingly lying about Iraqi weapons of mass
destruction and involvement in the 9/11 terrorist attack.
The WikiLeaks release of close to 400,000 documents- field
reports from US troops- document over 280,000 casualties. They
show a US military that in many cases, under the direction of
their superiors, looked the other way when
Iraqi troops committed horrible atrocities. They document tens
of thousands of previously undisclosed civilian casualties.
The
group Iraqi Body
Count has documented over 100,000 civilian deaths during
the Iraq War. And for what? Who will be held accountable? That
our elected government has decided to dodge this
issue does not mean that the
US mainstream press should shirk its
responsibilities to pursue the truth. Without disclosure and
accountability, the likelihood or reoccurrence of war crimes is
even greater. Finally, government leaders that commit war crimes
often do so out of a distorted sense of patriotism- that they
are patriotic- in no way diminishes their crime.
Hope
We live in dark times. It is true that many
people become fearful, for example, when their economic security is
threatened- their future. Fear manifests in the many forms of
hate we see today. LGBT and other minorities become scapegoats.
The truth is that sexual repression and violence are linked. The
most repressed, the most homophobic in our society- are often
the most violent. They are out of touch with their own feelings-
their own nature. They are so out of touch- they turn to
whatever makes them feel alive- in control- and that is often
violence- verbal or physical. They are driven by fear and have
very little real connection with their families, partners,
children, communities and themselves.
The truth is that to be sensitive is too be
alive- and to be alive is to feel pain. To be sensitive is to be
fully human. This is not easy in a world that is filled with
hate and repression. To remain human in this world- truly human-
is a fight- a continual battle. But it is important to recognize
the great beauty and wisdom in yourself and others. Do not allow
feelings of guilt or anger to change your perception of yourself
or others. Accept all aspects of yourself. Reach out to others
like yourself. People who care. People that have similar
experiences and viewpoints. Let them become your new family.
Enlarge your compassion. There are so many that suffer for so
many reasons- poverty, hunger, disease, war, oppression....the
list is endless. Yet all of these things need to enlarge your
compassion- both for yourself and others. This compassion should
extended to all life- not just human. To trees, mountains,
rivers, lakes, animals, plants- to all living things.
Feelings- of despair and anger are normal-
healthy in fact. When you find yourself taking actions- writing,
speaking and acting to manifest yourself more fully in this
world- to experience-you will find that the despair will pass-
in fact you may see these darker periods as periods of renewal.
However, if the despair does not pass, then
you must from deep within recognize this and following your
heart seek the help that you need from within or without.
Sometimes it is just reaching out to a trusted friend. Sometimes a
counselor, a family member- an ancestor-a tree, an animal-
someone. Sometimes it is reaching out to yourself- holding that
inner conversation that allows you to restore your balance. Please remember that seeking help is an indication of
strength- it is also your birthright as human being- as someone
connected to this universe and all life.
Do not repress your anger, your sadness. Do not wish it away or
in any way convince yourself that is wrong. It is a message-it
provides a lesson. Why I am I angry or sad? Is it justified? How
should I change my perspective? Do I need to change something in
my life? Reach out? Understand your anger- do not judge it-
learn from it. Depression can at times be internalized anger.
This anger can in part be a reaction to the many angry and
repressed people in this world. Don't let their anger harm you
or your life. Instead, grow stronger, wiser and more alive- more
human. If you are reading this- then you have the capacity to do
this.
As a citizen, you have the responsibility to
become informed enough on the issues to make intelligent,
non-fear based decisions that can be supported by facts.
You have a responsibility to vote for the best
candidates at the local and national level. Not all politicians-
Green, Democrat, Republican or Independent are corrupt- not all
are unable and unwilling to stand up to the system. By failing
to vote, you allow manipulative self serving interests to buy
favors and corrupt government at all levels. Plain and simple,
by failing to vote you effectively disenfranchise yourself and
increase the potential for harm to your community and family.
While voting alone is not enough in a participatory democracy,
it is one of the bedrocks.
Don't Ask Don't Tell...
US District Court Judge Virginia Phillip's
recently issued a ruling in Log Cabin Republicans v. United
States stating that DADT, the ban on LGBT citizens from serving
in the military, is unconstitutional. Judge Phillip's noted: "...DADT
violates LGBT personnel's substantive due process rights, as
articulated in Lawrence v. Texas, associated with the
"'autonomy of self that includes freedom of thought, belief,
expression, and certain intimate conduct.'"
Yet the Administration is appealing Judge
Phillip's ruling because Obama favors repeal by the US Senate-
after the ongoing military review- versus a reversal by the courts. Yet,
Republicans, now poised to become the majority party, are almost
uniformly opposed to repealing DADT and would likely filibuster
any bill to do so.
The Obama Administration doesn't have to
appeal the court ruling, but is doing so in deference to the
Senate and the Pentagon. Yet, there is little chance that the
Senate would repeal the ban on gays in the military and there is
no guarantee that the Pentagon study will support repeal.
Human rights issues should not be decided through a Pentagon
study. Nor should the Senate be supported in its upholding a law
that is unconstitutional. The
truth is that the opportunity to right injustices against
minorities only comes after long struggle- and when the
opportunity presents itself it must be seized upon. Instead,
this opportunity is being squandered.
Whether it is insufficient economic stimulus- resulting
in high, structural unemployment; illegal and unjust
home foreclosures; unjust wars; continued violations of civil
liberties by government; compromised health care reform; banker/Wall
Street
windfalls; and a quickening of the pace of environmental
destruction- the Obama Administration and the Senate have failed
the American people. The failure to repeal DADT- to fight
for its repeal- is only one more sad example of this.
One final comment. Imagine what it would be like
to be injured on the battlefield and not be able to say "I love
you" to your partner from the hospital. Not even have your loved
one notified of your injury- or even death- or have any say in
your care or burial. Imagine not being able to share an
important aspect of yourself- one that many of your fellow
soldiers freely share with each other. To suffer or die in a
kind of silence. Why are gay people subjected to this?
Conversely, why would a gay person subject themselves to this?
Perhaps it is because they honor their country above themselves-
yet this disqualifies them from service?
With respect to DADT, I reminded
of the famous quote from English poet John Donne, "“Do not ask
for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."
What is Needed: Think Global- Act Local (and
Global)
There is frequent talk about the need for
change given the seeming inexorable human induced
planetary pull to self destruction. I won't even list here these
destructive trends- there are too many, they all converge to one
point and I have addressed them elsewhere. Again, the world
today is in a very dangerous period. If trends continue this
danger will increase at rates that will ultimately cause the
world's economic, social and environmental systems to totally
collapse. The question for many is- how to accomplish change to
avert or lessen the coming collapse.
So what is needed? The general framework for what is needed is
clear. What may not be clear is that change has its own dynamic.
Not unlike the melting glaciers- small cracks, even seemingly
small changes can break the overall system- essentially opening
the flood gates to "meaningful" system change that can alter the
landscape and bring the potential for sustainable prosperity for
all nations.
Governments play a key role. Mechanisms,
taxation, exchanges, incentives, agencies, structures must be
created that allow a competing world view to take hold - one of
sustainable community and growth. Call them what you like-
incubators, schools, banks, businesses, regional alliances,
co-ops, currencies- institutions that are predicated on the
belief that a non-carbon based, sustainable economy that
recognizes the aspirations of all the world's peoples and that
is strongly committed to social justice- these are needed- NOW.
If these vehicles are created, then I believe that large numbers
of activists, entrepreneurs, citizens, businesses, individuals,
civil society groups, etc. can start the process of
accelerating meaningful change.
Today, we find that instead, national
governments are so controlled by corporate interests, that even
slight levels of innovation are opposed or reversed. This is
true in the United States perhaps more than any other nation in
the world. Ironically these global corporate interests work
against their own mid and long term interests. Their strategy is
based on fear and control. They have an
unrealistic/dysfunctional view of reality that permeates
their world view and shapes their economic decisions and efforts
to control governments and consumers. However, it is not
uniformly true throughout the world. Though inadequate, certain
European and developing nations and their governments are
starting to make headway.
Accompanying this resistance
to change are right wing movements growing like a cancer in many
developed nations. Their messengers speak to a "golden"
age- when the Fatherland was supreme and when their wealth and
power was unchallenged. When their populations were freed from
poor, non-white immigrants. Of course- this golden age never
existed or perhaps existed for a brief space of time in the
memories of their aging politicians. And, need I mention- it was
hardly golden. A corollary to this world view is the belief that
governments and corporations should also have unbridled power to
violate civil rights and privacy- to protect against the
terrorists their very policies help create. Finally, there
should be no surprise regarding the love fest between many on
the right and major corporate oil, gas, defense industry and
media interests. They feed off of each other in an unholy
exchange of mutual delusion, fear and money. The entrenched
nature of these interests is so great- even Dwight
Eisenhower, who spoke so eloquently in his Presidential farewell
speech about these trysts- would if not be in shock- suffer
profound dismay.
Still, hope exists because millions of
people-young and old and in-between- around the world support
fundamental change that can result in a fairer, more just world.
It is not easy for these concerned people to read about or
experience childhood starvation- in their own country and in
other countries. They have sensitivity to the environmental
destruction and they realize that it must not continue. They may
be conservative, moderate or liberal. They are informed by
involvement in their local communities and a decentralized
alternative Internet media- not yet controlled by global billion
dollar media or defense corporations. They are capable and in
many cases are already rising above their personal selfish
economic wants and making a difference. They recognize,
for example, that the world's environment is a shared, common
resource- owned by all and not to be controlled by selfish
interests.
For the United States this is a Rooseveltian
(Franklin and Theodore) era- new institutions MUST be created
NOW to foster needed change. Sadly, Obama and his administration
clearly do not understand this- which is unfortunate- because
this is exactly what the times demand. This is not the time to
patch the system- it needs a reboot and restructuring- a new
operating system if you will. However it is clear, the Obama
administration, the US Congress and the Supreme Court are too
controlled by the very interests that must be broken. Obama and
the Democrats need look no further when attempting to understand
the so-called enthusiasm gap in the mid-term elections.
If immediate change can't happen at the
federal level- then the states and localities must take on the
"burden." Except it won't be a burden. State economies
that forge ahead with sustainable grids, locally generated
renewable energy and a new culture of "dematerialization"- will
flourish. The federal government will have no choice but
to support this change- or the politicians that oppose it to
protect their corporate backers will be removed from office. The
federal constitution must be amended to once and for all remove
money from politics. The constitution will also need to be
amended to recognize the personhood and rights of nature and the
environment. In addition, there must be new limits
placed on the executive power to start and fund wars.
In conclusion- at least in the United States-
the federal government can no longer address the nation's
fundamental economic and environmental needs. Local governments,
regional alliances, civil society, etc. must supplant the
role of the federal government. Activist pressure must be
exerted strongly at the local level. However, pressure must
still be applied at the international and national levels.
Companies and stockholders can still be influenced by informed
consumers who can choose not to buy. But local government must
now play a much larger role in constructive change.
I know that localities will be
challenged to play these roles without federal support (and even
in the face of federal obstruction and/or restrictive monetary
and fiscal policies). But again, the key is to start a snowball
effect. Once the cracks occur they can be exploited- and new
directions will emerge. We have to start somewhere.
Pinning our hopes solely on national governments and traditional
global for profit corporations will result in failure.
However, the fight must still occur at all levels
of government. Finally, it must be recognized that the
possibility of failure exists. The very forces that seek to
perpetuate the current system will hasten its self destruction
and themselves will be destroyed in the process. However,
to not work to avert the severe crises ahead- is irresponsible
and devalues the lives of the innocent men, woman and children
who are victims of this drive to self destruction. It also turns
a deaf ear to the cries of past, present and future generations.
I can hear their cries. Can you? Are you listening?
The Problem...No Focus
I have listened to political, spiritual and
eco activists throughout the world. The problem is that while
people who are awake recognize the destructive effects of
globalization- their solutions are inevitably hedged. We need to
do this- but we need to feed a world population that is
doubling...we need to be sustainable, but we need economic
growth (albeit not based on unbridled materialism). It is as if
these are all competing desires and that global capitalism,
abetted by science, will address the needs of the future- and
all will be well. Indeed we have human rights groups, indigenous
rights groups, environmental groups, all kinds of civil society-
working in their individual areas for a better world- while the
world they are working for is slipping away.
In the meantime, behind not so closed doors,
the military/governmental/industrial elite (government is
probably redundant here), plan for resource wars, starvation, a
shrinking food and water supply, etc...Nations such as
Pakistan, Bangladesh and others suffer now and the stupid rich
plan to use their armies to secure what they need for survival
as the future worsens.
The problem is that all of these people have
it backwards. To effectively solve an issue you start with a set
of minimum requirements. Sustainability, control of global
warming, preservation of the environment- these are not
competing priorities- these are sine qua non- without which
there is none. All of the human potential for creativity
must be directed to addressing these issues as a
prerequisite for economic growth, feeding the world,
etc. Again- these are not liberal ideals that are put forth by
intellectual elites who don't know what economic slavery and
poverty really is. These are essential preconditions for
the survival of life as we know it- that is life that is worth
preserving.
Would you plan your family's budget and
consider eliminating the cost of feeding your children?
Yet this is exactly what the world's leaders do when the fail to
act on sustainability and climate change issues. The BRIC
countries can grow 40% per year- but in the end- what is the
point if the only hope to secure this wealth is war... and what
is left of the world is a waking nightmare. The United States
can invade every oil rich nation, destroy what's left of its
democracy and become an arm for global capitalism- but were
exactly does this leave the American people?
The right wing is right to see the views expressed above as a
threat- because to address these issues appears to require
fundamental societal change..and why should they want to change
when they and their backers have all of the
support and money. Future generations are of no concern to them.
Seven generations? Rather try next year's corporate balance
sheet.
The Solution starts with recognizing the truth
Hatred and violence are not solutions.
When the oppressed use violence and there is no overreaching
moral structure and context- then they become like the
oppressor.
I wish the
solutions were as simple as uniting together. I wish that
Christian, Islamic and other religious institutions were
strongly advocating for needed change- whether environmental
or societal. Mostly, I wish that the human race had another
thousand years- another century- to unite on environmental
issues and issues of war and peace.
You live in a nation that spends more
on the military then all of the other nations of the world
combined. You live in world where nations such as the Congo,
Pakistan, Niger, Nigeria and others have become victims of
the very same corporations that bring you your oil, water,
food and cloths. You live in a nation that in response to
the loss of 3,000 souls on 9/11 has killed over a million
people- most of whom are innocent. You live in a country
where elections are bought and sold by corporations and
where the halls of Congress are littered with money changers
and lobbyists. You live in a nation that offers more
protection for billionaire bankers than the average citizen.
I did not make these things up. I fail to see how they are
left or right issues. By opposing these things, I express
love. For those that defend them- I cannot answer for them-
except that I will oppose them until they recognize that
these are problems and show a willingness to work towards
solutions.
Do you really think the United States
or any nation can afford to spend trillions on military
spending when the foundation of the world’s prosperity and
future generations are at risk? What gives the American
people and its leaders the moral or ethical right to expend
this wealth when so many suffer? Is this a left or right
issue?
The challenges are global. The United
States is playing the least constructive role of any
industrialized nation in the world in addressing many of
these issues. The political division in this country is not
because each side merely hates each other. In fact both
sides are being played against each other by the very
corporate and military interests that perpetuate the world's
collapse. The issues are in fact spiritual and go far deeper
than politics. At the core, there is a denial of the truth.
Yet I hope my understanding of the truth is wrong. I hope
so- for the sake of you and your children and your
children's children. But to believe that I am wrong, I would
have to not believe 90+% of the world’s climate scientists.
I would have to ignore the pleas of Nobel laureates and
replace it with a trust in people like Sara Palin and Rush
Limbaugh. I would have to deny my years of education and
experience. Sorry- I can’t do that. Nor do I believe you are
asking me to.
The Average American
Paul Krugman wrote an
excellent analysis in the
New York Times today (10/11/2010) on why federal
spending has been too small. He writes:
"...Here’s what you need
to know: The whole story is a myth. There never was a big
expansion of government spending. In fact, that has been the key
problem with economic policy in the Obama years: we never had
the kind of fiscal expansion that might have created the
millions of jobs we need."
It is easy for the
average American to understand this assessment- given the record
levels of unemployment, foreclosures, job uncertainty and the
failure of government to address fundamental economic,
educational and environmental issues in a way that instills
confidence in the future. As Democrat and Republican
incumbents contemplate and spin their poll numbers they will do
well to remember this.
Yes the political debate
is vitriolic and misinformed. Yes- Fox News is an opinion rag-
not an objective reporter of news/analysis. Yes- corrupt money
is flowing into election coffers and continuing to marginalize
the role of the ordinary citizen (who nonetheless abdicates
their political responsibility by not voting). The list goes on
and on.
With all these things
being true, it is also nonetheless true that when the average voter
goes to the polls, they will ask themselves,Is my life
better? Could government have done more? Could I have done more?
What needs to change? And if I were an incumbent, I would be
uneasy over their answers.
"..Prosecutors and defense attorneys made
their final arguments this week in the trial of the Newburgh
Four, a high-profile case that has made national headlines as a
potent example of so-called "homegrown terror." The defense has
argued that the defendants were entrapped by government agents
and not predisposed to commit a terrorist crime. For several
months, Democracy Now!’s Anjali Kamat and Jacquie Soohen of Big
Noise Films traveled through Muslim communities in New York and
New Jersey to track the Newburgh case and two others..."
I am baffled as to why Russ Feingold is
struggling in Wisconsin. Russ Feingold is a courageous senator-
a pioneer in campaign finance reform, a strong advocate for
civil liberties, health care reform, genuine financial
reform and LGBT rights; and a vocal opponent of the illegal wars
in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is being challenged in a Democratic
state by a wealthy business executive who is using his
substantial wealth to buy an election. An individual with
no legislative experience, who is essentially a front man for
the NRA, big business, the coal and gas industry, etc.
Americans continue to erode their democracy by not voting
in political elections. It is this apathy that may defeat
principled politicians such as Russ Feingold.
The greatest of many threats to US democracy is the recent
Supreme Court decision that allows corporations to contribute
unlimited dollars to elections. Russ Feingold and John McCain
were the key sponsors of the
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act that sought to
regulate the financing of political campaigns. While the Supreme
Court ruling- probably the worst ever by a Supreme Court- gutted
this law- voters have the responsibility to support
legislators that stood up to corporate interests- not cronies
like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican
lackeys who fundamentally and exclusively represent the
interests of their corporate backers.
Wakeup America! Vote!
Comment: Rabbi Lerner expressed well
how I feel about Obama and the Democratic party leadership.
However, as he implies, none of this is an excuse for
Democrats and independents not to vote. The truth is that a
Republican/Tea Party majority will accelerate the decline of the country
and create much greater hardship for the poor and middle class
throughout the world.
...Obama should have put the
solar panels back on the White House roof... It is
the tears of the young people who watched his team of politicos
reject the panels- the tears of those who have suffered because
of his subservience to corporate interests and right wing
fascists- it is those tears that will defeat his leadership.
Sadly- what comes in its place may be far worse- more tears. But
eventually from tears will come joy.
Comment: In the United States
corrupt politicians that leave the Congress go to work
lobbying for corporations and use their influence and connections to
represent their corporate benefactors. Apparently, when at least
some senior CIA and military officers retire, they work for
paramilitary private corporations like Blackwater- becoming the
foreign policy arm of major corporate interests or government
interests that seek deniability. Not surprisingly- one of the
world's most corrupt and morally egregious corporations-Monsanto- hired Blackwater to perform black ops and surveillance
against animal rights and other groups that oppose its
interests.
Clearly the US Congress should aggressively investigate these
matters- and not in the typical whitewash fashion they have
become accustomed to. But is it reasonable to expect that they
will when they are complicit and seek to protect the very
interests that are under investigation?
Comment:In this and other
speeches and writings, Chris Hedges seeks to dismiss the
illusion that any form of band aide can repair what is
essentially a corrupt capitalist/totalitarian world order. His
vision is largely one of dystopia- a broken fragmented world
order firmly on the path to self destruction. While he
discourages violence, he firmly espouses resistance and
adherence to the best aspects of the liberal democratic
tradition. He embraces sustainability and community.
I want to caveat his statements- qualify them- offer a less
pessimistic vision- but I can't. The dystopia he
speaks of exists today- its roots go far back. His is an
accurate depiction of reality.
This dystopia was not difficult to foresee.
Yet at its root- the crisis is spiritual. And despite all-
transformation is possible if the mind is freed from illusion-
delusion- and is willing to understand the human condition and
our relationship with each other- with nature- with the
Universe. The answers are not found in religious institutions-
but in our renewed understanding of the present and connection
with the living universe. The vision of Chris Hedges outlines is
tragic- mankind is as much victim, as willing participant in his
own destruction. However, another way is truly possible. Love
and compassion are real- they have meaning.
The Republican/Tea Party, 2010: Mass
Stupidity
“Should any political party attempt to
abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate
labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party
again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group,
of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are
a few Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or
businessman from other areas. Their number is negligible and
they are stupid.”
--- President Dwight D. Eisenhower, November 8, 1954
Comment: There are many reports
that Sarah Palin is a fundamentally angry person- self
destructive- violent- uncaring to those closest to her- while at
the same time having a public visage that is somewhat the
opposite- the soccer mom- with a health dose of patriotism and
common sense. I tend to think of her more in terms of the wolf
in sheep's clothing. It is no coincidence that she taps into the
public angst- anger- since she is an embodiment of this anger-
and its destructive consequences.
When I listen to Glenn Beck- I hear threads of megalomania- a
belief that his mission is from God. I hear the same from Sarah
Palin. Yet I believe that if most Americans truly understood
both these people for who they are- they would not see them as
popular champions- but as dangerous manifestations of their own
fears- insecurities and in some cases hate. Frightening
individuals.
The Republican party- the Jan Brewers, the John McCain's and
others- seem to also appeal to this mass fear- hatred- in the
case of Brewer- willing to scapegoat against immigrants for
personal benefit. In the case of McCain- there seems to be a
predisposition to solve all international problems through the
use of force. Listening to McConnell and Boehner- I hear two
servile and detached politicians that have no empathy- are
fundamentally self serving and seek to appeal to the worst
elements in their party.
When I hear Obama I hear two things. A politician that espouses
liberal democratic values- yet in his actions either embraces a
kind of cowering realpolitik- or worse a cynicism that calls
into question his sincerity. Yet, Obama and the Democratic
party- have brought constructive change. There is
probably no American that has not directly or indirectly
benefited from a governmental program they have spearheaded. Yet
the change has not been fundamental- it is not change that
dramatically changes the course of democracy- of the
environment- of the financial system, of the war machine,
etc. Obama skillfully tries to navigate between different
constituencies- different metaphors- his notion of leadership is
fluid- dynamic- but not substantial. Perhaps his campaign motto
should have been "change" and not "real change you can
believe in."
Iraqi infrastructure in disarray. 500,000 Iraqi children died
due to US backed sanctions before the War. By some estimates a
million or more Iraqi's died during the War. US soldiers killed
and maimed. For what?
Initial intervention a violation of international law. Gross
mismanagement of almost all phases of the War. Do we learn from
our mistakes? No...Instead we declare or pretend victory and
refocus on another international foreign policy disaster-
Afghanistan.
The American public as badly informed as ever- poised to vote
into power fascist, right wing leaders who have no understanding
of the issues facing this country and the world- further
accelerating the nation's decline. Unimaginably these "leaders"
take on the mantle of Martin Luther King- a man's whose
greatness overshadows them in degrees unspeakable.
And Obama...this source of great change...believes he can do
nothing and does nothing-does he even care?
Comment: 4-6 million gallons of oil
disappear in two weeks. Wow...just how dumb does the Obama
administration think the American people are. Though I have a
background in microbiology- I had no idea those little microbes
could work that quickly. Idiots! The oil will take
years...decades to cleanup- assuming even that the fragile
ecosystems of Gulf- under threat before the BP spill- will ever
recover.
Toxic dispersants are used to sink the oil
to the ocean floor so that the old adage- out of sight-out of
mind- can take hold on a supposedly gullible American public. In
the meantime fisherman and shrimpers get sick, all forms of
marine life die and....Haley Barbour, the corrupt governor of
Mississippi, won't even use all of the federal money his state
has been given for the cleanup.... Good ole boys indeed.
Lessons learned? A coherent energy policy- solid steps to
address climate change? Anything? No- too politically risky.
Well we will see just how politically risky inaction is come
November.
Brief Comment on Proposed Muslim Community Center Near Ground
Zero
There appears to be little
disagreement that the land owners of the proposed Muslim
community center have the right to build there. The question is
whether they should voluntarily refrain from doing so out of
respect for those who died during the 911 tragedy.
I strongly believe that the building of the community center is
a demonstration of the desire for peace and a renunciation of
the use of violence. As such, I strongly encourage the building
of this center. I also believe it is the responsibility of
political and community leaders to be unequivocal in the defense
of constitutional and universal human rights for all peoples.
Finally, for those that have passed over- I
believe that they understand that we are all one and that rather
than perpetuating the very fears that caused their death, we,
the living, have a responsibility to stand for compassion and
peace. That is true courage.
Comment: Pfc. Bradley
Manning is suspected of leaking confidential information of the
type recently released by
WikiLeaks concerning the Afghanistan War.
This release of 71,000 documents reveals possible war
crimes and irresponsible behavior by military and government
officials. Predictably the Pentagon, instead of investigating
its own misconduct, is pursuing a criminal investigation of the
leaks.
Bradley Manning has displayed great courage and
deserves the support of Americans that value governmental
transparency and accountability.
Comment, 8/4/2010:Once again, the Washington military and political
establishment attempts to destroy the whistleblower and not face
the issues they, the establishment, have wrought.Idiot
surrogates such asMarc Thiessen, former Bush speech writer, call for
the Wikileaks "criminal syndicate" to be pursued by civilian and
military resources- including where such pursuit would violate
international law. Criminal syndicate? A better case can be made
that the criminal syndicate is the Obama administration, US
Congress and military/industrial complex. Where exactly is that
9 billion dollars of development aid to Iraq? Just whose pockets
did this line? Cutting food stamps and giving X billion dollars
to the Taliban (who is fighting against us)?
Nothing new in the Wikileaks disclosures? US assassination
squads OK? 20,000 previously unaccounted for civilian deaths OK?
Hundreds of thousands of private military contractors- many of
whom are engaged in covert activities and have access to
sensitive intelligence. Intelligence they could conceivably sell
to the highest bidder. I could go on and on. Perhaps what we
need is an international war crimes investigation with the
United States being the target of investigation.
The US Congress (particularly Republicans) showed its true
colors by recently voting down a measure that would force
corporations to disclose to whom they contribute vast sums to.
Oh yes, the unlimited spending that corporations can now make to
pursue their narrow, selfish, entirely profit driven interests.
Brought to you by the Supreme Court. Criminal syndicate indeed.
Just how will democracy- or some relic of it succeed if billions
of dollars will flow from corporations to fund politicians- who
are already subservient to their interests? Fascism by
definition.
Citizens have a right to be angry- but turning to the
Republicans in November is quite literally going out of the
frying pan into the furnace. The Democrats? We need to do
better.
