You don't like it - you frown on it. Whenever it is mentioned, you have a visceral distaste. Many would say that you're unnecessarily critical of something that almost everyone finds useful, and that many people find essential. In fact, if it didn't exist, a lot of us wouldn't be here.
What am I talking about?
Sex?
Guns?
The answer is: both.
It seems that a lot of people have a very strong opposition to the idea of guns, or to the idea of sex, and tend to overlook situations where each could play a positive influence. There are a lot of people who take extreme positions against guns and against sex in both parties. It's time that we had a realistic, responsible, mature attitude about these things: as a country, we should realize that there are proper and safe ways to use and enjoy both items I have mentioned.
However, some folks are just doggedly determined to oppose both wherever they appear.
We don't need to abhor sex, or guns: we don't need to control them, we need to promote safe behaviors and encourage learning so that when people use these things, they'll know what they're doing.
For those who are reticent to approve of sex education: would you leave a loaded gun lying around your house, especially if you had children who knew nothing about firearms?
Of course not - that would be negligent.
Some people don't like guns - some people don't like sex very much, either. Fine. That's your personal preference, and you have the right as an American to have that preference. But don't impose your morality on me just because you are disgusted by other citizens' affinity for either quantity.
Our guiding principle should be that as long as the public safety and welfare is not infringed, individual liberty should be protected. That should be something to which everyone can consent.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
We Aren't Special
As members of humanity, as citizens of this planet, we really do need to just get over ourselves.
When Newt Gingrich proudly stands and says, "I am not a citizen of the world", what does he think he means?
Where was Newt's car manufactured? Where did his clothes come from? Where does his food come from? Where do his beliefs come from? Everything that makes Newt, Newt, is inextricably linked to all of the other human beings on this planet.
Each and every one of us is a citizen of this world.
We inhabit this fragile, precarious global civilization - our hopes, our dreams, and our futures are intermingled and intertwined, for better or worse, with all of the other frightened, nervous wrecks who call this planet Home.
What we do affects everyone - what everyone else does affects us.
Americans tend to be a lot like the famous character Alfred E. Newman who starred for so many years in the magazine Mad.
"What, me worry?"
I give President Bush credit for good things that he did - AIDS funding in Africa being a prime example.
But there are too many members of his party that just don't give a damn about what happens in other countries.
We have heard for the last eight years (ever since 9/11) how much of a threat Iran could be. Bush listed Iran as one of the three "Axis of Evil" nations along with Iraq and North Korea.
We have heard about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad since he became President of Iran four years ago. We have heard about his threats against Israel and his denial of the Holocaust. We have heard about his advocacy of programs to develop nuclear technology.
Recently, we heard about the upcoming elections in Iran, where Mousavi challenged Ahmadinejad. Then we heard the reports that Ahmadinejad had "won" re-election.
But what have we heard since?
American news coverage of the resultant protests in Iran has been curiously silent.
All we hear about is what may threaten us - but when the Iranian people stand up for themselves, we don't hear about it.
And why haven't we heard about it?
Could it be because too many Americans are not "citizens of the world" and that news networks believed that Americans wouldn't be interested in the story?
A definitive answer may not be forthcoming - but this is at least one example of how detached many Americans are from the events which transpire in other countries.
People call Americans arrogant. Maybe the shoe fits?
We could do better by asking the shoe thrower.
When Newt Gingrich proudly stands and says, "I am not a citizen of the world", what does he think he means?
Where was Newt's car manufactured? Where did his clothes come from? Where does his food come from? Where do his beliefs come from? Everything that makes Newt, Newt, is inextricably linked to all of the other human beings on this planet.
Each and every one of us is a citizen of this world.
We inhabit this fragile, precarious global civilization - our hopes, our dreams, and our futures are intermingled and intertwined, for better or worse, with all of the other frightened, nervous wrecks who call this planet Home.
What we do affects everyone - what everyone else does affects us.
Americans tend to be a lot like the famous character Alfred E. Newman who starred for so many years in the magazine Mad.
"What, me worry?"
I give President Bush credit for good things that he did - AIDS funding in Africa being a prime example.
But there are too many members of his party that just don't give a damn about what happens in other countries.
We have heard for the last eight years (ever since 9/11) how much of a threat Iran could be. Bush listed Iran as one of the three "Axis of Evil" nations along with Iraq and North Korea.
We have heard about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad since he became President of Iran four years ago. We have heard about his threats against Israel and his denial of the Holocaust. We have heard about his advocacy of programs to develop nuclear technology.
Recently, we heard about the upcoming elections in Iran, where Mousavi challenged Ahmadinejad. Then we heard the reports that Ahmadinejad had "won" re-election.
But what have we heard since?
American news coverage of the resultant protests in Iran has been curiously silent.
All we hear about is what may threaten us - but when the Iranian people stand up for themselves, we don't hear about it.
And why haven't we heard about it?
Could it be because too many Americans are not "citizens of the world" and that news networks believed that Americans wouldn't be interested in the story?
A definitive answer may not be forthcoming - but this is at least one example of how detached many Americans are from the events which transpire in other countries.
People call Americans arrogant. Maybe the shoe fits?
We could do better by asking the shoe thrower.
Strict Interpretation?
The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances"
The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States:
"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"
Is it curious that some argue that strict constructionism be applied in the interpretation of the First Amendment, but not for the Second Amendment? And is it not also curious that some argue that strict constructionism be applied to the interpretation of the Second Amendment, but not for the First Amendment?
The NRA would likely contend that the 2nd Amendment extends thoroughly to individual rights. Many gun control advocates reply that the Amendment is really meant just for the more limited sense of a "well regulated Militia".
Many conservatives have argued that the 1st Amendment is more limited - Congress is only prohibited from establishing any one kind of religion, not prevented from establishing religious influence in general. Yet many others would reply that the 1st Amendment is really meant to protect all other kinds of individual rights in a broader sense of application.
