Nothing turns an aggressive driver into a cautious one more than being a participant or immediate observer in a serious auto crash. The result is an instantaneous, if temporary, behavior modification.
A similar phenomenon exists in the political sphere. The public opinion pendulum swings between pessimism and optimism and we vote for candidates who reflect the current mood. None of them can change conditions enough in the short term and second thoughts, buyers remorse, takes over. We want to
throw out the rascals we just elected. So it is with the current congress. Under
the pressure of the tea party radicals a large group of freshmen, inexperiened and poorly informed, were elected. They immediately took control of the budgeting process, with complete stalemate as result. Now polls show the peeople who elected them have buyers remorse---a post accident behavior
change. We must hope the change is long lasting---enough to get our financial house in order; Get a managable budget passed, one that does not obliterate
the entire social program of the nation.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
From treasure to trash!
The title aptly describes the journey of the American political process during the past several decades. When it began is itself a matter of
opinion; whether with the unregulated derivatives/real estate boom, the exodus of our industrial base to low wage venues, the invasion of Iraq. And for the bible thumping moralists, perhaps with the founding of Planned Parenthood?
It has been characterized by a climate of anti-intellectual sentiment, with contempt for science where it interferes with the biases of the uninformed.
The politicians have been quick to latch on to, and exploit, the public's fear and economic stress. Instead of addressing the underlying decay in our financial
system, and three senseless wars, the political prostitutes in Washington
have sold out to the giant banks and corporations and the know-nothings
of the Tea Party. They are determined to solve our financial problems on the backs of the remnants of our middle class, and eliminate the one program, Planned Parenthood, with the best opportunty to eliminate abortion, at no cost to tax payers.
Just as a medical evaluation is required of candidates to become officers in our armed forces, we should screen the intelligence of candidates for Congress.
And throw in a "Venality" evaluation if one can be devised!
opinion; whether with the unregulated derivatives/real estate boom, the exodus of our industrial base to low wage venues, the invasion of Iraq. And for the bible thumping moralists, perhaps with the founding of Planned Parenthood?
It has been characterized by a climate of anti-intellectual sentiment, with contempt for science where it interferes with the biases of the uninformed.
The politicians have been quick to latch on to, and exploit, the public's fear and economic stress. Instead of addressing the underlying decay in our financial
system, and three senseless wars, the political prostitutes in Washington
have sold out to the giant banks and corporations and the know-nothings
of the Tea Party. They are determined to solve our financial problems on the backs of the remnants of our middle class, and eliminate the one program, Planned Parenthood, with the best opportunty to eliminate abortion, at no cost to tax payers.
Just as a medical evaluation is required of candidates to become officers in our armed forces, we should screen the intelligence of candidates for Congress.
And throw in a "Venality" evaluation if one can be devised!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Is Success an Option?
So many people, including those at S & P, the leading financial rating agency
have concluded the U.S. is on the brink of financial collapse that it has become conventional wisdom, thus coloring policy decisions, as well as campaign rhetoric. Whether collapse is likely may be subject for debate, but there should be no debate about the need to prepare the American public for the change in
our status to a second tier player on the international stage and financial
structure. Not that the change would be harmful to America. We need and could wisely use a respite from the role and burdens of being policeman to the world. And the European Union has reached the point where it can do that.
If we accept and exploit our new status it will offer resources which we can devote to our financial problems and avoid collapse entirely. That is a desirable option if we can muster the willpower to do it. CAN WE?
have concluded the U.S. is on the brink of financial collapse that it has become conventional wisdom, thus coloring policy decisions, as well as campaign rhetoric. Whether collapse is likely may be subject for debate, but there should be no debate about the need to prepare the American public for the change in
our status to a second tier player on the international stage and financial
structure. Not that the change would be harmful to America. We need and could wisely use a respite from the role and burdens of being policeman to the world. And the European Union has reached the point where it can do that.
If we accept and exploit our new status it will offer resources which we can devote to our financial problems and avoid collapse entirely. That is a desirable option if we can muster the willpower to do it. CAN WE?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hope Springs Eternal
For many days I have been searching the news out of Washington, the media news cycles, and on the internet, for a scrap of optimistic news---perhaps that rationality was once again on the national menu. Hallelujah, there is an omen! On both the left and right, the "moderates" have become aware of the critical dangers confronting us if the extremist elements (in both parties) were to control the budgeting process. The moderates are speaking out, at some political risk, to rein in the most rabid budget cutters, to retain some small semblance of the Social Contract which gave us the world's highest middle class standard of living. They are also tackling the cost of the world's mightiest military establishment at a time when our financial resources are exhausted. To solve our financial problems will require a combination of reduced spending, and an increase in government revenue. Spending reductions are the most feasible in the present political climate, but in the long run they also reduce economic activity which reduces government revenue. Increased taxes yield increased revenue but theory claims they dampen economic activity and job creation. Who to tax? The middle class is already financially stressed and added taxes on them is unlikely to produce added revenue. Tax the rich flies in the face of the "trickle down" theory. Ah, there's the rub! We have had more than a decade testing the theory, and it has not worked as intended.The wealthy have become even more wealthy while the middle class has become impoverished. If we increase taxes on the wealthy it would not affect their consumption but the revenue could be applied to the national debt, reducing the annual interest burden and moderating the fall of the middle class. Sparing the wealthy did not turn them into engines of job creation. A combination of government and private capital can do that. So tax the wealthy, but offer tax incentives for private capital, related to the jobs they create. Anyone will chose the carrot over the stick.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The quality of life
There is an old aphorism about two sons, one a perpetual optimist, the other a pessimist.To explain the different personalities which originated from within the same household, each parent attributed the influence of the other as the causative agent. The children in turn considered the parents as inconsequential in this matter--it was simply their personal preference. It takes a considerable period of maturation before parental wisdom is recognized.
When asked for examples of the personality differences they used a bottle of milk in the refrigerator that contained half the original contents.
The mother and one child described it as a half-empty bottle, the other two as
half full. This is an old story but a good predictor of how children will behave when they become adults--what kind of politics they will practice.
For some the government cannot do anything right that does not conform to their personal biases. And that means their self serving needs and desires. My way or the highway is their anthem. If other's needs differ so that compromise
is the correct modus vivendi, the compromise must always be made to accommodate their wishes. Voila, we have the tea party, which in one form or another has been around for a long time, and never produced a successful
administration. And the major Party which hitches its wagon to it eventually loses because of its unworkable extremism. But the music goes on, the dance continues and the nation suffers further decline. And the middle class, the bulwark of the Tea Party, pays the piper.
When asked for examples of the personality differences they used a bottle of milk in the refrigerator that contained half the original contents.
The mother and one child described it as a half-empty bottle, the other two as
half full. This is an old story but a good predictor of how children will behave when they become adults--what kind of politics they will practice.
For some the government cannot do anything right that does not conform to their personal biases. And that means their self serving needs and desires. My way or the highway is their anthem. If other's needs differ so that compromise
is the correct modus vivendi, the compromise must always be made to accommodate their wishes. Voila, we have the tea party, which in one form or another has been around for a long time, and never produced a successful
administration. And the major Party which hitches its wagon to it eventually loses because of its unworkable extremism. But the music goes on, the dance continues and the nation suffers further decline. And the middle class, the bulwark of the Tea Party, pays the piper.
Friday, April 8, 2011
A Fable for our Time
In the year 2147 a tourist visiting the ruins of what in earlier times was known as the Pentagon, discovered a secret vault whose existence was not previously known. A special congressional commission was appointed to supervise the opening of the vault, with the solemnity it merited. When the vault was opened it was found to contain only three documents, master forms of affidavits to be signed by all Presidents, members of Congress and justices of the Supreme Court. The cover page binding the documents contained instructions that the signed affidavits were to be considered as having the status of an amendment to the constitution which the office holder was obliged to support and protect. The texts of the documents were made public at the 2148 Presidential swearing-in ceremony despite the fact that they had never been ratified, or approved by referendum. The texts are as follows: PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
I.( ) President of the United States, solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully perform the duties of that office. I will defend and protect the constitution of the United States and in all matters strive to provide for the greatest good for the greatest number of our citizens, without
I.( ) President of the United States, solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully perform the duties of that office. I will defend and protect the constitution of the United States and in all matters strive to provide for the greatest good for the greatest number of our citizens, without
favor to any station, ethniciy or political persuasion.
I will require of my staff that they treat the public with courtesy and efficiency and accept no outside form of compensation or recompense in performance of the duties required of them. If at anytime I fail to honor this pledge I will inform the people and strive to correct any misbehavior.
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
I ( ), (Representive) (Senator) from the State of ( ) do solemnly
swear and affirm that I will faithfully and honestly perform the duties of the office to which I have been elected. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and devote myself to promoting the welfare of all our citizens
without favor for status, ethnicity or political persuasion, with additional attention to the interests of the constituency which elected me.
If at any time I am tempted to promote the interest of a special group at the
expense of the welfare of the general citizenry, I will resign my office.
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
I ( ) Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
do solemnly swear and and affirm that I will faithfully and honestly perform
the duties of the office in which I serve. In judicial matters which come before
me I will render judgement objectively, based on the evidence, arguments and existing laws and decisions, and without consideration of my personal biases,
preferences, and political persuasion. If in any matter I am unable to observe
these ethical guidelines, I will recuse myself.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Shame on us.
The bizarre and disgusting budget process in which congress and the president are engaged is a shame on the American voters who sent them to Washington. The nation's fiscal health is terminal. The collapse of the dollar as the international medium of exchange is imminent. Serious planning measures must be applied to come up with a budget to keep the government operating, and being a player on the international scene. Instead we have a series of take-it-or-leave it proposals to make totally irresponsible draconian cuts in all social programs, which comprise a very small fraction of the federal budget. The rabid tea party republicans know such proposals cannot pass, but they are more interested in maneuvering to place the blame for a government shut-down, and stalemate, on the Dems. Such gamesmanship at this critical juncture in our nation's history is shameful, criminal. And it will be the rank and file government employees, and the commerce associated with their pay checks who will pay the penalty for this congressional farce, not congressmen.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Balance of Power, part two
Since 9/11 it has become obvious to everyone (but Americans it seems) that, in today's global world, power stems from a nation's economy, not from its arms.
