We know that individual people can and do get sick, and die, and we tend to assume the same thing about civilization, although observing it and proving it and seeing it are more difficult when considering whole civilizations. We tend to think that the Roman empire ceased to exist, although actually it evolved into something else. WE say that the Mayan civilization "ceased to exist", though for all we know there are some Mayan descendents running around somewhere today. Native American civilization still exists, sorta.
At least we can agree that civilizations, countries,can and do undergo great changes over time, some of which, but not all of which, are beneficial. Is the "America" of today better or preferrable in any way to the "America" of 500 years ago? That's a matter of opinion. But it is certain that the current U.S.A. came into existence only with the essential destruction of an existing civilization.
What might eventually come to replace the United States of America, and all the other countries of our current global civilization? Too soon to tell.
But one thing is certain; countries and civilizations do not want to die. It may not even be necessary that they die, but in this horrendous world they do, and they sure don't want to. Ask anyone.
Exactly what are the forces at work today in modern America which help strengthen our current civilization, and what forces are tending to destroy it? That, alas, is the question. Let us seek for answers.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Space Aliens
One of my best friends told me he thinks its silly to believe in space aliens. For some reason it kinda shocked me to encounter this attitude; I guess I'm used to living in a world of believers. But I'm sure a lot of people agree with him. I don't. Here's why.
Over and within the past four hundred years most humans have come to understand the universe as a three dimensional vastnes, with many stars, and eight or nine planets, among which is earth. It has always been assumed that if life existed elsewhere, it would be on other planets. So the huge question always was: are there any extra-solar planets, and how many, and how many earthlike, in the universe?
Over the past fifteen years, from the mid nineties till now, the answer is becoming evident: not only is the universe full of planets, but there are many earthlike planets out there. We are seeing them with our newest and best telescopes; earthlike planets orbiting other stars. It might once have been silly to belive in space aliens. It no longer is. In fact, as each day passes, it becomes sillier and sillier not to.
Over and within the past four hundred years most humans have come to understand the universe as a three dimensional vastnes, with many stars, and eight or nine planets, among which is earth. It has always been assumed that if life existed elsewhere, it would be on other planets. So the huge question always was: are there any extra-solar planets, and how many, and how many earthlike, in the universe?
Over the past fifteen years, from the mid nineties till now, the answer is becoming evident: not only is the universe full of planets, but there are many earthlike planets out there. We are seeing them with our newest and best telescopes; earthlike planets orbiting other stars. It might once have been silly to belive in space aliens. It no longer is. In fact, as each day passes, it becomes sillier and sillier not to.
Violent Culture
At long last the war in Iraq is over. Thank heavens for that. Like most American wars, it is highly questionable whether this one was a good idea. There are many to choose from.
It could even be argued that American culture is violent, and always has been, having been founded in violence. What about the future, America's future? Will the violent tendency continue?
Throughout history there are examples of people living in harmony, violence free, for long periods of time. So we know that it can be done. The question is:how?
If humanity doesn't learn how to eliminate war, then the future is worse than bleak, because the weapons are ever more powerful. Consider for a moment how deeply addicted American culture is to violence. Consider the unlimited violent images in the American media, which are there only for shocking entertainment, never to enlighten. Violence is a primary marketing tool of the corporations, because we the people are first told what we want, then given what we want.
Violence can be a big money maker. The fifteen years following victorious world war two were the most economically prosperous in American history. Our corporate masters seduce us with violence, making us insensitive to it. We the people must rebel from this imposed culture of death.
It could even be argued that American culture is violent, and always has been, having been founded in violence. What about the future, America's future? Will the violent tendency continue?
Throughout history there are examples of people living in harmony, violence free, for long periods of time. So we know that it can be done. The question is:how?
If humanity doesn't learn how to eliminate war, then the future is worse than bleak, because the weapons are ever more powerful. Consider for a moment how deeply addicted American culture is to violence. Consider the unlimited violent images in the American media, which are there only for shocking entertainment, never to enlighten. Violence is a primary marketing tool of the corporations, because we the people are first told what we want, then given what we want.
Violence can be a big money maker. The fifteen years following victorious world war two were the most economically prosperous in American history. Our corporate masters seduce us with violence, making us insensitive to it. We the people must rebel from this imposed culture of death.