So, those who argue that the 2nd Amendment should be applied broadly to individual rights, but not the 1st Amendment, why so? Also, those who argue that the 1st Amendment should be applied broadly to individual rights, but not the 2nd Amendment, why so?
I am not declaring or asserting that it is impossible to make such a justification - I just find it rather curious to seize onto a strict constructionism in one instance and seemingly abandon the same stance in another comparable instance.
Above all, please show your work. Thank you!
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances"
The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States:
"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"
Is it curious that some argue that strict constructionism be applied in the interpretation of the First Amendment, but not for the Second Amendment? And is it not also curious that some argue that strict constructionism be applied to the interpretation of the Second Amendment, but not for the First Amendment?
The NRA would likely contend that the 2nd Amendment extends thoroughly to individual rights. Many gun control advocates reply that the Amendment is really meant just for the more limited sense of a "well regulated Militia".
Many conservatives have argued that the 1st Amendment is more limited - Congress is only prohibited from establishing any one kind of religion, not prevented from establishing religious influence in general. Yet many others would reply that the 1st Amendment is really meant to protect all other kinds of individual rights in a broader sense of application.
So, those who argue that the 2nd Amendment should be applied broadly to individual rights, but not the 1st Amendment, why so? Also, those who argue that the 1st Amendment should be applied broadly to individual rights, but not the 2nd Amendment, why so?
I am not declaring or asserting that it is impossible to make such a justification - I just find it rather curious to seize onto a strict constructionism in one instance and seemingly abandon the same stance in another comparable instance.
Above all, please show your work. Thank you!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
What Do We Want From Politicians?
I hope that this entry does not read as a rant, and that impression is not intended -- but if that is the impression that is perceived, please consider that I have given fair warning from the beginning.
What does American society demand from the individuals who aspire to hold the most powerful executive office in the country, the Presidency of the United States?
Many attributes are sought in a capable executive - as a leader of America's bureaucracy, as the commander of the military, and as the foremost of our diplomats, enormous levels of skill, experience, and ingenuity are required.
However, many Americans seem to care mainly about things which I charitably define as "extraneous".
No, I don't want a President I would feel comfortable having a beer with.
We admire Lincoln because of his sober decision-making. In fact, he was a teetotaler.
Not that there's anything wrong with drinking -- but there's nothing wrong with refrain or sober responsibility, either.
I find it absurd and insulting that candidates like Hillary Clinton felt that they had to drink shots with "the people" in places like Crown Point, Indiana so they could be perceived as a "regular gal" or a "regular guy".
There are rituals which candidates must undergo perpetually -- certain constituencies, more powerful than others, must be appeased. These shamans of popular faith control the bedrock values of our society...
But I'm not talking about Rick Warren. I'm talking about Ellen DeGeneres, I'm talking about Oprah, and I'm talking about Larry King.
If we focused more on the candidates' qualifications and less on their dancing skills, I think this would be a better country for all of us, propelled by a more informed and cautious citizenry.
Now, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with Ellen, or Oprah, or Larry King, or even Rick Warren, that is inherently bad.
I just believe that politics is not the ideal territory of popular culture - or maybe I just resent the dancing.
What does American society demand from the individuals who aspire to hold the most powerful executive office in the country, the Presidency of the United States?
Many attributes are sought in a capable executive - as a leader of America's bureaucracy, as the commander of the military, and as the foremost of our diplomats, enormous levels of skill, experience, and ingenuity are required.
However, many Americans seem to care mainly about things which I charitably define as "extraneous".
No, I don't want a President I would feel comfortable having a beer with.
We admire Lincoln because of his sober decision-making. In fact, he was a teetotaler.
Not that there's anything wrong with drinking -- but there's nothing wrong with refrain or sober responsibility, either.
I find it absurd and insulting that candidates like Hillary Clinton felt that they had to drink shots with "the people" in places like Crown Point, Indiana so they could be perceived as a "regular gal" or a "regular guy".
There are rituals which candidates must undergo perpetually -- certain constituencies, more powerful than others, must be appeased. These shamans of popular faith control the bedrock values of our society...
But I'm not talking about Rick Warren. I'm talking about Ellen DeGeneres, I'm talking about Oprah, and I'm talking about Larry King.
If we focused more on the candidates' qualifications and less on their dancing skills, I think this would be a better country for all of us, propelled by a more informed and cautious citizenry.
Now, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with Ellen, or Oprah, or Larry King, or even Rick Warren, that is inherently bad.
I just believe that politics is not the ideal territory of popular culture - or maybe I just resent the dancing.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Empathy for Conservatives/Our Shifting Moral Values
I have been thinking about the differences between how liberals and conservatives tend to perceive the world recently.
I have made a realization which has given me increased empathy for conservatives.
What will society be like in 100 years? 50 years? 20 years? What difficult and thorny ethical questions will arise due to new technology unveiled within the next few decades or centuries?
New advances in technology can be scary stuff, raising difficult ethical questions. I thought about how I would feel in a future society...how afraid I would be if I thought that the moral paradigm and the traditions of my society were eroding and deteriorating before my eyes.
And that is when a powerful observation struck me: this fear of erosion and deterioration may just be exactly how many conservatives feel today.
I now understand why people would be afraid of changes in society which could possibly be unnerving and apprehension-inducing.
The struggle that we all share is navigating a course between tradition and modernity. This, I believe, is the great moral struggle of every generation of humanity.
We have struggled to define our moral values in each civilization, in each society, and in each generation of human history. We witness this phenomena in the movement to end slavery, the 20th century civil rights movement, the gay rights movement, the controversy over abortion, the controversy over the death penalty (and which forms of execution are cruel or unusual and who should be executed or not), the struggle over gun control, the struggle over communism, the struggle over fascism, and the clash of other religious and political ideologies.