The Asian giants have hordes of workers, with gradually increasing skills, willing
to work under highly disciplined conditions, for modest wages with few benefits
and scant attention to workers rights. These nations have developed close trade
relations with many third world countries which give them access to raw materials at
favorable prices. By strict control of their currencies they are able to under sell
their products to the highly developed Western nations. In the process, and with our connivance they have approprated our industrial base. They are funding and concentrating their education programs to turn out large numbers of skilled high-tech grads for their expanding technology industy.
The U. S. meanwhile has concentrated on being a military power, embroiled in foreign
adventures of dubious value to us. We have set our feet on a path that can only lead
to a decline in our world status and to a second-class economy. For how long will we pretend otherwise?
For us to recover our competitive edge we need careful, informed planning by
the best economists, not rabble rousing congressmen, and an end to selfish class
warfare and partisanship. There is still, but barely time for the rennaisance.
The Asian giants have hordes of workers, with gradually increasing skills, willing
to work under highly disciplined conditions, for modest wages with few benefits
and scant attention to workers rights. These nations have developed close trade
relations with many third world countries which give them access to raw materials at
favorable prices. By strict control of their currencies they are able to under sell
their products to the highly developed Western nations. In the process, and with our connivance they have approprated our industrial base. They are funding and concentrating their education programs to turn out large numbers of skilled high-tech grads for their expanding technology industy.
The U. S. meanwhile has concentrated on being a military power, embroiled in foreign
adventures of dubious value to us. We have set our feet on a path that can only lead
to a decline in our world status and to a second-class economy. For how long will we pretend otherwise?
For us to recover our competitive edge we need careful, informed planning by
the best economists, not rabble rousing congressmen, and an end to selfish class
warfare and partisanship. There is still, but barely time for the rennaisance.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Balance of Power
Prior to WW2 power was naval. Great Britain was the leading naval power with the U. S. Great White Fleet coming up fast, carrying our flag to all corners of the globe. Pearl Harbor suddenly abolished that role. Aviation, carrier based and in the form of land based heavy bombers, became the arms by which power was exercised. After the destruction of most of the British navy in WW2 the U.S. reigned supreme. Spurred by Cold War competition with the Soviet Union we began developing ever more sophisticated (and complicated) aircraft, while the Soviets were able to compete in more limited fashion and eventually become non-competitive. We have reached the point where technology has run away with practicality. Our new planes are so technically sophisticated that they no longer have any viable opponents and are no longer suitable for the missions which we face. In fact they have only been flown for experimental and training purposes, at a cost in the multi $billions for just a few. Most of the missions our military must deal with today involve asymmetric warfare. We face hostile militias, rag-tag bands of brigands, highly disciplined terror cells, and thug armies of dictators. What is required for those missions are highly mobile ground strike forces, supported by close-in air and sea forces, and skilled follow up personnel to secure a cleansed area and assure the support and cooperation of the native population. A billion dollar stealth fighter plane is useless for any of that. Overriding all of the above is the stark fact that our nation no longer can muster the resources for such asymmetric warfare in many theatres at once, and pay for show piece military hardware that will likely never see combat.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Inventory of a nation's assets
In previous blogs I have stated a case for the decline of the American empire, and urged that we set about living within our means and getting our economy once again on the road to prosperity. That process requires will power, intelligence, discipline, and a variety of tools. Are they present in the body politic, or are we so ridden with partisanship, greed and class warfare that we are beyond redemption? I say they are, and we can and will make the changes it will take to again be the world leader. Let us take count of the assets we can bring to bear on the process. We have a huge reservoir of highly skilled entrepreneurs that have demonstrated creativity in technology, manufacturing and marketing. Unfortunately the search for ever lower costs and ever higher profits has allowed our industrial base to migrate abroad. But the brain power still resides here and can be applied to other products for the green world that is coming. Our workforce is as productive as any in the world and if given the opportunity and motivation, will outperform the Asians. The capital for new enterprises exists in abundance within the hoarded corporate profits accumulated during this recession. It needs to be put to work. On the government revenue side, with a dose of patriotism and empathy by many the Income Tax code could be revised to eliminate tax shelters that create great inequity in taxes paid and wealth accumulated. For example the world's largest corporation, General Electric, payed zero taxes on $14 billion net profit last year. Coupled with a gradual reduction in spending, and military funding the increased revenue should permit us to gradually reduce the deficit and reach a pay-as-you-go state All the elements for recovery are there, except for the unselfishness now essential to put them to work. If we will it, it WILL happen.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Account Overdrawn!
The U.S. has arrived at the end of the road we have travelled since 1945 and
we must take a new direction to survive. For some 65 years we have successfully played the role of world hegemon and chief of police for a tumultuous
world, and played it well most times. But in recent years, with the Iraq and
Afghanistan invasions, areas of which we had little knowledge, we went beyond
our capabilities and are mired in quicksand. In the process we destroyed our
economy and our international stature. The rest of the free world is content to
let us play the role of leader of the gang and bearer of the largest burdens but
as the Libya operation shows, they retain control of their own forces
Being the world leader is heady stuff and made us feel it will be thus forever.
But empires are not permanent and ours is coming to its end. This is not
a development to be lamented. It is time for us to devote our efforts to getting our economic house in order. Our military will for some time remain the
world's most powerful, capable of inflicting immense damage on an enormous scale, but that also will change as we reduce our military funding.
Now we must revert to the traditional "can do" spirit which made us world
leader and apply ourselves to the difficult tasks of living within our means and
paying our debts.
we must take a new direction to survive. For some 65 years we have successfully played the role of world hegemon and chief of police for a tumultuous
world, and played it well most times. But in recent years, with the Iraq and
Afghanistan invasions, areas of which we had little knowledge, we went beyond
our capabilities and are mired in quicksand. In the process we destroyed our
economy and our international stature. The rest of the free world is content to
let us play the role of leader of the gang and bearer of the largest burdens but
as the Libya operation shows, they retain control of their own forces
Being the world leader is heady stuff and made us feel it will be thus forever.
But empires are not permanent and ours is coming to its end. This is not
a development to be lamented. It is time for us to devote our efforts to getting our economic house in order. Our military will for some time remain the
world's most powerful, capable of inflicting immense damage on an enormous scale, but that also will change as we reduce our military funding.
Now we must revert to the traditional "can do" spirit which made us world
leader and apply ourselves to the difficult tasks of living within our means and
paying our debts.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Musings on Libya
As with all operations of this genre the unexpected development is the expected.
We were fortunate that the first air crash in the Libya operation ended with
the air crew back in U.S hands. Suppose they been captured by Ghadaffi's forces? Would we submit to blackmail? Or send an expeditionary force to attempt a rescue? Or up the severity of our attacks to force their release? What would be the attitude of the public to Americans in Ghadaffi's hands?
The missiles and bombs we are launching against Libya are expensive. Some
missiles cost in the multi-$millions each and we have already expended hundreds of millions in the few days of operations so far. Where will we
find the money to replace them? Will our escalating involvement in another foreign military campaign further erode the public confidence in our government?
Air operations, from carriers use up tremendous amounts of scare and expensive petroleum based fuel. Is this the way to use it in today's world?
I hope these matters were aired before the attack decision was taken!
We were fortunate that the first air crash in the Libya operation ended with
the air crew back in U.S hands. Suppose they been captured by Ghadaffi's forces? Would we submit to blackmail? Or send an expeditionary force to attempt a rescue? Or up the severity of our attacks to force their release? What would be the attitude of the public to Americans in Ghadaffi's hands?
The missiles and bombs we are launching against Libya are expensive. Some
missiles cost in the multi-$millions each and we have already expended hundreds of millions in the few days of operations so far. Where will we
find the money to replace them? Will our escalating involvement in another foreign military campaign further erode the public confidence in our government?
Air operations, from carriers use up tremendous amounts of scare and expensive petroleum based fuel. Is this the way to use it in today's world?
I hope these matters were aired before the attack decision was taken!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
And so it begins again
The U.S. has participated in a policing operation attacking Libya along with
armed forces from other members of the international community.
The ostensible purpose is to stop Qaddafi from further attacks on the rebels.
My memory contains the results of other such police actions, which began
modestly and led to entanglements in large scale wars, with thousands of casualties on all sides, and outcomes far from what was intended. Think of Bosnia, Iraq, Somalia. Afghanistan.
The basic problem in such police actions are the unknowns. The attackers know their purpose and intent. They do not know how the attacked party will respond. Usually the response is different than expected, and the operation
leads into unexpected directions, requiring further and escalated attacks, provoking ever more violent responses. And so the waltz of war develops its
own momentum and we are once again embroiled in a foreign adventure
which drains our scarce resources. Let us hope for a different outcome on this one.
armed forces from other members of the international community.
The ostensible purpose is to stop Qaddafi from further attacks on the rebels.
My memory contains the results of other such police actions, which began
modestly and led to entanglements in large scale wars, with thousands of casualties on all sides, and outcomes far from what was intended. Think of Bosnia, Iraq, Somalia. Afghanistan.
The basic problem in such police actions are the unknowns. The attackers know their purpose and intent. They do not know how the attacked party will respond. Usually the response is different than expected, and the operation
leads into unexpected directions, requiring further and escalated attacks, provoking ever more violent responses. And so the waltz of war develops its
own momentum and we are once again embroiled in a foreign adventure
which drains our scarce resources. Let us hope for a different outcome on this one.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Existencial Challenge
Nature has thrown down the gauntlet to humankind, and our very survival as a species will depend on whether we have the good sense to accept and overcome
the challenge. We are in a race between unrestrained population growth, and
a planet whose available resources are finite and irreplaceable. At the point of no return, when starvation and disease begin their role as the involuntary
determinants of which and how many people will survive, humanity will be left with no choices. Our fates will be out of our hands.
When we reach that point of no return will depend on actions which we take starting now. Scientists opine that it will arrive within a single century, or even sooner. That doesn't give us much time to change our behavior, to overcome our apathy and complacency.
One of the first, totally logical step which we can take is to discard to the ash
heap of history those science deniers currently serving in Congress. Their
service in the cause of the special interests which profit from the status quo,
particularly big oil, is obscene and criminal. They delay addressing the problem
when delay will have such dire consequences.
Perhaps what is needed are some rabble rousers of the Rush Limbaugh, Glen
Beck power to take up the cause and make it a crusade They would be acclaimed by history as heroes. Good will apparently is not a sufficient motivator for the masses.
the challenge. We are in a race between unrestrained population growth, and
a planet whose available resources are finite and irreplaceable. At the point of no return, when starvation and disease begin their role as the involuntary
determinants of which and how many people will survive, humanity will be left with no choices. Our fates will be out of our hands.