A New Dream
Excerpt from a letter to
a friend, 7/4/2010: In my view there are many
cognitive approaches to the subject of climate change. Systems
thinking is important. A purely scientific approach that is not
cohesive will tend to confuse the general public. An intuitive-
eco-spiritual approach- while frowned upon by some scientists,
is in fact the key to understanding what is happening on a
holistic level. Albert Einstein was a great theoretical
physicist- but he did not shy away from trying to understand the
world holistically- with a compassion that extended to all life.
It is not coincidence that Oppenheimer would have quoted the
Bhagavad Gita when witnessing the first nuclear explosion-“ I
have become Death- the destroyer of worlds.” He knew what he
wrought.
The notion that we are
separate from our environment is a relatively recent phenomena-
perhaps starting with the Renaissance and the likes of Descartes
and others. The industrial revolution with emphasis on
homogeneity and regimentation accelerated this thinking- forming
the intellectual underpinnings of a world that has become a
uniquely efficient machine world that is inherently unequal and
uniquely exploitative. While you and I experience relative
prosperity- most of the world does not.
The public needs- the
science- but also an open discussion and forum to begin to
envision a sustainable world- one not sustained by increasing
military expenditures and control- but sustained by empowering
people to dream a world that is just, beautiful and secure.
Climate change is a very dangerous symptom of what is wrong with
the world we have constructed- but it must be dealt with in the
broader context of societal change.
The world we have
dreamed- is just that a dream- it can be undreamed and a new
better world put in its place….
To the same
friend...in a later exchange:
There are many ways of
knowing. Sadly- in this society- in global society in general-
the only modality left (or certainly the most predominant)- is
the scientific method. Of course, in the ways we treat each
other- science often goes out the door- and we are left with
habitual patterns of violence- fears and deep insecurities.
The scientific way of
knowing never comes close to approaching the truth- the truth of
being- the essence of who we are- the essence of what we call
reality. It promotes little understanding of self and very
little as to the true nature of the universe.
Unless we
fundamentally address who we are- individually and in community-
then the doomsayers are right- we will need to learn from crisis
after crisis- and unless I understand the science incorrectly-
there isn't much time to head of disaster after disaster- each
disaster worse than the last. Believe it or not- some in power
place their faith in geo- engineering. I am sure you know how
Lovelock feels about this. Others see winners and losers and
think up war game scenarios where the stakes are whether a
population can feed itself-have enough water to survive...
Yes- our reliance on
oil and gas will diminish- it has to- there isn't enough in the
ground. But at what point will we stop? How fundamentally must
our world change for us to stop? How many degrees centigrade- 2,
4, 15, 20?
Bill McKibben raises
awareness and does good- in a way not dissimilar from Al Gore
and Jim Hansen. However, the strategy is clearly failing when
people know the truth (as most do- despite the so-called
Climategate), and none act with the needed sense of urgency? Try
to answer this question without addressing my fundamental point.
And don't blame it on governments- the capitalist system, etc-
they are but manifestations of the same problem.
The American fascists are most easily recognized by their
deliberate perversion of truth and fact. Their
newspapers and propaganda carefully cultivate every fissure of
disunity, every crack in the common front against fascism. They
use every opportunity to impugn democracy. They use isolationism
as a slogan to conceal their ownselfish imperialism.
They cultivate hate and distrust of both Britain and Russia. They
claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty
guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free
enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested
interest. Their final objective toward which all their deceit is
directed is to capture political power so that, using the power
of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they
may keep the common man in eternal subjection.- from
Henry A. Wallace, The Danger of American Fascism
Comment: Today, over 60 years later,
former Vice-President Wallace's remarks ring true for most of the Republican
party, Tea Party activists and many in the Democratic party-
who espouse corporatism over the interests of the ordinary
citizen. For these men, for example, global warming spells
profits-
even as most life suffers...
Comment:I
believe that Russ Feingold has taken a principled stand on this
and other issues. I think it is important to praise a politician
who has taken a firm and obviously correct stand in a nation
where the truth is considered all to inconvenient.
The real question is- why aren't there more people like Russ
Feingold in government? Why has common sense and principle been
replaced by fear, corruption and subservience to corporate
interests? What does this say about our culture? Our government?
There is nothing that Obama said in his speech
that is untrue. His intent to hold BP fully accountable and deal
with the the Gulf's systemic environmental issues, at least on
the surface, appears laudable.
However, the lack of specifics was based purely on political
considerations. This notion of trying to build coalitions at all
costs versus transformative leadership still holds. We are to
wait on a Commission, hope that BP lives up to its corporate
responsibilities, encourage a cornucopia of ideas from
politicians and place our faith in Congress. Well- I have
no faith in these entities. What is needed is bold
leadership backed by the willingness to take political risks.
Obama, at least tonight, displayed none of this. It is almost as
if the words "climate change," and "biodiversity" are persona
non grata. When is he going to have the courage to mention
climate change, peak oil, water degradation, the destruction of
the oceans, the melting of glaciers, food security? When?
Perhaps when in the near future the spill disaster in the Gulf
is seen as an early and mild harbinger of what is
to come?
Energy Legislation, 6/30/2010
The President is about to come forth with a
compromise energy bill, that like so many of his efforts- is
best termed compromised- than a compromise. Your President (My
President) lacks any sense of the fierce urgency of now as he
tackles the global warming crisis. Further, the tepid response
the Administration is seeking- will only delay the dramatic
actions needed to stay disaster.
The American people are well ahead of Washington and the special
interest groups. We need a carbon tax- not cap and trade. We
need significant reduction in global warming emissions- over an
85% reduction by 2050- with aggressive measure to meet
intermediate targets sooner. We need to stop the use of coal
fired plants. We do not need more nuclear plants. We need
to price carbon fairly- to reflect its contribution to
environmental damage. We need to more strongly promote renewable
energy technology- even under the present state of advancement
this technology can meet our energy needs.
"I think he would not be safe even physically,
entirely, wherever he is ... We have a president who has
announced that he feels he has the right to use special
operations operatives against anyone abroad that he thinks is
associated with terrorism,." –
Daniel Ellsberg on Dylan Ratigan Show, 5/12/2010
Daniel Ellsberg is referring to the founder of
Wikileaks, Julian
Assange. Among other things he is known for the release of the
Baghdad air strike video that showed the killing of 12,
including Reuters news staff, Saeed Chmagh and Namir Noor-Eldeen.
In addition innocent children were also injured.
I applaud Michael Hastings article in Rolling
Stone, "The
Runaway General." The article is hard hitting-
ironically not so much against General McChrystal or his staff-
but the dismal state of our military and political effort in the
region- for which they bear much of the responsibility. In
essence, Hasting's exposes the truth in an unvarnished way that
is rare for the mainstream American media. The
best parts of the article are not the McCrystal staff one liners
about Biden, Eikenberry, Obama, the French minister or
Hollbrooke- but rather the facts he gives about Karzai, our
allies and the situation on the ground. Should General
McChrystal have been fired? I want to say-'Yes'- however,
not for his staff, eccentricity or off color remarks- but rather
for his shamelessly self-promoted flawed policies. Policies that
have been embraced by President Obama and Secretary Clinton.
Should they be fired? Just were does the buck stop?
Comment: A convention of jokers- who
actually believe that they can stem a
world wide recession/depression with deep spending cuts.
Who lack the will and integrity to create a financial
tax/transaction fee on banks. Who require 1.2 billion dollars of
enhanced security, fences, tear gas and riot police to protect
themselves from the people in Toronto's streets. Banks- Yes!-
the average citizen- No! The environment- No! The legitimacy of
the G20- Not! Democratic- Not!
Comment: Yes it is true- the second
amendment says, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to
the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep
and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
However, it was probably assumed by many of
the founding fathers that the spirit of this amendment was not
intended to encourage violence or deny the reasonable control of
handguns by local and federal authorities to protect the public
safety. To construe the amendment in its literal meaning- is to
do two things- consign law abiding citizens to their death and
to once again force the reconvening of a new constitutional
convention to amend the constitution (something highly
unlikely). While it is true this was a 5-4 ruling, and the
minority's views are significant- the Supreme Court once again
earns its reputation as the Court of the Reprehensible. Beyond
insular, the Court's recent rulings threaten the bedrock of the
republic- a form of government they are supposed to protect.
Ironically, while citizen's appear to have a
right to bear arms with only minimal restrictions- the
government appears to have an almost unlimited right to deny due
process to its own citizens and to use whatever violence
necessary to quell any form of civil disobedience. Both views
encourage violence and destroy freedom.
Comment: The cost of stopping the
flotilla with violence may be the lives of activists who are
bringing food and medicine to Gaza- but the cost to Israel will
be future US economic and military aid, new trade embargos and
the loss of whatever shred of international legitimacy the
country has left.
http://witnessgaza.com/
Obviously the facts will be disputed, but certain key areas need
to be addressed: What should be the repercussions to
Israel of what is a serious violation of international law?
Who approved the boarding of the ships and the acts of violence
that followed? Given the bellicose statements from the Israeli
government leading up to the violence, it is likely it was
approved at the highest levels of their government. What were
the specific chain of events that led to injuries and deaths on
both sides? What role, if any, did Turkey or other nations play
in the convoy and any armed conflicted that in sued? It seems
unlikely that activists would have risked armed resistance
against a vastly superior military or that Turkey, an ally of
Israel, would support arming the activists. Therefore it seems
improbable that the activists were armed and
violently resisted arrest and/or the seizure of their ships.
However, If they did resist
violently, it seems clear that the Israeli response was
disproportionate and brutal.
Comment: In response to what has happened,
anti-semitic posts are cropping up throughout the Internet. This
is my response to one such post:
"Calling the extermination of 6 million Jews-
simply treating Jews "badly"- is the grossest understatement in
human history. Do you really think that this history just fades
out of consciousness? That it is forgotten and simply forgiven.
It is not. It takes time- understanding, great compassion and
the building of trust. Also, I do not underestimate the
suffering of the Palestinians- the taking of their homes, the
deplorable living conditions, the lack of hope and freedom- the
deaths of woman and children- this also is not easily forgotten.
However, only a coward suggests that the solution to this is
more violence. Accountability- yes. A firm moral stance from the
world- yes (if this is even possible).
There is an excuse for Israel's behavior- but there is no moral
justification. Its leaders lack sufficient courage and wisdom to
see this and the consequences will be tragic for all involved in
the conflict. To genuinely seek peace is the most courageous of
acts- few political leaders- few men are capable of it.
Many on the flotilla had this courage and they gave their lives
for what they believed. Honoring them and working towards what
they believed in is our best chance for the peace and justice
they sought. "
Additional Comment regarding Israel's
actions:
Israel had a choice with respect to the
Gaza flotilla. They could have sought to negotiate, bring a
peaceful solution and yes- risk more flotillas- and
increased pressure from peace movements to end the siege.
Instead they chose a violent path- to attempt to stymie the
peace movement and discourage others from challenging and
bringing attention to the occupation. They chose the path of
violence- they fail to recognize that violence begets
violence and that their polices are inimical to their own
interests.
"...My anger and my sadness are so
great that I have to deliberately draw a deep breath from
time to time to ease the bands I feel around my chest. It
doesn't matter. What does matter is that millions of people
in the world are feeling the same. People everywhere see and
understand what is happening. Many of us feel that Palestine
is nearing its South Africa moment. This latest outrage must
push it closer. And it will."
Comment: I would like to add,
that my anger and sadness is further deepened as I realize
that my own government is complicit and therefore incapable of strongly condemning
these acts and using them as a springboard to peace and
justice. Israel and the rest of the region never had a worse
friend- Lowell
Greenberg
Comment, 6/2/2010:
It seems that this is how it works...
The world condemns Israel- but there
are no international consequences other than words or
rebuke. The United States is complicit and sides with
Israel and encourages her behavior. No one wants to
really deal with a regional nuclear power that has run
amok and can attack Iran at anytime- further
destabilizing the region and leading to conflagration.
Israel spins the crisis to its advantage and provides
cover for those nations and leaders who are unwilling to
face the difficult choices they should make.
Principle gives way to expediency and the lost lives
almost seem to be in vain. Much of the opposition in
Israel is how stupid was their government's approach-
not its immorality.
It is easy for Obama and others to
pursue this course since there appear to be no immediate
POLITICAL consequences to them. Operative term-
immediate.
Inaction is justified by supposedly
focusing on the end goal- a two state solution- not
realizing or caring to realize that this solution is
made impossible by the very actions that are condoned.
As always the ultimate victims are
the poor and the weak- who when they turn to violence
become its chief victims.
Oil rules the day- with Israel our
principal ally in a world that will increasingly become
starved for its life blood (oil). In a way Israel is a
"model" for the United States on how to deal with
conflict. When Israel claims the United States is no
better than they are- they are correct.
All of this leads to war. The men
and women who died in the Flotilla sacrificed themselves
out of principle and because at some level they know
that they are not merely fighting for the Palestinians
and Gaza- but their own freedoms.
What is Needed:
Execution is as important as intent
and strategy. To avoid martyrdom as much thought as
possible must be given to likely scenarios. And if
martyrdom is unavoidable- then its effects should be
maximized. To solve issues requires attacking them at
the root and the periphery- simultaneously. In addition,
when opposing a stronger force, the attacks must be
planned to maximize return- minimize collateral damage
and planned with the whole campaign in mind. Think
guerrilla warfare- but using PEACEFUL, not militaristic
practices. I am NOT advocating violence.
What is needed is a non-violent coordinated pincer
movement (sorry to use a warlike analogy- but it may be
helpful). The attack occurs on the following fronts:
(1) Public opinion. This can be influenced by mass
protests, writing, opinion leaders, exposing hypocrisy,
etc.
(2) Economic boycott. This may be very difficult with
Israel- but it must be focused and clear.
(3) Grass roots efforts with legislators across the
world.
(4) Peaceful Confrontation- like the Flotilla- here the
cost may be great, but is it is needed to focus
attention. However it must be managed more skillfully so
there is no doubt who is at fault. This needs to include
international observers and the world's greatest peace
activists. Let Jimmy Carter be on the next flotilla
(sorry Mr. Carter).
(5) Campus/Youth group mobilization. Young people
understand more easily what is occurring. They have not
fully bought into the system and their thinking is often
not clouded with ossified views of security, phony
justice, etc.
The campaign must be focused on specific objectives that
are achievable and in the best interests of all parties.
One key objective is the establishment of dialogue- a
process for resolving differences.
Cross mobilization along different progressive interest
groups- Environmental, human rights, political,
immigration rights, LGBT, etc. is important. If one
cannot by now see that most of these abuses stem from
the same mindset and thinking and that a threat to one
is a threat to all- then it is hopeless for civil
society.
These progressive interest groups must awaken more to
the fact that they are engaged in a battle. This is a
fight, not a series of meetings with legislators and
publicity campaigns. They must be willing to sacrifice a
part of their donor base to work more aggressively for
change in areas that cut across their mission
statements.
Israel is now grid locked because of institutional
paralysis and fear into an aggressive military policy
towards those who it feels are potential threats and who
they can safely attempt to dominate. They are in sense
addicted to violence.
One of their chief fears is that if the United States
population realizes this and US leaders start spouting
forth how dangerous their policies are- the fear is that
it will weaken what is their only base of support.
Anything that erodes this co-dependent relationship
between Israel and the United States is helpful. By
definition a co-dependent relationship is one not
beneficial to either party.
Finally, there is a benefit to thinking about
compassion- for Israel. None of its aggressive policies
are beneficial to it. None will bring peace and security
in the longer term. All of their policies perpetuate
violence. If Israel must be subject to the non-violent
"attack" I just laid out- it should be done with as much
compassion as possible. The goal should not be to bring
Israel to its knees- but to its senses. This is a
nuclear power in the most dangerous part of the world.
One must not forget this. Israel has a right to exist
and live peacefully with its neighbors. While the
Goldstone Report outlined Israeli abuses of power- Hamas
was also criticized for human rights abuses. There are
many gray areas here- but strangulating a people is not
one of them.
The President's press conference largely
focused on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He was prepared,
detailed and eloquent. Yet with all of his verbiage- it is
clear- he is lacking in integrity.
He is- disingenuous. He knows that this type
of high depth oil drilling is inherently risky. He knows, that
no blue ribbon panel can conceal the fact that drilling this way
is a last gasp- desperation effort to maintain an addiction to
fossil fuels and an unsustainable world economy.
He claimed surprise at the disaster. Yet his
administration, working with Congress, is now crafting energy
legislation that will do little or nothing to prevent a global
warming climate catastrophe. He doesn't need a blue ribbon panel
to understand the consequences of this inaction. The
science is clear- yet as in everything else for this President-
the politics isn't. As long as the politics is unclear- his
policies will be equivocating- never really solving or
preventing a crisis- at best giving the appearance of
accomplishment- without the substance.
A profile in cowardice couched in pretty
worlds and an admittedly sound grasp of issues. His is not a
lack of knowledge or awareness- his is a lack of vision and
courage- and because of this- the lessons will be felt more
harshly. He knows- but he doesn't KNOW.
A Prediction...A New Warning To see the future is not really to see
the future- but rather to see the present in the future- the
future is all around us..
I have written a great deal about climate
change. Yet I have tried to stay within the bounds of science-
and there the implications are frightening enough. Yet I now
feel compelled to go beyond the science and make predictions-
based upon my intuitive sense, understanding of science and
something that almost whispers in my ear....
The causes of environmental devastation go
back even before the industrial revolution. They are rooted in
man's inhumanity to man- to the endless trail of tears and war.
To the abuse of the innocent- to irresponsibility to each other
and the Earth that bore us- this endless chain of karma that
institutionalizes and dulls our minds and inures us to the
consequences of our cruelty. To harm the earth is to harm
ourselves- to harm ourselves is to harm the earth. We are
children of creation- and that we have the ability to destroy
much of it is less because of an exalted position- but more
because of a responsibility born of pain.
In the next decade the Earth will teach us
that we can no longer abdicate responsibility- no longer rape
her- no longer degrade ourselves- our children. She will- for
want of better words- sacrifice herself. It will appear as
punishment but it is not. The industrial system will collapse
under the weight of its own inertia and stupidity. Rich and
poor- strong and weak will be humbled and a terrible fear will
arise in our hearts as the seeds of destruction sprout. The
climate will become erratic- not more erratic- but erratic. We
will see things that have never been recorded in human history.
We will be helpless to change these things- there causes
stretches back too far. They will teach us and give us the
opportunity to save future generations. The next seven
generations will bear the consequences of our actions- but the
next seven after that? This is still an open question.
These are predictions- phrased as the prophets
of old- they are warnings. In truth nothing I have predicted is
not happening now- but now there are still some that can turn
away- ignore- jade their minds for awhile. In the coming years
this will no longer be the case.
Why 10 years? Why not 50? 100? The climate
models do not preclude what I have written- nor do they confirm
it. What I have just written- unlike everything else I have
written- is not anchored in science. I repeat it is not anchored
in science. It is however anchored in a deep understanding of
the pain we have inflicted upon life- upon ourselves. Sadly- my
track record for predictions is very good...
It is not a message of hopelessness- in fact
we learn from pain. Our jaded, self satisfied- narrow views of
reality are enlarged by our suffering. But still greater risks
are coming. There is no escape- no next island- no new frontier-
no new lands to conquer. We are stuck here with the accumulated
weight of centuries of hate, anger and irresponsible behavior.
Our only remaining gift is the opportunity and potential to
change- to create a new world- for now we have no choice. Evolve
or perish. Evolve to what?
"He said “the colossal toll of the
institutional crimes of state capitalism” is what is fueling
“the indignation and rage of those cast aside.”
“People want some answers,” Chomsky said. “They are hearing
answers from only one place: Fox, talk radio, and Sarah Palin.”
Chomsky invoked Germany during the Weimar Republic, and drew a
parallel between it and the United States. “The Weimar Republic
was the peak of Western civilization and was regarded as a model
of democracy,” he said.
And he stressed how quickly things deteriorated there.
“In 1928 the Nazis had less than 2 percent of the vote,” he
said. “Two years later, millions supported them. The public got
tired of the incessant wrangling, and the service to the
powerful, and the failure of those in power to deal with their
grievances.”
He said the German people were susceptible to appeals about “the
greatness of the nation, and defending it against threats, and
carrying out the will of eternal providence.”
When farmers, the petit bourgeoisie, and Christian organizations
joined forces with the Nazis, “the center very quickly
collapsed,” Chomsky said.
No analogy is perfect, he said, but the echoes of fascism are
“reverberating” today, he said."
Comment: Um- let me see.
Unlimited corporate funding of elections (Yes!);
Political discourse led by unscrupulous, self serving
manipulative "leaders" such as Sarah Palin, Mitch Mcconnell,
Michal Steele and Glenn Beck- feeding off of the anger of a
scared populace (Yes!)
A well informed, compassionate, difficult to
manipulate electorate provided information by a press largely
independent of corporate control (Not!)
Financial leaders of major banks and
investment firms who serve the public interest, are careful with
their shareholder's and depositor's money and support the fair
distribution of wealth. (Not!)
A peace loving nation that only goes to war out of necessity
(Not!)
A perpetual, never ending "war on terrorism" (Yes!)
A growing respect for individual freedom and a deep respect for
domestic and international law (Not!)
A legislative branch hardly touched by the influence of major
corporate interests (Not!)
I can go on and on.
To say that democracy in America is not moving
towards fascism is to be...unconscious. Noam Chomsky merely
states the obvious- what already is- and could get a lot worse.
Quite frankly, I don't know how to stop it. How can I convince
the people in Arizona who support their racist
anti-immigration laws. How can I say- imagine if you were
Hispanic. How can I say- when the rights of a minority are
denied- the rights of all are sacrificed. How can I argue for
compassion and fairness when the supporters of these laws seek
to dehumanize. To understand these things requires judgment and
compassion. I can't teach this- I can't convince people of this-
at least with words.
There is no alternative but to fight these injustices, expose
them for what they are- and go on. Go ahead- try to repeal the
Civil Rights laws- Go ahead- continue to destroy the
environment- you want a fight- you will have one.
My personal response is this: My armor is
the truth- yours is made of steel. It is clear who has the
advantage. You think you live in the real world- and somehow I
am a "pie in the sky" idealist- well I will tell you- you live
in a world that is increasingly of your own making- and it is
becoming a nightmare. While it is easy to accuse your neighbor-
it seems far harder for you to see what you are - what you have
become. You have exchanged your humanity for a nice home, a car
and the illusion of security. Trust me- all illusions are
shattered and your ruthless ways will be your undoing. This is
not an issue of repentance or confession. The issue revolves
around the very definition of what it means to be human. Every
life that is needlessly lost is a loss of humanity. Every right
that is taken- takes away all men's rights. What you are
doing to this planet is beyond words- the only thing worse is
what you do to yourselves and the two are inextricably linked-
one and the same. A plea for the Earth is really a plea
for humanity.
Desmond Tutu is a greater man than I. But in a
way he is fundamentally wrong. Wrong to ban nuclear weapons- of
course not...But the real is question- why are there nuclear
weapons- why does that world have enough stockpiles of weapons
of mass destruction to destroy life many times over? In this
age, we have no choice but to honestly and directly face this
question. No longer can we say, "it is human nature." In fact,
if this is the case, then it is clear that human nature must
change. It will not change by taking away one weapon- exchanging
it for another. It will change when we recognize our common
humanity and work together to create a genuinely just world. We
really have no other choice if we are to retain the very best of
what it means to be human- the creativity, the capacity for
compassion and the love of freedom. Otherwise we will live, as
we do now, in a world that is moving to a nightmare state. A
militaristic global nightmare where security is sought at all
expense- where there is no freedom and no security. Where self
destruction is the inevitable outcome.
We have to realize that the nightmare is us- and seek to change
things at the root. If we can imagine a different world than the
one I just described- a just world- then it is possible- and
there is hope.
"I want to comment on your
approach to the issue of climate change. Perhaps- in a trivial
way, I should point out that a rearrangement of the letters in
the word Earth- can spell “heart.” And this is the thrust of my
critique of your overall approach. It is ironic that by adding
the “a” in the title of your new book, you have removed this juxtaposition of letters.
Climate change, while
devastating in effects on all life is but one part of a larger
problem. The problem is not just so obviously environmental- or
even one related to the capitalist system and unbridled
consumption per se. These are symptoms of a much deeper problem.
The problem, at its crux
is that most in the developed and increasingly in the less
developed countries have lost the ability to think and approach
life holistically. Increasingly people have lost contact with
nature- spirit- call it would you will. We have lost the
emotional, spiritual and intellectual capacity to see how our
actions are interrelated. As a result we have a human rights
issue, a political issue, a social issue, an environmental
issue- when in fact the real issue is that we can’t at an
emotive and deep spiritual level understand and feel what it is
like- what it means to see precious life die- animals born
mutated from chemicals that poison ourselves- to understand at a
deep, core level that as we poison the earth we are poisoning
ourselves.
This inability is
perpetuated in a mass delusion that has literally created a new
beast. A beast whose only end is to consume- an unquenchable
fire that ultimately must destroy itself. In fact, the greatest
threat posed by our environmental problems may be less the
potential for a Venus effect and more the advent of wars brought
about by resource scarcity and starvation.
My key point- is
that by only focusing on climate change- we perpetuate the very
thinking that has resulted in the dilemma we face. We also
abdicate responsibility- with this group or some part of the
government responsible for this- and another group responsible
for that- while the Earth and all life suffer the cumulative
effect of all our actions.
The environmental
movement has never adjusted to this realization- in some cases
environmental groups have become co-opted by business. In other
cases radicalized by the sense of hopelessness raised by your
first audience question. Rarely do they unite in substantive
ways with other environmental and human rights groups.
People need to be
reminded of this interrelatedness. They also need to be offered
solutions that do not exacerbate what ultimately drives their
consumption and indifference- namely fear. It will not be
possible to have fundamental environmental change- enough change
to stem the tide- unless there is fundamental societal change.
People will not support radically changing their life style-
unless they feel confident that the live in a society that can
take of care of they and their children’s basic needs. Try to
convince a working family to reduce its income and consumption-
when they are focused on the health and education of their
children, the fear of losing their job, the loss of health care-
the loss of dignity in old age. Forget it- they will cling to
these fears until they have no choice- until the environmental
devastation is so great- that the fear of it dwarfs their other
fears.
The only way to address
climate change successfully is to unite in our perception of the
real problems and address them holistically- on a global scale.
It is easier for the poor to see the dilemma and the coming
tragedy- because they live it each day. Because they are not as
“invested” in the system. Because, as in the case of indigenous
people, they have in some cases not completely lost their
connection to spirit- to the earth."
"...After the ice is gone, would Earth proceed
to the Venus syndrome, a runaway greenhouse effect that would
destroy all life on the planet, perhaps permanently? While that
is difficult to say based on present information, I’ve come to
conclude that if we burn all reserves of oil, gas, and coal,
there is a substantial chance we will initiate the runaway
greenhouse. If we also burn the tar sands and tar shale, I
believe the Venus syndrome is a dead certainty."-Jim
Hansen, 2/4/2010
"US special forces soldiers dug bullets out of
their victims’ bodies in the bloody aftermath of a botched night
raid, then washed the wounds with alcohol before lying to their
superiors about what happened, Afghan investigators have told
The Times."-4/5/2010
Bolivia, Ecuador and others refused to join
the climate deal because they knew it was a sham and is likely
to make matters even worse than Kyoto by not setting firm
mandates that actually can prevent regional/global catastrophe.