What is morality? What defines when an act is moral? Who defines it? Conservatives and liberals are largely answering the same questions -- they just tend to seek the answers in differing places.
We have a changing moral paradigm. Some people would deny this, but I contend that I have presented enough evidence to confirm this phenomenon's occurrence.
Conservatives and liberals tend to argue over which course to follow on the continually revising moral paradigms of human history. Conservatives seem to be largely guided by "tradition"; liberals seem to be largely guided by "modernity". Neither of these concepts is particularly well-defined; both seem quite nebulous. Neither concept seems to be a clear or resolute guide for future action; neither concept is fully coherent. Both ideas seem equally capable of badly misleading our decision-making. I do believe that over-adherence to either idea will produce disaster.
What is tradition? Yes, we learn from our mistakes, and we have derived ideas and beliefs to help us avoid them. I admire conservatism for trying to preserve our heritage of knowledge and experience and hedging against futile attempts to subvert our best practices. However, since our environment is continually shifting and evolving, there are many occasions where we find ourselves in need of new and inventive approaches for a changing world. I admire liberalism because I believe this way of thinking provides the capability to arrive at such bold solutions.
I must admit, conservatism is awfully appealing to me at times. I like the notion of sticking with tested and broken-in ideas over radical departures from known strategies. I am an incremental thinker; I have never been good at "out-of-the-box" thinking. When I make decisions, I try to build upon the best information that I have. Before I will try a new approach, I tend to re-try older approaches first to see if they work better. I tend to avoid risk in my personal life.
So why am I more liberal than conservative? I don't know for sure. Perhaps it is a function of when I grew into politics. I believe in change. I believe that we have adhered too much to tradition, and that we need new ways of thinking. The way we treat the environment, the way we treat minorities and the poor, the way we treat foreigners, the way we treat homosexuals -- the traditional approaches are not good enough for me. I want to go in another direction.
I have empathy for conservatives, but it has been apparent to me for many years that our country needs to travel in another direction. There are many policies which the Democrats espouse about which I am either ambivalent or with which I disagree. I do not know whether Obama's economic policies are sound. I am, as I have been for most of my life, largely ambivalent about the abortion debate, embracing neither the strong pro-choice nor the strong pro-life position. I wish that the Democrats would move faster and more radically on healthcare and gay rights.
The battles of the future will define and guide our moral values, just as they have in the past. I eagerly await further full and vigorous participation in the debates to come.
I have made a realization which has given me increased empathy for conservatives.
What will society be like in 100 years? 50 years? 20 years? What difficult and thorny ethical questions will arise due to new technology unveiled within the next few decades or centuries?
New advances in technology can be scary stuff, raising difficult ethical questions. I thought about how I would feel in a future society...how afraid I would be if I thought that the moral paradigm and the traditions of my society were eroding and deteriorating before my eyes.
And that is when a powerful observation struck me: this fear of erosion and deterioration may just be exactly how many conservatives feel today.
I now understand why people would be afraid of changes in society which could possibly be unnerving and apprehension-inducing.
The struggle that we all share is navigating a course between tradition and modernity. This, I believe, is the great moral struggle of every generation of humanity.
We have struggled to define our moral values in each civilization, in each society, and in each generation of human history. We witness this phenomena in the movement to end slavery, the 20th century civil rights movement, the gay rights movement, the controversy over abortion, the controversy over the death penalty (and which forms of execution are cruel or unusual and who should be executed or not), the struggle over gun control, the struggle over communism, the struggle over fascism, and the clash of other religious and political ideologies.
What is morality? What defines when an act is moral? Who defines it? Conservatives and liberals are largely answering the same questions -- they just tend to seek the answers in differing places.
We have a changing moral paradigm. Some people would deny this, but I contend that I have presented enough evidence to confirm this phenomenon's occurrence.
Conservatives and liberals tend to argue over which course to follow on the continually revising moral paradigms of human history. Conservatives seem to be largely guided by "tradition"; liberals seem to be largely guided by "modernity". Neither of these concepts is particularly well-defined; both seem quite nebulous. Neither concept seems to be a clear or resolute guide for future action; neither concept is fully coherent. Both ideas seem equally capable of badly misleading our decision-making. I do believe that over-adherence to either idea will produce disaster.
What is tradition? Yes, we learn from our mistakes, and we have derived ideas and beliefs to help us avoid them. I admire conservatism for trying to preserve our heritage of knowledge and experience and hedging against futile attempts to subvert our best practices. However, since our environment is continually shifting and evolving, there are many occasions where we find ourselves in need of new and inventive approaches for a changing world. I admire liberalism because I believe this way of thinking provides the capability to arrive at such bold solutions.
I must admit, conservatism is awfully appealing to me at times. I like the notion of sticking with tested and broken-in ideas over radical departures from known strategies. I am an incremental thinker; I have never been good at "out-of-the-box" thinking. When I make decisions, I try to build upon the best information that I have. Before I will try a new approach, I tend to re-try older approaches first to see if they work better. I tend to avoid risk in my personal life.
So why am I more liberal than conservative? I don't know for sure. Perhaps it is a function of when I grew into politics. I believe in change. I believe that we have adhered too much to tradition, and that we need new ways of thinking. The way we treat the environment, the way we treat minorities and the poor, the way we treat foreigners, the way we treat homosexuals -- the traditional approaches are not good enough for me. I want to go in another direction.
I have empathy for conservatives, but it has been apparent to me for many years that our country needs to travel in another direction. There are many policies which the Democrats espouse about which I am either ambivalent or with which I disagree. I do not know whether Obama's economic policies are sound. I am, as I have been for most of my life, largely ambivalent about the abortion debate, embracing neither the strong pro-choice nor the strong pro-life position. I wish that the Democrats would move faster and more radically on healthcare and gay rights.