When we reach that point of no return will depend on actions which we take starting now. Scientists opine that it will arrive within a single century, or even sooner. That doesn't give us much time to change our behavior, to overcome our apathy and complacency.
One of the first, totally logical step which we can take is to discard to the ash
heap of history those science deniers currently serving in Congress. Their
service in the cause of the special interests which profit from the status quo,
particularly big oil, is obscene and criminal. They delay addressing the problem
when delay will have such dire consequences.
Perhaps what is needed are some rabble rousers of the Rush Limbaugh, Glen
Beck power to take up the cause and make it a crusade They would be acclaimed by history as heroes. Good will apparently is not a sufficient motivator for the masses.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Where is America when freedom calls?
Many people, at home and abroad, are wondering if we have lost our zeal
for political and individual freedom because we have not gone all-out to
provide material support for the hordes fighting in the streets of the middle East to rid themselves of corrupt and brutal dictators. It is not for lack of zeal,
but lack of capacity. Our plate is full with two indigestible wars, sending aid to
nations devastated by natural disasters, and recession in our economy. All financed by borrowing and printing money, not by fair and universal taxes.
We can no longer be the major provider and guarantor of Liberte, Egalite,
Fraternite to the downtrodden of the world.
The countries in the middle East were once colonies of the European powers
and became independent as a result of European wars. The European Union
is closer to them geographically, politically, economically and culturally, and
more dependent on their oil than are we. They must accept the challenge to
bring freedom to their former colonies. We must concentrate on restoring our
economy to a sound foundation, then we may sometime again be the major player on the world stage.
for political and individual freedom because we have not gone all-out to
provide material support for the hordes fighting in the streets of the middle East to rid themselves of corrupt and brutal dictators. It is not for lack of zeal,
but lack of capacity. Our plate is full with two indigestible wars, sending aid to
nations devastated by natural disasters, and recession in our economy. All financed by borrowing and printing money, not by fair and universal taxes.
We can no longer be the major provider and guarantor of Liberte, Egalite,
Fraternite to the downtrodden of the world.
The countries in the middle East were once colonies of the European powers
and became independent as a result of European wars. The European Union
is closer to them geographically, politically, economically and culturally, and
more dependent on their oil than are we. They must accept the challenge to
bring freedom to their former colonies. We must concentrate on restoring our
economy to a sound foundation, then we may sometime again be the major player on the world stage.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Congress Playing Russian Roulette--
---with the nation. The new Republican zealots are determined to eliminate any
trace of social service programs that make for the advanced and civilized life
which have made the United States so coveted a place to live. Our advanced
standard of living did not arrive by chance. It was as a result of many years of
deliberate planning and funding of education, the arts, security programs for the average working citizens.
It included National parks and Nature reserves, clean
water and air, libraries and national museums and infra-structure beyond counting. such as hospitals, clinics, veterans care and facilities. You can all come up with more. And for all of those, the dedicated hard working people to man them.
None of those caused our current financial crisis, but they are the areas being attacked by the know-nothings in Congress.The real causes of our difficulties
lie in the elimination of regulations and oversight of the financial markets,
our moth eaten tax laws encouraging evasion of taxes and diversion of capital,
our initiation and conduct of foreign wars, funded off budget, and our role as
world policeman, requiring us to maintain costly bases everywhere.
The demonization of taxes, which starved all levels of government, coupled with
unrestrained borrowing to finance military adventures of no benefit to the nation should be the areas of concern, not the social programs.
trace of social service programs that make for the advanced and civilized life
which have made the United States so coveted a place to live. Our advanced
standard of living did not arrive by chance. It was as a result of many years of
deliberate planning and funding of education, the arts, security programs for the average working citizens.
It included National parks and Nature reserves, clean
water and air, libraries and national museums and infra-structure beyond counting. such as hospitals, clinics, veterans care and facilities. You can all come up with more. And for all of those, the dedicated hard working people to man them.
None of those caused our current financial crisis, but they are the areas being attacked by the know-nothings in Congress.The real causes of our difficulties
lie in the elimination of regulations and oversight of the financial markets,
our moth eaten tax laws encouraging evasion of taxes and diversion of capital,
our initiation and conduct of foreign wars, funded off budget, and our role as
world policeman, requiring us to maintain costly bases everywhere.
The demonization of taxes, which starved all levels of government, coupled with
unrestrained borrowing to finance military adventures of no benefit to the nation should be the areas of concern, not the social programs.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Bang, you're dead--part two
I mentioned that for my survey I would be sending some questions which I earnestly hope some of you will answer. Here goes:
ONE: You are gridlocked on a superhighway after work some Summer day. All around are fatigued, irritated drivers anxious to get home. Would it make you feel safer to know that every driver is, or is permitted to carry a loaded firearm?
TWO: You are looking over some colleges for your son who will attend in the Fall. In one college you find that the young people who are not yet mature
enough to have learned anger management and who are prone to disputes about such things as turf, girls, parking spots, etc. are permitted to carry
loaded firearms in school. Would this encourage you to enroll your child there?
THREE: While attending a church service a deranged man, carrying an expanded magazine automatic pistol, invades the church and starts shooting the congregants. One of them is armed and shoots and kills the intruder. Did the fact that some of the audience were carrying a loaded firearm save lives?
FOUR: Police authorities are reporting that criminals are changing tactics
in person on person crime. Because more people are armed for self defense,
attackers are now shooting the victim first, and stealing his weapon.
Does this sound true, or is it propaganda?
FIVE: Weapons for self defense against burglars or home invaders must be kept
in an accessible place to be of use in an emergency. If a child finds the weapon, which is fascinating to children, and someone ends up shot or dead, should the
parent be in an way sanctioned?
You may reply by comment on this blog, or in more detail to:
martinbest@bellsouth.net
ONE: You are gridlocked on a superhighway after work some Summer day. All around are fatigued, irritated drivers anxious to get home. Would it make you feel safer to know that every driver is, or is permitted to carry a loaded firearm?
TWO: You are looking over some colleges for your son who will attend in the Fall. In one college you find that the young people who are not yet mature
enough to have learned anger management and who are prone to disputes about such things as turf, girls, parking spots, etc. are permitted to carry
loaded firearms in school. Would this encourage you to enroll your child there?
THREE: While attending a church service a deranged man, carrying an expanded magazine automatic pistol, invades the church and starts shooting the congregants. One of them is armed and shoots and kills the intruder. Did the fact that some of the audience were carrying a loaded firearm save lives?
FOUR: Police authorities are reporting that criminals are changing tactics
in person on person crime. Because more people are armed for self defense,
attackers are now shooting the victim first, and stealing his weapon.
Does this sound true, or is it propaganda?
FIVE: Weapons for self defense against burglars or home invaders must be kept
in an accessible place to be of use in an emergency. If a child finds the weapon, which is fascinating to children, and someone ends up shot or dead, should the
parent be in an way sanctioned?
You may reply by comment on this blog, or in more detail to:
martinbest@bellsouth.net
Monday, February 28, 2011
Bang, you're dead
Those of my readers who are among my personal friends may be aware
that for several months I have had health problems which put in question my survival on any given day. Nevertheless things are too dull
for me so I want to introduce a blog topic which is guaranteed to bring plenty of excitement for you and me. For doing so, among the plagues which are likely to descend on me are Bile, Calumny and Ostracism.
The subject is a clause in a document written 300 years ago, when the nation was tiny and no one could even imagine the size, population government structure and state of development as we know it today--
the Second Amendment to the constitution.
Except for the emotional
and commercial content involved in the manufacture and sale of firearms
there is no sensible reason for any one other than those who need them
in the line of duty to possess a deadly handgun.
I am aware of the powerful passions aroused at the mere mention of guns
in the context of control of their possession and display. It is not my desire
or intent to enter that minefield. What I want to do is survey my diverse
readership on their opinions. I will then try, in a non-judgemental
fashion, to present some options for my readers to consider and debate, hopefully in the interest of reducing the number of gun caused deaths.
In the near future I will post a few questions to which I hope a significant number of you will reply.
that for several months I have had health problems which put in question my survival on any given day. Nevertheless things are too dull
for me so I want to introduce a blog topic which is guaranteed to bring plenty of excitement for you and me. For doing so, among the plagues which are likely to descend on me are Bile, Calumny and Ostracism.
The subject is a clause in a document written 300 years ago, when the nation was tiny and no one could even imagine the size, population government structure and state of development as we know it today--
the Second Amendment to the constitution.
Except for the emotional
and commercial content involved in the manufacture and sale of firearms
there is no sensible reason for any one other than those who need them
in the line of duty to possess a deadly handgun.
I am aware of the powerful passions aroused at the mere mention of guns
in the context of control of their possession and display. It is not my desire
or intent to enter that minefield. What I want to do is survey my diverse
readership on their opinions. I will then try, in a non-judgemental
fashion, to present some options for my readers to consider and debate, hopefully in the interest of reducing the number of gun caused deaths.
In the near future I will post a few questions to which I hope a significant number of you will reply.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Era of the Eastern Giants
The era that is beginning now will be known as the Eastern Giants, China, So. Korea and Taiwan. The United States is in eclipse on
the world stage. We still retain a powerful military (for which we are unable to pay) and can use it to punish or influence countries or regions which displease us. That also will be gone in a relatively brief time. But the loss of our hegemonic position may be good for us. It will remove from us any temptation to again act as world policeman, get us out of
our disastrous foreign adventures and impose restraint on our self
appointed role to impose our democratic system upon others who are not
yet ready for such a societal change. The events of the day in the middle East show that when a people are ready and willing to die for freedom
they bring it about at their time.
Free from our immense military and world wide bases we will be able to exploit our vast natural resources, our highly productive manpower and
enormous technological capability to build a new industrial base devoted
to a green economy , and once again creating the brain power that
made us the largest economy in the world.
But for that to happen our
people, ALL our people must accept that there are no more free rides
for a privileged few. All will be required to sacrifice in the form of higher
taxes to pay off our debts, and to finance our rebirth.
What kind of world policy can we expect from the Eastern Giants?
For certain they will not take on the roles of world policeman. They
will keep their noses out of the internal affairs of other nations except to
assure access to raw materials under favorable terms. They will deal
with the elements in control to create markets for the enormous productive capacity which their vast manpower (many highly educated and trained at state expense) delivers. Ideology will take second place to commerce.
