Explosions in Iran should come as no surprise. It is clear that the United States is considering military action against known Iranian nuclear facilities. This will most likely come in the form of attacks by the USAF using its stealth bombers and massive bunker-busting bombs. These attacks will be as surgical as possible but that might not be very surgical in the sense of little or no collateral damage. This damage will be more than just destroyed buildings and dead people.
That some action should be taken is inarguable, the Iranian regime is unstable politically, morally, historically, and most likely mentally. Iran will destroy, or a least attempt to destroy Israel using its nuclear weapons. The reason there is such a willingness to do so is based on their fundamental belief that the end of the world is near so what have they to lose. One might be surprised to find that fundamentalist Christians share this belief and both sides are looking forward eagerly to this event. The Iranians will also use this power to intimidate other Muslim nations, who actually despise them for embracing Shia, and bending them to their will under threat of destruction. This will not be a religious conundrum as Sunnis are regarded as heretics by Shia.
For those of us who aren’t looking for a tremendous upheaval and nuclear degradation of the environment something preventative is called for. A military action should be the absolute last resort, but it must be considered. The Iranians are naïve if they think a military strike would be unsuccessful. The immediate results will be a great success; the lingering ones are much more problematic. Detractors of the United States will have a knee-jerk totally predictable response to this suggestion and action, but a least they can have a reaction. In Iran any dissent is usually punished by death or lengthy imprisonment; similar to Cuban and Venezuelan behavior.
The set of circumstances is almost irretrievable at this point, Iran is going to press forward, the US is going to find away to stop them. The rest of us will be along for the ride which will be very unpleasant and last a long time.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Bombs in the Iranian Hinterlands
Explosions in Iran should come as no surprise. It is clear that the United States is considering military action against known Iranian nuclear facilities. This will most likely come in the form of attacks by the USAF using its stealth bombers and massive bunker-busting bombs. These attacks will be as surgical as possible but that might not be very surgical in the sense of little or no collateral damage. This damage will be more than just destroyed buildings and dead people.
That some action should be taken is inarguable, the Iranian regime is unstable politically, morally, historically, and most likely mentally. Iran will destroy, or a least attempt to destroy Israel using its nuclear weapons. The reason there is such a willingness to do so is based on their fundamental belief that the end of the world is near so what have they to lose. One might be surprised to find that fundamentalist Christians share this belief and both sides are looking forward eagerly to this event. The Iranians will also use this power to intimidate other Muslim nations, who actually despise them for embracing Shia, and bending them to their will under threat of destruction. This will not be a religious conundrum as Sunnis are regarded as heretics by Shia.
For those of us who aren’t looking for a tremendous upheaval and nuclear degradation of the environment something preventative is called for. A military action should be the absolute last resort, but it must be considered. The Iranians are naïve if they think a military strike would be unsuccessful. The immediate results will be a great success; the lingering ones are much more problematic. Detractors of the United States will have a knee-jerk totally predictable response to this suggestion and action, but a least they can have a reaction. In Iran any dissent is usually punished by death or lengthy imprisonment; similar to Cuban and Venezuelan behavior.
The set of circumstances is almost irretrievable at this point, Iran is going to press forward, the US is going to find away to stop them. The rest of us will be along for the ride which will be very unpleasant and last a long time.
That some action should be taken is inarguable, the Iranian regime is unstable politically, morally, historically, and most likely mentally. Iran will destroy, or a least attempt to destroy Israel using its nuclear weapons. The reason there is such a willingness to do so is based on their fundamental belief that the end of the world is near so what have they to lose. One might be surprised to find that fundamentalist Christians share this belief and both sides are looking forward eagerly to this event. The Iranians will also use this power to intimidate other Muslim nations, who actually despise them for embracing Shia, and bending them to their will under threat of destruction. This will not be a religious conundrum as Sunnis are regarded as heretics by Shia.
For those of us who aren’t looking for a tremendous upheaval and nuclear degradation of the environment something preventative is called for. A military action should be the absolute last resort, but it must be considered. The Iranians are naïve if they think a military strike would be unsuccessful. The immediate results will be a great success; the lingering ones are much more problematic. Detractors of the United States will have a knee-jerk totally predictable response to this suggestion and action, but a least they can have a reaction. In Iran any dissent is usually punished by death or lengthy imprisonment; similar to Cuban and Venezuelan behavior.
The set of circumstances is almost irretrievable at this point, Iran is going to press forward, the US is going to find away to stop them. The rest of us will be along for the ride which will be very unpleasant and last a long time.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Tiger Misses
Phil Mickelson is going to cause Tiger problems on his way to breaking the major championship victory record set by Jack Nicklaus. Mickelson might run out of time, he is 36 to Tiger’s 30, but he has regained the confidence that was shattered by Tiger’s arrival on the golf scene. Over the years Mickelson has four putted his way out of victory. His wild risk-taking style cost him many opportunities to win. Apparently he has now matured and is now a championship golfer.
This means that when Phil starts a tournament he is trying to win. In the past he merely wanted to win and felt he could because of his skills which are of course excellent. Arrogance will not win golf tournaments especially at the championship level. The great Bobby Jones had the same problem when he started, there is no other comparison between the two golfers, but until Jones learned to control himself and his golfing urges he remained winless when it counted. Tiger Woods has raised the standard of performance required to win major golf tournaments. The field is responding by rising to the level and sometimes beyond.
I doubt that there is any real danger of Woods failing to break Jack Nicklaus’ record. The only thing that can prevent it is Tiger Woods either losing interest or suffering injury. Other players will win majors and Phil Mickelson is well on his way to a record similar to that of Nick Faldo, none will surpass Woods.
Tiger has been tinkering with his swing and he is taking risks that he wouldn’t take in the past. He has been accused of being to machine like, too boring, but that is what wins tournaments and sets records. Golf is a game of patience and humility. One must prepare, commit, and play the shot; if it doesn’t work out perfectly one must move on from there. Ben Hogan realized this and pointed out that tournaments are won by those who manage their bad shots as very few good shots are ever made under the pressure of a tournament.
Congratulations to Phil Mickelson for winning the Master’s he held up when others faltered.
This means that when Phil starts a tournament he is trying to win. In the past he merely wanted to win and felt he could because of his skills which are of course excellent. Arrogance will not win golf tournaments especially at the championship level. The great Bobby Jones had the same problem when he started, there is no other comparison between the two golfers, but until Jones learned to control himself and his golfing urges he remained winless when it counted. Tiger Woods has raised the standard of performance required to win major golf tournaments. The field is responding by rising to the level and sometimes beyond.
I doubt that there is any real danger of Woods failing to break Jack Nicklaus’ record. The only thing that can prevent it is Tiger Woods either losing interest or suffering injury. Other players will win majors and Phil Mickelson is well on his way to a record similar to that of Nick Faldo, none will surpass Woods.
Tiger has been tinkering with his swing and he is taking risks that he wouldn’t take in the past. He has been accused of being to machine like, too boring, but that is what wins tournaments and sets records. Golf is a game of patience and humility. One must prepare, commit, and play the shot; if it doesn’t work out perfectly one must move on from there. Ben Hogan realized this and pointed out that tournaments are won by those who manage their bad shots as very few good shots are ever made under the pressure of a tournament.
Congratulations to Phil Mickelson for winning the Master’s he held up when others faltered.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
The Root of all Evil
I had a visitor to the blog who got here by searching the words “democracy the root of all evils. A check of site meter revealed that this person resides in India, the world’s largest “functioning” democracy. So there are two interesting facts. Is this person from the Brahmin caste and angry that others from lower castes are allowed to vote? Democracy, when it is truly permitted to function is probably the best form of government for human beings.