Culture
If contemporary American culture were a horse, it would be shot. In other words, contemporary American culture is not entirely healthy. It may be that our economic prosperity, along with other factors, has produced a high demand for escapism, fantasy culture, and seduction.
The MSN homepage is a perfect example, and perhaps, symptom. At least half the stories have something to do with some celebrity, most often an actor, and scandalous, shocking circumstances.
We are fed these stories presumably because we lap them up. We pay to get more of them.
The prime time TV shows are still becoming more shocking, violent, and fantastic, if that's possible.
Let us remember that large corporations are responsible for almost all of this. They do what makes the most money, and they own the media.
Do we get the constant sex and violence because we want it, or, are we told that we want it, and then inundated in it?
Its time for a popular cultural revolution in America. The American people must tell their corporate owners to either improve the quality of the entertainment they sell us, or will will stop buying.
The MSN homepage is a perfect example, and perhaps, symptom. At least half the stories have something to do with some celebrity, most often an actor, and scandalous, shocking circumstances.
We are fed these stories presumably because we lap them up. We pay to get more of them.
The prime time TV shows are still becoming more shocking, violent, and fantastic, if that's possible.
Let us remember that large corporations are responsible for almost all of this. They do what makes the most money, and they own the media.
Do we get the constant sex and violence because we want it, or, are we told that we want it, and then inundated in it?
Its time for a popular cultural revolution in America. The American people must tell their corporate owners to either improve the quality of the entertainment they sell us, or will will stop buying.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
How Much?
The corporate oligarchy, "our corporate masters" as Gore Vidal calls it, never stops seeking to seduce we the sheeple in order to manipulate and exploit us. All this adrenalin pumping violence, passion, and drama we are fed by the media effectively keeps our minds off our more tangible concerns, such as, what percentage of the world's population will eventually end up in poverty, and what per cent will own and control everything.
We the exploited really don't have to cooperate in our own exploitation as much as we do. For the most part, we are willing accomplices. But as the situation worsens, as the extreme circumstances of inequality increase, the masses begin to stir, and awaken.
No, it isn't the one per cent versus the ninety nine per cent. But this symbolic description depicts a fundamental truth about humans; that we express our desire for survival by competing fiercely for power and resources, and this competition leads to extreme inequalities, which, in a high density population, generates conflict.
Certainly the people who have everything earned and deserve it. And hard work and good decisions can produce great prosperity for anyone. But we must ask; do we want a world with 7 billion mansions, each with a private jet parked in the lavish garage? Just how much material prosperity do we want, how should we distribute it, and how much human wealth can planet earth endure?
We the exploited really don't have to cooperate in our own exploitation as much as we do. For the most part, we are willing accomplices. But as the situation worsens, as the extreme circumstances of inequality increase, the masses begin to stir, and awaken.
No, it isn't the one per cent versus the ninety nine per cent. But this symbolic description depicts a fundamental truth about humans; that we express our desire for survival by competing fiercely for power and resources, and this competition leads to extreme inequalities, which, in a high density population, generates conflict.
Certainly the people who have everything earned and deserve it. And hard work and good decisions can produce great prosperity for anyone. But we must ask; do we want a world with 7 billion mansions, each with a private jet parked in the lavish garage? Just how much material prosperity do we want, how should we distribute it, and how much human wealth can planet earth endure?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Only Enemy
By the year 2050, when I will be 95 years old, there will be 9 billion people on earth. How well will they all get along?
The point is, they'll all have to get along rather famously, if they're to survive. Most of the two billion new people will live in big cities in Africa and Asia, and these cities will need to be functional, which means free from violence and poverty. The question is, as always, how many people can the planet accomodate?
Please remember that cataclysmic disasters are not inevitable. Although conditions now look bleak, particularly with regard to global warming and future climate change, there is no guarantee that the world will end in 2012, or any time thereafter. The human race might thus be burdened with the responsibility of taking care of itself for hundreds, even thousands of years.
The choice of possible catastrophes is impressive, ranging from viral epidemic to asteroid collision to runaway global warming. Shouldn't we, at the very least, prepare now for the possibility that none of these ever occurs?