So let us Americans accept the new facts of economic and and political
life as they are, abandon illusions about what our financial capabilities
are, get to work, and act responsibly. We were, and can and WILL be
a great nation again.
the world stage. We still retain a powerful military (for which we are unable to pay) and can use it to punish or influence countries or regions which displease us. That also will be gone in a relatively brief time. But the loss of our hegemonic position may be good for us. It will remove from us any temptation to again act as world policeman, get us out of
our disastrous foreign adventures and impose restraint on our self
appointed role to impose our democratic system upon others who are not
yet ready for such a societal change. The events of the day in the middle East show that when a people are ready and willing to die for freedom
they bring it about at their time.
Free from our immense military and world wide bases we will be able to exploit our vast natural resources, our highly productive manpower and
enormous technological capability to build a new industrial base devoted
to a green economy , and once again creating the brain power that
made us the largest economy in the world.
But for that to happen our
people, ALL our people must accept that there are no more free rides
for a privileged few. All will be required to sacrifice in the form of higher
taxes to pay off our debts, and to finance our rebirth.
What kind of world policy can we expect from the Eastern Giants?
For certain they will not take on the roles of world policeman. They
will keep their noses out of the internal affairs of other nations except to
assure access to raw materials under favorable terms. They will deal
with the elements in control to create markets for the enormous productive capacity which their vast manpower (many highly educated and trained at state expense) delivers. Ideology will take second place to commerce.
So let us Americans accept the new facts of economic and and political
life as they are, abandon illusions about what our financial capabilities
are, get to work, and act responsibly. We were, and can and WILL be
a great nation again.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
PIRACY
For the "mighty naval power" that is the United States to be held as impotent hostages to a band of rag tag thugs in Somalia is the ultimate national embarrassment. A nation that fails to defend its citizens on the
high seas forfeits its status as a great power.
The annals of naval warfare offer many examples of tactics that have
eliminated the problem. All begin with a demand that all hostages be freed at once, unharmed and in good condition. If this demand is ignored, or if the hostages are threatened, a series of punitive measures are begun.
First, the coast of the offending nation is mined and completely blockaded. Vessels may enter or leave only with armed escort, for innocent purposes such as fishing.
Second, any vessel discovered outside the mined area that does not have
proper clearance will be evacuated and sunk. The crew may choose
to go down with the ship.
Third, if there is still no compliance, the systematic destruction of all
vessels in ports and on the coast, will begin, including the fishing fleet.
The disruption to the food supply will exert great pressure on whomever is in charge.
Fourth, a series of small land excursions could be carried out as possible
rescue and punishment.
We shall soon see if the U. S. has lost its will to remain a world power!
high seas forfeits its status as a great power.
The annals of naval warfare offer many examples of tactics that have
eliminated the problem. All begin with a demand that all hostages be freed at once, unharmed and in good condition. If this demand is ignored, or if the hostages are threatened, a series of punitive measures are begun.
First, the coast of the offending nation is mined and completely blockaded. Vessels may enter or leave only with armed escort, for innocent purposes such as fishing.
Second, any vessel discovered outside the mined area that does not have
proper clearance will be evacuated and sunk. The crew may choose
to go down with the ship.
Third, if there is still no compliance, the systematic destruction of all
vessels in ports and on the coast, will begin, including the fishing fleet.
The disruption to the food supply will exert great pressure on whomever is in charge.
Fourth, a series of small land excursions could be carried out as possible
rescue and punishment.
We shall soon see if the U. S. has lost its will to remain a world power!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
PIRACY, an act of war
World history is replete with Piracy. It has been an act of statecraft from medieval
times, used to extract concessions from an opposing power, or simply to rob weaker nations of booty. At times it was used to capture hostages of strategic value in
inter-nations affairs. From time to time the exercise of piracy got out of hand. The
pirates began to operate as free agents. When that occurred sovereign nations responded by taking armed action to punish those involved, and keep the enterprise
"honest".
Modern piracy, as practiced in the Atantic off the coast of Somalia is simply a
criminal affair involving hostages for ransom. It flourishes in countries with
non-functioning governments which cannot exercise control over populations scattered over large areas, and with ruling authorities who share the loot. The powerful
maritime nations cannot permit it to continue. It disrupts international commerce and increases the cost of products. Inevitably the consequences escalate as happened today when four American citizens were executed in an attempt by the pirates to prevent boarding of the hostage vessel by U. S. Navy troops.
That tragedy compounds what began as an act of war, and demands a forceful response.
Somalia is one place diplomacy won't work.
times, used to extract concessions from an opposing power, or simply to rob weaker nations of booty. At times it was used to capture hostages of strategic value in
inter-nations affairs. From time to time the exercise of piracy got out of hand. The
pirates began to operate as free agents. When that occurred sovereign nations responded by taking armed action to punish those involved, and keep the enterprise
"honest".
Modern piracy, as practiced in the Atantic off the coast of Somalia is simply a
criminal affair involving hostages for ransom. It flourishes in countries with
non-functioning governments which cannot exercise control over populations scattered over large areas, and with ruling authorities who share the loot. The powerful
maritime nations cannot permit it to continue. It disrupts international commerce and increases the cost of products. Inevitably the consequences escalate as happened today when four American citizens were executed in an attempt by the pirates to prevent boarding of the hostage vessel by U. S. Navy troops.
That tragedy compounds what began as an act of war, and demands a forceful response.
Somalia is one place diplomacy won't work.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Where is Nero when you need a fiddler?
The world is alight with the fires of insurrection against the entrenched oligarchs
in the middle East. But the movement seems to be fragmented among many disparate groups. It could benefit from some form of central direction, to move the forces of public opinion and outrage in the most strategic direction where the oppressors are most vulnerable at each moment. Divide and conquer is the defense of the entrenched regimes. The reform movement needs to recognize their common purpose and join in a
mutual assistance pact. It will be very dangerous to the leaders of such a joint effort--assassination is the common tactic used against one's opponents in mid-east politics. But the end is worth some deaths; liberty doesn't come cheap.
The United States and the European Union can provide the leadership, training, political support and legitimacy, and financial resources to assure success of a united movement. What is needed is the recognition by the West of the benefits a successful reform movement will yield to the entire world. Do we have the vision?
in the middle East. But the movement seems to be fragmented among many disparate groups. It could benefit from some form of central direction, to move the forces of public opinion and outrage in the most strategic direction where the oppressors are most vulnerable at each moment. Divide and conquer is the defense of the entrenched regimes. The reform movement needs to recognize their common purpose and join in a
mutual assistance pact. It will be very dangerous to the leaders of such a joint effort--assassination is the common tactic used against one's opponents in mid-east politics. But the end is worth some deaths; liberty doesn't come cheap.
The United States and the European Union can provide the leadership, training, political support and legitimacy, and financial resources to assure success of a united movement. What is needed is the recognition by the West of the benefits a successful reform movement will yield to the entire world. Do we have the vision?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
We have met the enemy.......
.....and he is us. The current budget process going on between the Republicans and Democrats is a charade and a fraud. The good ship America is sinking and the leaders of both parties are dithering about the placement of the deck chairs. Our debt problem is so enormous that slashing 61, or even 100 Billion from the current deficit budget will do no more than slow the rate of growth of the accumulated debt. What it will do is devastate many lives and futures and destroy any likely remedy. The way to reduce debt is to PAY IT OFF. That would require not only intelligent budget cuts, but also increased government revenue, which can only come from increased economic activity, and increased taxes from those with means to pay. The prevailing mood among the Tea Party members and right wingers is that taxes are the root of all evil, and that it is preferable to demolish all government programs than to pay for a civilized society. That way lies third world status for most Americans, and an oligarchical society. How ironic that the system which enabled so many to become affluent is now viewed by them as the enemy.
We are rapidly approaching default and bankruptcy. Without a will to sacrifice to
save the American Dream for the next generation we will have accomplished our destruction, which no combination of military powers or terrorists could have done.
We are rapidly approaching default and bankruptcy. Without a will to sacrifice to
save the American Dream for the next generation we will have accomplished our destruction, which no combination of military powers or terrorists could have done.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Judy, Judy, Judy!
Since I have become physically less able, from time to time I am the recipient
of acts of kindness by strangers, which make my daily tasks less daunting. Some
do things that require little time and effort and it passes as simple good manners. Others take an extra moment to bring confidence and comfort to their act. This afternoon at Bloomingdales I wanted to exit through two sets of heavy swinging doors.
A lovely Canadian woman, Judy Chapdelaine noticed my intent and stopped to assist
me, including ushering aside others approaching the doors. Once outside she asked if she could assist me on my way, the entire action done with grace and charm. Thank you Judy. You made me feel valued.
of acts of kindness by strangers, which make my daily tasks less daunting. Some
do things that require little time and effort and it passes as simple good manners. Others take an extra moment to bring confidence and comfort to their act. This afternoon at Bloomingdales I wanted to exit through two sets of heavy swinging doors.
A lovely Canadian woman, Judy Chapdelaine noticed my intent and stopped to assist
me, including ushering aside others approaching the doors. Once outside she asked if she could assist me on my way, the entire action done with grace and charm. Thank you Judy. You made me feel valued.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Requiem for a Great Nation
The United States is approaching financial and social chaos aided and abetted by a
band of vandals who have invaded our walls. They are intent on bludgeoning the middle class into servitude by eliminating collective bargaining, voiding the contracts previously negotiated, and eviscerating the labor laws which gave us the middle class with the highest standard of living in the world.
If this statement seems exaggerated take a look at the proposals in Wisconsin for one. The financial elite is convinced that the solution to our deficit budgets is to convert the middle class
into some third world peons controlled by the elite. They are too ideologically blind to recognize that the prosperous middle class is the foundation of the economy
which made us the dominant nation and which enabled them to accumulate their wealth.
Our deficit problems began when we abandoned fiscal responsibility and began spending beyond our national income. This trend was further accelerated when congress was corrupted into manipulating the Income Tax laws to provide generous tax shelters for corporate and wealthy taxpayers, thus starving the federal government of income. With the strength of the American economy, and the strong dollar the international credit markets invested huge sums in our debt. We were awash with money for social programs, a costly defense establishment, and building an empire, with foreign wars and bases everywhere.
The American economic system is built like a Lego structure. It comprises numerous
agencies and programs, all, fitting into an interlocking and interdependent mosaic.