The battles of the future will define and guide our moral values, just as they have in the past. I eagerly await further full and vigorous participation in the debates to come.
Monday, May 25, 2009
On Perpetual Fear
I have been pondering human emotion lately. I think the main two emotions which predominantly motivate humans are fear and lust.
I am thankful for both. If not for the intervention of these two things, I may not exist.
However, it seems apparent to me that our society relies too much upon fear.
When people who are afraid, follow those who wield fear, and use fear to convince others to join them, then I also become afraid.
No one should have to live in perpetual fear.
Society generally expects parents to be loving to their children. I agree that a moderate dose of respect for parents and authority figures, which could be also called fear, is healthy. However, if I only do something because I fear someone, then I believe that I am acting for the wrong reasons. If parents create an environment where their children are perpetually terrified of them, then most authorities would label that to be psychological child abuse.
No one should live in perpetual fear.
We inhabit a vast, exciting world with a multitude of opportunities and diversions. As an American, I am fortunate to live in a country where I have the opportunities and rights to pursue my ambitions and goals...I am thankful for the commitments of those who have sacrificed on this Memorial Day holiday. I am thankful to those who sacrificed so that I would not have to live in perpetual fear of an earthly dictator.
What a strange and terrifying, but eerily wonderful world we inhabit.
I am thankful for both. If not for the intervention of these two things, I may not exist.
However, it seems apparent to me that our society relies too much upon fear.
When people who are afraid, follow those who wield fear, and use fear to convince others to join them, then I also become afraid.
No one should have to live in perpetual fear.
Society generally expects parents to be loving to their children. I agree that a moderate dose of respect for parents and authority figures, which could be also called fear, is healthy. However, if I only do something because I fear someone, then I believe that I am acting for the wrong reasons. If parents create an environment where their children are perpetually terrified of them, then most authorities would label that to be psychological child abuse.
No one should live in perpetual fear.
We inhabit a vast, exciting world with a multitude of opportunities and diversions. As an American, I am fortunate to live in a country where I have the opportunities and rights to pursue my ambitions and goals...I am thankful for the commitments of those who have sacrificed on this Memorial Day holiday. I am thankful to those who sacrificed so that I would not have to live in perpetual fear of an earthly dictator.
What a strange and terrifying, but eerily wonderful world we inhabit.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Michael Steele is Not Very Bright
Current National Chairman of the Republican Party, Michael Steele, threated Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter after he voted for the stimulus funding a few months ago.
Steele tried to warn Specter that the party would withdraw support from Specter if he did not tow the party line. Insurgent conservative candidate Pat Toomey threatened to unseat Specter in the Republican primary in 2010.
Now Arlen Specter is a Democrat!
Steele's cajoling has backfired. Terribly.
I am reviving this blog (for now) to state for the record just how amazed I am at the sheer incompetency of Michael Steele and his organization.
Thanks for the filibuster-busting 60th vote in the Senate, man! We Democrats really appreciate the help!
Steele tried to warn Specter that the party would withdraw support from Specter if he did not tow the party line. Insurgent conservative candidate Pat Toomey threatened to unseat Specter in the Republican primary in 2010.
Now Arlen Specter is a Democrat!
Steele's cajoling has backfired. Terribly.
I am reviving this blog (for now) to state for the record just how amazed I am at the sheer incompetency of Michael Steele and his organization.
Thanks for the filibuster-busting 60th vote in the Senate, man! We Democrats really appreciate the help!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
See's Candies
My friend S. says that our room looks like California in the early evenings.
My college roommate is from California. "No Cal" as he jokingly refers to Northern California.
Sometime ago, (as many college students do), he received a care package from home. It contained a variety of snacks and other edible goodies.
One of the items which he received was a small rectangular box of See's Candies. I'd never sampled See's Candies before, but the name resonated in the corners of my mind.
I used to listen religously to a jazz music program ("Riverwalk jazz, live from the landing) on public radio that was sponsored by "See's Old Time Candies". I remembered the name of the sponsor because it seemed so quaint and unusual -- almost like something to which Garrison Keillor would compose a satiric ode as an inspirational sales pitch. So it was a bit of a shock to sample the real thing.
I am writing this entry at the same time I used to listen to Riverwalk jazz -- the hour of ten o'clock in the evenings on Saturday nights. It seemed like an unusually late hour around the age of twelve when I started listening to Riverwalk. I almost never missed an episode until I was fifteen and I discovered Saturday Night Live. (Shame on you, Lorne Michaels -- it's not even that good of a show anymore; it wasn't good then, either.)
It's intriguing to think about the past, to delve into our previous experiences. Just one simple token can remind us all of a whirl of old emotions, experiences, and memories.
To paraphrase Forrest Gump's infamous conclusion:
"Life: sometimes I remember it by a box of chocolates."
My college roommate is from California. "No Cal" as he jokingly refers to Northern California.
Sometime ago, (as many college students do), he received a care package from home. It contained a variety of snacks and other edible goodies.
One of the items which he received was a small rectangular box of See's Candies. I'd never sampled See's Candies before, but the name resonated in the corners of my mind.
I used to listen religously to a jazz music program ("Riverwalk jazz, live from the landing) on public radio that was sponsored by "See's Old Time Candies". I remembered the name of the sponsor because it seemed so quaint and unusual -- almost like something to which Garrison Keillor would compose a satiric ode as an inspirational sales pitch. So it was a bit of a shock to sample the real thing.
I am writing this entry at the same time I used to listen to Riverwalk jazz -- the hour of ten o'clock in the evenings on Saturday nights. It seemed like an unusually late hour around the age of twelve when I started listening to Riverwalk. I almost never missed an episode until I was fifteen and I discovered Saturday Night Live. (Shame on you, Lorne Michaels -- it's not even that good of a show anymore; it wasn't good then, either.)