No matter what feel-good liberals like to think and hold dear in the face of all evidence to the contrary human nature is not inherently good. Democracy gives the weakest members of society a chance, only a chance, of affecting the outcome of events. It is certainly not a perfect method, though it is the most adequate. The liberal idea that all people are created equal ends in the delivery room or wherever birth is completed. Equality is an undesirable condition and will never exist. Equal chances may exist but genetics has demonstrated that some are better equipped than others to deal with their existence. Socialism doesn’t work, and certainly communism is an absolute failure. To check my assertions examine the history of the Soviet Union, France, and China.
In every group a dominant personality will emerge as the leader people are similar to all other mammals in this respect. The leader will surround himself ( generically speaking) with others who meet his needs for adoration, manipulative control of others, financial management of the dominated group or area, and in general those loyal enough to ensure his safety from other dominant or as we say today Alpha personalities.
Democracies have all these characteristics with the exception of the dominant leader’s role as he must please those he leads, thus making changes a bit more possible if not likely. Human nature is geared towards survival of a particular being, if preserving the group is in that beings best interest then that interest will be served. If the impulse is for other behavior it will be satisfied in some way that can be either beneficial or detrimental to the group.
So it is fruitless to examine democracy as the root of all evils, we must look to ourselves to satisfy that search.
No matter what feel-good liberals like to think and hold dear in the face of all evidence to the contrary human nature is not inherently good. Democracy gives the weakest members of society a chance, only a chance, of affecting the outcome of events. It is certainly not a perfect method, though it is the most adequate. The liberal idea that all people are created equal ends in the delivery room or wherever birth is completed. Equality is an undesirable condition and will never exist. Equal chances may exist but genetics has demonstrated that some are better equipped than others to deal with their existence. Socialism doesn’t work, and certainly communism is an absolute failure. To check my assertions examine the history of the Soviet Union, France, and China.
In every group a dominant personality will emerge as the leader people are similar to all other mammals in this respect. The leader will surround himself ( generically speaking) with others who meet his needs for adoration, manipulative control of others, financial management of the dominated group or area, and in general those loyal enough to ensure his safety from other dominant or as we say today Alpha personalities.
Democracies have all these characteristics with the exception of the dominant leader’s role as he must please those he leads, thus making changes a bit more possible if not likely. Human nature is geared towards survival of a particular being, if preserving the group is in that beings best interest then that interest will be served. If the impulse is for other behavior it will be satisfied in some way that can be either beneficial or detrimental to the group.
So it is fruitless to examine democracy as the root of all evils, we must look to ourselves to satisfy that search.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Invisible Mexican Day
I can’t wait for the invisible Mexican day. Personally I think we need more immigrants and so should raise the quotas so illegal immigration will be less of an issue. I take issue with those who use the tactics of intimidation to press their agenda. Of course that is the “Liberal” way; if the majority doesn’t agree with you try pressure. This is known as terrorism when guns, bombs, and mayhem are used. It is the same thing on a lower level with regard to the immigration controversy.
The cynical use of illegal immigrants by Democrats is disgusting if not new. The moral cowardice of Republicans is typical of hypocrites who simply want a job paid for by the citizens they “represent.” In New York a law is being passed to allow anyone to vote the questions of residency, interest, citizenship, do not arise. I guess it is simply a codification of a situation that already exists there.
I don’t think the Day Without a Mexican will amount to much, oh the media will exaggerate its impact, but especially where I live they will remain invisible. The battle in the southern states will be between blacks and Hispanics; the blacks will lose. This is unfortunate as they are the longest resident minority. They have been duped by the Democrat Party into thinking that they will be taken care of by the government if it is controlled by the Democrats. Now that the latino population is growing into a potentially large voting bloc the blacks can and will be ignored.
Another interesting aspect of this situation is the position taken by the unions. Talk about ambivalence, unions need members, unions want higher pay and more benefits, they should be opposed to illegal immigrants but because they are in thrall to the Democrat Party they are caught and left hanging. When the illegals become legal and union members they attractiveness will disappear. The wage hike spiral that will follow will result in further illegal immigration that will drive these new found gains down. Then today’s protestors will be bashing the government in an attempt to keep the new illegals out. Round and round we go where we stop no one knows.
The cynical use of illegal immigrants by Democrats is disgusting if not new. The moral cowardice of Republicans is typical of hypocrites who simply want a job paid for by the citizens they “represent.” In New York a law is being passed to allow anyone to vote the questions of residency, interest, citizenship, do not arise. I guess it is simply a codification of a situation that already exists there.
I don’t think the Day Without a Mexican will amount to much, oh the media will exaggerate its impact, but especially where I live they will remain invisible. The battle in the southern states will be between blacks and Hispanics; the blacks will lose. This is unfortunate as they are the longest resident minority. They have been duped by the Democrat Party into thinking that they will be taken care of by the government if it is controlled by the Democrats. Now that the latino population is growing into a potentially large voting bloc the blacks can and will be ignored.
Another interesting aspect of this situation is the position taken by the unions. Talk about ambivalence, unions need members, unions want higher pay and more benefits, they should be opposed to illegal immigrants but because they are in thrall to the Democrat Party they are caught and left hanging. When the illegals become legal and union members they attractiveness will disappear. The wage hike spiral that will follow will result in further illegal immigration that will drive these new found gains down. Then today’s protestors will be bashing the government in an attempt to keep the new illegals out. Round and round we go where we stop no one knows.
Invisble Mexican Day
I can’t wait for the invisible Mexican day. Personally I think we need more immigrants and so should raise the quotas so illegal immigration will be less of an issue. I take issue with those who use the tactics of intimidation to press their agenda. Of course that is the “Liberal” way; if the majority doesn’t agree with you try pressure. This is known as terrorism when guns, bombs, and mayhem are used. It is the same thing on a lower level with regard to the immigration controversy.
The cynical use of illegal immigrants by Democrats is disgusting if not new. The moral cowardice of Republicans is typical of hypocrites who simply want a job paid for by the citizens they “represent.” In New York a law is being passed to allow anyone to vote the questions of residency, interest, citizenship, do not arise. I guess it is simply a codification of a situation that already exists there.
I don’t think the Day Without a Mexican will amount to much, oh the media will exaggerate its impact, but especially where I live they will remain invisible. The battle in the southern states will be between blacks and Hispanics; the blacks will lose. This is unfortunate as they are the longest resident minority. They have been duped by the Democrat Party into thinking that they will be taken care of by the government if it is controlled by the Democrats. Now that the latino population is growing into a potentially large voting bloc the blacks can and will be ignored.
Another interesting aspect of this situation is the position taken by the unions. Talk about ambivalence, unions need members, unions want higher pay and more benefits, they should be opposed to illegal immigrants but because they are in thrall to the Democrat Party they are caught and left hanging. When the illegals become legal and union members they attractiveness will disappear. The wage hike spiral that will follow will result in further illegal immigration that will drive these new found gains down. Then today’s protestors will be bashing the government in an attempt to keep the new illegals out. Round and round we go where we stop no one knows.
The cynical use of illegal immigrants by Democrats is disgusting if not new. The moral cowardice of Republicans is typical of hypocrites who simply want a job paid for by the citizens they “represent.” In New York a law is being passed to allow anyone to vote the questions of residency, interest, citizenship, do not arise. I guess it is simply a codification of a situation that already exists there.
I don’t think the Day Without a Mexican will amount to much, oh the media will exaggerate its impact, but especially where I live they will remain invisible. The battle in the southern states will be between blacks and Hispanics; the blacks will lose. This is unfortunate as they are the longest resident minority. They have been duped by the Democrat Party into thinking that they will be taken care of by the government if it is controlled by the Democrats. Now that the latino population is growing into a potentially large voting bloc the blacks can and will be ignored.