Some are essential for economic recovery, some support the social benefit structure
amd some run all the Government operations. To slash the budgets in an across-the- board fashion, without regard to the disruptions in essential programs could lead to
calamities of untold dimensions.Yet this is what the vandals intend, all with the aim
of reaching some preset figure of deficit reduction. That is not governing, it is
demolition.
band of vandals who have invaded our walls. They are intent on bludgeoning the middle class into servitude by eliminating collective bargaining, voiding the contracts previously negotiated, and eviscerating the labor laws which gave us the middle class with the highest standard of living in the world.
If this statement seems exaggerated take a look at the proposals in Wisconsin for one. The financial elite is convinced that the solution to our deficit budgets is to convert the middle class
into some third world peons controlled by the elite. They are too ideologically blind to recognize that the prosperous middle class is the foundation of the economy
which made us the dominant nation and which enabled them to accumulate their wealth.
Our deficit problems began when we abandoned fiscal responsibility and began spending beyond our national income. This trend was further accelerated when congress was corrupted into manipulating the Income Tax laws to provide generous tax shelters for corporate and wealthy taxpayers, thus starving the federal government of income. With the strength of the American economy, and the strong dollar the international credit markets invested huge sums in our debt. We were awash with money for social programs, a costly defense establishment, and building an empire, with foreign wars and bases everywhere.
The American economic system is built like a Lego structure. It comprises numerous
agencies and programs, all, fitting into an interlocking and interdependent mosaic.
Some are essential for economic recovery, some support the social benefit structure
amd some run all the Government operations. To slash the budgets in an across-the- board fashion, without regard to the disruptions in essential programs could lead to
calamities of untold dimensions.Yet this is what the vandals intend, all with the aim
of reaching some preset figure of deficit reduction. That is not governing, it is
demolition.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
EGYPT, Inventory
The freedom movement won the first, major battle for democracy, but the war has just begun. To consolidate the initial victory, parties must be organized, with platforms informing the public what they stand for. Candidates must be chosen to wage
campaigns convincing the voters. There must be a formal, protected honest election for a constitutional convention and provisional parliament. After
the elections the new government must create the entire infra-structure of a functioning state at all levels. During this period various factions will be trying
to undermine the process, among them the radical Islamists. Tactics will include terror bombings, political assassinations, and economic sabotage. Egypt is too valuable a prize for the other Arab dictatorships to allow to slip into freedom.
And the cronies of the Mubarak Mafia will not go quietly into exile.
The key to success is the army. If it devotes itself to bringing democracy to the nation it has the power to maintain an orderly transition process. It knows who and where all the principal players are, and can remove them from the scene if necessary. The European Union can and should play a vital role in helping implement the development of the government infra-structure, organizing parties and elections, and above all supporting the Army. It is very much in their self interest to do so. If they neglect to help the bad guys in the neighborhood will be glad to get involved.
Is the Egyptian freedom contagion likely to spread to the neighboring Arab dictatorships? Not likely, because in those states all the armed forces are thugs
on government payrolls, and their interests lie with maintaining the status quo.
campaigns convincing the voters. There must be a formal, protected honest election for a constitutional convention and provisional parliament. After
the elections the new government must create the entire infra-structure of a functioning state at all levels. During this period various factions will be trying
to undermine the process, among them the radical Islamists. Tactics will include terror bombings, political assassinations, and economic sabotage. Egypt is too valuable a prize for the other Arab dictatorships to allow to slip into freedom.
And the cronies of the Mubarak Mafia will not go quietly into exile.
The key to success is the army. If it devotes itself to bringing democracy to the nation it has the power to maintain an orderly transition process. It knows who and where all the principal players are, and can remove them from the scene if necessary. The European Union can and should play a vital role in helping implement the development of the government infra-structure, organizing parties and elections, and above all supporting the Army. It is very much in their self interest to do so. If they neglect to help the bad guys in the neighborhood will be glad to get involved.
Is the Egyptian freedom contagion likely to spread to the neighboring Arab dictatorships? Not likely, because in those states all the armed forces are thugs
on government payrolls, and their interests lie with maintaining the status quo.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Update, Gerontology Project
From the number, quality and enthusiasm of the volunteers, the project bodes well.
Keep in mind the purpose: To change the role and perception that the increasing
aged population represents a burden to society and they must be allowed to languish away, adapting to the status quo as best they can. We are going to
change their role so their accumulated experience and wisdom is seen as an asset.
In the process their lives will become richer and more fulfilled. That will require
changes in societal attitudes and infra-structure, all favorable to progress.
Thank you all for joining this crusade.
Keep in mind the purpose: To change the role and perception that the increasing
aged population represents a burden to society and they must be allowed to languish away, adapting to the status quo as best they can. We are going to
change their role so their accumulated experience and wisdom is seen as an asset.
In the process their lives will become richer and more fulfilled. That will require
changes in societal attitudes and infra-structure, all favorable to progress.
Thank you all for joining this crusade.
Friday, February 11, 2011
EGYPT REBORN!
Hallelujah, Huzzah and Hooray, the iron boot has been removed from the necks of the
Egyptian masses. The army finally recognized that its future is irrevocably bound with the Egyptian masses and pushed Mubarak into oblivion. I hope all will now
concentrate on building a government of the people, by the people and for the people
and not indulge in an orgy of vengeance or theocratic strife.
The youth of Egypt deserve the opportunities that now lie before it. Western
political and economic leaders must extend every possible aid and support to
bring into being a progressive modern Arab state that has for so long been missing in the Middle East. The energy and desire is in the population. Give them the tools and inspiration! Bring them to our universities and research centers. Send our best to theirs. This is the moment for joint efforts between East and West. Both will benefit.
Egyptian masses. The army finally recognized that its future is irrevocably bound with the Egyptian masses and pushed Mubarak into oblivion. I hope all will now
concentrate on building a government of the people, by the people and for the people
and not indulge in an orgy of vengeance or theocratic strife.
The youth of Egypt deserve the opportunities that now lie before it. Western
political and economic leaders must extend every possible aid and support to
bring into being a progressive modern Arab state that has for so long been missing in the Middle East. The energy and desire is in the population. Give them the tools and inspiration! Bring them to our universities and research centers. Send our best to theirs. This is the moment for joint efforts between East and West. Both will benefit.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wither Florida?
Gov. Rick Scott has released the new state budget, in a ceremony in of all places a Tea Party gathering in a church. The insensitivity to the character of a state
and the importance to citizens of all political persuasions, is breathtaking.
Recently the state borrowed a huge sum of money with which to lure high tech
research centers such as Scripss, Max Planck, Torrey Pines and others to our state.
The purpose was to establish a growth center for cutting edge research which would attract satellite industries offering thousands of well paid jobs to highly trained employees and make a significant dent in Florida's unemployment. But from whence will those highly skilled employees come--from abroad, other states? Why not from Florida? For that to happen the administration must include in the budget a substantial investment in higher education facilities, faculties and student recruitment. None of those priorities appear in the budget. The high hopes purchased
at such high cost are being neglected in a budget process designed to demonstrate how tough the new governor can be, not how smart. The high tech center is an asset to be exploited, not left to blossom on its own.
and the importance to citizens of all political persuasions, is breathtaking.
Recently the state borrowed a huge sum of money with which to lure high tech
research centers such as Scripss, Max Planck, Torrey Pines and others to our state.
The purpose was to establish a growth center for cutting edge research which would attract satellite industries offering thousands of well paid jobs to highly trained employees and make a significant dent in Florida's unemployment. But from whence will those highly skilled employees come--from abroad, other states? Why not from Florida? For that to happen the administration must include in the budget a substantial investment in higher education facilities, faculties and student recruitment. None of those priorities appear in the budget. The high hopes purchased
at such high cost are being neglected in a budget process designed to demonstrate how tough the new governor can be, not how smart. The high tech center is an asset to be exploited, not left to blossom on its own.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Playing with fire, while firing the fire dept.
Within some three weeks The House will be dealing with the new federal budget.
Many of the newly elected right wingers are seriously planning massive cuts in all
programs without regard to their merits, or their contribution to our recovery from
the deep recession which bedevils the nation. They are prepared to shut down the federal government if that's what it takes to get their way. Apparently they haven't a vague notion of the disastrous consequences on our credit markets of such a cavalier action. We as a nation may soon see the consequences of electing members of
Congress based on emotions rather than wisdom and judgment.
The nation has operated on a deficit budget for decades. We finance even basic operations such as defense using borrowed money. Because we are such a huge market, the nations which sell to us are willing to
lend us the money to buy from them. We have
become addicted to this system and now use it to finance almost all government operations and programs. The wealthy want a free ride and fight against all taxes. The middle class is now impoverished and cannot pay more taxes.Our consumption is financed by credit, increasing the national deficit. As a result of these structural defects we are unable and unwilling to take the painful measures which could gradually eliminate the deficits: increased savings and taxes devoted to actually paying down the debt.
To try to change the deficit financing system now, without taking the steps to pay off the debt will fail. So we must continue on the same path and hope our creditors
will continue to finance our profligacy. When they stop we will enter bankruptcy
and the great American Legend will end.
Many of the newly elected right wingers are seriously planning massive cuts in all
programs without regard to their merits, or their contribution to our recovery from
the deep recession which bedevils the nation. They are prepared to shut down the federal government if that's what it takes to get their way. Apparently they haven't a vague notion of the disastrous consequences on our credit markets of such a cavalier action. We as a nation may soon see the consequences of electing members of
Congress based on emotions rather than wisdom and judgment.
The nation has operated on a deficit budget for decades. We finance even basic operations such as defense using borrowed money. Because we are such a huge market, the nations which sell to us are willing to
lend us the money to buy from them. We have
become addicted to this system and now use it to finance almost all government operations and programs. The wealthy want a free ride and fight against all taxes. The middle class is now impoverished and cannot pay more taxes.Our consumption is financed by credit, increasing the national deficit. As a result of these structural defects we are unable and unwilling to take the painful measures which could gradually eliminate the deficits: increased savings and taxes devoted to actually paying down the debt.
To try to change the deficit financing system now, without taking the steps to pay off the debt will fail. So we must continue on the same path and hope our creditors
will continue to finance our profligacy. When they stop we will enter bankruptcy
and the great American Legend will end.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Joining the informed
The Feb 6th edition of the New York Times carries a series of opinion pieces by the
most esteemed and best informed columnists on the American scene, dealing with the events in Egypt. Also dealt with are the impacts the turmoil is having on Jordan.
Most of the writers are on the scene, in Egypt, and Jordan and have been present at many demonstrations, at danger to their own life and limb.