It's intriguing to think about the past, to delve into our previous experiences. Just one simple token can remind us all of a whirl of old emotions, experiences, and memories.
To paraphrase Forrest Gump's infamous conclusion:
"Life: sometimes I remember it by a box of chocolates."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Happiness: Filling the Void
What makes us happy?
I've seen an interesting theory on happiness recently.
Someone said that all human beings have a void inside of us. We need to fill this void, and if we don't, our sense of purpose and our sense of meaning will atrophy. We fill it with work, we fill it with family, we fill it with music, we fill it with causes, we fill it work consumerism, and all kinds of other things, both tangible and intangible.
Some people say it's a bad thing that we have this void, but I disagree. I believe that our void motivates us. As a common proverb says, hunger is often the best seasoning.
What makes each of you happy? Do you believe that this "void" theory makes any sense? How do you fill your void?
Thanks for sharing your opinions.
I've seen an interesting theory on happiness recently.
Someone said that all human beings have a void inside of us. We need to fill this void, and if we don't, our sense of purpose and our sense of meaning will atrophy. We fill it with work, we fill it with family, we fill it with music, we fill it with causes, we fill it work consumerism, and all kinds of other things, both tangible and intangible.
Some people say it's a bad thing that we have this void, but I disagree. I believe that our void motivates us. As a common proverb says, hunger is often the best seasoning.
What makes each of you happy? Do you believe that this "void" theory makes any sense? How do you fill your void?
Thanks for sharing your opinions.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Economic Crisis?
Hello, followers and friends.
I apologize for not updating this blog for the last several months. I have been extremely busy in my personal life. I will try to post here semi-regularly again, but I can make no promises.
So what's brought me back here again?
It's the economy, stupid.
I'm afraid that our economy is a disaster.
Will the stimulus/bailout packages work? Can the government be the solution? I don't know, but I do have my doubts.
What ails our economy?
We have too much debt, individually and collectively. We're broke. The United States is broke.
So what do we do? We keep spending and spending and spending...but we're still broke.
When FDR launched his New Deal programs, the United States of America was a creditor nation. Now we are a debtor nation. We just don't have the same leverage anymore that we once did. Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, and India essentially own us right now.
So we keep spending more money...that we don't possess. When you're in a hole, isn't it generally a good idea to first stop digging?
I recommend that we cut the size of government. I recommend that we quit bailing out failed institutions. It is a painful remedy indeed but I see no valid alternative.
The solution to our debt problem is more savings and more production, and less consumption. Of course this is going to make the recession worse. But our current course of action is going to make the recession even worse in the long run. By continually spending money that we don't have, we compound the damage which has already occurred. We must stop.
I'm afraid that we'll have to let this recession continue...because there's nothing we can do to stop it.
I apologize for not updating this blog for the last several months. I have been extremely busy in my personal life. I will try to post here semi-regularly again, but I can make no promises.
So what's brought me back here again?
It's the economy, stupid.
I'm afraid that our economy is a disaster.
Will the stimulus/bailout packages work? Can the government be the solution? I don't know, but I do have my doubts.
What ails our economy?
We have too much debt, individually and collectively. We're broke. The United States is broke.
So what do we do? We keep spending and spending and spending...but we're still broke.
When FDR launched his New Deal programs, the United States of America was a creditor nation. Now we are a debtor nation. We just don't have the same leverage anymore that we once did. Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, and India essentially own us right now.
So we keep spending more money...that we don't possess. When you're in a hole, isn't it generally a good idea to first stop digging?
I recommend that we cut the size of government. I recommend that we quit bailing out failed institutions. It is a painful remedy indeed but I see no valid alternative.
The solution to our debt problem is more savings and more production, and less consumption. Of course this is going to make the recession worse. But our current course of action is going to make the recession even worse in the long run. By continually spending money that we don't have, we compound the damage which has already occurred. We must stop.
I'm afraid that we'll have to let this recession continue...because there's nothing we can do to stop it.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Plumbers Never Come on Time
Apparently Sen. John McCain threw a rally and Joe the Plumber forgot to show up.
That makes sense, since he also forgot to pay his taxes, or become an actual licensed plumber.
Three more days...make sure you vote for Obama/Biden '08.
End the pathetic incompetance and misguidedness of the last eight years.
That's all for my end.
Now go do your thing -- VOTE!
That makes sense, since he also forgot to pay his taxes, or become an actual licensed plumber.
Three more days...make sure you vote for Obama/Biden '08.
End the pathetic incompetance and misguidedness of the last eight years.
That's all for my end.
Now go do your thing -- VOTE!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Joe the Plumber
Need I say more?
He is clearly the next Bruce Lee of the plumbing industry.
I mean, really, how does it feel right now to be..."Joe the Plumber"?
It can't possibly be as bad as having to be "Joe Sixpack"...but at least "Joe the Plumber" is a real person. I'm glad there's no such person alive to be Joe Sixpack...bearing the stigma from Palin's association would be a terrible ordeal.
See, Gov. Palin doesn't even represent real people. As in, actual people who exist.
She just makes up make-believe people. No wonder she's out of touch.
But John McCain, Sen. McCain, he cares about real people.
People like...Bill Ayers. Sen. McCain cares a lot about Bill Ayers. He talks about him all the time. Well, actually, McCain just said not so politely in this debate that he doesn't care for Ayers. Well, so much for that.
McCain cares about people like...Jeremiah Wright. Well, at least his supporters seem to. They've kept mentioning him over and over again.
McCain cares for people like...Cindy McCain. Right?
If he is elected, no matter how low his approval ratings may fall, he'll always have the support of his wife.
Then again I imagine, Laura Bush has already asked her husband President Bush if he could please come up with some new kind of coherent plan for alternative energy. She said, "I know you love to clear brush for use as a domestic energy source in Crawford, but I'd rather have you stick around the house and stay out of trouble."