Over 70% of global warming gases are emitted by the developed
world- we have a climate debt to the developing world to help
them both mitigate the effects of climate change and to assist
them in leapfrogging to renewable energy technologies. Further
we have a legal and moral obligation to prevent further global
warming by firm emissions controls in the developed world-
especially the United States.
It is not surprising that the Obama Administration would employ
this bullying strategy to effectively help legitimize our
irresponsible and dangerous climate policy. I find this policy
to be despicable- and I do not say this lightly. Obama, Clinton
and the rest deliberately refuse to acknowledge and take
responsibility for climate debt.
As I have said over and over again- while the short term effects
of climate change will/is disproportionately burdening the
poorer nations, in the mid to long term- next 25-30 years and
beyond the developed nations will see their economies and
standard of living crumble. Which given their irresponsible
behavior may be just desert- except that the tragedy will be so
great- almost nothing will seem to make it just.
"Massey Energy company is responsible for
mass destruction of mountains for short term gain. Its President,
Don Blakenship vehemently denies the reality of climate change and his coal plants have
been repeatedly
fined for a pattern of numerous violations. The blasting at Coal River
Mountain directly puts nearby residents at serious risk- not only from breaks in the
coal slurry, but contamination of land and water. Further, the destruction
is unnecessary as the site could instead become a sustainable producer of
clean wind energy.
With a failed federal administration and
corrupt local regulatory agencies, the best way to stop Massey is for
individual and institutional investors to sell their stock in the company
and instead invest in companies on the forefront of clean, renewable energy.
In addition there will be another protest on 12/7/2009 at Coal River
Mountain. I would encourage major environmental groups to participate and
stand in unity with the protestors.
http://savecoalrivermountain.org/. A list of other companies and
plants can be found
here.
The projected rise of sea levels, as much as six feet this
century and 23 feet if the Greenland ice sheet disappears, will submerge
coastal nations such as Bangladesh, a country of 160 million people, as well
as places such as the Mekong Delta, the Maldives and the Marshall Islands.
The disappearance of glaciers in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan
plateau-glaciers that feed the Indus, Ganges, Yangtze and Yellow rivers-will
create catastrophic water shortages and devastate the rice and wheat
harvests in China and India, where about four of every 10 people live. World
food prices will rise dramatically. If we can't save countries such as the
Maldives and Bangladesh we will also be unable to save Venice, Hawaii, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, London, Hong Kong and Manhattan. But don't expect
much from Barack Obama and other leaders in the industrialized world. Their
loyalty is not to the planet, or to us, but to the oil and gas industry, the
coal industry and the huge corporate polluters who own them.""
"Today we are faced with the need to achieve
rapid reductions in global fossil fuel emissions and to nearly
phase out fossil fuel emissions by the middle of the century.
Most governments are saying that they recognize these
imperatives. And they say that they will meet these objectives
with a Kyoto- like approach. Ladies and gentlemen, your
governments are lying through their teeth. You may wish to use
softer language, but the truth is that they know that their
planned approach will not come anywhere near achieving the
intended global objectives. Moreover, they are now
taking actions that, if we do not stop them, will lock in
guaranteed failure to achieve the targets that they have
nominally accepted."- Dr. Jim Hansen, head of the NASA Goddard
Institute for Space Studies and adjunct professor in the
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia
University.
Truth to Power- Martin Luther King
Read Martin King's speech,
A Time to Break Silence, delivered on April 4, 1967-
exactly one year before his assassination. Read it. In it you
find unvarnished truth- great spiritual awareness- a profound
love- a deep understanding of the truth- and the bold courage to
speak it. While the conflict he addresses is Vietnam- just
substitute
Afghanistan or Iraq. Every conclusion- every insight-
true, wise and powerful.
Now listen to today's political leaders. Look at the soul of
this nation- look at what it has truly come to represent. Look
at its foreign policy- its treatment of its own citizens. Then
ask yourself- what needs to take place- the choice each one of
us must make.
As for extremism- I ally myself with the
spirit of Martin Luther King- if this makes me an extremist,
then what does this say about the state of the nation?
"...This is a perilous moment. The
individualist, greed-driven free-market ideology that both our
major parties have pursued is at odds with what most Americans
really care about. Popular support for either party has struck
bottom, as more and more agree that growing inequality is bad
for the country, that corporations have too much power, that
money in politics has corrupted our system, and that working
families and poor communities need and deserve help because the
free market has failed to generate shared prosperity -- its
famous unseen hand has become a closed fist.
It is hard to overstate the consequences of choosing more of the
same -- the very policies that have sundered our social
contract. But hear the judgment of Nobel Laureate Kenneth Arrow,
echoing Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and martyrdom. "The vast
inequalities of income weaken a society's sense of mutual
concern," Arrow said. "...The sense that we are all members of
the social order is vital to the meaning of civilization." "-
from
"Dr King's Economic Dream Deferred by Bill Moyers and Michael
Winship, 4/3/2010
Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression,
Acceptance- the five stages of grief, discussed by Elisabeth
Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying.
Human society- actually all life on this planet- is going
through these different stages of grief as life on earth goes
through a process of death and destruction. Many in the
developed world who believe they are shielded from the effects
of climate change are in denial. In the developing countries-
those who experience it first hand- day by day- are angry and in
effect bargaining for more time- a fairer distribution of
wealth-historical debt- help in dealing with the devastating
consequences of climate change.
Then, there are some. like me- who are somewhat depressed and
grieve the great loss that is taking place now and will
accelerate rapidly, soon. Yet, we are beginning to accept that
some of the consequences are inevitable.
The question is simply whether governments, individuals,
institutions can move rapidly enough- past denial- past anger-
into a state that brings action- perhaps enough to stave off the
very worst consequences of climate change.
James Hansen's studies at one point focused on the Venusian
atmosphere and development of climate models. He knows what the
worst consequences are. There is no life on Venus- none.
So, in summary, mankind is now experiencing and will much more
so in the future experience the devastating effects of climate
change- not just on the environment- but on institutions-
including the onslaught of wars, hunger and disease. The only
way to move through the grieving process is to accept it and
take responsibility in one’s own life for both the causes and
the consequences. The question is not whether, but when. And at
the risk of being trite- the sooner the better.
"McConnell's statements are perfectly
calibrated to inflame the public. He insists the bill would
"allow endless taxpayer-funded bailouts for big Wall Street
banks."
Their resemblance to the truth is another matter.
McConnell, it should be remembered, voted for the bailout of the
big investment banks in the fall of 2008, when it was the only
alternative to global economic meltdown.
We have read that the Republicans have a plan for financial
reform, but McConnell isn't talking up any solutions, just
trashing the other side's ideas with no respect for the truth.
While the intricacies of financial regulation are complicated,
McConnell's calculus is pretty obvious."
Hannity, Beck, Limbaugh and the rest are shown
to be liars on tape- right wing apparatchiks that are servants
of the corrupt Republican and Tea Parties. If there was an anti-Pulitzer
prize- Fox is on track to win what for them would be a
coveted prize. See also:
Jerry Brown: ACORN Didn't Break Any Criminal Laws, 4/2/2010
Boehner called Ohio Congressman Steve Driehas
a dead man for voting for health care. A day or two later the
Congressman and his family's life was threatened. Boehner
needs to be censured and forced to resign. His
vituperative, cowardly and intimidating behavior encourages
violence and should not be tolerated.
Congressman Boehner is reminded that If someone yells 'Fire' in a crowd to start a
stampede and people are harmed- it is called reckless
endangermentand can be treated as a felony
crime.
Insurance companies are dramatically
increasing rates on the eve of health care passage. Yet their
stocks rise as the chances for passage go up. The two are not
contradictory if you assume that at least some of the rate
increases are timed to encourage the passage of a plan that
brings compulsory coverage and the ability to charge whatever
they like. A plan that will be much more costly to the consumer,
even as it decreases the federal outlay by reducing Medicare
costs.
The Democrats are getting ready to snatch defeat from the jaws
of victory. The President's leadership should be repudiated and
instead his party needs to pass a bill with a robust public
option that can cover the majority of Americans.
And the Bill passes....
Today the President signed
into law health care reform- he
seemed moved and
touched-believing the art of the
possible is enough-having
defined what that is early on-
yet not making the rest of us
privy to this- until the end of
the process. So does he know
best? Is this democracy or
manipulation? Does he pursue the
illusion of non-partisanship,
while sacrificing the needs of
the American people? This is
less a triumph for democracy and
more a triumph for a corrupt
process and dying industry that
seeks profits before people and
will eventually be crushed under
the weight of its sheer greed.
The Republicans stand as
pariahs- their supporters
instruments of capitalist greed,
and the Democrats come out with
a shred of morality- and once
again they all chant - what is
good for business is good for
America- and so the lie lives
on.
A Comment about Michael Moore...and the
World...
In Moore’s world view the people are victims
of a merciless elite. Yet in reality people are not victims-
they are the root cause- the masses have abdicated their power,
their choice- for a small piece of real estate, a big screen TV,
an SUV and food on the table. And while many do not have this-
they want nothing to rock the boat- to make them feel less
secure. Few Americans lose sleep over the tragedy in Iraq and
Afghanistan and the untold suffering and loss of civilian life.
Few think about the destruction of nature and climate change.
Few care about the developing world- the privatization and
scarcity of water- the gross inequality in this country and
elsewhere between the rich and poor. Hence- the majority is
easily and willingly manipulated. We want to be told that we’re
a great moral force in the world- yet we do not hesitate to
inflict death and destruction. Cognitive dissonance indeed.
For many there is faith that ultimately things
will work out- sometimes it is a faith in science- a faith in
humanity- a misplaced belief that we have progressed as a
species, morally and ethically. But unless I am mistaken, more
have died in the 20th century in war than in any previous
century. There may be few plantation slaves now- but there are
many economic slaves- here and in the third world- the make our
cloths, clean our houses, even perform sex- all for just the
chance to survive.
The truth is that all we really can control is ourselves- and most
cannot accomplish even this. Yet if we change- if we act as we
preach-if we walk with beauty and integrity- then perhaps there
is hope. All the words in this forum, pale in insignificance to
just one act of genuine selflessness and compassion. That is all
there is- everything else is folly and delusion.
Comment:Naomi Klein is right
in all of what she says. All are vulnerable- and there are
no words to describe what will take place and yes- what IS
taking place. No words.
Obama: Nuclear Energy & Offshore Drilling...Take that Energy and Shove It,
2/24/2010; 3/31/2010
Obama must be out of his mind- providing loan
guarantees to build nuclear power plants that are not needed and
are not economically viable. Earth to Obama...Solar and other
renewable technologies have arrived- the technologies are there
NOW to meet our energy needs. It is only the lack of sound
economic and environmental policy and the continued subsidies to
the oil and gas industries that make fossil fuel prices
competitive. If the environmental destruction they caused were
factored into their price- no one could afford them. No one!
Is this move a payback to a major campaign contributor? A bribe
to the Right so that they will support cap and trade? Are you
daft? Nuclear power is not secure. Nuclear waste is an issue
that has not been resolved. Have you had a conversation with Al
Gore recently? What about Steve Chu- your Energy Secretary?
Neither one would agree with your position. Does it not strike
you as ironic that the total of loan guarantees sought will
exceed the Senate's recently passed jobs bill by 300%!
As for bribing Republicans- there isn't enough
money in the US Treasury to satisfy their insatiable graft and
blatant hypocrisy. Does it appear coincidental to you that it
was Bush's Supreme Court appointees that helped bring us
unlimited corporate funding of elections? Unless the American
people wake-up and insist on public financing of campaigns (which is a doubtful proposition), there will be
so much money in politics that what's left of democracy in the
US will only be a faint- believe it or not- nostalgic memory.
Comment: In keeping with Obama's
irresponsible corporatism and reckless environmentalism, on
3/31/2010, he
approved offshore drilling on Atlantic coast, northern coast of
Alaska and eastern Gulf of Mexico.This move has as much
logic and demonstrates as much leadership as the aforementioned
nuclear policy. Both policies work against the national self
interest and defeat the very aims Obama purports to pursue.
Also, recent moves by the EPA to enforce
tougher water quality standards for pending or future
mountaintop removal projects in Appalachia- while constructive-
are just band aids, failing to adequately address this issue or
the broader issue of a lack of comprehensive energy and climate
policy to meet the coming global disaster.
Two headlines
juxtaposed..."Unlimited funding for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,"
and "Even parties that signed the Copenhagen agreement recognize
it is inadequate." A government- a leader that would offer half
a trillion in funding to an institution that through avarice and
incompetence helped cause a financial collapse and the very same
government and leader- a pawn for global economic interests-
could barely get his nation to commit a small amount to head off
the worst disaster in human history.
Ironies and
contradictions like this expose the corruption and evil of
world governments- not just the US. Trillions for war-little for
the preservation of life.
People must take
control. Ordinary people- unchained from misinformation- free to
reach their full potential- a world free from the horrific
assumption that war is peace. Democracy is less a right than a
responsibility.
Civil disobedience is
preferable to hopelessness- yet the price is great. To chose
life with or without hope. To chose passivity or peaceful
revolution.
Many Things to Write About...
As tragedy and pain take place in Haiti, men
like Pat Robertson talk about divine retribution. They do not
understand. I have little knowledge about Vodou. However I know
this. Spirits fill this world- this world and other worlds.
Death is merely a passing over- not an end. Communication among
among all spirits- living and "dead" occur- the web is complex
and at the same time simple and beautiful. There is much that
can be learned from ancestors- much that can be healed now and
in the past. No man can judge- most human beings are lost in a
reality that blinds them to the truth. Yet there is truth- and
mere words cannot undo the truth.
Please send your prayers, your thoughts, your
good will to the people- to the spirits of Haiti and other parts
of the world- to all men- who suffer. Enlarge your compassion
and free yourself from the guilt and emptiness of those who
teach retribution- they create their own hells- hells from which
they may not escape. And it is for them, ironically perhaps,
where the greatest compassion is needed.
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and
cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and
overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them
that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house
shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den
of thieves.
– Matthew 21:12-13
While the halls of Congress are not a place of worship- nor
should they be a den of thieves.
No other "democracy"
permits this kind of brazen influence of corporations on public
policy- effectively institutionalizing corporate
fascism. See also:
Democracy in America Is a Useful Fiction- Chris Hedges.
Pass the Senate bill AND then use
reconciliation to bring it closer to the House version or MUCH
better- use reconciliation to produce a universal single payer
alternative to both the Senate and House bills.
However, I would not support the Senate bill being rammed
through the House IF reconciliation wasn't part of the bargain. Given Obama's leadership to date on this and other
issues- this outcome is very open to question.
I am totally baffled. Obama is now perceived as a weak leader in
Washington. His leadership has been given virtually no respect
from the Republican side of the aisle. They will not vote with
him even if they agree with him- so as not to break party
solidarity. Their political strategy is clear- it has only one
objective: Defeat the President and restore a Republican
majority. They do not have the best interests of Americans in
mind. They are not voting with conviction- they are voting on
purely partisan lines. If the situation was reversed- they would
without hesitation break the filibuster rule and/or use
reconciliation.
The Presidency should not be a popularity contest. If The
President believes in universal coverage and only 40% of
Americans agree with him- then that is what he should strive
for. It is beyond imagination that a supposedly great nation
does not see health care as a basic human right- after 50+ years
of rankling and partisan divide. For once Obama needs to do what
is right and not politically expedient.
Update: In early February 2010, Anthem
Blue Cross increased their health insurance premiums by 39% in
California. The Obama administration did essentially
nothing. Death panels are not needed- when no one can afford
coverage- rather death by indifference.
The Massachusetts Senate Race- A Race from
the Truth, 1/20/2010
Pundits will debate why Scott Brown won the
Massachusetts US senate seat. They will point to factors such as
Coakley's poor campaigning and debating skills (true); Brown's
charisma and looks (would Sarah Palin, for example, be where she
is today if she was not pretty? I think not); voter frustration
and rooting for the underdog; and finally a rejection of the
Obama agenda (to the extent they understand it). However, I
believe that none of these get to the heart of the matter.
I listened to the debate between Brown and Coakley. Brown's main
theme was that cutting taxes and freeing business from
government regulation would solve the nation's ills. Ironically,
these very policies have contributed to today's financial
debacle. What Brown and the citizens of Massachusetts's can't
face- what they run away from- is that there is no quick fix and
that America is in decline. A majority of Americans are in
denial about the strength of the financial system. They seem to
believe that a Reagan style economic recovery is around the
corner if only government would reduce taxes and spending. In
fact, the economy has been severely and irrevocably weakened by
ruinous economic policies and excessive levels of military
spending that span many administrations. They are in denial
about climate change. In denial about the strength of their
educational and health care system. Their leadership either
panders to their prejudices or sugar coats the truth.
In short, they are deceived and their faulty
perception of reality will only hasten their country's decline.
Comment: Documenting the wrongful death
of Boubacar Bah. Showing the
government cover-up. Over one hundred immigrants have died in
ICE custody since 2003. Appalling treatment at the hands of the
US government. No oversight- a consistent pattern of human
rights abuses.
"Jeff Sharlet, author of
The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of
American Power, appeared on Rachel Maddow’s show tonight
to counter some of the claims made by “The Family” member Bob
Hunter on Tuesday’s show. Hunter had claimed that Sharlet
disavowed much of his own book, that The Family was not involved
in politics, and that Uganda’s Ethics and Integrity Minister
James Nsaba Buturo, one of the prime supporters of Uganda’s
draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill, was not a member of the
Family.
Sharlet revealed that just this week he had obtained a budget
for The Family’s work in Africa “identifying (Sen.) Jim Inhofe
(R-OK) as the designated point man selected to work with eleven
African leaders, most of them Presidents including the President
of Uganda Museveni, President of Rwanda Kagame and to work with
them to help set their nations on a sort of a Jesus footing. …
There’s a budget, there’s money, there is a support staff, it’s
a very formal effort that he’s undertaking.”
Sharlet also said that the Senators use their status as U.S.
Senators to open doors for the Family in Africa. Sharlet said of
Hunter:
He explained to me that those senators who were traveling with
The Family… I had made the mistake of saying that Mr. Hunter
travels at the behest of the U.S. government. He corrected me.
He said ‘No, Senators travel at the behest of me. I use them as
bait; I use them as tools to reach those in power, and then we
can go about trying to get them on this Jesus footing.
Rachel clarified that it is not the Family that is at the beck
and call of the U.S. government, but that the U.S. government is
at the beck and call of the Family.
Hunter had denied knowing Ethics and Integrity Minister James
Nsaba Buturo, implying that Buturo was not a member of The
Family. Sharlet said he was puzzled by that, saying that Hunter
had told him that establishing the Ministry of Ethics and
Integrity had been created for The Family, and that Buturo
“inherited” that position, along with his position in the
Family. Buturo has since traveled overseas representing Uganda
at Family events."
Comment: Um...let's see- US Senators at
the beck and call of a secret religious group that prostitutes
itself to the powerful...A movement that coops other political
leaders in vulnerable countries- a movement that spreads and
fans hate in the form of anti-gay teachings- a movement that
creates ethics minister positions in Third world countries that
in turn promote legislation for murdering homosexuals and/or
imprisoning them for life. An finally, a Christian right
evangelical movement that hides their complicity by denying
their involvement and only reluctantly defending the human
rights of gays- to live and be free from illegal imprisonment.
"...It was curious," wrote Orwell in Nineteen
Eighty-Four, "to think that the sky was the same for everybody,
in Eurasia or Eastasia as well as here. And the people under the
sky were also very much the same - everywhere, all over the
world . . . people ignorant of one another's existence, held
apart by walls of hatred and lies, and yet almost exactly the
same - people who . . . were storing up in their hearts and
bellies and muscles the power that would one day overturn the
world." From,
"Welcome to Orwell's World-Obama's lies over the Afghanistan war
remind us of the lessons of Nineteen Eighty-Four," by John
Pilger, 1/5/2010
Comment: An important interview
that implies there was a fix- with the US government sabotaging
its own case in the face of overwhelming evidence against the
accused. Is this related to Erik Prince, former CEO (and still
owner) of Blackwater, grey mailing the US government? Will Iraq
be allowed to try the accused now that the US case was dismissed
on a technicality?
The El Salvador, United States and Canadian governments need
to thoroughly investigate the recent killings of Dora
“Alicia” Sorto Recinos, Ramiro Rivera Gómez and Marcelo Rivera. El Salvador, because it is failing to protect its own
citizens. The United States because it still has enormous
influence in the country and is a principal signatory of CAFTA
(see below). Canada, because it is a Canadian mining company
that may have direct or indirect involvement in the dispute
surrounding the killings.
The Vancouver, BC based company,
Pacific Rim-
who owns the disputed El Dorado gold mine- has perpetuated this
violence by its CAFTA law suit against San Salvador. The local
people have a right to organize to protect their communities
against land exploitation and the damage to health caused by
gold mining. Further CAFTA should not be used as a tool to
violate a nation's sovereignty and right to decide how its
resources are used. Finally,
Pacific Rim,
as a public traded company should have its stocks liquidated by
pension funds and others, since it is acting irresponsibly and
against basic tenets of human rights.
Comment: I hesitated to include the
last two articles/comments on this web site. On the one hand,
they help to expose the blatant attempt to politically
capitalize on terrorism in the case of Dick Cheney, Congressman
Peter Hoekstra, Senator DeMint and others. Or, as is the case
with Gregg, they show how a political party attempts to
undermine serious health care reform- also for political
purposes- appearing at the same time pitifully weak and
dangerously obstructionist. Yet helping to expose this behavior
is important- it shows how craven and partisan Republican
politicians in Washington have become- far more interested in
political gain and serving corporate/military interests, then
serving the ordinary American. All this while 1 in 4
children are on food stamps; record foreclosures; high
unemployment; no net job creation in a decade; and escalating, endless and needless wars.
Fighting Injustice
without Violence
The injustices of
this world are many. Working together- as all nations and
peoples- we can solve our common problems and stop these
injustices. This is not an easy task and no nation or group
enjoys a monopoly on virtue. But while we may experience anger
and passion- we must not turn to violence and hatred. Hatred is
the ancient elixir that thrown upon a world on the brink of
destruction will move us only closer to that destruction. We
have the right and responsibility to oppose violence and to name
injustice wherever and whenever it takes place. But if we resort
to the very violence we oppose than all is lost- nothing good
will come-nothing. The reverse is also true- if we oppose
violence without resorting to violence- than great good will
come- far greater than we could have imagined.
None of these words should console the unjust. What it means is
that we will fight harder, our sacrifices will be greater- we will
leave no stone unturned- all will be brought to light.....We
will not assume the mantle of violence- but they shall fall
nonetheless. See:
Gandhi's Views on Nonviolence.
"These economic royalists complain that we
seek to overthrow the institutions of America. What they really
complain of is that we seek to take away their power. Our
allegiance to American institutions requires the overthrow of
this kind of power. In vain they seek to hide behind the Flag
and the Constitution. In their blindness they forget what the
Flag and the Constitution stand for. Now, as always, they stand
for democracy, not tyranny; for freedom, not subjection; and
against a dictatorship by mob rule and the over-privileged
alike."-Franklin
Delano Roosevelt- 1936 Democratic National Convention
Quick Note: Those liberal Democrats who
see the Senate health care "reform" package as the "best we can
get"- or "better than nothing"- smack of Pollyannaism. Their
inability to stick to their principles is the exact reason why
we have a stimulus for the health care industry masquerading as
health care reform. Regardless- the health care system will
collapse- with or without this mock reform bill. See also:
Beware the Progressive Democrat; Also to understand how
Congress really operates, read the article,
The Cash Committee: How Wall Street Wins On The Hill, 12/29/2009.
The clear message is that corruption, money and reelection are
what dominates Washington- not the best interests of the
American people. While this is not new- it must change if the
nation is to survive and prosper. See also:
Christmas presents for bankers.
Jim Hansen- Ending the fossil fuel addiction...A moral issue.
Intergenerational Injustice.
More from Jim Hansen...
"...Once the necessity of a
backbone flat carbon price
across all fossil fuel sources
is recognized, the required
elements for a framework
agreement become clear. The
principal requirement will be to
define how this tax rate will
vary between nations.
Recalcitrance of any nations to
agree to the carbon price can be
handled via import duties, which
are permissible under existing
international agreements. The
framework must also define how
proceeds of carbon duties will
be used to assure fairness,
encourage practices that improve
women's rights and education,
and help control population. A
procedure should be defined for
a regular adjustment of funds'
distribution for fairness and to
reward best performance. Well,
what happens if, instead of
accepting the need for a rising
carbon price, our governments
continue to deceive us, setting
goals and targets for carbon
emissions reductions?
While this outcome could be predicted before
the conference, it will not be tolerated. The leadership of the
United States during and leading up to the conference has been
despicable. Clinton's offer of climate mitigation funding to the
developing world was weak and a transparent attempt to buy off
their interests- without making any real commitment to emissions
reduction. Even our support of REDD had the markings of
corporate influence- using it as the easiest way to appear
to address climate change- without actually making hard
emissions cuts. Preserving forests and their diversity is very
important- just not in the context of a treaty that supports
monoculture, forest destruction and letting the developed world
off the hook for reducing emissions.
There is now a growing realization throughout
the world that climate change and system change are intertwined.
It is apparent that the current system- an
undemocratic form of global
capitalism- is the root cause of the problem and our collective
inability to act.
The assumption that technology in and of
itself will address climate change issues, ignores the reality
that climate change is happening now and has been building for a
long time. The incentives in the current global economic system
are perverse- witness Canada's shameless policies on tar sand
development. Our current policies do not sufficiently
restrict the use of dangerous fossil burning technologies and
promote the use of safe renewable ones. Further, there is a gross
lack of understanding of the interrelationships between climate
change and environmental toxicity, industrial agriculture,
food security, indigenous rights, poverty, social justice, drought, etc.
However, there is one ray of hope.100,000
people marched, organized, shared and forged connections in Copenhagen. Young
and old
together made clear statements of truth about the crisis. While
climate criminals such as Obama, Harper and Jiabao escape
accountability for now- their citizens will not. Know this- know
it so well that it hurts- climate change will not spare the
developed world- no amount of money will mitigate the crisis.
China and India will not be able to feed their people. The
United States economy will be wrecked. Millions more will die.
The speaking of truth by so many activists in
Copenhagen is a powerful thing. The truth- more than armies-
destroys corrupt regimes.
"Goodbye Africa, goodbye south Asia; goodbye
glaciers and sea ice, coral reefs and rainforest. It was nice
knowing you. Not that we really cared. The governments which
moved so swiftly to save the banks have bickered and
filibustered while the biosphere burns."
"So how do we break this system? How do we
pursue happiness and wellbeing rather than growth? I came back
from the Copenhagen climate talks depressed for several reasons,
but above all because, listening to the discussions at the
citizens' summit, it struck me that we no longer have movements;
we have thousands of people each clamouring to have their own
visions adopted. We might come together for occasional rallies
and marches, but as soon as we start discussing alternatives,
solidarity is shattered by possessive individualism. Consumerism
has changed all of us. Our challenge is now to fight a system we
have internalised."