Included in the group are such informed and keen observers as Frank Rich, Tom Friedman, Nicholas Kristof, David Brooks and Roger Cohen. Reading their articles
will yield a broad understanding of events in that region, and America's neglect
and lack of awareness of the powerful forces for change that are arrayed as well as our vital stakes in events there.
I am gratified to find my writings, which preceded theirs have been in essential agreement with their opinions and observations. If that makes me a N. Y. Times
liberal, I glory in the designation.
most esteemed and best informed columnists on the American scene, dealing with the events in Egypt. Also dealt with are the impacts the turmoil is having on Jordan.
Most of the writers are on the scene, in Egypt, and Jordan and have been present at many demonstrations, at danger to their own life and limb.
Included in the group are such informed and keen observers as Frank Rich, Tom Friedman, Nicholas Kristof, David Brooks and Roger Cohen. Reading their articles
will yield a broad understanding of events in that region, and America's neglect
and lack of awareness of the powerful forces for change that are arrayed as well as our vital stakes in events there.
I am gratified to find my writings, which preceded theirs have been in essential agreement with their opinions and observations. If that makes me a N. Y. Times
liberal, I glory in the designation.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Surrounding the Vortex
The cauldron bubbling in Egypt could spill over and burn a number of its neighbors. Not the McDonalds coffee type of superficial skin scald. The burn will be third degree, deep into the muscle which supports their fragile governments and desperate populations. From No. Africa to the rim of Asia there is not one Arab
state that can be considered stable, and offering a decent standard of living to their inhabitants. The oil sheikdoms, Dubai, Oman, Quatar are the exceptions because they have an artificial prosperity supported by oil. Without the oil their magnificent buildings would revert to sand dunes.
Egypt has been the anchor and foundation of what could be the revival of a great
civilization rivalling the Byzantine. Using modern technology in place of a grazing
economy, the deserts could be made to bloom once more, as the Israelis have demonstrated. With adequate grains, fruits, vegetables and animal husbandry the populace could supply its own needs with a surplus for export to get foreign
currency for capital development. Using that capital to develope infrastructure that
would support high tech manufacturing, their large populations could grow into
a light industry economy. But if Egypt falls the example would be disastrous. The
mullah led Jihadists would control everywhere. Anger, hate and envy would be the
behavioral norm. There is a surplus of that allready. America, do all that you must
to assure this revolution succeeds!
state that can be considered stable, and offering a decent standard of living to their inhabitants. The oil sheikdoms, Dubai, Oman, Quatar are the exceptions because they have an artificial prosperity supported by oil. Without the oil their magnificent buildings would revert to sand dunes.
Egypt has been the anchor and foundation of what could be the revival of a great
civilization rivalling the Byzantine. Using modern technology in place of a grazing
economy, the deserts could be made to bloom once more, as the Israelis have demonstrated. With adequate grains, fruits, vegetables and animal husbandry the populace could supply its own needs with a surplus for export to get foreign
currency for capital development. Using that capital to develope infrastructure that
would support high tech manufacturing, their large populations could grow into
a light industry economy. But if Egypt falls the example would be disastrous. The
mullah led Jihadists would control everywhere. Anger, hate and envy would be the
behavioral norm. There is a surplus of that allready. America, do all that you must
to assure this revolution succeeds!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
THE GREAT SPHINX......
.....has awakened from decades of slumber and is roaring in rage because of the
decline which the autocratic Mubarak reign has imposed on the nation. Egypt's population is among the youngest in the world, and it is also the nation with the highest youth unemployment. The young men and women of Egypt are bright and ambitious, not yet contaminated with Islamic zeal for Jihad. They want opportunity to
participate freely and openly in national debate regarding access to the world of
technology. They hold no fear that relaxation of the iron fist will bring in its wake a radical Islamic regime. They feel the numbers and momentum are with them, enough to crush the Brotherhood if it tries to preempt the revolution.
The American administration and media are paralyzed with fear that the largest Islamic state will somehow disintegrate into another rogue such as Iran. That drives the Israelis, the Saudis and the Americans bananas. But this time the odds are overwhelmingly on the side of democracy and modernity.
Obama, cast off the grip of caution. Reach out to the future, which can be ours.
Hanging on to remnants of power through Mubarak is the path of cowardice, not caution. The youth of Arabia will curse us, and justly so, if we deprive them of this
first good hope of democracy.
decline which the autocratic Mubarak reign has imposed on the nation. Egypt's population is among the youngest in the world, and it is also the nation with the highest youth unemployment. The young men and women of Egypt are bright and ambitious, not yet contaminated with Islamic zeal for Jihad. They want opportunity to
participate freely and openly in national debate regarding access to the world of
technology. They hold no fear that relaxation of the iron fist will bring in its wake a radical Islamic regime. They feel the numbers and momentum are with them, enough to crush the Brotherhood if it tries to preempt the revolution.
The American administration and media are paralyzed with fear that the largest Islamic state will somehow disintegrate into another rogue such as Iran. That drives the Israelis, the Saudis and the Americans bananas. But this time the odds are overwhelmingly on the side of democracy and modernity.
Obama, cast off the grip of caution. Reach out to the future, which can be ours.
Hanging on to remnants of power through Mubarak is the path of cowardice, not caution. The youth of Arabia will curse us, and justly so, if we deprive them of this
first good hope of democracy.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Now the smoke has cleared........
.....we can see the trees that compose the forest. They come in huge variety. Some hug the ground stealing the sun from seedlings which are challenged to grow tall
and develop a canopy to get their share. That canopy provides habitat for beautiful
birds whose color and songs bring us joy. The ground huggers provide habitat for
numerous creatures which clean the forest floor and in turn are food for felines, predatory birds, snakes and small mammals.
This symbiotic arrangement enables the animal kingdom to be free of constant conflict. There is no species with a goal to acquire power over others or get control
of all the assets.
In every human society the government of whatever form, whether democratic republic,
or oligarchy , the drive by the rulers are to accumulate power and control of resources for the benefit of some particular class or group, usually called "party".
The greatest good for the greatest number makes a good slogan to divert voters but
it doesn't influence policy.
Perhaps we should follow that old adage "leave it to the birds!"
and develop a canopy to get their share. That canopy provides habitat for beautiful
birds whose color and songs bring us joy. The ground huggers provide habitat for
numerous creatures which clean the forest floor and in turn are food for felines, predatory birds, snakes and small mammals.
This symbiotic arrangement enables the animal kingdom to be free of constant conflict. There is no species with a goal to acquire power over others or get control
of all the assets.
In every human society the government of whatever form, whether democratic republic,
or oligarchy , the drive by the rulers are to accumulate power and control of resources for the benefit of some particular class or group, usually called "party".
The greatest good for the greatest number makes a good slogan to divert voters but
it doesn't influence policy.
Perhaps we should follow that old adage "leave it to the birds!"
Thursday, January 27, 2011
State of the Person
To mimic the federal government it might be useful for each of us to analyse and
sum up our own state of affairs after passage of another year.
We all long for the past days when we could each be masters of our own fates. We
could work where, and at what we pleased. We were free souls in control of our
family destinies. The overall economy was capable of supplying jobs to a growing population and America was the economic colossus and model of free enterprise.
But the rest of the world took advantage of the continuing technological revolution
by educating its children for the new global economy, in the process attracting
American capital and manufacturing operations. With the disappearance of our
industrial base the plenitude of jobs was replaced by chronic unemployment.
There are among us people who are entrepreneurs and self employed. Their job
security lies in special skills and talents for which demand will always exceed supply. This group represented the elite of the middle class, now a remnant of
what was the main support of our consumption based economy.
To bring back the past by recalling our industrial base or limiting wages, benefits
and labor laws to the standards in the low labor cost venues is no option. We must
strike out into another direction--joining the new world of green life style. In
that new world, our productive workforce and technological brains inventory
can make us a world leader once more. Subservience to the special interests that
have locked our policies into the past, must end. We are blessed with a large territory on which sunlight falls, huge borders on seas whose tides can generate energy, with broad expanses of prairie for wind generators, and enormous arable
land surface to grow bio-fuels. Why don't we exploit these wondrous gifts from
nature to improve our economy, while benefitting the entire human population?
sum up our own state of affairs after passage of another year.
We all long for the past days when we could each be masters of our own fates. We
could work where, and at what we pleased. We were free souls in control of our
family destinies. The overall economy was capable of supplying jobs to a growing population and America was the economic colossus and model of free enterprise.
But the rest of the world took advantage of the continuing technological revolution
by educating its children for the new global economy, in the process attracting
American capital and manufacturing operations. With the disappearance of our
industrial base the plenitude of jobs was replaced by chronic unemployment.
There are among us people who are entrepreneurs and self employed. Their job
security lies in special skills and talents for which demand will always exceed supply. This group represented the elite of the middle class, now a remnant of
what was the main support of our consumption based economy.
To bring back the past by recalling our industrial base or limiting wages, benefits
and labor laws to the standards in the low labor cost venues is no option. We must
strike out into another direction--joining the new world of green life style. In
that new world, our productive workforce and technological brains inventory
can make us a world leader once more. Subservience to the special interests that
have locked our policies into the past, must end. We are blessed with a large territory on which sunlight falls, huge borders on seas whose tides can generate energy, with broad expanses of prairie for wind generators, and enormous arable
land surface to grow bio-fuels. Why don't we exploit these wondrous gifts from
nature to improve our economy, while benefitting the entire human population?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The State of the Union
The address has come and gone, and I have been reviewing it to judge if it changed any minds. The event is always big and historic for its substance and
symbolism. I scanned the audience carefully to see how many I recognized, and if there were any big, historic persons. All I saw were mediocrities, most clad in
the armor of their biases.
The speech was reasoned, intelligent, conciliatory to the Republicans. It certainly was inspiring, especially to America's youth... It didn't change any minds. The bias
armored idealogs didn't open their minds and let the sun shine in. We can expect
two years of trench warfare in Congress. The know-nothings are in the saddle
and they are determined to continue impoverishing the middle class to wipe out big government programs and deficits. How else justify retaining costly tax cuts that benefit mainly the wealthiest 2% of our populace while slashing the basic support for the unemployed or barely subsisting?
The Right is clamoring for deficit reduction. We need that vitally. To get an amount
that is meaningful will demand of us austerity for all, plus increased revenue
from those who can. Bombast and phony measures won't cut it in the real world.
symbolism. I scanned the audience carefully to see how many I recognized, and if there were any big, historic persons. All I saw were mediocrities, most clad in
the armor of their biases.