It'll have to be a highly cooperative world of nine billion, with all forms of competition, including economic, sufficiently regulated to avoid chaotic destructive conflict.
Resources and living space really shouldn't be a problem, contrary to popular opinion. Even water won't be the problem we think it will. Miama Florida currently desalinates millions of gallons a day.
Humanity's only enemy is itself.
The point is, they'll all have to get along rather famously, if they're to survive. Most of the two billion new people will live in big cities in Africa and Asia, and these cities will need to be functional, which means free from violence and poverty. The question is, as always, how many people can the planet accomodate?
Please remember that cataclysmic disasters are not inevitable. Although conditions now look bleak, particularly with regard to global warming and future climate change, there is no guarantee that the world will end in 2012, or any time thereafter. The human race might thus be burdened with the responsibility of taking care of itself for hundreds, even thousands of years.
The choice of possible catastrophes is impressive, ranging from viral epidemic to asteroid collision to runaway global warming. Shouldn't we, at the very least, prepare now for the possibility that none of these ever occurs?
It'll have to be a highly cooperative world of nine billion, with all forms of competition, including economic, sufficiently regulated to avoid chaotic destructive conflict.
Resources and living space really shouldn't be a problem, contrary to popular opinion. Even water won't be the problem we think it will. Miama Florida currently desalinates millions of gallons a day.
Humanity's only enemy is itself.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Mud Slinging
Here we go again. Here comes the bitter, angry part of the presidential campaign. Governor Perry proclaimed in front of Newt Gingrich that any many who would cheat on his wife would cheat on anybody and anything. Rick Perry has every right to feel desperate. His political fortunes peaked and declined months ago, and Newt appears headed towards the finish line, well ahead.
American political campaigns have always been ruthless and bloodthirsty. Thomas Jefferson's opponents accused him of being an adulterer, and Andrew Jackson's opponents accused his wife of being a bigomist.
Whether the accusations are correct, and they often are, isn't the point. The point is, must we go there? Must we stoop to such barbarity, such crassness? Yes we must, history suggests.
But suddenly there's a good sign. The attacks against Newt's love legacy seem to be failing. This means either that our cultural standards have plunged, or that we are tired of mud slinging. Of course, both Jefferson and Jackson, in spite of their atackers, were successful.
Maybe the voters will force politicians to discuss policy, and refrain from the personal attacks.
American political campaigns have always been ruthless and bloodthirsty. Thomas Jefferson's opponents accused him of being an adulterer, and Andrew Jackson's opponents accused his wife of being a bigomist.
Whether the accusations are correct, and they often are, isn't the point. The point is, must we go there? Must we stoop to such barbarity, such crassness? Yes we must, history suggests.
But suddenly there's a good sign. The attacks against Newt's love legacy seem to be failing. This means either that our cultural standards have plunged, or that we are tired of mud slinging. Of course, both Jefferson and Jackson, in spite of their atackers, were successful.
Maybe the voters will force politicians to discuss policy, and refrain from the personal attacks.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Money
Of all the miraculous inventions of modern man, what one is more impressive than money? Our modern economy is the wonder of the ages, and modern money, paper and electronic, the wonder of all wonders, a simply marvelous tool. Like all tools, there are certain ways to use it, which are productive, and other ways to misuse it, which are destructive. The important thing is to know which is which, and this is no easy task.
If a rich guy takes out a twenty dollar bill and lights a cigar with it, is this monetary abuse?
Money, of course, doesn't really exist. Its purely symbolic, a state of mind. Which is precisely why money is such a wonderful tool. It is whatever we the people say it is. If there are absolutely no rules concerning money then eventually economic chaos will destroy society. Too many rules tend to diminish prosperity. But since money is inherently cooperative, since money means something only because we all agree that it does, surely nobody would disagree that we need some degree of cooperation in maintaining the integrety of money.
The problem with the American dollar is that it doesn't mean as much as it used to, is less valuable now. A certain amount of this is inevitable, but abuse of the American dollar due to lack of regulation has been and is a far greater problem than diminished prosperity through stifling regulation.
Proper economic regulation does little or nothing to hinder growh and prosperity, and sometimes growh needs to be slowed. Growh is not a sacred cow; there is a limit to economic growth on this limited planet.