Another interesting aspect of this situation is the position taken by the unions. Talk about ambivalence, unions need members, unions want higher pay and more benefits, they should be opposed to illegal immigrants but because they are in thrall to the Democrat Party they are caught and left hanging. When the illegals become legal and union members they attractiveness will disappear. The wage hike spiral that will follow will result in further illegal immigration that will drive these new found gains down. Then today’s protestors will be bashing the government in an attempt to keep the new illegals out. Round and round we go where we stop no one knows.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Do Gooders - Be Quiet Please
I get really tired of all the do-gooders who want to make themselves feel justified for living. From the anti-smoking, anti-fat, anti-car, and anti-fun forces to the so-called experts on global warming the act of looking beyond one’s little place in the world quite tedious. Of course you can see just about anything on television and the other night there was a program about hurricanes. It began by discussing the possibility of a devastating storm hitting Manhattan Island. It has happened before and according to scientific thought such a thing will most likely happen again. The cycle appears to be every 75 years or so (something like Halley’s Comet) which means another one is due within the next few years. As the program went on the discussion swung round to global warming and the effects of climate change.
It was glossed over and no definitive claims were made other than hurricanes are more frequent and more damaging now, at least since records have been kept; then came an interesting change of pace. It turns out that record keeping in China has been going on a bit longer than in the West; about 1000 years longer. It also seems that modern Typhoons are not as frequent or as damaging as those in millennia past. Well, that’s in China and what do they know. A Chinese scientist has come to the United States and taken core samples from coastal areas to determine the number and extent of Atlantic hurricanes. The results are amazing.
Apparently in the murky past the same pattern of hurricane incidents can be traced on the Atlantic side and they were more numerous and apparently more damaging. So, is global warming helping or hurting? Extremists love to frighten the weak minded, who apparently make up most of the earth’s population, and also seek to impose their paranoiac views on the rest of us.
I personally don’t smoke and I take care of my health. I do this for ego’s sake, I like to look as well as I can. For that reason I exercise regularly but I don’t necessarily conform to the diet strictures of the fat police. I don’t eat fast food because it has no taste and is very expensive considering what it is.
I guess I’m a geezer because I want all these nut cases to keep quiet or at the very least stop publicizing their particular brand of mental illness.
It was glossed over and no definitive claims were made other than hurricanes are more frequent and more damaging now, at least since records have been kept; then came an interesting change of pace. It turns out that record keeping in China has been going on a bit longer than in the West; about 1000 years longer. It also seems that modern Typhoons are not as frequent or as damaging as those in millennia past. Well, that’s in China and what do they know. A Chinese scientist has come to the United States and taken core samples from coastal areas to determine the number and extent of Atlantic hurricanes. The results are amazing.
Apparently in the murky past the same pattern of hurricane incidents can be traced on the Atlantic side and they were more numerous and apparently more damaging. So, is global warming helping or hurting? Extremists love to frighten the weak minded, who apparently make up most of the earth’s population, and also seek to impose their paranoiac views on the rest of us.
I personally don’t smoke and I take care of my health. I do this for ego’s sake, I like to look as well as I can. For that reason I exercise regularly but I don’t necessarily conform to the diet strictures of the fat police. I don’t eat fast food because it has no taste and is very expensive considering what it is.
I guess I’m a geezer because I want all these nut cases to keep quiet or at the very least stop publicizing their particular brand of mental illness.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Immigration: A Problem?
Immigration is a big issue here, and it is a big issue in Mexico. Let’s face it Mexican immigration is the only one that bothers the people of the United States of America. The population of the United States of Mexico is coming to a place where they can be free, find work, raise families, and escape a corrupt, elitist, murderous, despicable society. Mexico, a beautiful, rugged, charming landscape is ruled by criminals. It is really amusing to hear the criticism of the USA, especially by its own citizens, who exhibit no appreciation for their situation which is unique in the world. The USA is the only place on earth where a person may come with nothing and have a good chance of advancing economically to heights undreamed of in their native land. This goes for any other country including those of Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, and the Middle East. In all of these other places there are barriers to success from arcane caste systems, brutal political systems, and religious obstacles, landed oligarchies, to simply repressive societies.
This is not a jingoistic apology for the United States it is a statement of fact. Those whose reaction will be a typical knee-jerk hatred of America should take some time to really examine my position. We are a free, capitalist society. I admit we are often on the verge of socialist suicide and will perhaps not always be the mecca of opportunity but so far so good.
Today’s Americans want immigrants, those who can make an immediate positive impact on society. The first immigration act was passed in 1882 to ban Chinese immigration which was known as the “Yellow Peril”. These industrious people were typical in that they kept to themselves, spoke their native language, and were exploited by their native criminals. Their uniqueness was frightening to English speaking citizens. The situation today is analogous.
To combat the problems we are facing we must encourage immigration, or least accept it but take some steps to ameliorate its effects. The must be no multilingual conversation in schools (with exception of training), work, government, etc. Let the children be assimilated, let them be citizens. Let their parents be welcomed and become citizens. If they can’t speak English it’s just too bad. The sooner they learn the language the better off everyone will be. If they don’t want to speak English then the second part of that choice is to return to their native land. The USA needs more people, there are plenty of jobs, places to live, freedoms to enjoy, and lives to build here. There is plenty of prejudice and fear as well; for the most part it is overcome easily.
The Mexican elites want their people to leave, bring them on.
This is not a jingoistic apology for the United States it is a statement of fact. Those whose reaction will be a typical knee-jerk hatred of America should take some time to really examine my position. We are a free, capitalist society. I admit we are often on the verge of socialist suicide and will perhaps not always be the mecca of opportunity but so far so good.
Today’s Americans want immigrants, those who can make an immediate positive impact on society. The first immigration act was passed in 1882 to ban Chinese immigration which was known as the “Yellow Peril”. These industrious people were typical in that they kept to themselves, spoke their native language, and were exploited by their native criminals. Their uniqueness was frightening to English speaking citizens. The situation today is analogous.
To combat the problems we are facing we must encourage immigration, or least accept it but take some steps to ameliorate its effects. The must be no multilingual conversation in schools (with exception of training), work, government, etc. Let the children be assimilated, let them be citizens. Let their parents be welcomed and become citizens. If they can’t speak English it’s just too bad. The sooner they learn the language the better off everyone will be. If they don’t want to speak English then the second part of that choice is to return to their native land. The USA needs more people, there are plenty of jobs, places to live, freedoms to enjoy, and lives to build here. There is plenty of prejudice and fear as well; for the most part it is overcome easily.
The Mexican elites want their people to leave, bring them on.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Another Experience in America
Our African-American fellow citizens are confused. I have recently had the pleasure of editing a magazine. As you might imagine it has allowed me to come in contact with a variety of personalities and talents. As a free-lance writer it has also made it clear why many editors probably toss material sent to them without reading it or only giving it a cursory glance. Those comments are for another column, I digress.
Several of the writers and colleagues at the magazine are African-American or Latino. The divergence of cultures is obvious, but perhaps the similarities might surprise some of those whose experience in America has been rather sheltered by comparison. I won’t name names as it will serve no purpose. One of my writers is a young man who is extremely skeptical of white society and whose writing is mostly a disorganized reaction to and defense against perceived slaps against blacks. His one saving grace is his passion and his ideas. I have tightened up his work and published it; I can’t wait to see the letters.
Another one of the team is simply writing because he loves it; this comes through very clearly. His computer skills are limited but cut and paste is simple compared to the task of getting writing that can be published. His approach to his subjects is fresh, and interesting, always with a black cultural slant but not obviously angry. The difference between the two: the former is part of the entitlement culture while the latter wants his work to stand on its own. Both are very interesting people.
The other colleague is a well known NBA and Collegiate star. He is quite artistic, and intelligent. His formal education appears to have been just that: a formality. Yet he is amazingly considerate, diplomatic, and as might be expected goal-driven. He too keeps the undercurrent of black resentment under control as he views it as unproductive.