"This (agreement brokered by the US, Brazil,
South Africa, India and China) is a declaration that small and
poor countries don't matter, that international civil society
doesn't matter, and that serious limits on carbon don't matter.
The president has wrecked the UN and he's wrecked the
possibility of a tough plan to control global warming. It may
get Obama a reputation as a tough American leader, but it's at
the expense of everything progressives have held dear. 189
countries have been left powerless, and the foxes now guard the
carbon henhouse without any oversight."
"The cop 15 comes
to an end - and it has not coped with what politicians promised.
There is no treaty that might preserve us from the
catastrophic consequences of runaway climate change. The
summit's agenda didn't even include real solutions to the
climate crisis - such as tackling economic
growth, leaving fossil fuels in the ground and implementing food
sovereignty. Neither has it addressed the ecological debt the
global north has with the south or measures for a just
transition towards a low carbon economy and society.
Furthermore,
critics and adversaries of the climate politics carried
forward by the industrialized nations, market-based false
solutions as carbon offsetting and emissions trading have
suffered from a whole array of repression: Delegates
from the civil society have been excluded from the process, some
of them beaten up by the police when trying to join the peoples
assembly for climate justice outside the Bella Center.
Demonstrations have been cattled, attacked with tear-gas,
pepper-spray and batons, more than 1.500 climate
activists have been arrested over the past two weeks.
Some of them are still in jail - those and others, including
spokespeople for climate justice action are now facing trials
for taking a role in our common struggle for climate justice.
We neither accept the results of this summit nor the
repression our friends and comrades are facing - and that is why
we will be on the streets again on Friday (18th dec): peaceful solidarity march from Israels Place near
Norreport station (15:00) to Slodsplads (Christiansborg)
To: Hans Gammeltoft-Hansen (Ombudsman), Per Larsen (Detective
Commander of the Danish National Police) and Ritt Bjerregaard
(Lord Mayor of Copenhagen)
Started by: Adrian Wilson
Over the past two weeks, citizens of countries all over the
world have come to Copenhagen for the UN COP-15 climate
negotiations. Many have engaged in peaceful, nonviolent protest,
trying to push world leaders to sign a meaningful deal that will
save our planet for future generations.
Rather that giving them the space, the Danish police have used
extremely heavy-handed and cruel mass arrest tactics,
potentially violating European human rights laws. The Danish
police are out of control, and they need to be held accountable.
Please join us and take action! Sign this petition calling on
the Danish government to immediately investigate the police
actions of the past two weeks, and demand that they allow future
peaceful protests to go forward without similar abuses.
Danish Police: Going Too Far
On Saturday, Dec. 12, 100,000 people in Copenhagen participated
in an overwhelmingly peaceful protest - but this protest was
marred by the overzealous Danish police, who blocked off
streets surrounding large groups of protestors, and arrested
almost 1,000 people, the vast majority of which were clearly
doing nothing illegal. Arrestees were handcuffed and forced to
sit in rows for hours, as the temperatures dipped below
freezing; numerous people urinated on themselves after being
denied use of toilets. According to Maria Ludwig from Germany,
"They kept me for two hours with plastic cuffs around our wrists
and our hands behind our back, and then they put us on the bus.
We had nothing to eat or drink, and one man asked the police to
go to the toilet and they said: 'No way are you going to put
your trousers down, you'll just have to piss into your
trousers.'"
And this is only one example of the harassment of environmental
protestors by the Danish police in recent weeks. On Dec.
11, police arrested 68 people at a nonviolent protest in
downtown Copenhagen, refusing to give reasons for making
arrests. (You can see examples of police violence at the Dec. 11
protest on this video.) On the night of Dec. 14, police raided
the district of Christiania, where a protest group was holding a
fundraiser party, arresting 200 people and using tear gas,
police dogs, and water cannons on people that they claimed were
protestors. Lily Kember, 22, from London, said: "There was no
warning. We were dancing, having a great night and then suddenly
the tent was full of tear gas. I saw an old man near me doubled
up and coughing."
Possible Violations of EU Human Rights Laws?
Throughout these protests, police have cited a controversial
law, passed on Nov. 26, that gave them sweeping powers to make
"pre-emptive arrests" and hold people for up to 12 hours without
any actual wrongdoing having taken place. The new law was
publicly denounced as "draconian" by numerous environmental
groups, trade unions, and other organizations.
In a press release from Aug. 10, the Danish police stated that
"all people are, without previous permission, at liberty to
assemble unarmed" and that "the police arenít allowed to take
action, unless attacked, until after the crowd has three times
been called upon to disperse." However, in these protests, these
commitments have been blatantly disregarded. According to Claus
Bonnez, a lawyer working with Krim, a human rights organization,
"according to the European Court of Human Rights process, the
police will have to prove that it is necessary for democratic
society to make such arrests. And I don't think that the Danish
police will be able to prove that."
On Dec. 13, Amnesty International called for an
investigation into potential human rights abuses, stating that
"when nearly 1,000 people are arrested and then all but 13 are
released it means that many of those people were just innocent
people in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Take action now! Please
sign this petition, and help make Denmark a safe
place for peaceful protest.
"We are members of the most destructive culture ever to
exist. Our assault on the natural world, on indigenous and other cultures,
on women, on children, on all of us through the possibility of nuclear
suicide and other means--all these are unprecedented in their magnitude and
ferocity." -Derrick
Jensen; See also:
A Reality Check
From the Brink of Extinction by Chris Hedges
A sobering new
assessment by the "Climate Action Tracker" of the
emission commitments and pledges put forward by
industrialized and developing countries for the
Copenhagen climate negotiations shows that the world is
headed for a global warming of well over 3°C by 2100.-
Ecofys
Climate Action Tracker. Comment: The world is courting
disaster!
"In the long
term, the Earth's temperature may be 30-50% more
sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide than has
previously been estimated," reports a new study
published in
Nature Geoscience, 12/7/2009.
She speaks so much of the truth- it breaks my heart to see
the developed and developing world do everything it can to blunt, redirect
or destroy the simple truth she speaks. She understands the relationship
between social and environmental justice. She understands the dangers of
industrial agriculture. She speaks of building a new world- the end of
corporate rule. She peaks of the unstoppable force of change...
Cowardice asks the question - is it safe?
Expediency asks the question - is it politic?
Vanity asks the question - is it popular?
But conscience asks the question - is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe,
nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.- Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I believe that there is a truth- a right and wrong. I believe that in
seeking it one must start from humility and the absence of ego. One must
free oneself from one's own traps- past- predilections. One must carefully
examine an issue in as detached a way as possible. In silence.
However, after this examination, one must with passion defend what one
believes to be right. It is not easy balancing passion with detachment. In
the end, it is compassion that must emerge if there is to be an expression
of truth and good. And inevitably there will be pain.
The truth can in some sense never be expressed with words. It is not
experienced solely through the rational intellect. It is felt and
experienced in a way that is profoundly spiritual and alive.
I know, for example, that what is being done to the poor, to the children,
to youth, to the animals, to the plants, to the mountains, to the land, to
the water is fundamentally wrong. I know that men reason with words and
forget true meaning. Their propensity for violence is virtually limitless.
Yet I know what I must protect and what is important.
"Now, the reverse is happening, as we have seen in the
Danish text, that those developed countries in the Kyoto Protocol with high
commitments are on the verge of jumping ship to join the United States, where the US is not willing to commit to an international treaty at the
moment and is giving a very low commitment figure of reducing its emissions
by about four percent between 1990 and 2020, when the science says we have
to do it by at least 25 to 40 percent, preferably 40 percent, and Europe is
willing to do 30 percent. So it looks as if the other countries are
watching the United States and saying that if the US is going to do so
little and is not going to be internationally legally bound, then we are all
going to follow the United States in a race, if not to the bottom, to very
near the bottom. And this is what is at the heart of the crisis in the
negotiation. "-
Martin Khor, executive director of the South Centre.
The Film
Avatar
Avatar is first
and foremost a commercial film- full of the requisite amount of
action and violence. Yet good science fiction helps us see the
"real" world a little more clearly by reflecting back an
alternate world- different enough to jog our minds- but similar
enough to move our hearts. At some level Avatar does this...
The film Avatar
is an amazing and supremely costly technological spectacle. And
while at times it sinks to a morality tale with evil villains,
beings of great beauty and perfection, and a Moses and God to
destroy the villains- a nonetheless powerful theme emerges.
For you see this world- faces a choice. The choice between a
dead world of machines and war- of dehumanization and nightmare-
or a world of natural beauty and peace. A world of separateness
or of interrelationship. A world where every action is a
manifestation of beauty and connection or one where there is no
end to cruelty and pain. I have seen these worlds.
The global consciousness is a reflection of the individual
consciousness. The violence and split in our own natures
manifests on the planet. The hatred, the inner doubt, the fear-
the longing- it as if the world is an outer manifestation of our
collective inner worlds. Perhaps we will grow- evolve into a
peaceful state. If so that peace will manifest throughout the
world- the universe. Perhaps then we will all become Avatars-
incarnations of God.
Obama's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech: War Is Peace
As if the World Needs a Reminder on the "Legitimate" Use of
Force, 12/10/2009
What is
apparent is that Obama does not
understand peace. He wrote:
"The
non-violence practiced by men
like Gandhi and King may not
have been practical or possible
in every circumstance, but the
love that they preached - their
faith in human progress - must
always be the North Star that
guides us on our journey."
Perhaps
this is true- perhaps not. But
peace requires creativity and
courage- the
ability to think beyond
hackneyed references to past
accomplishments and
justifications for war and
prejudice. It is not merely the
North Star- but the ever present
necessity that informs every
particle of our being- every
thought and every action. It
embraces our diversity and does
not condemn it as an impediment
to global homogenization.
Tolstoy wrote in a letter to
Gandhi:
"At bottom, however, the
law of love is, and can be, no
longer valid if defense by force
is set up beside it. And if once
the law of love is not valid,
then there remains no law except
the right of might."
There is in
fact not an original idea in
Obama's
entire speech. It is almost as
if he feared that originality
would be perceived as weakness.
There was little mention of
global warming- of the common
threat and yet redeeming
challenge that faces the world
as we strive to live in balance
with the Earth and life.
The make no
“make no mistake there is evil
in the world,” remark- perhaps
true in some sense, but also a
delusion- a way of clouding
thinking and justifying
atrocity- especially if is
merely a justification to label
whoever opposes us as “evil.”
Obama's speech was doublethink- yet the Times (LA and NY) praise it- as the essential speech. Not surprising given the pro-war, cheerleading orientation of the mainstream press.
According to Orwell, regarding "doublethink:" "The process has to be conscious, or it would not be carried out with sufficient precision, but it also has to be unconscious, or it would bring with it a feeling of falsity and hence of guilt. ... To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just so long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies- all this is indispensably necessary."
Obama, as
he acknowledged early on, is not
worthy of the Nobel Peace prize.
His disclaimers are not modest
words of a humble man- they are
a statement of fact. Yet I do not
blame the peace committee.
Perhaps they recognized the
unique role an American leader
can play today in the dangerous
world we live in. Perhaps they
saw a leader who would be
forthright on issues of peace,
poverty and
climate/environmental
devastation. Perhaps they saw
the need for a transformative
leader who could bridge the gap
between rich and poor-oppressed
and oppressor - a true
peacekeeper. They were wrong-
but so were many who voted for
him in the United States.
Obama is a
man who continues the legacy of
his predecessors and is proud of
it. Yet he lacks the moral
vision of a Jimmy Carter and the
ideals and creativity of a
Woodrow Wilson. However, he
should not be judged for what he
lacks- but accepted for who he
is. The American people will
ultimately need to decide if his
accomplishments- words and
deeds- justify his reelection.
Finally, when
a President's acceptance speech
to the Nobel Peace Committee is
focused on justifying war- great
trouble lies ahead....
The Great Betrayal
"...When Barack Obama goes to Copenhagen, he will treat
global warming as another political problem, offering a promise of something
like a 17% cut in our greenhouse gas emissions from their 2005 levels by
2020. This works out to a 4% cut from 1990 levels, the standard baseline for
measurement, and yet scientists have calculated that the major
industrialized nations need to cut their emissions by 40% to have any hope
of getting us on a path back towards safety."
"They'll sign some kind of paper in Denmark -- that became
all but certain on Friday night when Obama announced he'd jet in for the
meeting's close. European leaders and some environmental groups may then
call it a "qualified success," and on we will go through more years of
negotiation. In the meantime, physics will continue to operate, permafrost
will continue to thaw, sea ice to melt, drought to spread.
It's like nothing we've ever faced before -- and we're facing it as if it's
just like everything else. That's the problem." -
"Why Copenhagen
May Be A Disaster,"- Bill McKibben
Politicians are set to declare victory when there is not one.
The developing nations are set to be abandoned as ever- with the developed
world refusing to pay
its climate debt.
A corrupt system set
to collapse without mercy for the innocent. Bear witness.
Do you know who the fifth hardest nation hit by the
consequences of climate change is? The United States. The first: Bangladesh.
Global warming is the great equalizer.
Globalization, Climate Change, Environmental Destruction,
Developing Nation Exploitation, Wall Street Collapse, Fascism, Unlimited
War. Listening to the news, it is all too easy to think of these things in
isolation. Well meaning leaders such as Al Gore speak convincingly about the
dangers of climate change and available solutions. Obama waxes eloquently
and at times passionately
about health care inequities, climate change and the need for financial
regulatory reform. Sadly, his most significant mark may be to inflame the
War of Terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is as if each one of these
crises exists in isolation and require a separate set of solutions.
But the truth is otherwise. The problems are systemic and
so are the solutions.
For many years developing nations in Africa and Latin
America have been exploited by the rich nations of the world. They have been
chained to debt, while having their lands raped, their environment
destroyed, their governments corrupted, their leaders assassinated and
their men, woman and children left destitute or to die from disease or civil
war. It is true that countries such as India and China have turned the
tables- bringing their own people out of poverty by controlling
globalization. Yet at the same time they have become increasingly like the
developed world- crushing internal dissent and supporting reprehensible
regimes that serve their commercial interests. In Latin America, leaders
from countries like Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador are trying to address the
needs of the poor and indigenous communities, in part by gaining greater
control over the multinationals that extract and export their oil and
mineral wealth.
In this country, we used to think we were exempt- we could
plunder Latin America and Africa, and our coffers would remain well stocked
and our people prosperous. Yet quite the reverse is true. The distribution
of wealth in both the United States and the developing world has grown more
unequal- in favor of a very small elite class. This elite class provides
nothing of value except the development of new speculative financial
instruments and loans intended to control, restrict and crush the countries
that are trapped by their "largess."
Wall Street, the WTO, IMF, the World Bank and others-
together they seek to control and manipulate- effectively dictating the
terms of existence to a populace that has no clue about the role they play. It
is as if we have become marionettes, controlled by hidden forces that are
often malignant and of which we have no awareness.
The financial collapse triggered by Wall Street is no
fluke. It is not merely due to greed, a housing bubble or credit derivative
instruments. Wall Street is now consumed by nothing but profit and the
accumulation of phantom (as opposed to real) wealth. It was able to dictate
the terms of its rescue to a weak US government. What the US government in
fact did was to rescue corporations that care nothing about the American
people, care nothing about the air we breathe and the water we drink, the
land we live on- companies who seek to do nothing more than amass
wealth in a growing sea of poverty and inequality.
It is this system that is causing a collapse of the
environment, a breakdown of the world's food and water supply, a rising tide
of inequality in developing and rich nations alike and perpetual war.
Even in war, the transnational corporations prosper.
However corrupt and underhanded their dealings- money is funneled into ever
more costly, dangerous weapons systems. In turn the elites of the client
countries wage war against their own people or other countries- typically
poorer and weaker. Men, woman and children die on both sides- but the elites
prosper.
Ultimately corrupt power structures like the ones I
described collapse. The problem is we don't have that much time left.
Unless globalization is curtailed- restrained by global democracy-
the challenges we face will grow exponentially. The economic bubble will
become a tsunami and life on this planet unsustainable. It won't matter- the
best solutions to our problems, the best technology- none of it will make a
difference if we do not wrest control from the corporations and governments
that control us and have their own agenda of exploitation, death and
destruction. Economic globalization without global democracy is a recipe for
disaster.
The Climate Change Emails...
The University of East
Anglia mails where
unfortunate because they can
be easily misconstrued by
the public and
misrepresented by lobbyists
for the oil and gas
industry. 1998 was an
outlier year due to the El
Nino effect. Starting
in 1850, 8 out of 10 of the warmest years have occurred since
2001. The overall science of
climate change is solid-
which is why 90%+ of climate
scientists accept it.
Sadly, climate change
is indeed quite real. It is
folly to ignore the record
level of species extinction,
the melting of glaciers
around the world, the record
levels of drought, growing
extremities of weather, the
acidification of the ocean,
etc. and actually
believe that climate change
is a failed hypothesis. It
is unfortunately a pressing
reality.
To believe that the
levels of pollution,
deforestation and
habitat/species destruction
are unrelated and have no
effect on the climate and
balance of life- is
dangerous. Dangerous because
if this thinking is wrong-
and the likelihood of it
being wrong is extremely
high- the health and well
being of every form of life
on the planet is severely
compromised or destroyed.
See also:
Group promoting climate
skepticism has extensive
ties to Exxon-Mobil
What a surprise!
Remembering the Words of Paul Wellstone
The late Senator Paul Wellstone, wrote this in a 1981 speech
to the group Citizens Organized Acting Together. His words are as relevant and
timely today as they were when he spoke them.
"...This is not democratic. The corporate planners,
multinational interests, and government bureaucrats who decide policies are
not accountable to the many. Too few people have too much wealth, power, and
say. This is what corrupts our political process - arrogances at the top and
a sense of impotence on the bottom.
This [Reagan] Administration tells us we must sacrifice so we can once again
have a strong economy. So we see $48.6 billion in social spending cuts -
cuts in legal services, health care, food assistance, energy assistance, job
training, education, medical, social security. This scorched-earth budget
cutting deserves to be called exactly what it is - a class war against the
poor and oppressed, in the streets, out in the work places, in the schools,
in the hospitals, in the schools, in the hospitals, in the hearts of the
old, the sick, the disabled, the powerless. It is a program of meanness -
one that we will not accept.
This Administration is getting the government off our back so the
corporations and the military defense establishment can jump on. Meanwhile,
schools, health care, jobs, assistance to poor people and local services to
citizens are cut severely as part of the attack on government. Yet the
biggest part of the government by far is the Pentagon, and its budget grows
by leaps and bounds.
What is our vision, and what is the task for tomorrow? The vision is
economic democracy. We're losing this battle, and if we don't fight they are
going to take it all way. They are going to give the country away to big
business. This is the biggest fight yet. It has as to be a big and noble
effort. It is a great task, but you are up for it. We will play an
historical role, because no one else will. This is nothing less than an
effort to make our country more democratic, and renew our vow of equal
opportunity and justice for all citizens."
President Obama- Down the Rabbit Hole
President Obama used many clichés in his December 1st
speech to West Point- especially concerning the greatness of America, our
exceptionalism- how we seek to help rather than dominate. These words are
empty- but so part of the standard vernacular, as to be safely ignored by
anyone that knows even recent history.
However, the Presidency- as a position of great
leadership- is often a test of moral courage. Moral courage is hard to
define- but it boils downs to the ability to do what is right regardless of
perceived cost to one's personal well being. It implies a willingness to
accept risk and uncertainty, but also the confidence that by actively
seeking the truth- good will emerge. Courage and idealism often go hand in
hand.
President Obama has fallen into the trap of his
predecessor. He has allowed the fear of something to cause him to take
actions that are most likely to bring about what he fears most. At its root
this is a lack of moral courage- a fear of being perceived weak and a fear
that if things "go wrong," he will be blamed for the loss of lives.
His greatest fear is probably the fear of a chemical,
biological or nuclear terrorist act. While this fear maybe justified, the
question is whether his actions are driven by this fear or merely informed
by it. Fear can trap us into old ways of thinking or it can help open up
creative pathways that move beyond fear- to a pursuit of the truth.
To counter the fear of terrorism- there is in fact a need
to bolster our security- and to do so in a way that is consistent with the
law and the basic rights of individuals and groups. It is important not to
bog down our police and intelligence operatives with excessive bureaucracy
and indecision. It is important to work cooperatively with multiple
organizations- domestically and abroad. It is important to stop the spread
of lethal conventional and non-conventional weapons throughout the world.
However, even more importantly, we must recognize the
causes of terrorism- to understand them, to acknowledge our own short
comings and to take concrete actions to achieve a more humane, fair and just
world. For example, insisting on the use of land mines, using cluster bombs
and white phosphorus- are acts of cowardice that make us less, not more
secure. Condemning human rights reports that show a consistent pattern of
abuse from a traditional ally- hurt rather than promote the cause of human
justice and encourage the spread of terrorism. Supporting corrupt and
oppressive regimes throughout the world - again fans the flames of terrorism
and hatred.
It is true that no nation or individual is perfect. This
lack of perfection is not an excuse for violence-there is in fact no excuse
for violence. However, if the world is to prosper, there needs to be a
collective responsibility among nations. Sometimes bold acts of courage can
start with our leaders. In the case of President Obama, he has consistently
shown a lack of such courage, despite what appears to be good intentions.
Still- there is always hope- always the ability to learn and grow.
In Direct Response
Tonight, December 1, 2009, President Obama made his case
for an escalation of the Afghanistan War. Overall, since taking office Obama
has tripled our troop commitment to 100,000. In addition, NATO will add
another 7,000 troops to the existing 40,000.There is a further contingent of
over 100,000 contractors, engaged in support and paramilitary operations.
This brings the overall number of military/non-military forces in
Afghanistan to
approximately 240,000. This is in addition to the 124,000 combat troops and
130,000 contractors in Iraq.
His decision was not unexpected.
All that was uncertain were the arguments he would use to justify escalation.
In response to those arguments:
-The so-called "unity" behind
our initial military incursion into Afghanistan may have occurred because
our policies could
have been construed as legitimate self defense. However to
compare that initial response with an ongoing military presence,
support of corrupt war lords and escalation into Pakistan is
disingenuous. Further, there was no UN authority or clear
indication of world-wide unity for the initial military attack
on Afghanistan in 2001.
-The dismissal of
comparisons to Vietnam is weak. What is happening in Afghanistan
is a populist insurgency.
-President Obama
failed to acknowledge that the policies of his administration
have fanned the fires of conflict and civil war in both Afghanistan and
Pakistan. He failed to mention the growing unpopularity of our
presence in Afghanistan and the rise of popular support for the
Taliban in the Afghan country side and Pakistan- growing in part because
of our occupation.
-He spoke of a
phased withdrawal starting in 2011. However, there is no
rational reason
to believe our stated military and political objectives can be achieved
by then.
-He failed to
mention that there are one hundred or less Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan
and perhaps 300 in Pakistan.
They no longer have bases in Afghanistan and pose no threat to
the United States from their operations in Afghanistan. This is the
inconvenient truth he left out when making his justification for
expanding the war to fight Al-Qaeda.
-He failed to
mention the colliding regional interests of India, Iran, Turkey, China, Pakistan and
Afghanistan and how our foreign policy attempts to triangulate
their competing interests.
-He failed to
mention our interests in protecting the flow of oil in the
region and how, to this day, it shapes our foreign policy and
military operations in the region.
-He failed to
detail the corruption and the extent of the drug trade in the country.
Two thirds of the country's GDP consists of the drug trade and
production is up ten fold. Afghanistan produces 92% of the
world's heroine.
-He failed to make the
argument on why the Afghan people should support the Karzai
govenment- a government dominated by barbaric warlords. He alluded to the elections as being tainted- but did
not go far enough in describing them as a farce.
-He alluded to building the Afghan military as a
cornerstone of his strategy- but he failed to mention the 25%
desertion rate and that the primary motivation of Karzai's
soldiers may simply be meager wages- in a country with 40%
unemployment and a 10% literacy rate. He also failed to mention
corruption and nepotism at the more senior levels in the Afghan
military- making the notion that they can be trained to defend
themselves in a year- let alone four years- absurd. He also did not speak to
the brutality, incompetence and corruption of the Afghan
police.
-There was no
mention of reconstruction- of building schools, roads,
agriculture, etc. as the essential cornerstone of our
policies.
So many things he left out- so few real solutions and so
little clarity and creativity. He wished to paint himself as being in the middle between
those who want complete withdrawal (which include large numbers of Afghans!)
and those who want an open ended commitment to nation building. However,if a stable, democratic Afghanistan and Pakistan are
prerequisites for preventing the region from becoming a terrorist haven- how
will anything short of nation building achieve this objective? Or, as the
President implied, is this objective only worth so much in dollars and
lives? If this is his argument he may have further emboldened our enemies-
while placing what are probably impossible objectives for the military. At
best buying time- and for what? What can be achieved in two years that has
not been achieved during the last eight- even with fifty thousand additional
troops this year? During the Vietnam War, President Johnson
also believed he was buying time as he approved escalation of the War- and
we all know where that led.
Finally, given their nuclear arsenal, the unstable,
corrupt and unpopular Pakistani government is a serious foreign policy
challenge in the region. However, it is likely our drone attacks and the
widening of the covert CIA war on their border is making the situation
worse, not better. We are fighting a covert war in a country where
we there is no formal declaration of war. This covert war is producing
civilian casualties and building even more hatred towards the US and
coalition forces. This in turn will make it even easier for the Taliban and
Al-Qaeda to enlist new recruits. It is clear that whatever "benefits" may
drive from killing terrorist leaders will overshadowed by the widening of
the war and the weakening of our strategic position in both Pakistan and
Afghanistan. Therefore it is hard to make a strong case that
our occupation reduces the threat of Al-Qaeda obtaining and using nuclear
weapons when our policies are in fact destabilizing the region.
One thing is clear- the war will further bankrupt the US.
No doubt about this. We are well along the path of becoming the new emerging
third world nation.
Happy Thanksgiving
As some Americans give thanks for the blessings they have
in a nation of comparative abundance, perhaps it would be better if they
stopped. If they stopped the illegal and immoral war in Afghanistan.
Today the plight of the average Afghan woman is worse than
before the American invasion. Today less than half of the Afghan population
wants the American military in their country. Afghan's homes are invaded and
every day innocent civilians are killed or maimed for life. Poverty is so
great it makes life unbearable for many- they would rather die. Hunger and
starvation causes untold deaths of men, woman and children every day- every
hour. There are gun fighters it seems on every street. The politicians are
corrupt beyond imagining. Yet we perpetuate this conflict- all for lies.
Afghanistan is not part of a war on terrorism. The only
Afghan terrorists that exist today, exist because of our invasion. We shower
the country with bombs- killing the innocent- destroying their schools,
mosques and homes- destroying families. These people want an end to war- an
end to the war lords -an end to the Taliban- an end to their civil war and
most of all an end to foreign occupation.
Brave, young Americans die or are seriously maimed every
day. Almost none of the money we spend goes to building schools,
constructing roads- making the life of the people better. We are fighting a
war of our own concoction that we can't win- for no good reason. I find
myself ashamed of our country and ashamed of its leaders. Happy
Thanksgiving.