If a rich guy takes out a twenty dollar bill and lights a cigar with it, is this monetary abuse?
Money, of course, doesn't really exist. Its purely symbolic, a state of mind. Which is precisely why money is such a wonderful tool. It is whatever we the people say it is. If there are absolutely no rules concerning money then eventually economic chaos will destroy society. Too many rules tend to diminish prosperity. But since money is inherently cooperative, since money means something only because we all agree that it does, surely nobody would disagree that we need some degree of cooperation in maintaining the integrety of money.
The problem with the American dollar is that it doesn't mean as much as it used to, is less valuable now. A certain amount of this is inevitable, but abuse of the American dollar due to lack of regulation has been and is a far greater problem than diminished prosperity through stifling regulation.
Proper economic regulation does little or nothing to hinder growh and prosperity, and sometimes growh needs to be slowed. Growh is not a sacred cow; there is a limit to economic growth on this limited planet.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Values
The newest complaint against Obama, evidently, is that he has never been to Israel.
Seriously. For real. Obama has never been to Israel, and according to Mitt Romney, this is a very bad thing. A really bad thing, because, according to Romney, Israel is a great ally of America, and for Obama to have not yet visited it is absolutely horrible, disrespectful, mean, whatever....
Good heavens, is there no end to all this sniping, critizing, and attacking? Is there no nook and crannie we Americans won't explore in order to attack and destroy one another? And for what? Victory? Power? Ego?
Hell, no wonder we can't get anything done in this country. No wonder our problems lay festering and simmering like volcanos waiting to erupt, only growing worse, building up pressure while we...argue amongst ourselves.
Now is the time to put individual egos aside, and work together for a better future, which, at present, we and our descendants do not seem to have. Personal gain is frivolous. May we all have a steady, secure life. Community service and cooperation is everything. Let us beat the swords of celebrity consumer culture into the plowshares of sharing, giving, and love.
Seriously. For real. Obama has never been to Israel, and according to Mitt Romney, this is a very bad thing. A really bad thing, because, according to Romney, Israel is a great ally of America, and for Obama to have not yet visited it is absolutely horrible, disrespectful, mean, whatever....
Good heavens, is there no end to all this sniping, critizing, and attacking? Is there no nook and crannie we Americans won't explore in order to attack and destroy one another? And for what? Victory? Power? Ego?
Hell, no wonder we can't get anything done in this country. No wonder our problems lay festering and simmering like volcanos waiting to erupt, only growing worse, building up pressure while we...argue amongst ourselves.
Now is the time to put individual egos aside, and work together for a better future, which, at present, we and our descendants do not seem to have. Personal gain is frivolous. May we all have a steady, secure life. Community service and cooperation is everything. Let us beat the swords of celebrity consumer culture into the plowshares of sharing, giving, and love.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Harmony
A friend of mine kept telling me, over and over again, that the answer to all problems between people is, simply, communication. And each time my friend said it, I agreed with it. How could I not? How could anybody not? Communication certainly is the key, but communication is not necessarily positive and productive. Often times it is destructive. So, communication is unproductive or even harmful unless the underlying attitude is good hearted, and, above all else, open minded...
It amazes me how narrow minded most people are, at least Americans. I can't find anyone who is willing to agree with me that both conservatism and liberalism are "good" and "true", and that the same is true of capitalism-socialism, Christianity-non Christianity, and so forth, and so on.
A willingness to change one's opinion's and beliefs is crucial to harmonious hunan interaction. When we feel compelled to make such changes we tend to feel a sense of defeat, of loss. Instead we should feel the joy of liberation and progress. Let my philosophy be better tomorrow than it is today, Dear Lord...
It amazes me how narrow minded most people are, at least Americans. I can't find anyone who is willing to agree with me that both conservatism and liberalism are "good" and "true", and that the same is true of capitalism-socialism, Christianity-non Christianity, and so forth, and so on.
A willingness to change one's opinion's and beliefs is crucial to harmonious hunan interaction. When we feel compelled to make such changes we tend to feel a sense of defeat, of loss. Instead we should feel the joy of liberation and progress. Let my philosophy be better tomorrow than it is today, Dear Lord...