Finally my Latino friend. He is laid back and goes with the flow. The picture of his feelings he presents the world is false. As he relates his experience “We Mexicans learn to do the work and keep quiet.” This appears to the way, from this limited sample, that many if not most minority group citizens respond to the Anglo environment. Of course this is not healthy in the long run. Our country was made great by arguments regarding what is best for all, even though the few often won out.
I said that African-Americans are confused and the reason is that they are no longer in a life or death struggle for equality, prosperity, and respect. Their leaders take the opposite view to maintain their own power, not an unusual position for demagogues to adopt, but because the Civil Rights wound is still relatively new, the pain has not fully dulled. The collective memory will never fade as they get a reminder every time they look in the mirror.
Latinos are a different case, particularly those who have come from professional families or who are 2nd or 3rd generation. These citizens still have something of an abashed mindset. It will surprise many in Anglo land that Latinos consider them, albeit quietly, as foolish and untrustworthy.
These are just some thoughts you might consider during your next encounter with friend or acquaintance of a minority background. They don’t like you as much as you think they do.
Several of the writers and colleagues at the magazine are African-American or Latino. The divergence of cultures is obvious, but perhaps the similarities might surprise some of those whose experience in America has been rather sheltered by comparison. I won’t name names as it will serve no purpose. One of my writers is a young man who is extremely skeptical of white society and whose writing is mostly a disorganized reaction to and defense against perceived slaps against blacks. His one saving grace is his passion and his ideas. I have tightened up his work and published it; I can’t wait to see the letters.
Another one of the team is simply writing because he loves it; this comes through very clearly. His computer skills are limited but cut and paste is simple compared to the task of getting writing that can be published. His approach to his subjects is fresh, and interesting, always with a black cultural slant but not obviously angry. The difference between the two: the former is part of the entitlement culture while the latter wants his work to stand on its own. Both are very interesting people.
The other colleague is a well known NBA and Collegiate star. He is quite artistic, and intelligent. His formal education appears to have been just that: a formality. Yet he is amazingly considerate, diplomatic, and as might be expected goal-driven. He too keeps the undercurrent of black resentment under control as he views it as unproductive.
Finally my Latino friend. He is laid back and goes with the flow. The picture of his feelings he presents the world is false. As he relates his experience “We Mexicans learn to do the work and keep quiet.” This appears to the way, from this limited sample, that many if not most minority group citizens respond to the Anglo environment. Of course this is not healthy in the long run. Our country was made great by arguments regarding what is best for all, even though the few often won out.
I said that African-Americans are confused and the reason is that they are no longer in a life or death struggle for equality, prosperity, and respect. Their leaders take the opposite view to maintain their own power, not an unusual position for demagogues to adopt, but because the Civil Rights wound is still relatively new, the pain has not fully dulled. The collective memory will never fade as they get a reminder every time they look in the mirror.
Latinos are a different case, particularly those who have come from professional families or who are 2nd or 3rd generation. These citizens still have something of an abashed mindset. It will surprise many in Anglo land that Latinos consider them, albeit quietly, as foolish and untrustworthy.
These are just some thoughts you might consider during your next encounter with friend or acquaintance of a minority background. They don’t like you as much as you think they do.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Ah Spring!
Spring is coming on strong here in the Carolinas, pollen is making its presence felt; mostly in the form of dust leading to sneezing and coughing. It’s time to mulch, put a new spark plug in the lawnmower, plant some pansies, and generally clean up winter’s damage. Daylight savings starts Sunday, more hours for golf being the major benefit, and so all kinds of outdoor activity may be expected. Boats, water skis, PWC’s will all be made ready. It’s a routine that is taken to be just that, most of the United States has drifted into a complacent view of life.
Of course there is the nightly news which can be disturbing at times, no one really knows what to make of illegal immigration; the latest media hot button. The nation’s political and social life is adrift on a sea of malaise where the main problem is how to avoid getting involved in anything. There are plenty of UFO and Conspiracy Nuts to amuse us, but the fear of finding out anything of substance keeps at bay the impulse to really pay attention to the world around us. Spring is a time to enjoy renewal and avoid reality.
One of the worst things to happen to modern US society, and probably others is the advent of 24 hour cable news. This is true because it creates apprehension, tension, and discomfort by constantly bombarding those who pay attention with “news” items of little or no consequence and then repeats them endlessly. The stories are constantly revised as the real facts, as opposed to the original “facts” come to light. We are still dealing with Natalee Holloway’s case, with no end in sight.
Sharon Stone has a crush on Hillary Clinton and basically says so during her publicity tour. The senators are posturing more than ever and loving it. All the interests groups are clawing at one another and yet nothing, absolutely nothing constructive is being attempted. I have zero faith in the ability of the United States government to govern effectively. Neither Republican nor Democrat really wants to further the interests of the citizens as a whole, lobbying groups only please. The fact that legislative earmarks have disappeared from the public discourse proves my point. Public service should be just that, a service to the nation with personal expenses being reimbursed at a low level. The chance for gain eliminated. These are naïve wishes but they are after all wishes.
The best plan is to enjoy each day Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter as if there will be no other day to follow.
Of course there is the nightly news which can be disturbing at times, no one really knows what to make of illegal immigration; the latest media hot button. The nation’s political and social life is adrift on a sea of malaise where the main problem is how to avoid getting involved in anything. There are plenty of UFO and Conspiracy Nuts to amuse us, but the fear of finding out anything of substance keeps at bay the impulse to really pay attention to the world around us. Spring is a time to enjoy renewal and avoid reality.
One of the worst things to happen to modern US society, and probably others is the advent of 24 hour cable news. This is true because it creates apprehension, tension, and discomfort by constantly bombarding those who pay attention with “news” items of little or no consequence and then repeats them endlessly. The stories are constantly revised as the real facts, as opposed to the original “facts” come to light. We are still dealing with Natalee Holloway’s case, with no end in sight.
Sharon Stone has a crush on Hillary Clinton and basically says so during her publicity tour. The senators are posturing more than ever and loving it. All the interests groups are clawing at one another and yet nothing, absolutely nothing constructive is being attempted. I have zero faith in the ability of the United States government to govern effectively. Neither Republican nor Democrat really wants to further the interests of the citizens as a whole, lobbying groups only please. The fact that legislative earmarks have disappeared from the public discourse proves my point. Public service should be just that, a service to the nation with personal expenses being reimbursed at a low level. The chance for gain eliminated. These are naïve wishes but they are after all wishes.
The best plan is to enjoy each day Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter as if there will be no other day to follow.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
I Hope This is The Last Time for This Subject
This is the last time, I hope, that I will address the issue of the mentally ill among us; that is the UFO nuts, the 9/11 desperados better known as Sheenites, Oliver Stone fans, Nostradamus believers, fundamentalist Christians, Muslims, Jews, Atheists in short any one that has too much time on their hands or is so warped they can only cope with life with some kind of belief system that resembles the thinking of Stone Age Mankind. I have had a few emails and have been unfortunate enough to have the television on when the latest insecure nut jobs have crawled out of the darkness and become frightened. Let’s take a look at the Sheenites and those of his ilk. Charlie was quoted as saying the 9/11 hijackers were amateurs. They were not. They were highly trained commando-style operatives who trained in the Baka Valley and in Afghanistan. Bin-Laden and Massaoui have admitted to such. Charlie further said that the planes didn’t resemble any commercial planes he’s ever flown on. It’s difficult to evaluate this statement as I don’t know what condition he was in while flying a commercial airliner; he could have hallucinated anything.
One of my nutty buddies claims there is no evidence of a commercial airliner. Well bodies were recovered, including one of Charlie’s friends the producer of the TV show Cramer. The Pentagon security cameras tracked the flight and crash of UA77 as it hit the building. The crater it left was quite large over 70 feet in breadth and 80 feet in length. Another correspondent mentioned that a theologian, unnamed, has definitively stated that the whole attack was a US government plan. Tell me a man is a theologian and you have lost my interest altogether, I mean look what else they believe in.