Jim Hansen- Scientific brilliance and common sense. Not an alarmist- perhaps
even too conservative in his projections...
Comment: His defense is valid and his cause just. A necessity defense should be allowed
by the Court. Quoting from the proffer:
"“Climate change” is defined as “changes
in regional climate characteristics, including temperature, humidity,
rainfall, wind, and severe weather events.” While both occur as
natural phenomena, human-caused greenhouse gasses resulting primarily from
the use of fossil fuels are increasing both global warming and climate
change at greatly accelerated rates. This is causing several catastrophic
environmental effects, which include: Destruction of irreplaceable natural
and cultural resources.The Court is requested to rule that a
reasonable juror could find that the governmental actors’ violations of
federal law and administrative regulations prior to and during the auction
were greater evils than the completely nonviolent offenses."
Sell Massey Energy Company Stocks
Massey Energy company is responsible for
mass destruction of mountains for short term gain. Its President, Don
Blakenship denies the reality of climate change and his coal plants have
been repeatedly fined for numerous violations. The blasting at Coal River
Mountain directly puts nearby residents at risk- not only from breaks in the
coal slurry, but contamination of land and water. Further, the destruction
is unnecessary as the site could instead become a sustainable producer of
clean wind energy.
With a failed federal administration and
corrupt local regulatory agencies, the best way to stop Massey is for
individual and institutional investors to sell their stock in the company
and instead invest in companies on the forefront of clean, renewable energy.
In addition there will be another protest on 12/7/2009 at Coal River
Mountain. I would encourage major environmental groups to participate and
stand in unity with the protestors.
http://savecoalrivermountain.org/. A list of other companies and
plants can be found
here.
The projected rise of sea levels, as much as six feet this
century and 23 feet if the Greenland ice sheet disappears, will submerge
coastal nations such as Bangladesh, a country of 160 million people, as well
as places such as the Mekong Delta, the Maldives and the Marshall Islands.
The disappearance of glaciers in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan
plateau-glaciers that feed the Indus, Ganges, Yangtze and Yellow rivers-will
create catastrophic water shortages and devastate the rice and wheat
harvests in China and India, where about four of every 10 people live. World
food prices will rise dramatically. If we can't save countries such as the
Maldives and Bangladesh we will also be unable to save Venice, Hawaii, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, London, Hong Kong and Manhattan. But don't expect
much from Barack Obama and other leaders in the industrialized world. Their
loyalty is not to the planet, or to us, but to the oil and gas industry, the
coal industry and the huge corporate polluters who own them."
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses,
And all the king's men,
Couldn't put Humpty together again.
No longer a riddle- because Humpty Dumpty is not an egg-
it is this planet- the life that is upon it- that includes humanity and
every living thing. The Earth will not crack- but what is upon it is fragile
and dying-
not even slowly. A genocide of untold proportions is taking place- and we
sit, we pray and we conjure and we debate and we do everything but try to
prevent the final fall- making it seem so inevitable. We blame our leaders
because they are corrupt- and many are- not merely corrupt but
lacking wisdom and an awareness beyond their greediness for power. But most
of all we need to blame ourselves.
This however is not theology- this is not
original sin or guilt- actions can be taken, our words have an effect and we
can fulfill our responsibility to life on this planet- to ourselves- and
every sentient being- to all life. Nor is this idle intellectualism. This is
a struggle for our humanity, because the more we destroy- the less of
ourselves remain.
This is not rich versus poor- the poor care the most about
nature and the environment. It is the rich, who addicted, care most about
losing what they think they love- the dead material things that fill the
emotional vacuums in their life.
This is not about truth versus lies- because the former
will always prevail over the latter.
This is not about action versus inaction. Inaction is a
form of action.
This is not about transformation. Either we become more
human or we become the machines we create.
This not about jobs and economies. This is about the
future- future generations. It is about what truly makes us wealthy.
This is about compassion- compassion for all life. If we
forget the children, we forget ourselves. If we forget the poor, we forgot
ourselves. And if we forget ourselves, we cannot remember our connection to
nature- for this forms the basis of who we are.
When President Obama accepts his Nobel Peace prize- he has
only one choice if he is to be redeemed by history. If and when he goes to
Copenhagen- he has only one choice.
This is not the Left versus Right. This
is not a media blitz. This is the lives of your children and your children's
children. This is the next seven generations. Listen to your children- they
know the truth you have forgotten. They have a right to live.
Carbon Tax- not Cap and Trade
Comment: The world is on the threshold of a
renewable energy revolution. Solar and wind energy are rapidly becoming
technologies that can replace the need for building another coal fired
plant. Yet, instead of a system of cap and trade with carbon offsets- that
will allow companies to circumvent true carbon emission reductions- we need
a carbon tax that will be fair to consumers and incentivize the development
of renewable energy sources. With the Greenland and Antarctic glaciers
rapidly melting and with multiple threats to national security and global
food and water supplies, the United States must fully mobilize and
incentivize industry to produce renewable and non-carbon emitting sources of
energy. Already good progress is being made in states such as Texas and
countries such as Germany and China. The potential is almost limitless.
"...A 2005 study by researchers at Stanford University
found that there is enough wind worldwide to satisfy global electricity
demand seven times over, even if only 20% of the power could be captured.
Enough solar energy hits the Earth in an hour to supply all the world's
electricity needs for a year. " "...A
100-square-mile area of Nevada, if equipped with solar devices, could supply
the U.S. with all the power it needs, according to the Energy Department.
Again, such pronouncements don't address the real-world practicalities. But
given that neither coal nor nuclear power is a practical solution to global
warming, U.S. research priorities are badly skewed."
What I meant....
I was at a conference a few weeks ago on the social,
political and economic implications of dams and dam removal. One of the
panelists suggested that in making decisions regarding dams it is important
to include all interested parties- including the people most affected by the
dislocation and destruction caused by the dam. I then asked- what about the
rights of the environment- and nature- how are these these rights
represented? One of the very clever and well meaning members of the panel
then quickly turned this around and said- well another way of asking this is
how can man become more attuned to nature. Later in the ensuing discussion
another panelist suggested that the Earth is destroying herself- that he
couldn't go back to a life without electricity and that we must save the
Earth from herself.
This last panelist who spoke to my question- even more
than the one that initially responded- clearly showed the problem. I am
sorry to say that Western society and religion is mostly dead- dead that is
to the connection between nature and the consciousness, compassion and
sentience that permeates every atom of the universe. There is, for example,
wisdom in trees- wisdom in every sense of the word that we refer to as a man
or woman as wise- yet collectively society is dead to these meanings. Rather
those who speak of these things are labeled as delusional, "tree huggers,"
or worse. Yet being deaf to something does not mean it is not spoken. In
fact, their wisdom is sacred- as is the mountains, the animals, the plants.
The problem is not one of interpretation- for the messages are clear- the
problem is one of understanding and acceptance and then acting and in the
process redefining what it means to be human again.
The last panelist- out of fear of losing what he "has"
materially- could not imagine a world that is sustainable. Instead, he saw
science as some kind of savior- but a savoir for what I ask? Are men any
happier? Are there lives more at peace? Are there fewer wars? Less
violence?
If mankind thinks that he can find his redemption in a
toxic chemical trash dump, in the militarization and exploitation of other
planets, in underground cities- he is mistaken. And these unlikely scenarios
are the optimistic ones- if that is- survival is prized at any cost.
Canada- One of the Worst Environmental Polluters on the Planet and a Global
Warming Time Bomb
Not unrelated, Canada's treatment of First Nations people
is also deplorable. Yet with so much catching up to do both environmentally
and with respect to indigenous rights- the country still plans to continue
to fully exploit the Alberta's tar sands. The tar sands represent what may
be be the world's second largest oil reserve.
Yet, as former Vice-President Al Gore writes, "Gas from
the tar sands gives a Prius the same carbon footprint as a Hummer."
America's largest source of oil is fast becoming the Alberta tar sands.
"If the exploitation and extraction of the Alberta tar
sands continues, the environmental, social, and human impacts on Alberta
will soon reach a crisis point. North America will be covered with pipelines
criss-crossing the land from the Arctic to the southern United States,
leaving in their wake toxic water basins the size of Lake Ontario and
surface mines equal to the land area of Florida."
The world renown environmentalist David Suzuki writes: "We
(Canada) are creating an environmental catastrophe that will take centuries
to recover from."
However, there may be no
recovery, as the extraction of oil from the tar sands makes a catastrophic
contribution to global warming.
Canada is a wealthy country, and as such, there should be
no compensation if it chooses not not extract its tar sands. Further,
there are no carbon offsets sufficient to address the damage that is being
done by the extraction of tar sands.
What utter hypocrisy that we ask developing nations to
forbear development of their forests and coal reserves- as one of the
world's leading industrialized nations proceeds to engage in the worst
pollution project of all times. Canada needs to be condemned for its
environmental policies throughout the world. As for its greedy and
oil needy neighbor to the South- no words can begin to describe its utter
lack of environmental responsibility.
Comment: Rick Warren refuses to condemn the
proposed Ugandan anti-gay law that would make homosexuality a capital
offense. There are no words to describe how morally reprehensible and devoid
of humanity that I find his position.
Of course, this is the same Rick Warren who
proclaimed Uganda to be a purpose driven nation. Who sided with a Ugandan
boycott of the Anglican Church because the Anglican Church was too pro gay!
Then there is The Family- C Street- composed of a cabal of
congressman and senator. Apparently the man who introduced the legislation
in Uganda is a member of The Family. Is this their vision for America as
well- is this fundamentalist extremism to be the future of this country?
Where does our state department stand? Other than
condemnation are they taking any concrete action? How much is our aid to
Uganda? Sweden will cut aid if this bill passes, what about the United
States?
Without support
from the White House- Senator Reid and others fought for
inclusion of choice in the Senate version of the health care
reform package. Choice refers to offering a public insurance
option to the mandated private insurance now under
consideration. The later is effectively a give-away to the
health insurance industry. Without a countervailing public
option- the public is at the mercy of the private health
insurance industry. Already enjoying an effective monopoly- the
industry will be able to dictate rates, curtail plans by
exploiting loopholes and achieve excessive profits (at the
expense of the insured). Further there will be no effective
control over the growth of health care spending as a percentage
of GDP- resulting in spiraling rates that could further bankrupt
individuals and the federal government.
The Democrats
must take a stand. They must oppose health care reform without
either a strong public option and/or the
significant expansion of existing programs such as
Medicare and Medicaid to cover those most at risk. To
accomplish this in the face of a subservient White House and the
abuse of the filibuster, the Democratic Senate leadership must
use reconciliation- splitting the bill's spending and and
non-spending elements.
There are some
who believe progressives should support the Senate bill. To do
otherwise, they argue- would destroy the Obama Presidency. They
point out that the bill has many good features- such as
increased funding for community health care clinics, the option
to purchase insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions,
significant cost reductions and the potential to insure 30
million more Americans.
The problem is
that the American people are still being short changed-
essentially sold out by their corrupt representatives who are in
turn beholden to special interests. The bill does little to
control the spiraling cost of health care- it mandates coverage
that for many- is now or will become unaffordable (up to 8% of
income- with up to a 2% penalty for refusal to buy insurance).
It solidifies the insurance industry monopoly, placates big
pharma (no re-importation of prescription drugs, limits
generics) and exposes many Americans to the prospect of
unaffordable or extremely high out of pocket insurance due to
pre-existing conditions and/or advanced age (400% or higher higher
premiums for older citizens not covered by Medicare and 200% or
higher for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol or other medical conditions). Insurers will also be
allowed to rescind policies for "fraud or intentional
misrepresentation," the main pretext insurance companies now use
to cancel coverage. The bill also permits insurers to sell
policies across state lines, exempting them from patient
protections passed in other states. Insurers will thus set up in
the least regulated states in a race to the bottom, threatening
public protections won by consumers in various states. Further it
offers the American people no option other than private
insurance. There is no government safe haven where individuals
and families that are abused by private insurance companies can
still obtain affordable insurance and reasonable coverage.
Rather, it lines the pockets of the health insurers and
pharmaceutical companies at the expense of the average American.
Regarding the
Obama Presidency- the public interest far outweighs his
presidency. If citizens and their representatives fail to vote
based on their conscience and their understanding of what is
right- then they deserve the fruits thereof. Obama, by bowing to
the military-industrial-governmental machinery- has already set
a dangerous precedent in this and other areas that may destroy
his Presidency and cost the lives and/or harm the well being of
many Americans. Standing up to his abuses of power may motivate
him to change his course- acquiescing will have the opposite
effect.
The position on health care should in fact be an expansion of
Medicare to Americans of all ages- effectively embracing a
single payer plan. Short of this, we need legislation that
provides an effective future transition to single payer
coverage. Single payer insurance is the future of the American
health care system- otherwise excessive growth of health
expenditures as a percentage of GDP will destroy the American
economy- plain and simple. Perhaps there is a enough
support for single payer if the Senate leadership wields
reconciliation. George W. Bush and the Republicans managed to
ram tax cuts, oil drilling, trade authority, and much else
through reconciliation.
As for the Republicans- to ignore the growing
cost of coverage, while contributing nothing to health care
reform efforts- is reprehensible beyond measure. They are fully
deserving of their status as a small (hopefully in the future
smaller) minority party. The American people will be very sorely
served if they look to that party for their future. Ronald
Reagan was accused at times of wearing rose colored glasses- but
these guys have blinders on!
Finally, for
Democrats and Republicans to use health care reform as a Trojan
horse to undo abortion rights and gun control; and provide
special (unconstitutional) favors to states where senators hold
the legislative process captive- further reinforces the need to
use reconciliation to produce a bill that is credible health
care reform- and nothing else.
Obama- Real Change...
If I am a corporate lobbyist- I see real change. Whatever I do seems to
work. Even as Obama berates me- I win where it counts- in the pocket book.
If I am a major corporation- automobile, banking, military, health
care...whatever- I see real change. I have in fact never seen a government
as supportive of my bottom-line.
If I am part of the military revolving door- alternating between working for
defense contractors and the Pentagon- I see real change. Never before have I
had an administration which gives me more of what I wanted with such little
to work with.
If I am China or Saudi Arabia, I see real change- the ability to control the
United States like a puppet with my ever increasing debt leverage.
If I am an average American small business owner or worker (union or
non-union)- I see real change- increased health care costs, bankruptcy,
unemployment and the loss of my home.
If I am a child- I see real change- hunger and homelessness.
If I am the environment, I see real change- runaway global warming,
increased extraction of coal and much more.
If I am a human rights activist- I see real change- my pleas are ignored and
I am left to stand on my own.
If I am a teacher- I see real change- more accountability to government
"standards" and loss of income.
If I am in the military fighting- I see real change- even longer extended
commitments, injury and death in conflicts where we don't belong.
I wrote the analysis below after viewing Bill Moyer's
excellent analysis comparing Obama's choices in Afghanistan with Johnson's
choices leading up to the escalation of the war in Vietnam.
Yet, one can't help but be struck by the amazingly pathetic nature of what
is taking place. First we invade a nation to root out terrorist bases. Then
we enlist the help of corrupt war lords and others to form a corrupt,
unpopular government to root out the Taliban. We do little to stop and in
some cases actually encourage the drug trade- further adding to the culture
of corruption in the country. Then we decide after the Afghans
"surprisingly" begin to hate their US sponsored government that the
government is too corrupt! Then instead of correcting our past mistakes- we
attempt to band aid the situation by starting a half assed counter
insurgency/corruption cleanup effort- with strong Afghan opposition! Even
more amazingly our military and political leaders appear to think this will work. Or
perhaps, they are just protecting their political futures. In which case
their crimes are treasonous.
Comment: Bill Moyer- with an intimate knowledge of
the events that led to the Vietnam War, makes an impressive and clear case
that the War in Afghanistan has similarities and many of the same risks as
Vietnam. So does Daniel Ellsberg. So does Mikhail Gorbachev and others. It
is clear that Johnson, McNamara and Bundy knew that the war was unwinnable-
yet they felt compelled to commit American combat troops anyway. There
reasons ranged from a desire to hold a position- to a fear of the domino
effect- to fear of political repercussions. Yet what was most visibly absent
was an understanding of the Vietnamese. They saw the war in geopolitical and
military terms, but failed to appreciate the "enemy." The enemy was fighting
for their country and freedom from colonial domination. The United States
was an arrogant conqueror who know little of their culture, their
determination or their struggle. In Afghanistan, it appears the United
States, like the Russians in 1979, are perceived in the same way. The
Soviet's War in Afghanistan contributed to the downfall of their empire.
Likewise the Iraq and Afghanistan War has contributed to the economic ruin
of the United States. Like the Russians we underestimate the enemy- we talk
of training troops, corruption, etc., but we fail to understand the
aspirations and needs of the Afghan people. Johnson, like Obama, was keenly
aware of the political implications of leaving Vietnam- the abrogation of
treaties, the appearance of being weak, etc. Yet, in the end the
United States was forced to leave Vietnam. It will be the same in
Afghanistan. The domino effect has been replaced with the War on Terror.
Both are bogus constructs put forward by weak minds who need simple epithets
to justify aggression.
"At a covert forward operating base run by the US Joint
Special Operations Command (JSOC) in the Pakistani port city of Karachi,
members of an elite division of Blackwater are at the center of a secret
program in which they plan targeted assassinations of suspected Taliban and
Al Qaeda operatives, "snatch and grabs" of high-value targets and other
sensitive action inside and outside Pakistan, an investigation by The Nation
has found. The Blackwater operatives also assist in gathering intelligence
and help run a secret US military drone bombing campaign that runs parallel
to the well-documented CIA predator strikes, according to a well-placed
source within the US military intelligence apparatus."
"Father Roy Bourgeois, MM, and School of the Americas
Watch (SOA Watch) have been nominated for one of the most prestigious awards
in the world - the Nobel Peace Prize - for their sustained faithful
nonviolent witness against the disappearances, torture, and murder of
hundreds of thousands of civilians (peasants, community and union
organizers, clerics, missionaries, educators, and health workers) by foreign
military personnel trained by the US military at US taxpayer expense at the
School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia."-
Thousands Demand Closure of
Fort Benning's School of the Americas, 11/22/2009
The Republican Right Muslim Witch hunt
continues: Pat Robertson, Don Manzullo, Sarah Palin, Pete Hoekstra & Congressman Jon Kyl.
Whatever their motivation- ignorance, hatred, paranoia, political gain or
some combination thereof- their words are still dangerous. The President
needs to speak out against anti-Muslim prejudice that not only challenges
the integrity of his Justice department- but also the well being of Islamic
Americans. Prejudice and hatred against the few is a threat to the many. We
all belong to some minority that can easily be ostracized and made to be
scapegoats.
Comment: Democratic Senator Dodd proposes stripping
the Federal Reserve of the power to regulate the banking industry. No
wonder-literally trillions have been transferred to banks and/or used to
back toxic assets- with almost no accountability and transparency.
Predictably the Obama administration opposes the strongest part of the bill
and there appears to be no Republican support. See also the article/video,
Naomi Klein on
'Vampire Banks': Turn The Lights On and They'll Turn to Dust, that
discusses the House effort by Ron Paul and Alan Grayson to take on the Fed's
secrecy. All of these challenges to the Fed come on the heels of the Obama
Administration's weak response to Wall Street greed, arrogance and
corruption and the sense that there is collusion between the Federal Reserve,
White House, Congress
and companies like Goldman Sachs. Along with this is an enormous
public frustration with the sharp contrast between record Wall Street
profits and bonuses, and record unemployment and home foreclosures.
Reminding us that that the economic collapse started under Bush is growing
increasingly thin as people realize that people like Summers and
Rubin-Clinton appointees- help start the deregulation binge that brought
about this crisis. The Glass-Steagall Act was repealed under Clinton as
well.
Perhaps Obama ought to rethink his plan for the up coming
job summit. If he thinks that talk and no action is going to be acceptable
to the American people- he is in for quite a shock. If I were President
Obama I would think seriously about ways to join the need for renewable
energy with the need for job recovery. Remember Sputnik? Except today as he
has been so poignantly reminded on his China visit- it is the Chinese who
pose he biggest challenge to US technological and economic hegemony. Holding
over 800 billion dollars of Treasury debt- I am also sure the Chinese have a
keen interest in the management or I should say, mismanagement of the US
economy. "It's the economy stupid."
Comment: Predictably those on the
conservative (and also moderate) spectrum, see the Federal trials as a
mistake and believe that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others should be tried
as war criminals- presumably by US military war tribunals. But of course,
this is the point- are these men international criminals or war criminals?
Is there a War on Terror requiring a coordinated global military response or
rather a series of international, occasionally interconnected, criminal acts
requiring vigorous and coordinated police and judicial action? I believe the
later. And while the two types of responses are not necessarily mutually
exclusive- other than helping to recruit potential terrorists- I am unsure
what our military actions, particularly the invasion of Iraq and the
continuing occupation of Afghanistan have done to protect us from terrorism.
Further, quoting John Perkins, in his excellent article,
"Poverty, Global
Trade Justice, and the Roots of Terrorism,"
"Father Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, a Nicaraguan priest who
ministered to Sandinista guerrillas and is now president of the U.N. General
Assembly, has a firsthand appreciation for such euphemisms and the power of
words used to sway public perceptions. "Terrorism is not really an ‘ism,' "
he told me. "There's no connection between the Sandinistas who fought the
Contras and Al Qaeda, or between Colombia's FARC and fishermen turned
pirates in Africa and Asia. Yet they are all called ‘terrorists.' That's
just a convenient way for your government to convince the world that there
is another enemy ‘ism' out there, like communism used to be. It diverts
attention from the very real problems.""
"...The current economic collapse has awakened us to the
importance of regulating and reigning in the people who control the
businesses that benefit from the misuse of words like terrorism and who
perpetrate other scams. We recognize today that white-collared executives
are not a special, incorruptible breed. Like the rest of us, they require
rules. Yet it is not enough for us to reestablish regulations that separate
investment banks from commercial banks and insurance companies, reinstate
anti-usury laws, and impose guidelines to ensure that consumers are not
burdened by credit they cannot afford. We cannot simply return to solutions
that worked before. Only by adopting new strategies that promote
global environmental and social responsibility will we safeguard the
future."
I agree that as a nation we must look into
our soul and come to understand and discuss the negative moral, ethical and
human rights implications of our oppressive military, economic and
environmental policies throughout the world. This
is not intended to justify terrorism, but rather to understand its causes
and perhaps gain a better understanding of ourselves, how we are perceived
in the world and ways we and our allies can substantively change.
By doing so, we will further our own self interest, while at the same time
helping build a more just world.
Comment: President Manuel Zelaya should be
returned to power and allowed to server out the remainder of his term. World
leaders have uniformly declared the coup in June as illegal. The recent actions by
Senator DeMint to undermine efforts to restore Zelaya are despicable. In the
past, the United States has backed bloody right wing military coupes and/or
assassinations to further its own short term interests and/or the interests
of US corporations. This behavior is also despicable. While this does not
appear to have occurred in this case, it is in our best interest and the
interest of the hemisphere, that Latin America continue on the path of
building stable democracies- regardless of whether these democracies are
left or right leaning. The voice of the people are paramount- and while Zelaya came from the elite class in Honduras- he had the support of labor
unions and the poor. Finally those that deride Honduras as just a "Banana
republic," and therefore of no interest to a great superpower- seem to
forget that in the United States, 95% of the wealth is concentrated in
1% of the population- begging the question of which country is the true
"banana" republic. More importantly, they forget that removing the liberties
of one people, is a blow to all peoples- and a threat to all.
Update: In return for the US abandoning (selling
out) Zelaya, it looks like DeMint agreed to not oppose the nomination of Tom
Shannon as US ambassador to Brazil. In return, a different Senator- George
LeMieux, put another hold on the Shannon nomination!
"Both Shannon and Valenzuela had been in limbo
for a couple of months based on Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., hold on their
appointments. But DeMint lifted the holds this week after he was
satisfied that a Shannon-brokered deal meant that the U.S. would not insist
on the restoration of ousted Honduran President Mel Zelaya, who illegally
tired to extend his term. DeMint also said he was confident the U.S.
would recognize the results of the Nov. 29 election, which would truly end
this Honduran crisis." -Thomas
Shannon’s Nomination Held Up, 11/9/2009;
Update:
Honduran elections exposed, 12/7/2009; Apparently the US, Canada,
Costa Rica and others knowingly bought into the coupe government's lies.
What a surprise!
Politicians speak of war... but do they understand?
"War's cost is
exacting. It destroys families. It leaves behind a wasteland, irreconcilable
grief. It is a disease, and in the night air I smell its contagion. Justice
is not at issue here: war consumes the good along with the wicked. There
will be no stopping it. Pity will be banished. Fear will rule. It is the old
lie again, told to children desperate for glory: Dulce et decorum est pro
patria mori (It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country)."-
"A Gaza
Diary- Scenes from the Palestinian Uprising," by Chris Hedges. See
also,
"War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning," by Chris Hedges.
Comment: One should never doubt the bravery of
those who serve- as well as the bravery of those who oppose injustice in its
many forms- including those that oppose war. The war in Afghanistan is
Obama's war and he and the Congress bare responsibility for the lives that
are lost. Is this war worth the price?
As its Empire Crumbles is America Ready for a Third Party?
It is obvious that the United States in in a kind of
governmental gridlock and that the Congress and Executive Branch are unable
to respond to world threats- whether climate change, peak oil, health care,
financial regulation, water scarcity, rampant militarism social justice,
etc. The Republican party is now in the hands of extremists who are
bankrupt both morally and in the realm of ideas. Corporate America dominates
the Republican party. The Democratic party consists of a progressive wing
that is ready for bold change and a moderate/conservative wing that enforces
corporate interests not unlike the Republican party, but does so under the
guise of a helping hand.
Perhaps we are looking at the beginning of a third party. A progressive
party that would truly represent the interest of workers, minorities, woman,
etc. One that would never accept a Barack Obama as its leader- a man who
equivocates on almost every issue and has no understanding of how to effect
his campaign slogan- real change.
Some would argue that splitting the Democratic party would
result in a right wing majority- with the coalescing of Republicans and
right leaning Democrats into one party. However, the truth is that we
already in effect have this. What a separate party would do is become a
rallying point to those that believe in meaningful change. Right now- there
is nothing.
There may be no way to avoid an even deeper crisis than
exists now. Perhaps this is the only way that the American people would
fully turn over the reins to genuine progressives. Sadly, by the time that
crisis is reached- the damage to the environment and the economy may be too
much to recover from. The United States is not the United States of post
World War II. Its domination of the world's economic system and ultimately
its military domination will end in the coming decades. Responsible and bold
action now could lessen and soften the fall- unfortunately this is unlikely
to take place. The United States is in very deep trouble. The concept of
American exceptionalism is a joke- it is now and it always has been.
Health Care Reform American Style
Yesterday the House passed a health care bill, that while
containing valuable reforms, can be legitimately be called a give-away to
the insurance industry. However, you will have this argument rarely raised
by its opponents, because they, by and large, are bought off by the insurance
lobby.