Oh, and I believe that fictional exchange between George and Laura is a paraphrase of Calvin Trillin. I keep thinking that I may have seen some kind of joke that resembled this before.
He is clearly the next Bruce Lee of the plumbing industry.
I mean, really, how does it feel right now to be..."Joe the Plumber"?
It can't possibly be as bad as having to be "Joe Sixpack"...but at least "Joe the Plumber" is a real person. I'm glad there's no such person alive to be Joe Sixpack...bearing the stigma from Palin's association would be a terrible ordeal.
See, Gov. Palin doesn't even represent real people. As in, actual people who exist.
She just makes up make-believe people. No wonder she's out of touch.
But John McCain, Sen. McCain, he cares about real people.
People like...Bill Ayers. Sen. McCain cares a lot about Bill Ayers. He talks about him all the time. Well, actually, McCain just said not so politely in this debate that he doesn't care for Ayers. Well, so much for that.
McCain cares about people like...Jeremiah Wright. Well, at least his supporters seem to. They've kept mentioning him over and over again.
McCain cares for people like...Cindy McCain. Right?
If he is elected, no matter how low his approval ratings may fall, he'll always have the support of his wife.
Then again I imagine, Laura Bush has already asked her husband President Bush if he could please come up with some new kind of coherent plan for alternative energy. She said, "I know you love to clear brush for use as a domestic energy source in Crawford, but I'd rather have you stick around the house and stay out of trouble."
Oh, and I believe that fictional exchange between George and Laura is a paraphrase of Calvin Trillin. I keep thinking that I may have seen some kind of joke that resembled this before.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A Return to (or Revenge of) the Internets!
I am back to writing my blog again after a brief hiatus. I want to thank everyone who has been patiently awaiting new entries. I want to assure you that more material will shortly be forthcoming.
Right now I am listening to the song "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield. A classic: a beautiful song with meaningful lyrics.
"There's something happenin' here.
What it is, ain't exactly clear.
There's a man with a gun over there.
Tellin' me, I got to beware.
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
There's battle lines bein' drawn.
Nobody's right, if everybody's wrong.
Young people speakin' their minds.
Gettin' so much resistance, from behind...
It's time we stop, children, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
What a field day for the heat.
A thousand people in the street.
Singin' songs, and a-carryin' signs:
Mostly say, Hoo-ray for our side.
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
Paranoia strikes deep.
Into your life it will creep.
It starts when you're always afraid.
Step outta line, the man come and take you away.
We better stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
(repeat chorus)....."
Absolutely brilliant song.
-- On an unrelated note, has anyone seen Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) lately? Don't look for him in Michigan.
Yes, the Republican Party still has a candidate running in the race for President. Despite an ever-widening margin for Democratic candidate Barack Obama in key toss-up states causing them to lean in his favor, and an ever narrowing margin in many Republican states causing them to become toss-ups, McCain is continuing his negative, unsubstantive, counterproductive character attacks. And his Vice Presidential candidate is still Gov. Sarah Palin? Really? And he expects us to take him seriously?
Did any of you see the last Presidential debate? Sen. McCain seems to have enmeshed himself in a profound state of confusion. He's trying to be humorous, and failing remarkedly at this task. Fail.
Personally, I believe Tom Brokaw would be a tremendously able Secretary of the Treasury. At one point, Brokaw asked McCain whom he would appoint to the office, and McCain blurted out the response, "Not you, Tom." That's no way to treat an old friend. Kudos to Brokaw: he conducted an impartial debate even though he is friends with Sen. McCain. Yes, and many of you didn't hear about this. But we really shouldn't have. It's a ridiculous action for either candidate to ever complain about the format or the moderator of a debate, because these things are negotiated by the candidates themselves. They only have themselves to blame.
Right now I am listening to the song "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield. A classic: a beautiful song with meaningful lyrics.
"There's something happenin' here.
What it is, ain't exactly clear.
There's a man with a gun over there.
Tellin' me, I got to beware.
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
There's battle lines bein' drawn.
Nobody's right, if everybody's wrong.
Young people speakin' their minds.
Gettin' so much resistance, from behind...
It's time we stop, children, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
What a field day for the heat.
A thousand people in the street.
Singin' songs, and a-carryin' signs:
Mostly say, Hoo-ray for our side.
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
Paranoia strikes deep.
Into your life it will creep.
It starts when you're always afraid.
Step outta line, the man come and take you away.
We better stop, hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's goin' down.
(repeat chorus)....."
Absolutely brilliant song.
-- On an unrelated note, has anyone seen Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) lately? Don't look for him in Michigan.
Yes, the Republican Party still has a candidate running in the race for President. Despite an ever-widening margin for Democratic candidate Barack Obama in key toss-up states causing them to lean in his favor, and an ever narrowing margin in many Republican states causing them to become toss-ups, McCain is continuing his negative, unsubstantive, counterproductive character attacks. And his Vice Presidential candidate is still Gov. Sarah Palin? Really? And he expects us to take him seriously?
Did any of you see the last Presidential debate? Sen. McCain seems to have enmeshed himself in a profound state of confusion. He's trying to be humorous, and failing remarkedly at this task. Fail.
Personally, I believe Tom Brokaw would be a tremendously able Secretary of the Treasury. At one point, Brokaw asked McCain whom he would appoint to the office, and McCain blurted out the response, "Not you, Tom." That's no way to treat an old friend. Kudos to Brokaw: he conducted an impartial debate even though he is friends with Sen. McCain. Yes, and many of you didn't hear about this. But we really shouldn't have. It's a ridiculous action for either candidate to ever complain about the format or the moderator of a debate, because these things are negotiated by the candidates themselves. They only have themselves to blame.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Exodus from Wall Street?
As a distraction from the current hemorrhages on Wall Street, here are my thoughts on the song "Exodus" by Bob Marley.