Another great thing about my pal the “Ministry of Truth” and “Meta Mind” is that they make statements anonymously indicating that they don’t really believe what they are saying. Why else won’t they be named and defend their claims in a manner beyond citing questionable sources.
I have a brother who has been ill with schizophrenia since the age of 19. I have yet to meet a conspiracy theorist who can argue their points with more passion, conviction, and cogency than he. Yet, he is nuts.
One of my nutty buddies claims there is no evidence of a commercial airliner. Well bodies were recovered, including one of Charlie’s friends the producer of the TV show Cramer. The Pentagon security cameras tracked the flight and crash of UA77 as it hit the building. The crater it left was quite large over 70 feet in breadth and 80 feet in length. Another correspondent mentioned that a theologian, unnamed, has definitively stated that the whole attack was a US government plan. Tell me a man is a theologian and you have lost my interest altogether, I mean look what else they believe in.
Another great thing about my pal the “Ministry of Truth” and “Meta Mind” is that they make statements anonymously indicating that they don’t really believe what they are saying. Why else won’t they be named and defend their claims in a manner beyond citing questionable sources.
I have a brother who has been ill with schizophrenia since the age of 19. I have yet to meet a conspiracy theorist who can argue their points with more passion, conviction, and cogency than he. Yet, he is nuts.
Friday, March 24, 2006
I have a new fan
I have a new fan. He or she, I’m pretty sure it’s a he, is a great example of shadowy paranoiacs who spout off theories but remain anonymous. He calls himself Ministry of Truth and is certainly out there around the planet zango. He reminds me of the Sheryl Crow lyrics “Angels”… I know they’re out there. Anyway my new buddy has gone beyond 9/11 and is presented a rather feeble defense of Charlie Sheen, why I don’t know and can’t even guess. Perhaps it is Charlie Sheen himself, who cares? Take a look at the latest comments posted by him, and then by all means avail yourselves of the sources he mentions. He defends Charlie by accusing the Bush father and son team of some rather reprehensible practices. Defense by accusation is the mark of a weak mind and the inability to present an argument cogently.
Still I like having him participate at least he cares enough about his own interests to defend them and to attempt to clarify them. I hope he keeps up the good work.
Still I like having him participate at least he cares enough about his own interests to defend them and to attempt to clarify them. I hope he keeps up the good work.
Blog Response Comments Are Fun
Please have a look at two comments from yesterday’s post. They are amazing. It is not my intention to denigrate anyone except the subjects of my ravings, Charlie Sheen is an idiot. He has proved this in countless ways including drug abuse, patronage of prostitutes, (not itself a bad thing), and now subscription to wacky 9/11 theories. The two commenter’s are the same kind of thinkers that subscribe to UFO theories uncritically. The conspiracy theory about 9/11 began almost immediately with a French writer having a book published, in record time, that purported that the towers did not come down. Later it was revised to say that the US government perpetrated the act.
My dear readers give me a break. The United States Government can’t get out of its own way; it couldn’t get food to New Orleans. I know, I know, that was a racist plot; except all the government in New Orleans is controlled by African Americans so drop that one. I love the one about the blowing up the 9th ward levee another feat of derring-do that didn’t happen.
According to Benjamin Franklin “Two people can keep a secret…if one of them is dead” So here we are, citizens without real lives postulating and accepting verbatim statements that are on their faces absurd. One reader said that the damage to the pentagon was minor and the fire was small. Further there were no identifiable parts of a 757. A 70 foot hole in a building or anything else is not small; try one on your house to gain perspective. Not only were there identifiable airplane parts, almost all the body parts were identified. Where did the bodies come from?
If the pentagon explosion was not the plane crashing into it, then where is the plane, passengers and crew? Where are the 5 hijackers that, according to this theory, didn’t hijack anything? Where are the UFO’s? Oh they can’t land because we might attack them. Is that reasonable? They can live in outer space environments, fly all the way to earth and back (tourists?) and yet are not able to cope with our pathetic weapons; again where is the rational consideration of the flaws in these arguments?
Thanks for reading and sending in comments. It does my heart good to know that all the innocent and naive are not just in politics. Apparently there are very few people who can accept the fact that criminals, terrorists, do exists and will act and sometimes get lucky.
My dear readers give me a break. The United States Government can’t get out of its own way; it couldn’t get food to New Orleans. I know, I know, that was a racist plot; except all the government in New Orleans is controlled by African Americans so drop that one. I love the one about the blowing up the 9th ward levee another feat of derring-do that didn’t happen.
According to Benjamin Franklin “Two people can keep a secret…if one of them is dead” So here we are, citizens without real lives postulating and accepting verbatim statements that are on their faces absurd. One reader said that the damage to the pentagon was minor and the fire was small. Further there were no identifiable parts of a 757. A 70 foot hole in a building or anything else is not small; try one on your house to gain perspective. Not only were there identifiable airplane parts, almost all the body parts were identified. Where did the bodies come from?
If the pentagon explosion was not the plane crashing into it, then where is the plane, passengers and crew? Where are the 5 hijackers that, according to this theory, didn’t hijack anything? Where are the UFO’s? Oh they can’t land because we might attack them. Is that reasonable? They can live in outer space environments, fly all the way to earth and back (tourists?) and yet are not able to cope with our pathetic weapons; again where is the rational consideration of the flaws in these arguments?
Thanks for reading and sending in comments. It does my heart good to know that all the innocent and naive are not just in politics. Apparently there are very few people who can accept the fact that criminals, terrorists, do exists and will act and sometimes get lucky.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Stupid Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen’s latest comments, that the attack on the World Trade Center was planned and executed by the United States government prove two things: he is an idiot and this is how the left in the US really thinks. They can not be taken seriously. Is it any wonder that Hollywood types are completely disregarded by those of us who have to live in the real world? Try going to work and pretending to be the boss, you’ll get a chance to audition for another job pretty quickly. Charlie’s friends, the Sarandons, are making a movie about Cindy Sheehan. Obviously they are out of touch with the marketplace as such a film will be a financial disaster. (It probably won’t get made) although it might win a Golden Globe just for trying.
Let’s get back to the government conspiracy. Why would the “government” of the United States want to perform such an act? And if so why was the president so surprised? Was this something that was planned during the Clinton administration? The success of the attack depended on the incompetence of airline security and even the hijackers seemed surprised by their success. Bin-Laden has actually admitted to planning the events and expressed his pleasure and surprise at the extent of the damage. Hello Charlie, are you still taking so many drugs that you don’t have time to keep up with events?
The Left wing of the Democrat party is so bitter, and in such disarray that when the anger boils over stupid stuff comes out. The citizens of the United States ain’t seen nothin’ yet if the Far Left has its way. We will see the true American Gulag. These people have no regard for anyone who disagrees with them. They are like spoiled high school students; the mirror of society reflects only their image. If you don’t believe me read their bumper stickers. Every issue is reduced to its basic components and then only with a severe left twist. These people are dangerous and not to be taken lightly. They have no world perspective.
Let’s get back to the government conspiracy. Why would the “government” of the United States want to perform such an act? And if so why was the president so surprised? Was this something that was planned during the Clinton administration? The success of the attack depended on the incompetence of airline security and even the hijackers seemed surprised by their success. Bin-Laden has actually admitted to planning the events and expressed his pleasure and surprise at the extent of the damage. Hello Charlie, are you still taking so many drugs that you don’t have time to keep up with events?