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Reform
The American political system is, as everyone knows, entirely messed up, dysfunctional.
we seem to have a veritable bevy of mediocre political candidates, dysfunctional, disputatious leadership, and disastrous policy. Assume that we all are to blame, and leave it at that.
I wish we could all discuss philosophy and policy without engaging in personal attacks, and could learn to understand the opinions of those with whom we disagree, rather than distort and defame them.
We have a motley crew of republicans scrambling to run against a president with a very mixed resume thus far. Maybe what we need is a third major political party incorporating the best ideas from both liberals and conservatives.
Perhaps we need a political system in which running for president or other high office doesn't require millions of dollars.
we seem to have a veritable bevy of mediocre political candidates, dysfunctional, disputatious leadership, and disastrous policy. Assume that we all are to blame, and leave it at that.
I wish we could all discuss philosophy and policy without engaging in personal attacks, and could learn to understand the opinions of those with whom we disagree, rather than distort and defame them.
We have a motley crew of republicans scrambling to run against a president with a very mixed resume thus far. Maybe what we need is a third major political party incorporating the best ideas from both liberals and conservatives.
Perhaps we need a political system in which running for president or other high office doesn't require millions of dollars.
Monday, December 5, 2011
disrespect
Something horrible happened to me the other day. I walked into Taco Bell, ordered, got my order, paid, sat down, glanced at my receipt, and noticed that I had been given a ten per cent discount.
I was elated. Then I thought, "but why"? So I asked. The very young lady behind the counter matter of factly replied "senior discount".
I danged near went ballistic. Senior discount? What? Me? Me, a merely lad of fifty six, and not looking a day over thirty five, I mean, how in the hell could she even tell that I was/am a "senior"? Aren't seniors supposed to be sixty five?
So I calmed down and decided to ask her. Her reply was predictably evasive, something like "its company policy, sir." OK...sure...
I'm just guessing that nearly everyone either already has or at some future time shall experience something like this, and it was really no harm, and it benefitted me...but still...
Early in life we are offended because we are young, because of the wqy we are treated because we are young. Later in life we experience the same thing, in reverse. Like they say, nobody ever gets out of this alive..
I was elated. Then I thought, "but why"? So I asked. The very young lady behind the counter matter of factly replied "senior discount".
I danged near went ballistic. Senior discount? What? Me? Me, a merely lad of fifty six, and not looking a day over thirty five, I mean, how in the hell could she even tell that I was/am a "senior"? Aren't seniors supposed to be sixty five?
So I calmed down and decided to ask her. Her reply was predictably evasive, something like "its company policy, sir." OK...sure...
I'm just guessing that nearly everyone either already has or at some future time shall experience something like this, and it was really no harm, and it benefitted me...but still...
Early in life we are offended because we are young, because of the wqy we are treated because we are young. Later in life we experience the same thing, in reverse. Like they say, nobody ever gets out of this alive..
Lottery
Life,it appears, is a complete lottery. You bump into somebody's shopping cart at the store, you end up happily married for fifty years. Or, you swerve to avoid the shopping cart, smile at the lady, and move on, never even meeting her...
Anyone not believing that life is a lottery feel free to ask a St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Then there's the expression "if its meant to happen, it will happen." You hear that one all the time, from nearly everybody. Is it true? Seemingly. Does it contradict the lottery of life? Seemingly.
That which appears contradictory is often complimentary. Facts which appear to be in mutually exclusive contradiction are in fact both true. In essence, Republicans and Democrats are both right.
The true plague of our times is not war, poverty, disease, or natural disasters. The true plague, my friends, is narrow minded thinking, wrong thinking, as a buddhist might say. Our civilization is the way it is because of the way we think.
Mind foreruns all conditions, mind is chief, mind made are they, says the buddhist Dhammapada.
When we think that both liberals and conservatives have good points, we succeed, it says here.
When one thinks or speaks with wicked mind, evil follows one, says the buddhist scripture. And when one thinks or speaks or acts with pure mind, happiness follows one, sayeth the same source.