**The instrumental introduction at the beginning of the song is one of the song's best parts, but obviously I'm going to do a poor job of describing it here, so I'll just skip that part.
"Men and people will fight you down"
As long as self-interest to be protected has existed, various kinds of oppressors have flourished. Whether it be religious oppression, political oppression, social oppression, economic oppression: oppression has been a dominant theme of human history. We have all sought an escape from some form at oppression at a specific time in our lives, even if we sought refuge from a mere kindergarten bully. It's important to stand up for ourselves: to stand up for what we believe, what we value, what we cherish.
"Let me tell you, if you're not wrong...then everything is alright"
If you firmly uphold a set of convictions, you can resist oppression. If what you believe is worth holding your ground for, then even if all kinds of trouble befalls you, you can take satisfaction in knowing that you are ultimately in the right on the matter. If you have some reaffirming principle, you can take courage in your beliefs and use them as an anchor to keep yourself steady during ordeals which you may face.
"So we gonna walk...alright...through the roads of creation"
No matter who we are or what we believe, we all walk through the same planet. We all inhabit the same world. We all enjoy this creation, regardless of creed or race or any other consideration.
"We the generation"
Each generation has its own responsibility to improve the world that has been passed to it. Each has a special dictate to fulfill its duty to create a better world. We have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions, because we're the only people we've got, and this is the only world we have.
"Trod through great tribulation"
All of us deal with great stresses and disturbances during our lives. Some of us are surrounded by extreme violence, sadly, through circumstance and events beyond our control.
"Open your eyes"
What kind of life is this for us if we refuse to acknowledge what's going on all around us? We can't live with blinders. It paralyzes us. When we examine our lives, we see both great wonders and great tragedies. Enormous responsibility lies with those who are the most knowledgable about our world. For having once opened our eyes to the world, closing our mind at the same time is a most dangerous step. We cannot learn new knowledge in one area of life and unlearn it in yet another area.
"And look within"
As we move through this world, interact with other people in our lives, it is essential that we learn something about ourselves in the process, or we are moving blindly. Who are we? It is a fundamental question posed to us by our very existence as people. So why not take some time to look inwards? It might help us understand how those around us act; it might help us turn outwards, and empathize. If we can understand at least one human being, that is, our own person, then we have a much improved chance for understanding other ones.
"Are you satisfied (with the life you're living?)"
Are you? I'll let Bob Marley ask this one. Because if you're not, then you really need to start doing something about it.
"We know where we're going; we know where we're from"
Unless we truly appreciate our background, we cannot appreciate our future. But I discussed this quite a bit in my last post. But it's great to have tradition, and connections to a larger community. Not all of us have that. And most of don't know where we're going. I don't.
**The instrumental introduction at the beginning of the song is one of the song's best parts, but obviously I'm going to do a poor job of describing it here, so I'll just skip that part.
"Men and people will fight you down"
As long as self-interest to be protected has existed, various kinds of oppressors have flourished. Whether it be religious oppression, political oppression, social oppression, economic oppression: oppression has been a dominant theme of human history. We have all sought an escape from some form at oppression at a specific time in our lives, even if we sought refuge from a mere kindergarten bully. It's important to stand up for ourselves: to stand up for what we believe, what we value, what we cherish.
"Let me tell you, if you're not wrong...then everything is alright"
If you firmly uphold a set of convictions, you can resist oppression. If what you believe is worth holding your ground for, then even if all kinds of trouble befalls you, you can take satisfaction in knowing that you are ultimately in the right on the matter. If you have some reaffirming principle, you can take courage in your beliefs and use them as an anchor to keep yourself steady during ordeals which you may face.
"So we gonna walk...alright...through the roads of creation"
No matter who we are or what we believe, we all walk through the same planet. We all inhabit the same world. We all enjoy this creation, regardless of creed or race or any other consideration.
"We the generation"
Each generation has its own responsibility to improve the world that has been passed to it. Each has a special dictate to fulfill its duty to create a better world. We have to hold ourselves accountable for our actions, because we're the only people we've got, and this is the only world we have.
"Trod through great tribulation"
All of us deal with great stresses and disturbances during our lives. Some of us are surrounded by extreme violence, sadly, through circumstance and events beyond our control.
"Open your eyes"
What kind of life is this for us if we refuse to acknowledge what's going on all around us? We can't live with blinders. It paralyzes us. When we examine our lives, we see both great wonders and great tragedies. Enormous responsibility lies with those who are the most knowledgable about our world. For having once opened our eyes to the world, closing our mind at the same time is a most dangerous step. We cannot learn new knowledge in one area of life and unlearn it in yet another area.
"And look within"
As we move through this world, interact with other people in our lives, it is essential that we learn something about ourselves in the process, or we are moving blindly. Who are we? It is a fundamental question posed to us by our very existence as people. So why not take some time to look inwards? It might help us understand how those around us act; it might help us turn outwards, and empathize. If we can understand at least one human being, that is, our own person, then we have a much improved chance for understanding other ones.
"Are you satisfied (with the life you're living?)"
Are you? I'll let Bob Marley ask this one. Because if you're not, then you really need to start doing something about it.
"We know where we're going; we know where we're from"
Unless we truly appreciate our background, we cannot appreciate our future. But I discussed this quite a bit in my last post. But it's great to have tradition, and connections to a larger community. Not all of us have that. And most of don't know where we're going. I don't.
New Format: Marley All the Time (just kidding)
This blog is going to a new format.
My first entry under the new format:
Why Bob Marley Is Really Phenomenal
Listen to the song "No Woman No Cry".
Actually, here are some lyrics:
"I remember, when we used to sit..."
Already, he's talking about the urge for community that we all share. Think back to your earliest memories, to your family gatherings. Hopefully you have these memories: everyone is sitting together, sharing, gathering, being together in one another's presence.