Yet what is seemingly new and most striking is the
inclusion in the bill of a provision that denies abortion coverage for those
woman who are least able to afford it. What is equally striking is the
support given to this provision by "moderate" Democrats- the Democratic
party being a party whose platform is pro-choice. Even more Orwellian is the
fact, that without this punitive, potentially unconstitutional provision,
the bill would not have passed in the first place.
And now we have this bill advancing to the more
"conservative" Senate. I can almost imagine the new discriminatory
amendments that will be offered. Unfortunately, coverage will still be
offered to white men over 50- the group probably the most responsible for
provisions that discriminate against woman, immigrants and anyone else they
can think of that offers red meat to their equally bigoted constituents.
In any case, I almost want to take my hat off (if I wore one), to Nancy
Pelosi and Barack Obama. If this is the best they can do with this group- it
may speak less to their inadequacies and more to the uncompassionate, bought
and sold who walk the halls of the Capitol.
So here it is: health care reform minus woman's rights.
Congratulations.
Perhaps members of Congress and the Executive branch
should be forced to go without health care coverage. Perhaps then they would
develop enough empathy to pass a bill that insures all Americans- instead of
leaving thirteen to seventeen million people out in the cold. Again, maybe they should be
forced to pay back to the Treasury the millions they receive in lobbyist's
bribes. Then perhaps, instead of a 70 billion dollar windfall for the health
insurance and pharmaceutical industry, we would have a 70 billion dollar
windfall for the average American.
Abortion
The Right attempts to monopolize the issue of abortion.
They have taken a difficult and complex issue and have reduced it to slogans
and in the process have done nothing or little to protect the rights of the
unborn and mothers. Woman will have abortions whether they are legal or not.
What woman need is support- basic political, legal and economic rights. They
need to live in communities that care about them and their families. They
need to be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their body.
Instead of working towards the empowerment of woman- the Right has worked to
restrict their legal right to an abortion. By so doing, they cause more not fewer
deaths and have abandoned their moral obligation to society- replacing it
with violence against woman, doctors, clinics and government workers.
The Laughable and Dangerous Republican Right
Michelle Bachmann touted that her health care rally last
week had 20K-40K people, when it had at best 4,000. Newt Gingrich and
extremist Governor Rick Perry proclaimed Texas the model for health care
reform- when the state has the highest percentage of uninsured in the
country. Senator James Inhofe proclaimed that global warming is a hoax and
plans on sending "truth" squad emissaries to Copenhagen. Joe Liebermann (an
independent) proclaimed the recent Fort Hood killings as an Islamic
terrorist attack- further inflaming hatreds and prejudice against Muslims.
Congressman Buyer takes large sums from big Pharma and tobacco, starts
a foundation that appears to be nothing more than a front for receiving under the table
contributions from the very same and then votes in their favor- all the
time.
All of these "fringe" figures would be laughable except for three reasons: (1)
A large percentage of citizens believe the big lie and are gullible enough
to vote and act on corporate manipulated half truths; (2) During tougher
economic times extremists become more powerful and influential and (3) The
Republican party does not appear to have any moderates left- with people
like Cantor and Pawlenty sounding almost as extreme as the Palin's and
Bachmann's of the world. Finally this fringe element while appearing
populist is really heavily backed by large corporate interests such as oil
and gas, pharma, Wall Street and health care. These corporate interests use the
Right as a populist front for promoting their own interests. As such, the
political system smacks more and more of fascism- a corporate controlled
political system.
The Adherence to International Law
In a world threatened by nuclear, chemical and biological
threats- a world faced with hunger; contaminated, dwindling water supplies;
resource scarcity; toxic environments and climate change- nothing is more
important than the adherence to international law. The United States,
Israel, Russia and other great nations have forgotten this. Instead they
have practiced gross violations of international law in the pursuit of what
they consider self defense and the projection of power.
What is required is not just the abstention from the use
of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, but also a respect for other
nations and the planet. The unbridled use of conventional force has, for
example, the potential to create situations that encourage the use of
weapons of mass destruction. When nations see their economies wrecked by
over consumption and environmental collapse- their recourse must not be to
invade other countries or regions of the world. The response to terrorism
must not be disproportionate. Nor can nations conveniently violate laws- for
example, through the use of killing drones that are nothing more than
assassination machines.
Paramount in the adherence to international law is the
respect for the lives of civilians. Policies that target civilian
populations because they may contain "terrorists," are illegal and immoral.
It may difficult for global superpowers such as the United
States or regional superpowers such as Israel to understand that whatever
short term gain may appear to take place through breaking international law,
is negated a thousand fold by the response of other nations and groups to their
actions.
The Afghanistan War is another test for the Obama
administration on whether it can demonstrate a true respect for
international law and the rights of a country's citizens or whether it is committed to destructive empire building and projection of power as
the Bush administration was in Iraq. If the later, the results will be not only destructive for the
people in the region, but also for the United States.
It is not too simple to say that what goes around- comes
around. Those nations and groups who violate international law, do so at
their own peril. It is naive to think otherwise.
Egregious & criminal- the triumph of
the stupid and cowardly...Labor? Students? Minorities? Socialists?
Environmentalists? Human rights advocates? Consumer Advocates? Are you
there? Do you care?
Wait... Climate change- mass extinction, drought,
death...Is that motivating enough? Wall Street billion dollar bonuses while
tax payer money is still in their coffers? Corporate health care- no public
option- no cost control- major loop holes? Congressional resolutions that
are outright lies? Gross militarism? Deliberate catering to the fascist
right (who don't even know their fascists) to justify watered down policies
that cater to corporations.
What exactly is the left waiting for? Give Obama a chance? Nader is right
on. Fire in the belly.
Push Congress? Lobby harder than the opposition? Civil disobedience? Yes-
but more the ability to face the truth, speak the truth and pay the price
for doing so...
The Crass, Stupid and Vain
Glenn Beck, Russ Limbaugh, Michelle Bachman, Sarah Palin
and other pundits and/or political lightweights have been promoting verbal
and/or political violence. By doing so, they not only discredit their
political party, but more importantly demonstrate their true humanity and
what they truly serve. And what do they truly serve? No one else but
themselves.
I adhere to the belief that there is a truth and that
people can be called what I have called those men and woman if it
corresponds with reality. Political correctness is much over rated. Calling
these people well meaning is possibly true, but a meaningless statement.
Does the word "misguided" sound better? Does that word convey the effect
these people have on our lives and well being? Perhaps my use of these words
is itself an act of violence- then so be it.
In a close vote, Maine voters repealed a state law Tuesday that
allowed same-sex couples to wed.
In my opinion this is a triumph- however brief- for
bigotry. Brief, because the demographics of this country are changing and in
a couple of decades or less, LGBT citizens shall have the right to marry
and/or have nationally recognized domestic partnerships that effectively
confer upon them all human, legal and property rights of straight couples.
Nevershould the majority have the
right to revoke a minority's constitutional right for equal protection
under the law. For those who have (or have not) read the US Constitution,
the 14th Amendment says:
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and
subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and
of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any
law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the
United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its
jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
What this anti-LGBT victory points to is the failure of our courts to
protect LGBT citizens- relegating them to a second class status. It also
underscores the weakness of our President, who refused to actively oppose
the repeal effort. It further reinforces the need for the LGBT political
movement to mobilize and end the illusion that they can obtain equal rights by
melding into the "system." The movement needs to fight along side movements
that support worker's rights, environmental rights, human rights, racial
equality, woman's equality, etc. The denial of rights to one minority group
is in fact a denial of rights to all minorities.
"In 1989, McDonnell wrote a 1989 93-page thesis for
Regent, titled The Republican Party's Vision for the Family: The Compelling
Issue of The Decade. The document explored the rise in the numbers of
divorces and illegitimate births, and examined public policies that may have
contributed to that increase and proposed solutions.
The document gained attention in the campaign because of the 15-point agenda
it outlined, including 10 points McDonnell pursued during his years in the
General Assembly, according to press analysis.[27] This agenda includes
opposition to abortion and support for school vouchers, and tax policies
that favor heterosexual families. In the work, McDonnell argues for
covenant marriage, a "legally distinct type of marriage intended to make it
more difficult to obtain a divorce".[28]
In his thesis, McDonnell said "government policy should favor married
couples over 'cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators.'"[29] McDonnell also
"described working women and feminists as 'detrimental' to the family."[30]
McDonnell also "criticized a landmark 1965 Supreme Court decision" which
legalized the use of contraceptives by married couples. In the
thesis, McDonnell argued for the use of government intervention on societal
issues, writing that "man’s basic nature is inclined towards evil,
and when the exercise of liberty takes the shape of pornography, drug abuse,
or homosexuality, the government must restrain, punish, and deter."- Bob McDonnell
Wikipedia article
Comment: McDonnell wrote this thesis
at the age of 35. There is little evidence that he has disavowed any of the
views he expressed. An uninformed and indifferent American electorate
strikes again.Nor did the
New Jersey
electorate do much better.
When I solve problems, I uncover solutions that address
current needs, but more importantly I am informed by a vision that
anticipates future needs. I work with what is known, what is possible and
what is necessary.
The Gaia Hypothesis speaks of the earth as a living
organism- one with its own needs, defenses and adaptations to survive.
Beyond the Gaia Hypothesis is the notion of the Earth as a spiritual being-
a conscious entity- merged and separate from our own. The two views are in
fact complementary. Human beings are not simply biological beings- but also
spiritual- the Earth is the same.
Never before in recorded history has man been faced with
the responsibility for the survival of his own species and all others on
this planet. This is the most critical juncture in human history since the
dawn of civilization. Those alive today, bare a responsibility for shaping
the direction of humanity and all life.
The Earth as spirit- is crying out. You do not have to
believe me- I experience it in as real a way as most of you experience
ordinary reality. She is crying not for her own life- but for the life of
what is upon her- for the mountains, trees, plants, animals, oceans and
human beings. She is crying because she knows that a great destruction is
upon us. There is no limit to her love or her compassion- yet she knows that
that the changes that are now being forced upon her may destroy what she
loves the most.
The Earth as a biological being will react strongly to
what is taking place. Ultimately she will do what is necessary to restore
balance and insure her survival. She will behave as she has in the past- in
past epochs of great geological and climate change- of planetary disaster.
I am receiving two messages from the Earth. One is that in
our role as problem solvers we must stop the production of global warming
gases and stop the poisoning of nature.. To do this we may need to consider
nuclear energy or even geo-engineering- altering the world's climate through
artificial means- though no less artificial than the ways we have already
altered it. We must do this very, very quickly using any acceptable and
reasonable means at our disposal. Geo-engineering is quite frankly
frightening- the science seems primitive, the outcomes dangerous and even
less predictable than climate change itself. However, we must be prepared
for what is needed to allow for the survival of life as we know it.
Yet the spiritual side says that this period of suffering
is an opportunity for growth. That industrialization is a form of violence
that is destroying not only the environment, but our humanity. That this
crisis is a warning and a plea to come back to a balanced, sustainable way
of living. Of one that is in direct spiritual connection with the universe.
As our sky clears from pollution, so will our reconnection with who we are
as spiritual beings.
So, we must face this crisis with practical responses
(which may include nuclear energy and geo-engineering), spiritual
underpinnings and a fundamental commitment to non-violence. If we take the
path of violence- then we will destroy ourselves well before climate change
threatens our destruction. Violence is not inherent in what it means to be
human. It is not part of the ebb and flow of creation and destruction.
Destruction in the universe leads to birth and creation. Violence leads to
nothing- to an abyss.
The power elites are betting on the abyss. This is how
they obtained their power and the have difficulty seeing another blueprint-
another way. They must be wrong or there will not be a way.
We live in a word that conservative estimates now say must
have a 97%
reduction in C02 emissions to 1990 levels by 2050 to avert global disaster.
Where action must take place today- not a decade from today.
Yet- the global disaster is taking place NOW! Australia and parts of
Africa are in drought. Large parts of Bangladesh and the South Pacific
islands will soon be under water. Hurricanes and tropical storms are growing
in severity. A distinct species of animal or plant becomes extinct every 20
minutes- resulting in this being one of the six great periods of mass
extinction. The ice caps are melting, sea levels are on the rise, the oceans
are growing in acidity, coral reefs will soon be completely dead and the
permafrost is melting- releasing methane- a global warming gas 21X more
powerful than C02. The rainforests- whether in Indonesia, the Amazon or
Papua New Guinea- may become deserts- all for a few days of oil, a few acres
of soy or palm oil production or a few ounces of red meat.
No sane individual, with a grasp of reality, disputes that
these changes are man-made. The developed nations contribute to over 70% of
CO2 emissions. Industrial agriculture contributes more to global warming
than cars. Global water and food supplies are under severe threat- in part due to
climate change. Even after decades of warning, treaties like Kyoto, with
carbon trading- have had little impact on solving the problem. European
nations have not met their carbon reduction goals, and the United States has
increased its per capita carbon emissions. China and India
refuse to set emissions caps and intend to exploit their vast coal reserves-
burning the planet along with themselves.
Finally, there is no optimistic scenario- no leapfrog-no
technology that can quickly reverse global warming and its consequences. Yet
our leaders sit almost idly by as these changes take place. Individual
nations are left to pursue their own policies. Legislators water down
proposed legislation, even going so far as to create a new class of climate
change/third world debt derivatives.
Well, do not think young people or elders will sit idly
buy. Do not think the protests will not grow. Never has there been a time
that does not cry out more for civil resistance, civil disobedience, more
protests, more disruptions. If the citizens of the planet do not take a
stand, then there may be nothing left to stand on except a planet machine
that is lifeless and that has consumed everything in it path- including us.
One last thing. There are solutions. Some like to go into
their shells and speak of hopelessness. Some on the Christian side speak of
the Apocalypse. Some visionless leaders speak of political reality- not
being able to see beyond their campaign coffers or army of sycophants. This
is all dross. It is nothing more than an evasion of responsibility and a
denial of reality. The words of an addict that would rather die and doom
others than give up his addiction. What right do we have to shirk our
responsibilities- locking future generations in a dismal future that was not
of their own choosing.
Letter to a Friend...
There is a fundamental dichotomy in the way we think. You seem to subscribe
to the view that if people just did….. then problems would be solved. That
the bulk of people are well meaning and if they were informed they would
do…..
Really all of the issues I have shared with you, including climate change
and vegetarianism (which I agree with you on), are a result of the human
propensity for violence, whether towards each other, towards animals,
towards nature, etc.. Violence that is perpetuated from generation to
generation, from family to family and within families.
The great destruction that I have written about earlier, has been occurring
for a long time. The destruction of cultures, eradication of species, the
killing of men, woman and children by greedy, irresponsible global
corporations, genocide, war, etc. -has and will continue. Yet until the
machine grinds to a halt, the level of pain and destruction will continue to
grow in magnitude, as the planet loses its ability to sustain life.
While in the last article, I alluded to solutions- the truth is the solution
is within ourselves. Civil disobedience informed by compassion is intended
to change consciousness and weaken the propensity for violence by causing
people to face the consequences of their actions. Changing personal habits-
while contributing to the change in consciousness (or perhaps a byproduct of
it), is not sufficient by itself to create transformative change.
The Coming World Economic Meltdown
"...So the combined effect of the Fed policy of a zero Fed
funds rate, quantitative easing and massive purchase of long-term debt
instruments is seemingly making the world safe – for now – for the
mother of all carry trades and mother of all highly leveraged global asset
bubbles."
"...This unraveling may not occur for a while, as easy money
and excessive global liquidity can push asset prices higher for a while. But the longer and bigger the carry trades and the larger the asset
bubble, the bigger will be the ensuing asset bubble crash. The Fed and other
policymakers seem unaware of the monster bubble they are creating. The
longer they remain blind, the harder the markets will fall."-
Economist Nouriel
Roubini
Comment: What does Nouriel know that Obama and
Geithner do not- plenty. While Geithner contributed to creating the world's
current economic crisis- Roubini predicted it.
US Congress Murdering the Truth- What else is new?
In a fascist state the truth has no particular merit. All
that matters is the accumulation and use of political power by the
military-industrial-governmental complex to influence, control and corrupt.
On Tuesday the US Congress will pass a resolution
condemning the UN Report on War Crimes in Gaza. It will assert, falsely,
that Judge Goldstone's mandate for the report was biased (Judge Goldstone
wrote his own mandate- he was not pressured by the UN Human Rights
Commission). It will deny the irrefutable evidence of the murdering of Gaza
civilians and systematic destruction of life sustaining infrastructure. It
will condemn Hamas while ignoring Israel's disproportionate use of force to
punish the people of Gaza for electing Hamas leaders. It will perpetuate
lies in an effort to appease a powerful lobby that does not have Israel's
best interests in mind or the true interests of peace. See:
Democratic House To Pass Resolution Defending Israel's Actions in Gaza
War on Tuesday, 10/31/20098.
Comment: There is nothing that Malalai Joya writes
or speaks about Afghanistan that is not the truth. Her perspective is as one
among the people. Yet it is unlikely her voice will be heard by Presidents
and War Lords. But her voice is one of truth and over time the Afghan people
will fulfill her vision- their vision- as a land free of foreign occupiers
and corrupt war lords- as a democracy and a place of individual freedom for
all. See also, Scott Ritter's piece:
McChrystal
Doesn’t Get It—Does Obama?. As for Obama- he better get it- for the
sake of his Presidency and more importantly the country.
"President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and
James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law this afternoon. It is
the first pro-gay legislation to pass Congress since Stonewall and passed
after 14 separate Congressional floor votes."
“...We appreciate everyone who worked so hard on this
bill. My son was taken at such an early age and we hope this law will help
prevent other families from going through what we experienced,” said Stella
Byrd, mother of James Byrd. “Even though we’re different colors and
different sexual orientations or gender identities, God made us all and he
loves us all.”
Comment: The passage of this bill is a victory for the LGBT community
and the nation as a whole.
I really don't understand this. Senator Lieberman owes his
chairmanship of the Home Land & Governmental Security Committee to the
Senate leadership. Wasn't Lieberman required to be loyal to the democratic
leadership as a condition of his chairmanship? All Senator Reid is asking is that he
help block a Republican filibuster and allow the full Senate to vote on
health care. Why isn't the President and the Senate leadership demanding
loyalty as a condition of his chairmanship?
Where in the constitution does it say, a bill must pass with a 60 vote
majority? If the later is the case- then why not an 80 vote majority-
further paralyzing an already dangerously ineffective government.
The public option that Lieberman opposes is supported by 70%
of his constituents. Is he so tied to the insurance lobby that he would sell
the country out?
Is this going to be the fate of climate change legislation? Why is our
leadership so spineless? What do they have to fear? Are their own political
futures so precious, they would sacrifice doing what they know is right for
the sake of expediency?
If in fact, Obama is undermining the growing support for a
public health insurance option, this will confirm what Robert Reich wrote a
few weeks ago:
"...But last January, the White House made a Faustian bargain with
Big Pharma and Big Insurance, essentially scuttling both of these
profit-squeezing mechanisms in return for these industries'
agreement not to oppose healthcare legislation with platoons of
lobbyists and millions of dollars of TV ads, and Pharma's
willingness to cut drug prices by some $80 billion over the next ten
years. The White House promised these industries they'd come out way
ahead -- getting tens of millions of new customers who'd be buying
private health insurance policies and thereby paying for an almost
endless supply of new drugs. Healthcare reform would be, in short, a
bonanza..." -Robert
Reich, former Secretary of Labor, 9/29/2009.
“...If we are going to conduct a population-centric
strategy in Afghanistan, and we are perceived as backing thugs, then we are
just undermining ourselves,” said Maj. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, the senior
American military intelligence official in Afghanistan."
Comment:Ellsberg's
cogent analysis is that McCrystal''s proposed military/civilian strategy
will fail. The only viable option is withdrawal of Coalition troops. I agree
with him. If Obama pursues a troop build-up of 40K-80K troops, Afghanistan
will become a greater quagmire with much greater loss of American lives.
600-700K combined Afghan/Coalition troops might, according to Ellsberg, wage
a successful counterinsurgency- however the chances of this taking place are
slim to none. The corrupt Kabul government will never be able to garner the
level of support in the country to make this possible.
The Egregious Remarks of
Vice-President Cheney
Recently former Vice-President Cheney made the comment
that Obama is "dithering" with Afghanistan- probably referring to the
President's delay in announcing any force or strategy changes until there
was a thorough policy review.
Yet, Mr. Cheney's track record bares repeating. General McCrystal has stated that our Afghanistan strategy
has failed over the last nine years. The unpopular Taliban have grown
greatly in power and influence in the region. The Afghan government is among
the most corrupt in the world. Who was dithering when this took place?
We shifted focus from the war in Afghanistan to Iraq. We
justified the invasion of Iraq knowingly under false pretenses, which is a
violation of international law. We have lost over 4,000 troops in Iraq and
millions of Iraqi's have died. We declared victory a few weeks after
the Iraq invasion and by so doing emboldened our enemies. Our take
over/administration of Iraq after the initial military invasion was among
the most incompetent, corrupt and costly in the history of military
occupation. Our practice of torture has helped recruit more terrorists than
Al Qaeda ever could. We have squandered our treasury and over extended our
military- fighting an enemy (terrorism) that has no national borders and
cannot be fought by invading countries- which however, is exactly what we
did.
We have pursued an illegal, immoral strategy that has
caused countless deaths- and the Vice-President talks about... dithering.
The Chamber of Commerce (Fools)
The recent Yes Man hoax regarding the Chamber of
Commerce's position on climate change exposes the true nature of the
organization. According to the Chairman of PG&E,
Peter
Darbee:
"We find it dismaying that the Chamber neglects the
indisputable fact that a decisive majority of experts have said the data on
global warming are compelling and point to a threat that cannot be ignored,”
Darbee wrote. “In our opinion, an intellectually honest argument over the
best policy response to the challenges of climate change is one thing;
disingenuous attempts to diminish or distort the reality of these challenges
are quite another.”
Also joining PG&E is Exxon (that's right Exxon), Apple,
Nike and others.
This is in addition to the Chamber's apparent grossly
exaggerated statements about its direct membership numbers.
Apparently the chamber states that its membership includes 3,000,000
businesses when in fact it is closer to
300,000- a
difference of 10X. The 3 million represent "federated members." These
federated members apparently cannot elect the board or leadership, set
policies, etc.
Despite what appears to be a recent shift in position as a
result of these major defections- is it so surprising that an organization
whose leadership is in denial about something as basic as its membership
numbers, would also be in denial about something as important and
fundamental to the survival of life as climate change? The Chamber of
Commerce is not the only organization permeated by lies.
Dominion over the Earth
Some Christians believe that according to the Bible, man
has dominion over the Earth. If you accept that man has dominion, you must
also accept that man has responsibility to every living thing. That a
kingdom that is divided, that fails to protect the weak, that fails to care
for all of its citizens is a kingdom that has abdicated its right to exist.
Obama and Science
President Obama makes a big deal of the importance of not
letting political ideology affect the application of science in governmental
policy. In fact, his administration has made strides in this area compared
to the abject record of the Bush administration.
Yet, if Mr. Obama sticks to his words, then he must recognize what the
science is saying about climate change. But if this is the case, why is his
administration now in the process of dismantling Kyoto and replacing it with
a voluntary system that has a snowballs chance in hell of working, or
perhaps I should say, the hell that will be created if he continues in this
direction.
Tense
In some discussions of global warming, environmental
destruction and human rights violations there is the use of the future
tense, i.e., if we do this, we will cause this. Well, forget the exclusive
use of the future tense. Rather, say we are doing this, it is causing this
and if we continue like this we will...
Banning the Automobile
If I make the statement that we should ban all
automobiles- perhaps with a five year phase in period, I am not making a
radical statement. Americans identify their personal freedom with the
automobile. Many Americans are aggressive, impatient and irresponsible
behind the wheel. They buy expensive and gas guzzling SUVs to transport
themselves. Some even drive Hummers to make a social statement. They believe
that cheap gasoline is an entitlement. Every day American cities are choked
with automobiles containing one driver- dutifully and aggressively trying to
get to work by 8:00 AM. Americans zip onto air planes without thought to the
environment. They tow enormous campers to national parks in order to "enjoy"
nature and in the process go about destroying it. They have designed their
communities around the automobile. They have forgotten how to share things
in community or when possible grow food locally.
Yes, banning the automobile would be very difficult for some. Seniors may
have to travel in small community buses to do shopping or visit the doctor.
Special care must be given to the sick and disabled. More and more things
would have to be done at home. Family members would have to learn to
communicate with each other. Public transportation will need to be
significantly improved and expanded. The list goes on. But do you want to
know the truth? Despite the fact that Americans would fight a ban on
automobiles like the prohibition on alcohol in the 1920's (both being
destructive addictions)- the truth is that the automobile is already dead-
it contributes and perpetuates an unsustainable life style. If we kill it
now rather than later, we have a chance of making an orderly transition to
more sustainable communities. If we wait, we will be forced do so when
global warming is out of control and we may literally have no place to
travel to while living in communities that cannot function.
Make no mistake- our machines control us- not the other way around. We have
created this Earth machine organism that only knows how to consume and
destroy anything that gets in its way. And when it is done- we will be its
victims. And, given how we have behaved as a species- perhaps this will be
an odd kind of justice. Yet, I pray we can avoid this fate.
What's good
for Goldman Sachs is bad for America (Good for Wall Street):
Socialized Risk, Privatized Gain; Heads they win, tails the rest
of us lose
Comments:
Apparently the Obama administration is so shameless, they would
allow their top campaign contributor (Goldman Sachs) to :
Oversee the
financial rescue by TARP and the US Treasury- managing the
movement of trillions of tax payer dollars to the financial
services sector.
Appoint a former Goldman Sachs executive as chief operating officer of the SEC's enforcement
division.
Fully implement the policies of their former CEO, Henry Paulson-
appointed Secretary of the Treasury under George Bush.
Appoint Tim Geithner as Obama's Secretary of the Treasury- a
protégé of Larry Summers and Robert Rubin (27 year veteran of
Goldman Sachs, including co-chairman).
Appoint Gary Gensler from Goldman Sachs, to head the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission
Have unfettered and frequent access to the Secretary of the
Treasury.
Record record profits during the worst financial crisis since
the Great Depression.
Provide record bonuses to their employees. Perpetuating the
"fair" distribution of income, where the top 1% own as
much as the "bottom" 95%- all the while producing (in
the case of Goldman and others)
nothing of any real economic value.
Of course Goldman cannot directly appoint federal officials-
they do this through their lobbying efforts and domination of
Congress and the executive branch. Since they play such a
pivotal role in the world economy, perhaps they should be
nationalized- with the argument being that they are too big to
fail.Others have suggested (jokingly?) that Goldman do
a leveraged buyout of the US Treasury Department.
When a consummate insider like Paul Volcker expresses warnings
about lack of regulation, too Big to Fail, repeal of Glass-Steagall,
structural unemployment and future economic bubbles- you know
you are exposing just the tip of the iceberg.
Some have commented that criticizing Obama, or expressing
disillusionment is a waste of time- an exercise in folly.
However, while I agree it is no excuse for inaction- it is still
very important. Exposing the truth, as this article does, is a
very powerful elixir for motivating people to act with
conviction. In the case of this article- it confirms the
rottenness of the Administration and explains why jobs and
keeping people in their homes will never be a priority-
NEVER....