The Left wing of the Democrat party is so bitter, and in such disarray that when the anger boils over stupid stuff comes out. The citizens of the United States ain’t seen nothin’ yet if the Far Left has its way. We will see the true American Gulag. These people have no regard for anyone who disagrees with them. They are like spoiled high school students; the mirror of society reflects only their image. If you don’t believe me read their bumper stickers. Every issue is reduced to its basic components and then only with a severe left twist. These people are dangerous and not to be taken lightly. They have no world perspective.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Cindy Sheehan is a disgusting person
Cindy Sheehan is a disgusting person, and apparently a rather stupid one. She has been duped by the liberal elite through flattery and manipulation to travel the world and the nation doing something, but what? Anti-war? I don’t think so. Feel good wacko liberalism, most likely. Return to the sixties when it was cool to smoke dope, get arrested, and brag about it, another likely scenario. Is she an aggrieved mother? Yes, she is, but she is using her son and his death for self-aggrandizement. She cannot speak for him, his final actions speak volumes. Her son was not drafted or forced into military service. In fact he had re-enlisted and was killed in action on his second tour of duty. He made a choice, a willing and enthusiastic one. Cindy acts as if we have an army of draftees fighting against their wills. This was the idea from 1964-1973, it is not the case today. I was in the military from 1966 to 1970 and I think I can speak with authority. It’s always bad when someone gets hurt or killed, it is going to happen. More lives are lost in accidents and from disease than from combat.
Susan Sarandon, her dopey husband and their friends are extremely shallow individuals who form their identities by doing what seems to be a good thing. This entire outcry about the poor etc. Why don’t these people give away their money, sell their SUV’s and multi-million dollar houses, and do some good in the world. Maybe “Actors without Borders” would suit them.
These people are so distant from the real world they can no longer function as reasonable people. I am glad that George Clooney and Madonna have moved to foreign climes where they can pretend that they are accepted by Europeans, of course they never will be, and that they are the sophisticated Americans the world needs. This in opposition to those Americans who are willing to risk their lives for the well-being, freedom and lives of others.
Susan Sarandon, her dopey husband and their friends are extremely shallow individuals who form their identities by doing what seems to be a good thing. This entire outcry about the poor etc. Why don’t these people give away their money, sell their SUV’s and multi-million dollar houses, and do some good in the world. Maybe “Actors without Borders” would suit them.
These people are so distant from the real world they can no longer function as reasonable people. I am glad that George Clooney and Madonna have moved to foreign climes where they can pretend that they are accepted by Europeans, of course they never will be, and that they are the sophisticated Americans the world needs. This in opposition to those Americans who are willing to risk their lives for the well-being, freedom and lives of others.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Danish Outrage Reduced to Petulance Not Violence
60 minutes biased? I know most people will find that assertion commonplace and some will even say wrong. The reality is that fans of 60 minutes are generally either so uninformed or misinformed that they take what is presented to them as good journalism that is attempting to get at and present a true picture of a particular situation. Another aspect of the belief paradigm is that most people are simply too lazy to ferret out the actual facts of any particular story to see if they match the CBS assertions.
What would be found, and it is the same with all network magazines, is an editorial bias to the left and in particular a destructive view of any nation that is friendly towards the United States. By aiding the United States in the anti-terror and Iraq wars Denmark became vulnerable to media acid attacks. The recent portrayal of Denmark is a good example. The Danes have every right to be outraged by the program which showed Denmark as a society of dumb blondes, which I can assure you from personal experience is not the case. The program portrayed Danes as insensitive white folks intent on excluding people of “color.” The complete opposite is true. Their hearts bleed for the world. The country as whole has a socially liberal bent and is in fact a welfare state as is most of Europe. The education system works and the religious life is basically form without substance; a natural reaction to the religious wars of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Recently there was a reaction from a famous Danish journalist, Samuel Rachlin, to the CBS story on 60 minutes. This reaction is what can be expected from anyone who has been falsely accused and is feeling angry, hurt, and powerless. It is also a bit childish and naïve. The CBS story would have been better reasoned had the actual facts of the Muslim cartoons had been presented; that would not happen for obvious reasons. One weak point of Rachlin’s argument damaged the writer’s credibility; that the US had problems with integration during Katrina and “we Danes” didn’t crow about it. This argument is of course false and distracting but reveals something more interesting. When a conservative American government is elected the European assumption immediately is “Oh look how stupid those Americans are. Why can’t they be sophisticated as we are?” This is not simply a Danish phenomenon; it is also espoused by the “cultural elites” in the United States and all the other “advanced” European societies. Fans of CBS, ABC, and NBC news will never get a completely true picture of the United States (or any place else) the people who are reporting and managing the coverage are products of the Watergate era during which their colleagues became famous and wealthy by attacking the government and society members whose ideas did not agree with theirs. Since then liberalism self-hatred has been in the ascendancy. The guilt they feel because they are prosperous and others are not is palpable and ridiculous.
There will never equality of circumstances or even a free exchange of ideas as long as human nature prevails. Some people have a fortunate birth but have faulty genetic equipment and bring ruin upon themselves. Some are less fortunate in their births but have strong genetic tools that enable them to rise above the crowd. Others and this is the largest group simply muddles along and does most of the regular work and is satisfied. Most people are interested in the opinion of others in direct proportion to its agreement with theirs.
Danish outrage over the 60 Minutes portrayal of their country and society is fully justified. The idea that this behavior by 60 Minutes is an anomaly though shows a certain bias and naiveté as well. It is common to accept the authority of one that is preaching the words the audience wants to hear and difficult to bear when the words of that authority are turned against the very audience which had respected it. I feel certain, without personal knowledge of the case, that Mr. Rachlin has himself presented stories which have reflected his personal bias; it’s the news business and it is human nature to project oneself in to the story.
I was a faithful viewer of 60 minutes for too many years; I stopped my addiction when I realized that a kernel of truth found in a bushel of half-truths and outright lies is a rotten combination that should be ignored.
What would be found, and it is the same with all network magazines, is an editorial bias to the left and in particular a destructive view of any nation that is friendly towards the United States. By aiding the United States in the anti-terror and Iraq wars Denmark became vulnerable to media acid attacks. The recent portrayal of Denmark is a good example. The Danes have every right to be outraged by the program which showed Denmark as a society of dumb blondes, which I can assure you from personal experience is not the case. The program portrayed Danes as insensitive white folks intent on excluding people of “color.” The complete opposite is true. Their hearts bleed for the world. The country as whole has a socially liberal bent and is in fact a welfare state as is most of Europe. The education system works and the religious life is basically form without substance; a natural reaction to the religious wars of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Recently there was a reaction from a famous Danish journalist, Samuel Rachlin, to the CBS story on 60 minutes. This reaction is what can be expected from anyone who has been falsely accused and is feeling angry, hurt, and powerless. It is also a bit childish and naïve. The CBS story would have been better reasoned had the actual facts of the Muslim cartoons had been presented; that would not happen for obvious reasons. One weak point of Rachlin’s argument damaged the writer’s credibility; that the US had problems with integration during Katrina and “we Danes” didn’t crow about it. This argument is of course false and distracting but reveals something more interesting. When a conservative American government is elected the European assumption immediately is “Oh look how stupid those Americans are. Why can’t they be sophisticated as we are?” This is not simply a Danish phenomenon; it is also espoused by the “cultural elites” in the United States and all the other “advanced” European societies. Fans of CBS, ABC, and NBC news will never get a completely true picture of the United States (or any place else) the people who are reporting and managing the coverage are products of the Watergate era during which their colleagues became famous and wealthy by attacking the government and society members whose ideas did not agree with theirs. Since then liberalism self-hatred has been in the ascendancy. The guilt they feel because they are prosperous and others are not is palpable and ridiculous.
There will never equality of circumstances or even a free exchange of ideas as long as human nature prevails. Some people have a fortunate birth but have faulty genetic equipment and bring ruin upon themselves. Some are less fortunate in their births but have strong genetic tools that enable them to rise above the crowd. Others and this is the largest group simply muddles along and does most of the regular work and is satisfied. Most people are interested in the opinion of others in direct proportion to its agreement with theirs.