The speech was reasoned, intelligent, conciliatory to the Republicans. It certainly was inspiring, especially to America's youth... It didn't change any minds. The bias
armored idealogs didn't open their minds and let the sun shine in. We can expect
two years of trench warfare in Congress. The know-nothings are in the saddle
and they are determined to continue impoverishing the middle class to wipe out big government programs and deficits. How else justify retaining costly tax cuts that benefit mainly the wealthiest 2% of our populace while slashing the basic support for the unemployed or barely subsisting?
The Right is clamoring for deficit reduction. We need that vitally. To get an amount
that is meaningful will demand of us austerity for all, plus increased revenue
from those who can. Bombast and phony measures won't cut it in the real world.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Update
The project to develop a new course of instruction on the adjustment to an aging
population has not died aborning. Unfortunately my precarious state of health has
made it impossible to proceed at this moment. I had prepared a preliminary plan of
attack to get it going. If any of my gracious volunteers has time to take it on, I
will help as much as my limited capacity permits.
The head knows what to do, the heart knows it is worth doing, but the body says sorry
buddy, I can't carry you there. As I wrote, there is a season for everything and
everyone. I am in the Winter of mine.
population has not died aborning. Unfortunately my precarious state of health has
made it impossible to proceed at this moment. I had prepared a preliminary plan of
attack to get it going. If any of my gracious volunteers has time to take it on, I
will help as much as my limited capacity permits.
The head knows what to do, the heart knows it is worth doing, but the body says sorry
buddy, I can't carry you there. As I wrote, there is a season for everything and
everyone. I am in the Winter of mine.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
For everything, and everyone there is a season.
And as we are all actors on the stage of life, the more skilled know when their role has been played out and it is time to leave the stage. Good ole Joe Lieberman
has seen the other players lurking in the wings, has heard the fading applause and
has finally decided his role has nothing left to add to the drama in Washington. He
will not run for reelection. As this thunderbolt echoed through the halls of Washington it appeared that the establishment would somehow survive. Have we seen
the last of Joe? Not likely if there is still room on a Federal payroll somewhere,
or a spot for a lobbyist with his connections.
One measure of a pol's success is the number of years he was able to hang on to his
office. I would suggest that a more suitable measure would be the meaningful content of those years. What did he contribute to the general welfare of the citizenry? In what measure are we a better nation, a society with greater comity,
because of his service? There are few men of greatness in congress. Who is there to set a worthwhile goal for newcomers? A political hack cannot inspire stars to rise.
It seems we have fallen into a malaise of low expectations for candidates and are
willing to settle for corrupt mediocrities. Thats what we are getting.
has seen the other players lurking in the wings, has heard the fading applause and
has finally decided his role has nothing left to add to the drama in Washington. He
will not run for reelection. As this thunderbolt echoed through the halls of Washington it appeared that the establishment would somehow survive. Have we seen
the last of Joe? Not likely if there is still room on a Federal payroll somewhere,
or a spot for a lobbyist with his connections.
One measure of a pol's success is the number of years he was able to hang on to his
office. I would suggest that a more suitable measure would be the meaningful content of those years. What did he contribute to the general welfare of the citizenry? In what measure are we a better nation, a society with greater comity,
because of his service? There are few men of greatness in congress. Who is there to set a worthwhile goal for newcomers? A political hack cannot inspire stars to rise.
It seems we have fallen into a malaise of low expectations for candidates and are
willing to settle for corrupt mediocrities. Thats what we are getting.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Marty's Blog Golden Globe awards
Tis the season for self congratulations in the movie business, and the multitude of
designer fashion shows to promote the various merchants of illusion that ordinary
housewives are just $5000 away from stardom.
In keeping with the season Marty's Blog has assembled its own list of awards:
1. Outstanding comedy spoof of the year: The house of Representatives vote to
repeal the Affordable Care Act. As an act of sheer spite to deprive Obama of a
legislative achievement, and despite the obvious benefits to the economy, the public,
and the budget process, the Republicans can't resist sticking their thumb in the
President's eye.
2. War movie of the year: Iraq Journal. The world has seen the Hundred Years War, the Thirty Years War, the two-part WWI-WWII serial covering 30 years. And now the Iraq War coming up to a decade. The staying power of War as a theme for entertainment is astonishing.
3. The mystifying, magical performance of Speaker Boehner pandering the illusion that cutting taxes will eliminate budget deficits as long as we decimate the
safety net that allows some in the middle class to survive. And the bloated defense budget for fighting WW2 must not be touched.
The list of buffoonery in Congress is too long to relate here. Enough to say that
we have the most inept Representatives that corrupt money can buy and that is
how corporate America prefers it.
designer fashion shows to promote the various merchants of illusion that ordinary
housewives are just $5000 away from stardom.
In keeping with the season Marty's Blog has assembled its own list of awards:
1. Outstanding comedy spoof of the year: The house of Representatives vote to
repeal the Affordable Care Act. As an act of sheer spite to deprive Obama of a
legislative achievement, and despite the obvious benefits to the economy, the public,
and the budget process, the Republicans can't resist sticking their thumb in the
President's eye.
2. War movie of the year: Iraq Journal. The world has seen the Hundred Years War, the Thirty Years War, the two-part WWI-WWII serial covering 30 years. And now the Iraq War coming up to a decade. The staying power of War as a theme for entertainment is astonishing.
3. The mystifying, magical performance of Speaker Boehner pandering the illusion that cutting taxes will eliminate budget deficits as long as we decimate the
safety net that allows some in the middle class to survive. And the bloated defense budget for fighting WW2 must not be touched.
The list of buffoonery in Congress is too long to relate here. Enough to say that
we have the most inept Representatives that corrupt money can buy and that is
how corporate America prefers it.
Monday, January 17, 2011
All gall is in Florida
From my Latin Primer in high school the first sentence we learned was "omnia
Gallia in tres partes divisa est"--all Gaul (France) is divided in three parts. The
latest action in the Florida legislature makes a wondrous play on words. The amount of sheer, senseless gall, and the bizarre timing of the event defies belief.
An act has been introduced permitting the open carry by anyone of firearms, everywhere
but inside schoolrooms.
I defy anyone to produce valid statistics, not anecdotes, showing that the incidence of crime has been reduced in any state allowing open carry. There is no such evidence.
There will be however a marked increase in gun violence because too many people are
not capable of anger management. When two armed individuals face off in some real or
imagined offense the temptation will be to draw and fire first. Second place means little when you are dead. I can visualize on I95 a daily event---someone inadvertently cuts in front of another driver in another lane. It has happened that
the driver so cut off shoots the other in anger and frustration. A life lost, families devastated for an insignificant incident. Now when everyone is armed
perhaps we will get a shoot out between both drivers, each fearful the other will get off the first shot. Whoop-dee-do, what entertainment for the by-standers! This is
what the NRA and their intimidated legislators envisage as a blessing for Florida.
There is a valid aphorism that repeating the same action and expecting a different result is a sign of insanity. Has the U. S. society actually become safer and less
afflicted with crime as more states allow everyone to openly carry guns? Where are the facts indicating that? No Florida, don't surrender one of our few signs of a civilized society. Say NO to open carry, and no to guns for all.
Gallia in tres partes divisa est"--all Gaul (France) is divided in three parts. The
latest action in the Florida legislature makes a wondrous play on words. The amount of sheer, senseless gall, and the bizarre timing of the event defies belief.
An act has been introduced permitting the open carry by anyone of firearms, everywhere
but inside schoolrooms.
I defy anyone to produce valid statistics, not anecdotes, showing that the incidence of crime has been reduced in any state allowing open carry. There is no such evidence.
There will be however a marked increase in gun violence because too many people are
not capable of anger management. When two armed individuals face off in some real or
imagined offense the temptation will be to draw and fire first. Second place means little when you are dead. I can visualize on I95 a daily event---someone inadvertently cuts in front of another driver in another lane. It has happened that
the driver so cut off shoots the other in anger and frustration. A life lost, families devastated for an insignificant incident. Now when everyone is armed
perhaps we will get a shoot out between both drivers, each fearful the other will get off the first shot. Whoop-dee-do, what entertainment for the by-standers! This is
what the NRA and their intimidated legislators envisage as a blessing for Florida.
There is a valid aphorism that repeating the same action and expecting a different result is a sign of insanity. Has the U. S. society actually become safer and less
afflicted with crime as more states allow everyone to openly carry guns? Where are the facts indicating that? No Florida, don't surrender one of our few signs of a civilized society. Say NO to open carry, and no to guns for all.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Fascinating dialogue
The Tuscon massacre has invigorated the tweeter world argument on guns pro and con.
I never acquired the skill to tweet. Perhaps it is because I still revere the
English language as an exalted means of communicating ideas and emotions and not
as a medium for practicing the cryptographers art. If the creator, or evolution had meant for us to talk with our thumbs I am certain that by now they would contain lips
and teeth, to say nothing about tongue and voice box. And above all A CONNECTION TO A BRAIN.
In an effort to find out what the tweeter world feels about the de facto unregulated world of gun use and ownership I have taken to reading a variety of blogs, columns, and conversations among tweeters, second amendment zealots, the Brady Bunch control
advocates and a garden variety of blood-and guts hunters. What strikes me most forcefully in the material I have seen is the lack of logical reasoning on the part of the gun loving fanatics. Their rhetoric is about fear. Someone is out to subvert
my nation, and their first step will be to take my guns away from me---over my
dead body, or theirs! "The government is no longer willing or able to protect my
liberty and property," so I must be prepared to change it, by bullets if necessary.
And one more tactic is to demean and abuse those who think otherwise--calling them
vile names, and ordering them back to someplace from which they never came.
If there is no longer any room for reason, that way lies chaos!
I never acquired the skill to tweet. Perhaps it is because I still revere the
English language as an exalted means of communicating ideas and emotions and not
as a medium for practicing the cryptographers art. If the creator, or evolution had meant for us to talk with our thumbs I am certain that by now they would contain lips
and teeth, to say nothing about tongue and voice box. And above all A CONNECTION TO A BRAIN.
In an effort to find out what the tweeter world feels about the de facto unregulated world of gun use and ownership I have taken to reading a variety of blogs, columns, and conversations among tweeters, second amendment zealots, the Brady Bunch control
advocates and a garden variety of blood-and guts hunters. What strikes me most forcefully in the material I have seen is the lack of logical reasoning on the part of the gun loving fanatics. Their rhetoric is about fear. Someone is out to subvert
my nation, and their first step will be to take my guns away from me---over my
dead body, or theirs! "The government is no longer willing or able to protect my
liberty and property," so I must be prepared to change it, by bullets if necessary.