Fritz
Hollings, former Senator from South Carolina wrote:
"The economy is in the hands
of Summers, Bernanke and
Geithner. Campaign contributions
are in the hands of David
Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel. The
poor President is smart,
diligent and working his head
off campaigning. But he is
inexperienced and not governing,
and the Congress is in a Mexican
standoff over an archaic
filibuster rule that reveres
democracy by the minority.
Of course, the media, which
knows this and keeps it top
secret, is owned by big
business.
If I don't meet you in the
breadline, my children will."
What Irks the Right about Rachel Maddow
Former President
George H. Bush recently made a reasoned plea for civility
towards President Obama. At the same time he saw fit to attack
Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann as "sick puppies." The
contradiction of calling for civility and then demonstrating
incivility was apparently lost on the former President- who at
one time helped bring men, such as the later repentant, Lee
Atwater into the political mainstream. The reason why Rachel
Maddow irks the right is simple- she reports the truth and
the truth threatens entrenched power whose strength rests on
deception.
Glenn Beck preaches hatred and violence. Rachel Maddow is
angered and saddened by words and actions that preach violence
and that poison the political debate. She fears what the
implication of this violence is for political discourse in
America.
In this context, the words of Lee Atwater bare repeating:
"My illness
helped me to see that what was missing in society is what was
missing in me: a little heart, a lot of brotherhood.
The '80s were about acquiring — acquiring wealth, power,
prestige. I know. I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige
than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel
empty. What power wouldn't I trade for a little more time with
my family? What price wouldn't I pay for an evening with
friends? It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that
truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its
ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime. I
don't know who will lead us through the '90s, but they must be
made to speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American
society, this tumor of the soul."
Is this enough to get the Senate to pass a
hate crimes bill that protects LGBT and disabled Americans? How
many more senseless beatings and deaths will it take?
If President Obama is to do the nation service in his review
of US Afghanistan policy, he must advocate less a change of
tactics but rather, make clear what our strategic objectives are
in the region. Put succinctly, is our mission one of nation
building and/or preventing the reemergence of Al Qaeda, the
former which may be unachievable and the later achievable by
other means, with our continued military presence even
encouraging the spread of terrorism. Also, it is unclear if the
American people would support a nation building effort given its
duration and cost in lives and money.
Al Qaeda no
longer has a presence in Afghanistan. Popular support for the
Taliban appears to have grown since the Coalition counter
insurgency. The Kabul government is extremely corrupt and
controls less than one-third of the country. Support within the
Coalition is eroding. Civilian and military causalities continue
to mount and there is growing animosity towards Coalition
forces- who are increasingly perceived as occupiers and
murderers of civilians. Pakistan, a country possessing nuclear
arms, is increasing unstable- in part because of resistance
triggered by the Coalition presence in Afghanistan. The human
rights track record in Afghanistan since the end of Taliban rule
has been mixed.
Most
indicators of Afghan support for Coalition policies are in decline.
Obama is justified in reevaluating current policies.
Continuation of the current policies appear to be doomed to
failure and may further destabilize the country and the region.
General McCrystal,
a major proponent of more US troops and strategic changes in
policy, sometimes couches US policy in vague and equivocal
terms, for example: a 'War of information," or "Right tactics
and strategy are never clear in a country dominated by subtle
tradition and tribal interests," or "Our principal goal should
be to protect the Afghan people." While all of these things may
be true, can they translate into effective policy or are they
implicitly making the case that a foreign presence can not
succeed in nation building in a country as diverse, tribal,
spread out, primitive (from an infrastructure standpoint) and
complex as Afghanistan?
Nation building is generally a failing enterprise and the
chances of success in Afghanistan are unclear. Further, is the
role of nation building even appropriate? While we clearly have
an interest in controlling Al Qaeda's presence in the region- is
this not better achieved with monitoring and surgical military
strikes versus nation building? Isn't nation building really up
to the Afghan people? Are we helping build a true democracy or a
repressive regime? Finally, are our apparent assumptions
correct? Will a US withdrawal result in the Taliban taking
control of the country? If the later occurs, will it result in a
resurgence of Al Qaeda? Is our presence in Afghanistan
strengthening or weakening the Pakistani government and
destabilizing the region? Are we effectively recruiting
more terrorists by being increasingly perceived as the
aggressor?
On the Current State of Affairs...
The solutions to our problems are not simple. The US spends more on
military spending that the rest of the world combined. We have, by
far, the highest incarceration rate in the world. Our foreign
policy, often in violation of international law, has been
responsible for the unnecessary deaths of many millions of men,
woman and children- whether it is Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq or
Afghanistan. The United States is almost alone among developed
nations in not ratifying Kyoto and is by far the largest emitter of
carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels.
The American people bare a large part of the responsibility for this
state of affairs. If these things are to change- than there needs to
mass civil resistance and disobedience in the US. Of course, this
presumes enough people actually care and are willing to risk
imprisonment. One should also not underestimate the high level of
reactionary politics- people who have something will often defend a
system that is oppressive to them for fear of losing what little
they have and/or for the slight chance they can rise to the top of
the pyramid. Perhaps it will take a complete economic, environmental
and political collapse to cause people to wake up- and by then the
situation may be unsalvageable.
While the hope is that this protest movement is non-violent- given
the oppressive nature of this government- violence is likely and
some may need to sacrifice their lives. The various environmental
and social justice groups across the globe need to put aside their
difference and combine forces. The pursuit of environmental justice
is not different from the pursuit of social justice and human
rights. All of these groups need to be far more strategic and
coordinated than they have been in the past. What is needed is a
full pronged “attack.”
In short, we need a peaceful revolution. What is most striking about
today’s situation is the gross disparity between the deterioration
of the planet’s environment and the world’s food and water systems-
and the level of response from government. We need a general state
of unease and a sense of urgency among those who are awake. We need
less to intellectualize than to feel empathetically what is taking
place. We need less despair and more concerted actions in groups and
communities across the globe. There is no doubt that we can
accomplish far more in groups than as individuals. We need to
unleash our creativity in forming a better world.
Finally, some of the strongest agents for change exist outside the
United States. We all must join forces to bring about fundamental
change.
Carbon-dioxide emissions are turning the waters of
the Arctic Ocean into acid at an unprecedented rate, scientists have
discovered. Research carried out in the archipelago of Svalbard has
shown in many regions around the north pole seawater is likely to
reach corrosive levels within 10 years. The water will then start to
dissolve the shells of mussels and other shellfish and cause major
disruption to the food chain. By the end of the century, the entire
Arctic Ocean will be corrosively acidic.
Hansen heads the NASA Goddard Institute for Space
Studies in New York City. He is also an adjunct professor in the
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia
University.
The President is at a cross roads with the American
people. He is now faced with two basic choices. When will lead to
greater initial challenge and eventual strong public support, the
other will lead to a precipitous drop in public support- with very
little hope for recovery.
Yet the road he chooses depends in part on what he
really stands for. In this regard there are two schools of thought.
One says that the President is really a progressive. He wants strong
banking reform, strong climate change & health care legislation,
etc. However, because of fear, the desire for bipartisanship,
lack of vocal public support or the evils of Washington, he is
unable to deliver this kind of change- so he settles on incremental
steps- arguing that something is better than nothing. This school of
though challenges him on his notion of governance and believes that
the President should be bold and strong. They have a faith that the
American people- when given the truth will act responsibly and
support policies that are in their own best interest.
Another school of thought is that Obama really isn't
a progressive. They argue that his supporters pre and post election
have been large financial and health care companies. They took
notice that his Secretary of Treasury and Chief economic advisors
came from the ranks of those who helped bring about the financial
crisis we are in. That he is essentially a prop for these companies
and his lofty rhetoric is meant more to deceive the average American
and protect the oligarchy than bring about right action. They point
out that the record foreclosure rate is proof that he supports
corporations over the average American.
If the President is really a progressive then he
must act boldly-now. Whatever initial opposition he encounters will
wither if his polices prove to be sound. If he fails to act boldly,
he will perceived as weak and his popularity and effectiveness will
continue to decline.
If the President is not a progressive, and for
example, in the words of Howard Dean, is crafting a health plan that
Bush would like, i.e., that heavily favors corporate interests, he
should continue on his current path. However, eventually his true
intentions will be known and his popularity will precipitously
decline and will not recover.
I want to believe that the President is a
principled, progressive leader. I understand he and his
administration has been confronted with much in a very brief span of
time. I also recognize that strategy takes time to formulate and
that his predecessor left him little to work with. However, I am
concerned that their is such a disparity between his actions and
words that either with or without justification the American people
will perceive him as hypocritical and dishonest. Sometimes I feel
this way, however it is difficult for me to walk in his shoes.
However I am confident that the choice he faces is real.
Concessionary President or leader?
Alan Grayson- Right On and Why...
Congressman Alan Grayson said yesterday that the
Republican health care plan consists of two parts: (1) People not
getting sick and (2) If they do get sick-they should die soon. The
truth is he was essentially correct. Health care costs are spiraling
at a rate that if continued, will make health care unaffordable for
the majority of Americans. The only way this can be effectively
curbed under the current system is to reduce the number of people
that get sick (reduce claims) or for those who get sick- pay out
less. I am not even certain reducing claims will drive down costs.
Republicans, by not playing an active role in health
care reform have failed the American people. Democrats- by proposing
reforms that do not effectively control costs in the long run, have
also failed average Americans. The President, by not firmly
supporting a public health insurance option, has continued policies
of corporate socialism begun in the Bush administration-lining the
pockets of Aetna, Cigna and Humana versus protecting the public
against corporate irresponsibility and abuse. Increasingly his
rhetoric on this issue seems empty and cynical.
Look at it this way. How many Americans would like
to privatize police protection? Fire fighting? Education? Food and
drug protection? How many Americans would think it is fair that the
level of police protection is dependent on one's income? Imagine
what it would be like if private companies performed these
functions. Imagine the level of abuse, lack of public oversight,
unfairness and the untold deaths that would result. Yet our
politicians feel this is acceptable with regards to health care.
Death panels- the death panels in this country are
the corporate Boards of Directors who determine the percentage of
claims that will be paid, executive compensation and their company's
overall gross profit. Profit and death are two sides of the
same coin in America.
Climate Change- Times Up
Sorry those on the right that can't see a truth if
it strikes them with lightening- no time for your learning to take
place- direct your poisons and apocalyptic vision elsewhere.
Sorry, moderates who believe in gradualism- no time for incremental
change- the tea party is over. Sorry, Americans- I
would love to gradually convince more of you of the reality of
climate change- a few more newscasts- a few more documentaries-
times up- you will either participate in change or join the fate of
those on the Titanic- sink. No time for glib political
pronouncements from talking heads that can't think- go back to
school and take a Logic 101 class. Sorry global capitalists - you
will externalize your costs at the price of destruction of your
systems. Start lobbying for more change, quicker. Scare your weak
partners in the military industrial complex- offer them even better
revolving door deals- do whatever you need to do.
No -times up. Reduce global warming gases by
90+% very, very quickly- protect the Earth's water- end the
destruction of species.
Cassandra- really. What Nobel laureate disagrees with me? What
percentage of climate scientists challenge what I have said.
Cassandra- WAKE UP!
You may actually find upon waking up that community is possible. You
may actually become happier and wealthier. You may actually begin a
spiritual renaissance. You may actually realize how much you are a
part of life on this Earth- how unimaginably loved you are.
Again, your time is up. Your luck has run out. I can
assure you their is no inevitability in the perpetuation of a
corrupt and unsustainable system. I can assure you that the
materialistic definition of greatness is dead. The militaristic
definition is dead. It is already dead. The margin of error isn't
working on your side. It's going the other way- things keep getting
worse, the primitive climate model's predictions get worse.
Primitive, because climate is a chaotic system- it can't be totally
predicted- but it can be predicted enough. There are no degrees of
holocaust.
If you have Darwinian bent then know this- species
that do not adapt- perish. This is the way it is. Your
children may not have a future... that you would want.
Men that do not speak the truth
"...But last January, the White House made a Faustian bargain with
Big Pharma and Big Insurance, essentially scuttling both of these
profit-squeezing mechanisms in return for these industries'
agreement not to oppose healthcare legislation with platoons of
lobbyists and millions of dollars of TV ads, and Pharma's
willingness to cut drug prices by some $80 billion over the next ten
years. The White House promised these industries they'd come out way
ahead -- getting tens of millions of new customers who'd be buying
private health insurance policies and thereby paying for an almost
endless supply of new drugs. Healthcare reform would be, in short, a
bonanza..." -Robert
Reich, former Secretary of Labor, 9/29/2009.
Comment: When looking at the health care
insurance company giveaway program- you don't need to stop at Max
Baucus, Harry Reid- or any US Senator. Rather look at the White
House. Look at Barack Obama. Then strip yourself of the illusion
that our leader is genuine in his promises. See behind the speeches
and realize whose interests he really represents. Finally, no one
would be more thrilled if I am wrong. No one...
So Many Words
So many words that people use. Most of the time,
words just confuse meanings. They become the basis of wars. They are
confused utterances from deluded minds that are fearful and infinitely
distracted. Sometimes, at rare moments, there is lucidity- usually
this occurs in a period of crisis where finally- compassion is the
only option left. Anything short of this fails.
The world is approaching a holocaust. The United
States, China, India and Europe will suffer the most because, not
unlike the dinosaurs of old, they have become the most dependent on a
finite resource that is evaporating- oil. Mankind's propensity for war
has increased, not decreased in
the last two centuries. This war will be brought about by the scarcity
of oil. The industrialized world is like an addict or junkie. Once the
oil goes away, the industrial structure will collapse. The food and
water supplies will collapse. Out of desperation, powerful nations
will war against each other. Once the level of conflict reaches a
certain point, the logic of mutually assured destruction will become
the inevitable conclusion. You cannot kill people, children, mothers,
fathers, families- you cannot destroy beauty on the planet- plants, animals,
mountains, air, water- you cannot do this without destroying the desire
to live, the reason to live. Then destruction becomes the only option.
Climate change is a blessing to the planet. The
earth is sacrificing herself. In her love for us, she is allowing
innocent life to gradually die so that we may realize that the
greatest risk to this oil dependency is that through war we will
destroy ourselves. The Great Destruction. The Great Holocaust.
You probably think- more words. Just words-
intellectualization. Just an issue- like abortion, gay rights, labor
equality, the war in whatever country... Just words. Got to sleep.
Close the light. Play the music and wait.
Or perhaps- wake up. Protest in the streets. End the
dead slumber of your leaders. Pray to the earth. Show compassion to
others. Form a community of like minds committed to ending the
madness. It is true- I cannot lie- if there is only one being- one
human being on this planet that cares- that understands- that acts-
there is hope. But that hope may be for a world after this one- for
this one is slipping through our hands.
What Obama Should Say to the UN
When Obama speaks to the UN on September 22nd, he
should commit the United States to an 90%+ reduction in global warming
gases from 1990 levels by 2050 (or much sooner). He should end subsidies to oil
companies for oil exploration. He should tell the world that the
United States will now lead the world's effort on halting climate
change. He should talk about the loss of life- human, animal and plant
that will take place without concerted world action. He should talk
about the need for a global currency that ends the externalization of
costs by corporations and that holds corporations and their
shareholders directly accountable for irresponsible acts against the
environment. He should address the world's water shortage crisis and
the perils of the privatization of water. He should condemn the
cruelty and damage caused by industrial farming.
He should pledge that the changes needed to address
the above problems will not result in the loss of one American job-
and that his administration will transform the American economy in
such a way that there will be a much fairer distribution of wealth and
that the new energy economy will result in the creation of more
jobs and more prosperity.
In summary- he should lead. Instead of meekly going
before the G20 and proclaiming he is a died in the wool capitalist- he
should clearly and plainly talk about the mess that capitalism has
caused and recommend strong corrective actions. He should address the
creation of a new economic order- not based on consumption, but based
on creating human happiness and balance with the earth.
The world needs transformational figures now- not
apologists and anachronistic thinking that tries to preserve the best
of the worst. We need to build the foundation of a new world order
that is based on equality and equity- not scarcity, and that values
all life. He should say that the life of a Russian, of a Palestinian,
of an Afghan, of a Sudanese is not more or less valuable that the life
of on an American or a European. He should say that we must value the
beauty of this earth and treat as precious and sacred the mountains,
the trees, the rivers, the animals, the plants, the water, the air,
the Earth.
I dare Mr. Obama to give this speech....
Comment: Mr. Obama did of course not say this
to the UN. He spoke of urgency- the needs for action- but there were
no specifics. It was a more a sermon that a call to action from the
nation that is most responsible for environmental devastation. Who are
we to sermonize?
"...“We came to the conclusion, on the basis of the
facts we found, that there was strong evidence to establish that
numerous serious violations of international law, both humanitarian
law and human rights law, were committed by Israel during the military
operations in Gaza,” the head of the mission, Justice Richard
Goldstone, told a press briefing today.
“The mission concluded that actions amounting to war crimes and
possibly, in some respects, crimes against humanity, were committed by
the Israel Defense Force (IDF).”
“There’s no question that the firing of rockets and mortars [by armed
groups from Gaza] was deliberate and calculated to cause loss of life
and injury to civilians and damage to civilian structures. The mission
found that these actions also amount to serious war crimes and also
possibly crimes against humanity,” he said."
"...“The mission finds that the conduct of the
Israeli armed forces constitute grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva
Convention in respect of willful killings and willfully causing great
suffering to protected persons and as such give rise to individual
criminal responsibility,” the report’s executive summary said. “It
also finds that the direct targeting and arbitrary killing of
Palestinian civilians is a violation of the right to life.”
Comment: The first step in ending this
barbarous behavior is to acknowledge that it is real and takes place.
Israeli denials will only prolong the agony of war.
The Jewish people have been victimized throughout
the centuries. However the answer is not to become the victimizer. If
this dehumanization process continues in Gaza than every civilian will
come under suspicion and then the only way for Israel to solve this
"problem" will be to to openly and randomly kill civilians. Yet if
that takes place, Israel become less secure - more cruel and less human-
becoming what it most abhors. Israel needs to rise above its fears. It
needs to end the occupation of Gaza, end the resettlement process and
extend from the depths of its soul an olive branch to the Palestinians
and its neighbors. The survival of the Jewish state depends on this.
President Obama: Mismanagement of Health Care Reform
According to Wendell Potter, former CIGNA executive,
turned industry whistleblower:
“The Baucus framework is just an absolute
joke,” said Potter, Cigna’s former head of corporate communications
who has been speaking out against insurance industry practices. “It is
an absolute gift to the industry. And if that is what we
see in the legislation, (America’s Health Insurance Plans chief) Karen
Ignagni will surely get a huge bonus.”
Potter said the proposal would not provide affordable coverage.
It gives the industry too much latitude to charge higher premiums
based on age and geographic location, fails to mandate employer
coverage, and pushes consumers into plans with limited benefits,
Potter said.
Private insurers “want to have ‘benefit design flexibility.’ Those are
three very worrisome words,” Potter said at a briefing arranged by the
Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank. “By being able to
have benefit design flexibility, they will be able to design plans
that are so limited that more and more people will be in the ranks of
the uninsured.”-Health
Care for America Now!
Comment:
Obama, by sanctioning the process leading to
this "bipartisan" proposal, has again undermined his own leadership,
and effectively supported a process that has led to the crafting of a
bill (granted that is still in committee) that is a disgusting
giveaway to the insurance industry- in effect giving new legitimacy to
Republicans who argue for no reform at all.
The insurance industry will gladly cover people with
pre-existing conditions. They will gladly agree not to rescind
coverage. In part, they will agree to this because it is easy to get
around these requirements. But in large part they will agree to this
because as long as the law is applied to the entire industry, no
individual company can claim advantage. Yes- they will find other ways
of squeezing policyholders- but at least in theory they have no qualm
with Obama's "reforms."
However, mention any form of meaningful competition
and they go to pieces. They whine, they complain- they wine and dine-
they'll do anything to prevent this. A public option- perish the
thought- the very idea goes against the fundamental principles of corporate socialism that Obama and they seem to espouse.
Single payer coverage is the only approach that
makes any fiscal sense. Yet- this was rejected out of hand by Obama
and the senate/house. Why? because of the fear that by doing so, they
would scare the American people. It was in effect an abdication of
leadership that has given the opposition their best argument against
reform.
I want to be very clear. I know the insurance
industry all to well from personal experience. Efforts at reforms will
not occur with the tacit or implicit consent of the insurance industry
or its backers in Congress.
Mr. Obama- ifyou are incapable of offending or
fighting any group that opposes the public interest and truly believe
that leadership is appeasing all factions- then you are unfit
to be President of the United States. The process of change begins
with conflict- and from the resolution of conflict and the pursuit of
truth- of right action- may come constructive change. Failure to
engage- failure to fight for what you believe in - will bring nothing
that is good. Change does not occur from the perspective that all
things are relative- reconciliation occurs after the battle- not
before.
Cowards
Cowards are those who take measure that a health
care bill does not include illegal aliens. People who can work in our
factories, work in our fields- but are apparently not good enough to
receive our medical care.
Cowards are people who believe in something- like
the public option in the health care debate- but are unwilling to
fight for it- leaving millions with the option of unaffordable
coverage- which is essentially no option.
Cowards are those who are not willing to hold others
accountable for unlawful actions, thereby making their reoccurrence
inevitable.
Cowards are people who use violence (verbal and
physical) against the unsuspecting, against the innocent, against
those entrusted with our well being- as a way to further their
ideology- their hatred- passed as it is from one generation to the
next.
Cowards are those who allow their votes to be bought
by the special interests group with the most money- the most to gain.
Ultimately a government is a reflection of its
people and it is the people that are ultimately responsible for the
actions of its leaders and pay the consequences for their cowardice..
"WE, THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF THIRTEEN INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHERS,
represent a global alliance of prayer, education and healing for our
Mother Earth, all Her inhabitants, all the children, and for the next
seven generations to come. We are deeply concerned with the
unprecedented destruction of our Mother Earth and the destruction of
indigenous ways of life. We believe the teachings of our ancestors
will light our way through an uncertain future. We look to further our
vision through the realization of projects that protect our diverse
cultures: lands, medicines, language and ceremonial ways of prayer and
through projects that educate and nurture our children."-
Mission statement of
the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers.
These woman understand the significance of spirit, hearth, ancestral
understanding, community, diversity, silence and the complete interconnectedness of life and spirit. Their
teachings and the teachings of the cultures they represent are a path
of light and beauty to a world that is increasingly dead to what is. Yet they
teach with gentleness, joy, praise, humility and pure compassion.
"...When I thought of
all the years, all the battles, and all the memories of my long public
life, I felt confident in these closing days that while I will not be
there when it happens, you will be the president who at long last
signs into law the health care reform that is the great unfinished
business of our society. For me, this cause stretched across decades;
it has been disappointed, but never finally defeated. It was the cause
of my life. And in the past year, the prospect of victory sustained me
— and the work of achieving it summoned my energy and determination.
There will be struggles — there always have been — and they are
already under way again. But as we moved forward in these months, I
learned that you will not yield to calls to retreat — that you will
stay with the cause until it is won. I saw your conviction that the
time is now and witnessed your unwavering commitment and understanding
that health care is a decisive issue for our future prosperity. But
you have also reminded all of us that it concerns more than material
things; that what we face is above all a moral issue; that at stake
are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of
social justice and the character of our country..."
The Late Senator Edward
Kennedy on Health Care reform....
"...Kennedy, a longtime
chair of the Senate's Committee on Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions, called for extending Medicare coverage to all
Americans, medical coverage for the uninsured and modernizing health
care systems by using new technologies to cut costs. He also proposed
to implement a rule that would require every American to have some
form of health insurance..."
""...We'll negotiate with insurance companies to keep premiums and
co-pays low and help you with your premiums if you can't afford them,"
Kennedy wrote in a column published in the Boston Globe in June to
push support for his plan. "We're also hearing that some
Americans want the choice of enrolling in a health insurance program
backed by the government for the public good, not private profit -- so
that option will be available, too...""- Huma Khan and Caitlin Taylor / ABC News, 8/26/2009
Death in the era of modern medicine
"Health care is not a
political issue or a campaign promise. It is a
human right. They had
no health insurance. This is a true story."
"...They made a pact.
When they could no longer bear the pain or the disability they would
leave together. They started collecting the pain medications.
She fell again and shattered her shoulder. They had no health
insurance. She delayed going to the clinic. Finally, somehow, someone
X-rayed the shoulder. They told her they could pin it back together
through surgery, but it might not work. It would remain very painful.
She had no health insurance.
They owned their home and had enough money to live on, but not to buy
health insurance with their pre-existing conditions; they didn’t think
they could go to a doctor and to the hospital.
They were sick. Their minds were clouded with drugs to mask the pain.
They didn’t think anyone could help them. There were no answers, only
pain.
In pain, they gathered all of the pills they had saved, went to the
store and bought a cake and rented a video, and went home to travel
together into eternity. They watched the movie, ate their treats, and
munched on the pills like popcorn.
He wasn’t supposed to wake up, but he did..."-
From "Death in the era of modern medicine," by Bonnie Tinker, The
Portland Alliance, 4/2009. See also:
Obama's
Health Reform Waterloo by Dave Lindorff, 6/21/2009 &
Physicians for National Health
Program
In the United
States,185 former congressmen and senators are corporate lobbyists,
therefore it is not surprising that single payer universal health care
is dead in the water. Is what works in France, Canada and Britain not
suitable for the United States? Why? Are American's less entitled to
health care? Is the demise of the American economy inevitable given
the spiraling of health care costs coupled with the demographics of an
aging of the population and rising inequality?
The Courage of the People of Iran
As I write this, on
Saturday morning, June 20, 2009, the people of Iran -in Tehran and
probably elsewhere in Iran- are defying their leaders and seeking
justice and even martyrdom in the pursuit of justice. Boiling water or
acid is falling from helicopters, protesters are being tear gassed and
beaten- hundreds are being rushed to hospitals.
Mousavi is saying that the election was null and void. He is saying
that the leadership is corrupt and that the election was rigged many
months ago.
Please pray for peace and the end of bloodshed.-
Lowell Greenberg
Why are we (The United
States) fighting in Afghanistan? Al Qaeda can reconstitute anywhere in
the world. We can never entirely prevent terrorism. We can never with
100% certainty keep WMDs from small splinter groups inside and outside
this country. Collectively we don't even have control over the actions
of our own government- our own terrorism. Our blind support of the
Israeli occupation of Gaza- the senseless use of killing drones and
iron
fragmentation bombs- the millions of lives lost in Iraq due to
our killing machines. We imagine and exaggerate threats- projecting
our own aggressive intentions on others.
Our leaders are not
strategic thinkers- our use of force around the world appears heavy
handed- we embolden our enemies- disrupt alliances and lose public
support. We cannot win in Afghanistan without the support of the
Afghan people anymore than we can wage a war without the support of
our own people.