"Good friends we've got and good friends we've lost, along the way"
How we can ever appreciate what we have if isn't for our friends? We need people to share our disappointments with, people to share our problems with, people to talk to when we are depressed. Just as importantly, we need people to rejoice with, people to laugh with, people who share in our successes and desire for us something better even than what we desire for ourselves. This is what love is.
"In this great future, you can't forget your past"
No, we can never forget all of the things that have shaped us as individuals, or as societies. Every time a person comes into our lives, we shape, and are shaped, by that person. Each of us has a profound impact on every other one of us. We are all fundamentally interdependent. And this is true not only for us, but it's also true for the events in which we participate during our lives. Each event is interdependent; it has a cause, and it will be a cause of some other events in turn. We really cannot afford to forget our past.
And pleasant memories make a sad present bearable; sad memories make a pleasant future all that much sweeter to enjoy. We are bound to remember the people who have brought us to where we are, for no one can ever get anywhere alone in this world. We have to remember who we are, so we can be happy. For how we can fulfill ourselves as individuals if we don't even know who we are, or where we come from? For where we come from is so essential to building us just as we are. That's why Marley's nailed this point.
"So dry your tears, I say"
Crying is good. It is good for us; it is a good way to heal; it is a good way to show how we care, to empathize with others who we love and care for. I've cried before, more than a few times. And there's nothing wrong it.
But we can't just be sad all the time. We have to live. Sometimes we have to fight to live. Sometimes we have to hold onto all of what we have just to get by, just to stay together. But there are always things we should do. There are always thing to be done. We have to live life.
"Then we would cook oatmeal porridge, of which I'll share with you"
Again, another reference to community. And there are few things in life more communal than eating. How do you feel when you eat alone? How do you feel when you eat with other people? As long as we have existed, we have eaten together. This underscores that we all do have something in common, really. We all need nourishment. We all eat. Food is a common denominator we all share.
"My feet is my only carriage, so I've got to push on through. But while I'm gone, I mean, everything's gonna be alright"
Wow, this is a pretty substantial thought. One of my favorite song lyrics of all time. To address this section properly, I'll have to address it as a whole.
I think what Bob Marley's saying, is that he is his own support, and that he is using what he does have to the best of his ability. He only has his feet to walk with. He's making a statement about trying to live with the abilities given to us as people. Some of us are better at some things than others are. Given what we have, we have to keep going regardless of circumstance. And pushing him along, in this journey, is a strong sense of optimism. Things are going to turn out well. Things are going to get better. It's a powerful statement on how to live one's life. The whole song really comes down to this section. It's an amazing message: a resounding message of perseverance, optimism and determination.
***Note: If any of you want me to, I can tell you how I feel about Marley's song "Exodus", which is another meaningful song to me, another one of my favorites from his work.
My first entry under the new format:
Why Bob Marley Is Really Phenomenal
Listen to the song "No Woman No Cry".
Actually, here are some lyrics:
"I remember, when we used to sit..."
Already, he's talking about the urge for community that we all share. Think back to your earliest memories, to your family gatherings. Hopefully you have these memories: everyone is sitting together, sharing, gathering, being together in one another's presence.
"Good friends we've got and good friends we've lost, along the way"
How we can ever appreciate what we have if isn't for our friends? We need people to share our disappointments with, people to share our problems with, people to talk to when we are depressed. Just as importantly, we need people to rejoice with, people to laugh with, people who share in our successes and desire for us something better even than what we desire for ourselves. This is what love is.
"In this great future, you can't forget your past"
No, we can never forget all of the things that have shaped us as individuals, or as societies. Every time a person comes into our lives, we shape, and are shaped, by that person. Each of us has a profound impact on every other one of us. We are all fundamentally interdependent. And this is true not only for us, but it's also true for the events in which we participate during our lives. Each event is interdependent; it has a cause, and it will be a cause of some other events in turn. We really cannot afford to forget our past.
And pleasant memories make a sad present bearable; sad memories make a pleasant future all that much sweeter to enjoy. We are bound to remember the people who have brought us to where we are, for no one can ever get anywhere alone in this world. We have to remember who we are, so we can be happy. For how we can fulfill ourselves as individuals if we don't even know who we are, or where we come from? For where we come from is so essential to building us just as we are. That's why Marley's nailed this point.
"So dry your tears, I say"
Crying is good. It is good for us; it is a good way to heal; it is a good way to show how we care, to empathize with others who we love and care for. I've cried before, more than a few times. And there's nothing wrong it.
But we can't just be sad all the time. We have to live. Sometimes we have to fight to live. Sometimes we have to hold onto all of what we have just to get by, just to stay together. But there are always things we should do. There are always thing to be done. We have to live life.
"Then we would cook oatmeal porridge, of which I'll share with you"
Again, another reference to community. And there are few things in life more communal than eating. How do you feel when you eat alone? How do you feel when you eat with other people? As long as we have existed, we have eaten together. This underscores that we all do have something in common, really. We all need nourishment. We all eat. Food is a common denominator we all share.
"My feet is my only carriage, so I've got to push on through. But while I'm gone, I mean, everything's gonna be alright"
Wow, this is a pretty substantial thought. One of my favorite song lyrics of all time. To address this section properly, I'll have to address it as a whole.
I think what Bob Marley's saying, is that he is his own support, and that he is using what he does have to the best of his ability. He only has his feet to walk with. He's making a statement about trying to live with the abilities given to us as people. Some of us are better at some things than others are. Given what we have, we have to keep going regardless of circumstance. And pushing him along, in this journey, is a strong sense of optimism. Things are going to turn out well. Things are going to get better. It's a powerful statement on how to live one's life. The whole song really comes down to this section. It's an amazing message: a resounding message of perseverance, optimism and determination.
***Note: If any of you want me to, I can tell you how I feel about Marley's song "Exodus", which is another meaningful song to me, another one of my favorites from his work.
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