Here, it says the universe is far larger than all human activity and truth. Here it says we should regard everyone's beliefs and opinions as having value, and we should think no one's truth to be absolute and ubiquitous. And here, back here on the farm, it says we live in shockingly narrow minded times, and should strive to change that, before we strive to change anything else, such as violence, war, and poverty.
And it says here "amen to that".
Anyone not believing that life is a lottery feel free to ask a St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Then there's the expression "if its meant to happen, it will happen." You hear that one all the time, from nearly everybody. Is it true? Seemingly. Does it contradict the lottery of life? Seemingly.
That which appears contradictory is often complimentary. Facts which appear to be in mutually exclusive contradiction are in fact both true. In essence, Republicans and Democrats are both right.
The true plague of our times is not war, poverty, disease, or natural disasters. The true plague, my friends, is narrow minded thinking, wrong thinking, as a buddhist might say. Our civilization is the way it is because of the way we think.
Mind foreruns all conditions, mind is chief, mind made are they, says the buddhist Dhammapada.
When we think that both liberals and conservatives have good points, we succeed, it says here.
When one thinks or speaks with wicked mind, evil follows one, says the buddhist scripture. And when one thinks or speaks or acts with pure mind, happiness follows one, sayeth the same source.
Here, it says the universe is far larger than all human activity and truth. Here it says we should regard everyone's beliefs and opinions as having value, and we should think no one's truth to be absolute and ubiquitous. And here, back here on the farm, it says we live in shockingly narrow minded times, and should strive to change that, before we strive to change anything else, such as violence, war, and poverty.
And it says here "amen to that".
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Owning UP
I did something really, really stupid the other day. I got caught shoplifting at a local grocery store.
The fact that it was unintentional is irrelevant. Its the result that counts. So now what I need to do is redeem myself, and I hope the court lets me do that. Punishment is to teach a lesson, and I have already learned my lesson, already punished myself, more than anyone else ever can. Restitution is to compensate, the penalty is to payback, and then some, for the damage done, while sincerely apologizing and pledging reform.
I love the community in which I live and work, and harming it in any way is unthinkable to me.
Now what I need to do is to help the community. I plead guilty, with great remourse, and I humbly sugges that my penalty consist of a combination of monetary restitution, and community service, perhaps several hundred hours, doing work that helps everybody, such as garbage collection or cleaning.
May the dear Lord grant me the opportunity to contribute to this lovely community.
Amen
The fact that it was unintentional is irrelevant. Its the result that counts. So now what I need to do is redeem myself, and I hope the court lets me do that. Punishment is to teach a lesson, and I have already learned my lesson, already punished myself, more than anyone else ever can. Restitution is to compensate, the penalty is to payback, and then some, for the damage done, while sincerely apologizing and pledging reform.
I love the community in which I live and work, and harming it in any way is unthinkable to me.
Now what I need to do is to help the community. I plead guilty, with great remourse, and I humbly sugges that my penalty consist of a combination of monetary restitution, and community service, perhaps several hundred hours, doing work that helps everybody, such as garbage collection or cleaning.
May the dear Lord grant me the opportunity to contribute to this lovely community.
Amen
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Compromise
The divisive political culture and its attendant political paraylsis prevalent in the U.S. can be seen as a result of widespread narrowmindedness, encouraged by extremism. People take a stand, stake out their territory, and cling to it tenaciously, as if the very thought of ever reconsidering or changing is utterly inconceivable. This, my friends, is the essence of narrowmindedess, blindness, and it permeates our culture to the core.
Ask any American what their favorite movie is, and then ask what they consider to be the best movie of all time. Chances are their two answers will be the same. If you think about it, you realize that this is narrowminded.
Every issue has more than one viewpoint, and all viewpoints contain at least a kernel of truth, usually more. No matter how stongly we feel our convictions, we are better for it if we simply make the effort to understand the point of view of those who disagree with us. That is the only possible basis for compromise.
Ask any American what their favorite movie is, and then ask what they consider to be the best movie of all time. Chances are their two answers will be the same. If you think about it, you realize that this is narrowminded.
Every issue has more than one viewpoint, and all viewpoints contain at least a kernel of truth, usually more. No matter how stongly we feel our convictions, we are better for it if we simply make the effort to understand the point of view of those who disagree with us. That is the only possible basis for compromise.
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