We say we do not
negotiate with terrorists- then why should they negotiate with us? How
is the crisis to end? We can't kill every terrorist. What is a
terrorist? A 12 year old boy who carries a bomb? A university student
who sees his country being exploited by foreigners? A citizen who sees
his government's repressive, violent regime propped up by corrupt
leaders and foreign
powers? We don't even understand the people and groups we seek to
destroy- instead we assume the mantle of terrorism in an effort to
destroy it- rather than understanding the cause and working towards
real peace. We become in effect a United States of Terror. See also:
"Villagers in Afghanistan Describe Chaos of U.S. Strikes," Carlotta
Gall & Taimoor Shah, NY Times, 5/14/2009;
Time to Get Out of Afghanistan, George Will, 9/1/2009.
"We are destroying our nation's moral and fiscal integrity with this
war supplemental. Instead of ending wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
Pakistan now by appropriating only enough money to bring our troops
home, Congress abdicates its constitutional authority, defers to the
president, and asks for a report. That's right, all we are asking for
is a report on when the president will end the war.
"There is also money for the IMF, presumably to bail out private
European banks. Billions for the IMF so they can force low and middle
income nations to cut jobs, wages, health care and retirement
security, just like corporate America does to our constituents.
"And there's money to incentivize the purchase of more cars, not
necessarily from U.S. manufacturers because a ‘Buy America' mandate
was not allowed.
"Another $106 billion dollars and all we get is a lousy war. Pretty
soon that is going to be about the only thing made in America - war.
"There are many things we do not know about the
future. But one thing we do know is that business as usual will not
continue for much longer. Massive change is inevitable. Will the
change come because we move quickly to restructure the economy or
because we fail to act and civilization begins to unravel?
Saving civilization will take a massive mobilization, and at wartime
speed. The closest analogy is the belated U.S. mobilization during
World War II. But unlike that chapter in history, in which one country
totally restructured its economy, the Plan B mobilization requires
decisive action on a global scale."-
Lester Brown- A War Time Mobilization, 12/3/2008
Beyond the Green Economy:
The
End of Capitalism As We Know It
"The “industrial state” has been replaced by a predator state, a
coalition of relentless opponents of the very idea of a “public
interest”, whose purpose is to master the state structure in order
to empower a high plutocracy with nothing more than vile and
rapacious goals." - From
L. Randall Wray's review of
"The Predator State: How Conservatives Abandoned the Free
Market and Why Liberals Should Too,"by James
Galbraith. Wray is Professor of Economics, and Senior Scholar at
the Levy Economics Institute.
"...In Adam Smith's
words, "civil government, so far as it is
instituted for the security of property, is in reality instituted
for the defense of the rich against the poor, or of those who have
some property against those who have none at all.''- Smith
never suggested that government should not intervene to set and
enforce minimum social, health, worker safety, and environmental
standards in the common interest or to protect the poor and nature
from the rich. Given that most governments of his day were
monarchies, the possibility probably never occurred to him..."
"...Neva
Goodwin, ecological economist, head of the Global
Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University, and an
advocate of cost internalization, puts it bluntly.
"Power is largely what externalities are
about. What's the point of having power, if you can't use it to
externalize your costs--to make them fall on someone else?"
-
Excerpts from
"When Corporations Rule the World," by David C. Korten.
"Competition and the thirst for profit
without limits of the capitalist system are destroying the planet.
Under Capitalism we are not human beings but consumers. Under
Capitalism Mother Earth does not exist, instead there are raw
materials. Capitalism is the source of the asymmetries and
imbalances in the world. It generates luxury, ostentation and
waste for a few, while millions in the world die from hunger in
the world. In the hands of capitalism everything becomes a
commodity: the water, the soil, the human genome, the ancestral
cultures, justice, ethics, death … and life itself. Everything,
absolutely everything, can be bought and sold and under
capitalism. And even “climate change” itself has become a
business."-
Excerpt from "20 Ways to Save Mother Earth & Prevent
Environmental Disaster," Evo Morales, President of Bolivia,
writing in the International Journal of Socialist Renewal
“The situation we
(United States) find ourselves in at this moment, this week, is
very strongly reminiscent of the situations we've seen many times
in other places. But they're places we don't like to think of
ourselves as being similar to. They're emerging markets. It's
Russia or Indonesia or a Thailand type situation, or Korea... I
have this feeling in my stomach that I felt in much poorer
countries, countries that were headed into a really difficult
economic situation, when there’s a small group of people who
got you into a disaster, who were still powerful, and disaster
made them more powerful... Don’t get me wrong – these are
fine upstanding citizens who have a certain perspective and a
certain kind of interest, and they see the world a certain way...
That web of interest is not my interest or your interest or
the interest of the taxpayer. It’s the interest, first and
foremost, of the financial industry in this country.”-Simon Johnson, former International Monetary Fund chief
economist and MIT professor regarding the federal government's
response to the world's economic maladies.
The latest world economic crisis
is not just caused by: Greed and corruption at all levels of
society; Irresponsible sub-prime lending; Lack of regulation of credit
derivatives; Domination of governments by corporate interests;
Excessive energy consumption; Unfair taxation policies; Excessive
debt; Unfair global corporate competitive practices; Uninformed
electorates; Destruction of local economies; and Social and
economic inequality. Most of these are not
so much causes as symptoms.
At the root of capitalism
is the notion is that the world has infinite resources. That no
human actions can fundamentally alter the environment and affect
the planet’s health. That natural resources- air water, oceans,
land, animals and plants are unlimited and are only negligibly
affected by human actions.
This notion of infinite
resources is fundamentally flawed. All of our collective and
individual actions are interrelated. The crises we face now and in
the future are global in scope. Air, water, earth
and sky are not owned by individual countries- they
are global interconnected resources with universal
rights of ownership.
Fundamentally, global
corporations, governments and individuals must be held responsible
and accountable for the costs required to address and correct the
damage they cause to the world’s ecosystems. Conversely, actions that renew and sustain the environment
and have ancillary public health benefits, should be rewarded
and incentivized. New policies must
be shaped that renew the environment rather than destroy it.
Whether through taxation, a
new form of global environmental currency, etc., every action that
adversely affects plant and animal diversity- affects the
drinkable water supply and quality of air; affects the ability of the earth to
sustain long term agriculture; destroys old growth forests, etc. must come at
a price proportionate to the damage caused. I will repeat-
the full price of environmental destruction must be
factored into the economic decisions of corporations, governments
and individuals. When this takes place, actions that today are
considered profitable will become extremely unprofitable and
impossible to undertake.
Corporations, governments and individuals
must be forced to think
strategically about the best use of limited, finite resources and
begin to act responsibly, factoring in human and environmental
rights into their decision making and planning. Environmental costs can be
determined by looking at the nature of the damage, its permanence,
its effect on human health, climate change, etc. Human
costs- lost lives, destroyed communities and cultures, economic
and political dislocation, illegal imprisonment- these are only a
few of the human costs of irresponsible corporate, military and governmental
power.
New international bodies
must be formed that can create the currency and
regulating mechanisms to enforce full recognition of these costs
and basic rights throughout the world economy. Fundamental to this
recognition must be a respect for life and the interrelatedness of
all life.
Inherent in this almost exclusive
pursuit of profit is a fundamental disrespect for life. The notion of nature as the
survival of the fittest is fundamentally false. While this belief
may be at the root of capitalism- in nature there
are cooperative systems that have evolved over thousands and
millions of years to preserve and perpetuate diversity. Each form
of life, from the smallest to the largest- serves a key niche in
preserving the balance of the whole.
If collective global action does
not take place, then environmental disasters will grow
exponentially over the next 100 years- year by year- decade by
decade. Once great economies will collapse and/or become even more
militaristic in an effort to control remaining global resources. Economic
inequalities will become more glaring and potentially world
population will decline due to disaster and war- not self-regulation.
There is nothing more
costly to life on Earth than war. Yet war could very well be the
consequence of a failure to address global environmental issues.
Restoration of environmental and human justice requires the abolition of
war and a genuine respect for human life.
This is not a rich versus
poor, developed versus less developed country issue. For example,
if the United States decides to engage in more offshore drilling
it should pay a steep economic price for the environmental impact.
If Brazil or Ecuador chooses to preserve its rain forests for the
preservation of world climate and indigenous life and wisdom, it
should be rewarded. In fact, some of the world's poorest communities
engage in some of the most sustainable environmental practices-
and should be rewarded accordingly- not forced to adopt Western
inspired exploitative practices that undermine local communities
and deplete natural resources.
Also, an equitable
and universal system will not result in one country or
corporation paying a
disproportionate share of the cost. Rather it will share the
burden equally and shift the
incentive from short term profits to environmental (aka
human) sustainability
throughout the world's economic system.
Currently we have a system that rewards the almost exclusive
pursuit of profit, power and exploitation. Regulation, at best, is
inadequate and routinely circumvented over time. We need to
restructure the system, so that rewards shift to the protection of human and
environmental rights. With this change in incentives there will be
a need for less, not more regulation. There will be less, not more
economic dislocation.
Some may feel that these
ideas are unrealistic- however the necessity of our times dictates
solutions on a global scale. The alternative is
global disaster. Some may feel that these ideas would erode
national sovereignty. However, this has already occurred. Global
corporations care very little about individual nations and their workers-
they will exploit wherever they have the opportunity and can gain
temporary advantage. They already effectively control the world's
governments and militaries. Still others may believe these recommendations
require full nationalization of industry or would otherwise be
unenforceable. However, there are benefits to retaining
competitiveness and innovation in the system- two potential
benefits of non-state ownership. Smaller companies in particular
represent great potential sources of innovation. Again, some may
feel that imposing environmental sustainability requirements will
restrict economic growth. This may occur in the short run, however
in the long term there would be more sustainable
growth. Also, nothing precludes a phase in, where it is
responsible.
What is the common thread between the
government's coddling to the banks mentioned below and the failure to
hold Cheney, former President Bush and other government officials
responsible for acts of corruption and possible treason? Is it really
the desire to avoid distraction and go forward with "solving" the
nation's problems. Or is it complicit corruption, i.e., the federal
government will not pursue justice because to do so would implicate
current officials in both parties. Yet, without accountability the
rule of law breaks down and past mistakes will inevitability repeat as
the old players resurface in a new venue. With a servile press and the
manipulation of the media by elites, the American people never
understand the truth and each year freedom erodes and is replaced by
an Orwellian
fascism.
Obama's Problem
"As Nobel prize-winning
economist Joseph Stiglitz wrote recently in a New York Times op-ed the
Obama administration's plan is "far worse than nationalization: it is
ersatz capitalism, the privatizing of gains and the socializing of
losses...the kind of Rube Goldberg device that Wall Street loves --
clever, complex and nontransparent, allowing huge transfers of wealth
to the financial markets...."-Katrina
vanden Heuvel, The Nation, 4/15/2009
"But there’s a deeper
and more disturbing similarity: elite business interests—financiers,
in the case of the U.S.—played a central role in creating the crisis,
making ever-larger gambles, with the implicit backing of the
government, until the inevitable collapse. More alarming, they are now
using their influence to prevent precisely the sorts of reforms that
are needed, and fast, to pull the economy out of its nosedive. The
government seems helpless, or unwilling, to act against them."-
Simon
Johnson, The Atlantic, 5/2009
There are at least two key areas where Obama and
his administration are demonstrating weakness- catering to special
interests, entrenched military leaders and other "powers that be."
Over the last year banks and other financial
institutions have been given trillions of dollars to help remedy a
financial crisis of their own doing. Yet instead of using the powers
of the FDIC and other governmental agencies to remove ineffective
management, remove bad debt and change business practices, we have emboldened these
very financial institutions. Emboldened- they have given their top
executives hundred of millions of dollars of bonuses- signaling that
it is business as usual and that if nothing else they seek to profit
from the misfortunes of others, i.e., the misfortunes of the majority
of Americans whose standard of living has declined over the last few
decades.
In
Afghanistan, we seem committed to listening to generals who
are unable strategize and have no understanding of history. Providing
more troops while perpetuating corruption and the unnecessary loss of
civilian life- is a recipe for disaster. Committing billions to
a conflict that is militarily unwinnable at a time when the federal
government is essentially bankrupt flies in the face of reality.
One would have thought Obama would have learned
from his experience with the economic recovery package- he could
barely muster a few Republican votes. Those few Republicans who voted
with him, did so not because they liked him- but because they believed
that his policies were correct and would be supported by their
constituents.
Close the SOA
"The US Army School of Americas (SOA), based in Fort Benning, Georgia,
trains Latin American security personnel in combat,
counter-insurgency, and counter-narcotics. SOA graduates are
responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses in Latin
America." See also:
Operation
Condor.
"...Seymour Hersh then went on to describe a
second area of extra-legal operations: the Joint Special Operations
Command. "It is a special wing of our special operations community
that is set up independently," he explained. "They do not report to
anybody, except in the Bush-Cheney days, they reported directly to the
Cheney office. ... Congress has no oversight of it."
"It’s an executive assassination ring essentially, and it’s
been going on and on and on," Hersh stated. "Under President Bush’s
authority, they’ve been going into countries, not talking to the
ambassador or the CIA station chief, and finding people on a list and
executing them and leaving. That’s been going on, in the name of all
of us."
Atrocities Against Children in Gaza
"Out of all the devastation I have seen so far,
there is one story in particular that I think the world needs to hear.
I met a mother who was at home with her ten children when Israeli
soldiers entered the house. The soldiers told her she had to choose
five of her children to "give as a gift to Israel." As she screamed in
horror they repeated the demand and told her she could choose or they
would choose for her. Then these soldiers murdered five of her
children in front of her. The concept of "Jewish morality" is truly
dead. We can be fascists, terrorists, and Nazis just like everybody
else."-Barbara
Lubin, founder and executive director of the Middle East Children's
Alliance. 1/25/2009; See also:
Dr. Mads
Gilbert: A Physician in Gaza, 4/28/2009
Comment: I want to believe that this
incident is untrue. Yet these kinds of atrocities do occur in wartime.
It and others like it must be thoroughly investigated by an
international tribunal- and if they are found true, then those
responsible must be removed from power and punished.
Yet, I have yet to hear these charges addressed- even as US senators
and congressmen visit the worn torn areas and comment on the
devastation and tragic loss if human life. A right wing conservative
government is poised to take control in Israel-yet the US congress and
executive branch do nothing more than offer unmitigated support to the
Israeli
apartheid state. In fact, we seem to have modeled our
response to terrorism on how Israel treats the Palestinians-
brute force, total domination, and little respect for human rights,
international law and the lives of woman and children. 2/23/2009
10 things you should know about Obama's plan
(but probably don't)
Last week, President Obama unveiled his budget—his
blueprint for America—and it's ambitious, amazing, and
unapologetically progressive. As Paul Krugman said, it will set
America on a "fundamentally new course."
President Obama called his budget "a threat to
the status quo," and trust me, the status quo noticed. Oil
companies, big banks and insurance companies are already mobilizing to
stop it.
The plan:
- Makes a $634 billion down payment on fixing health care that will
go a long way toward paying for a more efficient, more affordable
health care system that covers every single American.
- Reduces taxes for 95% of working Americans. And if your family
makes less than $250,000, your taxes won't go up one dime.
- Invests more than $100 billion in clean energy technology, creating
millions of green jobs that can never be outsourced.
- Brings our troops home from Iraq on a firm timetable, finally
bringing the war to a close—and freeing up almost ten billion dollars
a month for domestic priorities.
- Reverses growing income inequality. The plan lets the Bush tax cuts
for the wealthiest Americans expire and focuses on strengthening the
middle class.
- Closes multi-billion-dollar tax loopholes for big oil companies.
- Increases grants to help families pay for college—the largest
increase ever.
- Halves the deficit by 2013. President Obama inherited a legacy of
huge deficits and an economy in shambles, but his plan brings the
deficit under control as soon as the economy begins to recover.
- Dramatically increases funding for the SEC and the CFTC—the
agencies that police Wall Street.
- Tells it straight. For years, budgets have used accounting tricks
to hide the real costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Bush
tax cuts, and too many other programs. Obama's budget gets rid of the
smokescreens and lays out what America's priorities are, what they
cost, and how we're going to pay for them.-From Moveon.org,
3/1/2009
Comment: In the United States,185 former
congressmen and senators are corporate lobbyists. It is now common
practice to pass legislation that earmarks hundreds of millions of
dollars to businesses requesting favored treatment/special help. Last
year, over 40 million dollars was given to legislators by the
financial companies that benefited from TARP- the financial system
bailout. While the real wages of the majority working Americans have
remained stagnant over the last 30 years, the wages of the very top
earners have risen astronomically. Frequently we here the argument
that certain companies are too big to fail- implying that
irresponsible and/or illegal actions by these companies will be funded
by tax payers- in effect creating what is unmistakably corporate
socialism- yet a socialism that instead of defending the rights of
ordinary citizens- defends the rights of the oligarchy- the corporate
elites. See also:
The
Cash Committee: How Wall Street Wins On The Hill, 12/29/2009
If the current economic crisis is to be
solved then the stranglehold of the oligarchy must be broken and the
government must be truly become- of the people, by the people and for
the people- yet is this even possible when the said government is
controlled by the oligarchy that has caused the current crisis and
only seeks to benefit from it?2/23/2009
A Time to Work Together & A Time to Fight
It is now time- and it has always been time- for
groups and individuals committed to fundamental progressive change to
band together. We must recognize that our challenges- environmental
sustainability; human rights violations; minority, gay, indigenous,
immigration and labor rights; children and woman's rights;
unjust wars; animal welfare rights; consumer protections, etc.
- are all interrelated. Fundamentally, our problems stem from a lack of spiritual awareness of our interconnectedness
and a lack of respect for all life. As we elevate
our spiritual awareness of our connection, we must also take the fight
to the global corporate/governmental elites who support repression and
the destruction of the individual and community. There is nothing radical in this
notion. Rather it is fundamental to our survival as a species.-
Lowell Greenberg
The Global Economy
"...The idea of an economy based upon several kinds of ruin may seem a
contradiction in terms, but in fact such an economy is possible, as we
see. It is possible however, on one implacable condition: the
only future good that it assuredly leads to is that it will destroy
itself. And how does it disguise this outcome from its
subjects, its short-term beneficiaries, and its victims? It does so by
false accounting. It substitutes for the real economy, by which
we build and maintain (or do not maintain) our household, a symbolic
economy of money, which in the long run, because of the
self-interested manipulations of the "controlling interests," cannot
symbolize or account for anything but itself.And so we have
before us the spectacle of unprecedented "prosperity" and "economic
growth" in a land of degraded farms, forests, ecosystems, and
watersheds, polluted air, failing families, and perishing
communities."
"...In default of government protections against the total economy of
the supranational corporations, people are where they have been many
times before: in danger of losing their economic security and their
freedom, both at once. But at the same time the means of defending
themselves belongs to them in the form of a venerable principle:
powers not exercised by government return to the people. If the
government does not propose to protect the lives, livelihoods, and
freedoms of its people, then the people must think about protecting
themselves.- From,
"The Idea of a Local Economy," by Wendell Berry, Orion Magazine,
2002
Love is eternal.
Love is silence.
Always act from the heart.
Gentleness, Peace, Holiness and Light.
All creation is part of the tree of life.
Become dead to the world to be truly alive.
When free of all attachment, there will be compassion.
Knowledge and truth remain forever.
All is spirit. All is beautiful. Love all.
Dear Friends,
This letter is to wish all of
you a happy & prosperous new year. For me, this year has brought
many challenges & blessings. I have traveled to different parts of
the world, learned much and returned to understand that what is
simplest and gentlest is most true & profound.
May the spirits of the ancestors- past, present and future- all
creation- provide protection, blessing and love- and may each of
you remember who you are. Finally, may all mankind become blessed
with the gift of silent reflection, compassion and awareness, honoring the
great gift of creation and the
community of all life and spirit.
May we awaken to the sea of love that
immerses us- that engulfs us- removing fear from our lives and
seeking peace- peace within ourselves, peace in our families,
peace in our communities, peace within nations, peace in the
world- in the universe. May we understand and experience our true
selves and manifest in the world as beings of light and joy-
learning how to end suffering, heal the wounds we inflict on
ourselves and others and rediscovering our connection to all
spirit and love.
"The people who are aware of the domestic and
foreign crimes of state, and the incredible exploitive base
supporting the U.S. lifestyle, or the American Way Of Life (AWOL),
have special obligations, both under international and U.S.
domestic law, as well as conscience, to stimulate local, regional,
national and global debates about these life threatening,
unprecedented threats to justice and genuine democracy. This would
include articulating and experimenting with alternative economic
and political theories and practices."-
Brian
Willson, 2000
Pray for peace, calm and wisdom in the Middle
East- the averting war with
Iran.
The US and
Israeli plans
for a tactical nuclear or non-nuclear air strike against Iran
would be an unmitigated disaster for the United States, the
Middle East and the world. It will destroy the possibility
of peace in the Middle East for a quarter of a century or more It
will lead to a chain of events that will cause an untold loss of
life in and outside of the region. It will significantly increase
the likelihood of wars and attacks using WMD (Weapons of Mass
Destruction) in the region and throughout the world. It will
embolden the forces of fear and repression in the Middle East and
the Western democracies.
Pray and work in solidarity for the people of
Oaxaca, Mexico who are standing up to government
oppression and seeking the ouster of Governor Ulises Ruiz. Work
for the release of prisoners that are unjustly held. Pray for the
work of organizations such as the Popular Assembly of the Peoples
of Oaxaca (APPO), the Women's Commission (COMO) and CIPO (Council
of Indigenous People of Oaxaca). Pray that they remain non-violent
and that the cause of justice for the poor and indigenous people
become a rallying cry through out Mexico and the world.
Pray and work to end the fear and
exploitation of immigrants that sometimes is tantamount to
slave labor. Pray and work for immediate and
unconditional amnesty for immigrants and open borders for people
of all races and nations.
Pray and work for peace in
Tibet and the end of Chinese oppression and corruption.
Free the
San
Francisco 8and others the U.S. government is holding
illegally and unjustly.
Pray that
Troy Anthony Davis,
who may have been wrongly accused of murder, receives a new and
fair trial.
Pray that all peoples wake up to the threat
of global capitalism whose goal is to maximize the wealth and
power of its elites and destroy man's connection with spirit and
life. Pray that the environmental devastation and suffering they
wreak will end. Pray that together we end the global food crisis.
Referring to the Niger Delta in Nigeria,
Sandy Cioffi, film director of
Sweet
Crude writes:
"Here, citizens of an oil-rich nation struggle
to eat in a land that can no longer support them. The Delta’s
water and soil have been fouled by the same oil production that
accounts for more than 80 percent of the country’s revenue.
Traditional fishing and farming livelihoods are all but gone.
Potable drinking water is rare. So is electricity. With pitifully
few clinics and schools, curable conditions go untreated and
illiteracy is high. Families are broken up, as men die young or
take off for the cities to find jobs." See also:
Crude Times in the Niger Delta.
"...I would hope that the destructive results
of the civilized world would result in some relinquishment of
dominion and that those who destroy this way of life and continue
to forbid it could find reason to begin to allow those of us who
can to engage in a socio-environmental experiment to show once
again how I and others can be effective in enlivening the natural
world."- A letter
from Finisia Medrano in jail...to the Lemhi County Court.
All creation is sacred-
all creation is spirit, connected & part of the tree of life. We
are all one family. Respect and honor all
creation-Remember the wisdom of all creation. All is beautiful and
alive. Feel pain, but end suffering.
K'a te sankun koro
sium a ti tieru
ti kuti zumon
Ka ti tuon gnin a ti vla zie to to sao deu
May all ancestors
join force to wake up our spirit
and put good thoughts into our psyche.
Then we shall see the good that awaits us and accept it.-
Malidoma
Somé
Whether or not they know it, most of the world's
religions and philosophies start from the same point. Like spokes
emanating from a wheel's hub, they converge upon and diverge from a
common center.
That center is God or universal truth, compassion and wisdom.
Learn from all religions, all philosophies and use only one test- is the belief sincere,
does it bear good fruit and does it seem right, is it in accord with what is good and
just.
"i have had the gift of traveling death rows, prisons, and with
gang kids...the "imperfect ones", as well as with celebrities, CEOs and the
most revered, the "perfect ones"... on the outside. What *i* have learned is
that we are all one." Anonymous
"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us
with our fellow-men; along those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as
causes, and they come back to us as effects." Herman Melville
"To be religious is to be sensitive to reality. Your total being-
body, mind and heart, is sensitive to beauty and to ugliness, to the donkey tied to the
post, to the poverty and filth in this town, to laughter and tears, to everything about
you. From this sensitivity for the whole of existence springs goodness, love."Krishnamurti
"Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive
point of a whole which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the infinite
future." Maria Montessori
Only when it is as painful to inflict emotional or physical pain on
other living beings as it is on ourselves will we truly understand that all creation and
humanity are one and that there are consequences for every action, a reaction
for every action.
Man's greatest fear is a kind of existential terror- the fear of not
being- of being unable to control one's own life, one's thoughts, one's emotions, actions
and future. The ability to extend beyond ones self and find meaning in giving, a firm
belief in God, universal truths and/or the power of ones own humanity and the oneness of
humanity- to overcome the condition of isolation- is critical if this terror is to be
manageable and turned into a constructive life force.
"A human being is part of a whole, called by us the
"Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his
thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of
his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our
personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free
ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living
creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." -Albert Einstein
In myself I see a reflection of all humankind. I see the potentialities of all cultures
and norms of behavior within me. To the extent I see, or I should say feel, the human
capacity to be blind and indifferent, I feel the need to stay awake and alive The
realization that we are all part of one whole enlarges my compassion and hopefully my
ability to extend that compassion to my students.
Begun in 1996 as Cyberplanet for Renewal, then renamed
earthrenewal.org in 1999. Now with over
500,000
annual visitors
& links from over
7,000 sites.
SafeSurf rated.
Chris- as usual writes boldly and clearly and presents the dilemmas we face. The operative term however must be WE. When one has the insights that Chris has- however much truth resides there in- it is important not to descend into misanthropy. The earth- all life- including man derive from the same source. In many respects the earth gave birth to us. In nature- in life- in the universe we find boundless compassion. The true inner and essential nature of man has nothing to do with the societal destruction and suffering he co-creates. In truth- this time in history demands an evolution in consciousness- not something new- but a remembering and hearkening back to our true natures.
When I work on solving issues- as soon as I find one exception- one anomaly- I know whatever theory I constructed that does not incorporate that anomaly is flawed. Just as I cannot and do not ignore Chris's message- in fact I grapple with it every day- every minute of my existence- I cannot deny the existence of compassion and wisdom...and with compassion and wisdom there is hope. However, I must radically agree with Chris- there is no guarantee that our species will survive- or survive without a period of great and untold suffering and destruction.
It is more productive perhaps to think about process- how to create the societal structures- the ways of thinking and feeling that allow transformation. In life- when I want to overcome something- I do not focus exclusively on the the negative forces- instead I overwhelm them- rendering them impotent. Focusing on the negative confers a power to it that in the end only makes it stronger. However, becoming a pollyanna- an apologist or a hypocrite- are not options. Inaction- turning the cheek- are not options.
One more thing- openness and vulnerability- YES-..weakness- NO. Strength, commitment and purpose are essential. The doing is important- as soon as one acts- the entire matrix changes- new possibilities emerge that where not foreseen- fear is what dis-empowers and is the chief instrument of control.