Danish outrage over the 60 Minutes portrayal of their country and society is fully justified. The idea that this behavior by 60 Minutes is an anomaly though shows a certain bias and naiveté as well. It is common to accept the authority of one that is preaching the words the audience wants to hear and difficult to bear when the words of that authority are turned against the very audience which had respected it. I feel certain, without personal knowledge of the case, that Mr. Rachlin has himself presented stories which have reflected his personal bias; it’s the news business and it is human nature to project oneself in to the story.
I was a faithful viewer of 60 minutes for too many years; I stopped my addiction when I realized that a kernel of truth found in a bushel of half-truths and outright lies is a rotten combination that should be ignored.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Money or Happiness is There Really a Difference?
Should one work for money or should one find a career that assures happiness? Actually that question is not a choice, if acted upon correctly prosperity and happiness are inevitable. Here is why this is true. We all know that we live in an imperfect world, right? Let’s think about that for a minute. In my mind the world is perfect; it is in the lives of its inhabitants that the imperfection occurs.
I have engaged in activities simply because I thought they would provide wealth, and I did acquire a lot of money. I then behaved in ways I thought would provide happiness, they didn’t. Here is the solution, it is simple but difficult. Look around and try to find examples of excellence. I don’t mean simply something that is just good, I mean really excellent. After searching for awhile you will find some examples, some that will surprise you. As you look deeper you will find two more things: prosperity and happiness. Why?
The simplicity is this; the world seeks perfection or tends towards perfection. It is the most desirable quality because it cannot be attained in an absolute sense. The simple act of trying is in itself so rare that it too is valuable. Couple the striving for perfection with an activity that brings personal satisfaction to the striver and without a doubt prosperity and happiness will follow. This is not an overnight situation, it takes time. It might take a few or many years to achieve this state, but with belief and effort success is unavoidable.
The reason most people never arrive is due to the difficulty of continuing against what seem to be setbacks, poor initial choice of activity and subsequent discouragement, laziness (another name for fear) and finally most people don’t believe my theory is true.
Dreams can’t come true if they are never dreamt. When planning or imagining anything about what you want to achieve always make your fantasy the most extreme example of the success you think you want. In a fantasy you are in charge and it always works out the way you want. Do you want to be the most knowledgeable archaeologist on earth? Dream it, it will happen. You’ll have to work on it, but without the dream your subconscious has nothing to work on.
All personal success and happiness comes from satisfying an internal urge. That urge must be stimulated. For some this stimulation is easy but most of us have to search for what is best. This search can be made simpler this way. By remembering that success and happiness are the two most powerful stimulants and thinking about the wonderful euphoric feeling you got when something you did was most satisfying, you then know what you want to repeat and are on the right track. If you look at your life as a quest for dollars at the end you will fail.
If you do something, anything, productive and you are among the best to ever do that thing, money will chase you around. People want to be around excellence, they love basking in its reflection because they don’t understand it. The wealthiest people are those who respect themselves and enjoy helping others. Money should never be an objective it should and will always be a by-product of excellence.
I have engaged in activities simply because I thought they would provide wealth, and I did acquire a lot of money. I then behaved in ways I thought would provide happiness, they didn’t. Here is the solution, it is simple but difficult. Look around and try to find examples of excellence. I don’t mean simply something that is just good, I mean really excellent. After searching for awhile you will find some examples, some that will surprise you. As you look deeper you will find two more things: prosperity and happiness. Why?
The simplicity is this; the world seeks perfection or tends towards perfection. It is the most desirable quality because it cannot be attained in an absolute sense. The simple act of trying is in itself so rare that it too is valuable. Couple the striving for perfection with an activity that brings personal satisfaction to the striver and without a doubt prosperity and happiness will follow. This is not an overnight situation, it takes time. It might take a few or many years to achieve this state, but with belief and effort success is unavoidable.
The reason most people never arrive is due to the difficulty of continuing against what seem to be setbacks, poor initial choice of activity and subsequent discouragement, laziness (another name for fear) and finally most people don’t believe my theory is true.
Dreams can’t come true if they are never dreamt. When planning or imagining anything about what you want to achieve always make your fantasy the most extreme example of the success you think you want. In a fantasy you are in charge and it always works out the way you want. Do you want to be the most knowledgeable archaeologist on earth? Dream it, it will happen. You’ll have to work on it, but without the dream your subconscious has nothing to work on.
All personal success and happiness comes from satisfying an internal urge. That urge must be stimulated. For some this stimulation is easy but most of us have to search for what is best. This search can be made simpler this way. By remembering that success and happiness are the two most powerful stimulants and thinking about the wonderful euphoric feeling you got when something you did was most satisfying, you then know what you want to repeat and are on the right track. If you look at your life as a quest for dollars at the end you will fail.
If you do something, anything, productive and you are among the best to ever do that thing, money will chase you around. People want to be around excellence, they love basking in its reflection because they don’t understand it. The wealthiest people are those who respect themselves and enjoy helping others. Money should never be an objective it should and will always be a by-product of excellence.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
New Life
This is Makena Grace Curley, born March 6, 2006 to Kevin and Beth Curley. This is my wife's and my third grandchild and we are happy to have her. I certainly hope her life turns out to be a happy and productive one. She has a great start as she is surrounded by a loving extended family. This is something every child needs but fewer and fewer in today's world are lucky enough to have. I chose this picture because it appears that she is looking out at the world with a skeptical gaze. I know the feeling.She is named after a village in Hawaii, on Maui, so perhaps she will have a sunny and mild dispostion with only the occasional blustery storm.
I wonder what changes will occur during her lifetime? Space colonies, cancer cure, endless religious warfare, decline of US influence in the world, all of these are possible perhaps probable. The advances in technology are really unimaginable because truth is certainly stranger than fiction. As Tom Clancy wrote "Fiction has to make sense, the truth doesn't" The interesting part of the changes she will see is that such changes will be amazing to those already of age, while to her and her contemporaries it seem like a natural progression. Which of course it will be.
Anyway, Welcome Makena.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Sainthood for All
I was educated by the Roman Catholic Church in a series of what was known at the time at parochial schools. I guess the term was used to illustrate the narrow focus of the curriculum. A Catholic education, during the 1950s and 60s was an experience that I liken to a military experience. It wasn’t that much fun at the time but as a survivor it’s an experience that cannot replaced or truly explained to anyone who hasn’t been there. There was a certain ineffable quality of love and brutality that kept one alert, wary, with a strong longing for escape.
The education was first class. Even I, a poor student at best, managed to absorb knowledge and life skills at a survival level far above my public school counterparts. I haven’t kept up with my schoolmates but it wouldn’t surprise me to find most of them as successful citizens contributing to the community. The emphasis in the program was learning not financial gain, which is a little unfortunate for those who don’t get to live in a convent or rectory. Nonetheless the intellectual life was, as I now realize, quite amazing. The assumptions of the plan included the idea that the students were capable of being stretched to the limit and so they were. You could fail; you could be as many grades behind as necessary to get you to the level required by the Church’s idea of an educated person. We had students that were two and sometimes three years older than the grade level.
So with all this brain power cooking away in a world that was and is rapidly changing, how did and does the church think people will continue to believe in the spiritual agenda? I come to this question because as I was watching the newscrawler at the bottom of my television picture I noticed a tag about some priest investigating a possible miracle cure by the late Pope John Paul II. I got to wondering about this. In Christian life death is the beginning not the end of existence. I began to imagine John Paul getting to the pearly gates and being told to head on back down to earth if he wanted a better seat in the room God reserves for His closest friends. It must be crowded in there. So, do these dead holy people have to circle the planet looking for a worthy cause in an effort to earn Sainthood? I noticed that there were actually two potential miracles to investigate to establish the rationale of Sainthood status. Let’ suppose this is something that is real. What happens after the confirmation is made, do the miracles stop? I can’t remember hearing of recent miracle investigations of the actions of, oh, let’s say St. Joseph. Is it the case that once a dead person shows enough life to cause a miraculous action that they can accept a certain status; something like class 1 saint and relax around heaven?