And one more tactic is to demean and abuse those who think otherwise--calling them
vile names, and ordering them back to someplace from which they never came.
If there is no longer any room for reason, that way lies chaos!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Tuscon Massacre
As usual in these horrific public executions the media, and opportunists in the
political universe are quick to claim the killers were motivated by hateful and
violent speech and propaganda levelled against the victims by political opponents, right wing zealots, tea party types and similar. Thus moved to exact revenge, or prevent all sorts of plots to subvert our government,
liberties and culture, the killers deliver divine punishment on the evil doers. No doubt there is enough hate speech and
violent rhetoric to stimulate the eagerly awaiting, gun clutching, self anointed
avengers among us, as happens in attacks on abortion providers. But not all such massacres are so motivated.
Yes, ours is a horribly violence infiltrated culture. Even our national sports such
as pro football are violent on a grand scale, produced with all the showmanship
of major Hollywood musical extravaganzas. Hockey games are only exciting if some player has his skull fractured in a personal confrontation with an opponent. Try to
find a movie representing real, normal, adjusted people. Instead we have a world of Super heroes and super monsters wreaking unimaginable horror and destruction, or pathological killers dismembering their victims on screen.
Too many massacres are initiated by demented people with no understanding of the
consequence of their acts, and often no memory of having committed them. Here, dear Brutus, the fault is with ourselves that we make it possible for them to posses
weapons of extreme lethality. Thus the insane have taken over the asylum and the sane must cower in fear that their paths may cross. If you can call murder an act
of sanity, some murder in anger, or for material gain, and may be aware of their
actions and risks. To the insane, there is no moral dimension to the event.
The NRA says an armed society is a safer society. How would this "shoot out at the OK Corral" policy help the six already dead?
political universe are quick to claim the killers were motivated by hateful and
violent speech and propaganda levelled against the victims by political opponents, right wing zealots, tea party types and similar. Thus moved to exact revenge, or prevent all sorts of plots to subvert our government,
liberties and culture, the killers deliver divine punishment on the evil doers. No doubt there is enough hate speech and
violent rhetoric to stimulate the eagerly awaiting, gun clutching, self anointed
avengers among us, as happens in attacks on abortion providers. But not all such massacres are so motivated.
Yes, ours is a horribly violence infiltrated culture. Even our national sports such
as pro football are violent on a grand scale, produced with all the showmanship
of major Hollywood musical extravaganzas. Hockey games are only exciting if some player has his skull fractured in a personal confrontation with an opponent. Try to
find a movie representing real, normal, adjusted people. Instead we have a world of Super heroes and super monsters wreaking unimaginable horror and destruction, or pathological killers dismembering their victims on screen.
Too many massacres are initiated by demented people with no understanding of the
consequence of their acts, and often no memory of having committed them. Here, dear Brutus, the fault is with ourselves that we make it possible for them to posses
weapons of extreme lethality. Thus the insane have taken over the asylum and the sane must cower in fear that their paths may cross. If you can call murder an act
of sanity, some murder in anger, or for material gain, and may be aware of their
actions and risks. To the insane, there is no moral dimension to the event.
The NRA says an armed society is a safer society. How would this "shoot out at the OK Corral" policy help the six already dead?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Guns, Gore and the NRA
Yesterday the nation was treated to an educational message exposing the minds
of many NRA members, whose lives are dominated by the philosophy of "my way or the
grave way". In Arizona a mentally deranged man used an expanded clip 9mm hand gun
to kill six prominent citizens including a federal judge and wounded 13, some of whom are not likely to survive.
In another venue gunmen killed two and wounded one. In the process many families
were devastated. How a deranged man acquired such a powerful weapon is not difficult to
guess. Caving to NRA pressure so many states allow unlimited rights to acquire and carry guns that they can be purchased everywhere. It appears the only restriction would be if the purchaser was wearing a straight-jacket when entering the gun shop.
Once having the weapon he may openly carry it in saloons, theatres, markets, churches, and even high risk sites for interpersonal conflict. With the gun he can
fulfill his dream of being more powerful than the high and mighty around him. He is
now ready to put to use certain cardinal behaviors typical of NRA zealots:
1. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as long as it agrees with mine.
2. Disagreement on policy should be discussed in reasonable and rational fashion, and compromise, as long as the compromises are not required of me.
3. If someone gets into a confrontation with me, cool heads should prevail, or I will
blow him away.
4. With a gun I am GOD. I hold the power of life or death over anyone.
I recognize that by publishing these remarks I will ruffle a few feathers and one
of those zealots, in devotion to sacred NRA principles will find a few minutes to "blow me away!"
of many NRA members, whose lives are dominated by the philosophy of "my way or the
grave way". In Arizona a mentally deranged man used an expanded clip 9mm hand gun
to kill six prominent citizens including a federal judge and wounded 13, some of whom are not likely to survive.
In another venue gunmen killed two and wounded one. In the process many families
were devastated. How a deranged man acquired such a powerful weapon is not difficult to
guess. Caving to NRA pressure so many states allow unlimited rights to acquire and carry guns that they can be purchased everywhere. It appears the only restriction would be if the purchaser was wearing a straight-jacket when entering the gun shop.
Once having the weapon he may openly carry it in saloons, theatres, markets, churches, and even high risk sites for interpersonal conflict. With the gun he can
fulfill his dream of being more powerful than the high and mighty around him. He is
now ready to put to use certain cardinal behaviors typical of NRA zealots:
1. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as long as it agrees with mine.
2. Disagreement on policy should be discussed in reasonable and rational fashion, and compromise, as long as the compromises are not required of me.
3. If someone gets into a confrontation with me, cool heads should prevail, or I will
blow him away.
4. With a gun I am GOD. I hold the power of life or death over anyone.
I recognize that by publishing these remarks I will ruffle a few feathers and one
of those zealots, in devotion to sacred NRA principles will find a few minutes to "blow me away!"
Friday, January 7, 2011
Let the INEPTNESS begin!
In the first day of their control of the House the Republicans demonstrated clearly,
and to the embarrassment of their leaders, what are their priorities. Two GOP
Congressmen conducted a fund raiser and forgot to attend the formal swearing-in
ceremony which is required by the Constitution before any legislative business can be done. The omission made all actions of the house invalid, including the selection
as Speaker of Mr. Boehner. The frantic efforts to remedy the situation by in effect back-dating all actions and declaring the missing Congressmen "sworn in" by TV
because they appeared on camera from their fund raiser was more ridiculous than any
farce on The Early Show. The fund raiser was conducted using government property,
which is a crime. If this continues we are in for some ludicrous actions in the grubbing for money and protecting the monied. And guess at whose expense.
They are following this up with the attempt to repeal "Obamacare", an act which will
live in infamy, unmatched for political stupidity, and the damage it will inflict
on generations of the vanishing middle class. If they succeed they will have pulled off the biggest "snow job" in history!
We have met the enemy and HE IS US!
and to the embarrassment of their leaders, what are their priorities. Two GOP
Congressmen conducted a fund raiser and forgot to attend the formal swearing-in
ceremony which is required by the Constitution before any legislative business can be done. The omission made all actions of the house invalid, including the selection
as Speaker of Mr. Boehner. The frantic efforts to remedy the situation by in effect back-dating all actions and declaring the missing Congressmen "sworn in" by TV
because they appeared on camera from their fund raiser was more ridiculous than any
farce on The Early Show. The fund raiser was conducted using government property,
which is a crime. If this continues we are in for some ludicrous actions in the grubbing for money and protecting the monied. And guess at whose expense.
They are following this up with the attempt to repeal "Obamacare", an act which will
live in infamy, unmatched for political stupidity, and the damage it will inflict
on generations of the vanishing middle class. If they succeed they will have pulled off the biggest "snow job" in history!
We have met the enemy and HE IS US!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Back with my treasured friends
I am thrilled to be back communicating with my colleagues and fellow correspondents
after surviving a near terminal emergency illness resulting from a reaction to
a prescribed medication. Nine days in the Boca Raton Hospital plus further days of
convalescence have given me plenty of time to observe Obamacare in action and decide what about it I like or dislike.
My illness had a critical immediacy which made every decision about it a matter of TRIAGE (choices). An incorrect choice could have had fatal consequences. Because I had adequate health insurance the choices were all made objectively and I was made to survive!
I am now considering what the treatment and outcome would have been if I was uninsured with the same illness and there was no Obamacare.
Lets go through the triage in that situation:
1.The patient shows up at the E.R.--no insurance. The E.R. discovers he is critically ill and will require lengthy hospitalization, blood transfusions, expensive medications. Triage decision????
2. The patient requires immediate consult with a Cardiololgist, Renal specialist,
Gastroenterologist.They are called in, but ask if there is insurance. Told no,
they will "get around to it" when they "finish with their patients". When????
3. The hospital, under financial pressure begins to look for a place to dump the
patient!
4. The blood bank suddenly runs out of the blood type.
5. Do I need to go on?
By making health insurance mandatory none of that would happen, and the insured
population would not pay for the non-insured through higher insurance premiums.
More essays on the subject will be coming.
after surviving a near terminal emergency illness resulting from a reaction to
a prescribed medication. Nine days in the Boca Raton Hospital plus further days of
convalescence have given me plenty of time to observe Obamacare in action and decide what about it I like or dislike.
My illness had a critical immediacy which made every decision about it a matter of TRIAGE (choices). An incorrect choice could have had fatal consequences. Because I had adequate health insurance the choices were all made objectively and I was made to survive!
I am now considering what the treatment and outcome would have been if I was uninsured with the same illness and there was no Obamacare.
Lets go through the triage in that situation:
1.The patient shows up at the E.R.--no insurance. The E.R. discovers he is critically ill and will require lengthy hospitalization, blood transfusions, expensive medications. Triage decision????
2. The patient requires immediate consult with a Cardiololgist, Renal specialist,
Gastroenterologist.They are called in, but ask if there is insurance. Told no,
they will "get around to it" when they "finish with their patients". When????
3. The hospital, under financial pressure begins to look for a place to dump the
patient!
4. The blood bank suddenly runs out of the blood type.
5. Do I need to go on?
By making health insurance mandatory none of that would happen, and the insured
population would not pay for the non-insured through higher insurance premiums.
More essays on the subject will be coming.
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