I have long ago left organized religion to those who enjoy living with ghosts and who earn a living scaring the hell out of people instead of nurturing the heaven in them. All of us have a certain spiritual longing that is difficult to cope with and to pin down effectively. For that reason I never disparage anyone’s beliefs but I do wonder why they believe it.
The education was first class. Even I, a poor student at best, managed to absorb knowledge and life skills at a survival level far above my public school counterparts. I haven’t kept up with my schoolmates but it wouldn’t surprise me to find most of them as successful citizens contributing to the community. The emphasis in the program was learning not financial gain, which is a little unfortunate for those who don’t get to live in a convent or rectory. Nonetheless the intellectual life was, as I now realize, quite amazing. The assumptions of the plan included the idea that the students were capable of being stretched to the limit and so they were. You could fail; you could be as many grades behind as necessary to get you to the level required by the Church’s idea of an educated person. We had students that were two and sometimes three years older than the grade level.
So with all this brain power cooking away in a world that was and is rapidly changing, how did and does the church think people will continue to believe in the spiritual agenda? I come to this question because as I was watching the newscrawler at the bottom of my television picture I noticed a tag about some priest investigating a possible miracle cure by the late Pope John Paul II. I got to wondering about this. In Christian life death is the beginning not the end of existence. I began to imagine John Paul getting to the pearly gates and being told to head on back down to earth if he wanted a better seat in the room God reserves for His closest friends. It must be crowded in there. So, do these dead holy people have to circle the planet looking for a worthy cause in an effort to earn Sainthood? I noticed that there were actually two potential miracles to investigate to establish the rationale of Sainthood status. Let’ suppose this is something that is real. What happens after the confirmation is made, do the miracles stop? I can’t remember hearing of recent miracle investigations of the actions of, oh, let’s say St. Joseph. Is it the case that once a dead person shows enough life to cause a miraculous action that they can accept a certain status; something like class 1 saint and relax around heaven?
I have long ago left organized religion to those who enjoy living with ghosts and who earn a living scaring the hell out of people instead of nurturing the heaven in them. All of us have a certain spiritual longing that is difficult to cope with and to pin down effectively. For that reason I never disparage anyone’s beliefs but I do wonder why they believe it.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Our Similarities are Killing Us
In the long view, a view that is very difficult for humans to adopt due to our short life span, there a great many more cultural similarities than there are differences. This is true especially when considering the Western Civilization vs. Eastern Civilization. Consideration of these two cultures ignores others in sub-Saharan Africa and pre-Columbian South America. Let that be the case for this discussion.
As I type and you read we are still feeling the aftershocks of the Roman Empire, it is likely that this will always be the case barring the extinction of peoples wanting democracy, a certain appreciation of life and its gifts. Admittedly Roman civilization was derived from earlier Greek, Etruscan, and most likely other not so well known cultures. Rome refined the classical Greek thinking and lifestyle and added a mechanical logic to previous philosophies that is felt today.
The effects in Europe are obvious from the various languages and customs, nearly all of which are Latin based. The Germanic and Celtic languages are survivors of so-called barbarian tribes that did not fully assimilate the Roman ways, the same goes for Scandinavian, and even more remote peoples like the Basques. In every other way Roman influence is obvious in architecture, legal systems, political life, commerce, and even social customs. The United States of America is, at its roots, a Greco-Roman society.
The Middle East, or Asia Minor as it was once known, is susceptible to the same analysis. The Greeks got there before the Romans and had a tremendous impact on the area. A Greek family, the Ptolemy’s, actually became Pharaohs, and ruled Egypt for centuries; Cleopatra being one the family’s more notorious members. Hellenic culture prepared the way for Roman conquest and in fact Jesus Christ was undoubtedly a Hellenistic Jew whose followers longed to overthrow the Roman rule in Judea. As Christianity blossomed it moved to the City of Rome and ultimately its liturgy, hierarchy, and laws found their basis in Roman traditions.
As Rome disintegrated slowly over hundreds of years Christianity was used as a unifying tool by Constantine in his bid to takeover the empire, he was by the way a native of Trier in what is now Germany. He moved the empire east to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople in his own honor. This beginning grew into the Ottoman Empire at a much later date. It was here that the amalgam of Christian and Jewish thought was coupled with a desert peoples need for a creed. Thus was born Islam. The essential tragedy of modern life is that the combatants all the same basic belief system. It’s the bells and whistles that make the difference.
The Arabs, Chaldeans, Persians, Jews, and Christians are doomed to a death struggle if they fail to recognize the similarities that are currently driving them apart. All are descendants of the influence of Greco-Roman thought and lifestyle; either in acceptance or denial.
The European system of monarchies and feudal lords was based on Roman governors and nobles left isolated throughout Europe by the fall of Rome. The Caliphate, though much more centrally organized, is a direct offspring of the methods employed by the rulers of Byzantium. The heirs saw no need to reinvent the wheel. Modern problems are caused by a system of political and religious development that was not parallel, or to the extent it was there has been a significant lagging behind in the Islamic nations.
This is not the only explanation but it is one and it is one that should be considered and examined more closely.
As I type and you read we are still feeling the aftershocks of the Roman Empire, it is likely that this will always be the case barring the extinction of peoples wanting democracy, a certain appreciation of life and its gifts. Admittedly Roman civilization was derived from earlier Greek, Etruscan, and most likely other not so well known cultures. Rome refined the classical Greek thinking and lifestyle and added a mechanical logic to previous philosophies that is felt today.
The effects in Europe are obvious from the various languages and customs, nearly all of which are Latin based. The Germanic and Celtic languages are survivors of so-called barbarian tribes that did not fully assimilate the Roman ways, the same goes for Scandinavian, and even more remote peoples like the Basques. In every other way Roman influence is obvious in architecture, legal systems, political life, commerce, and even social customs. The United States of America is, at its roots, a Greco-Roman society.
The Middle East, or Asia Minor as it was once known, is susceptible to the same analysis. The Greeks got there before the Romans and had a tremendous impact on the area. A Greek family, the Ptolemy’s, actually became Pharaohs, and ruled Egypt for centuries; Cleopatra being one the family’s more notorious members. Hellenic culture prepared the way for Roman conquest and in fact Jesus Christ was undoubtedly a Hellenistic Jew whose followers longed to overthrow the Roman rule in Judea. As Christianity blossomed it moved to the City of Rome and ultimately its liturgy, hierarchy, and laws found their basis in Roman traditions.
As Rome disintegrated slowly over hundreds of years Christianity was used as a unifying tool by Constantine in his bid to takeover the empire, he was by the way a native of Trier in what is now Germany. He moved the empire east to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople in his own honor. This beginning grew into the Ottoman Empire at a much later date. It was here that the amalgam of Christian and Jewish thought was coupled with a desert peoples need for a creed. Thus was born Islam. The essential tragedy of modern life is that the combatants all the same basic belief system. It’s the bells and whistles that make the difference.
The Arabs, Chaldeans, Persians, Jews, and Christians are doomed to a death struggle if they fail to recognize the similarities that are currently driving them apart. All are descendants of the influence of Greco-Roman thought and lifestyle; either in acceptance or denial.
The European system of monarchies and feudal lords was based on Roman governors and nobles left isolated throughout Europe by the fall of Rome. The Caliphate, though much more centrally organized, is a direct offspring of the methods employed by the rulers of Byzantium. The heirs saw no need to reinvent the wheel. Modern problems are caused by a system of political and religious development that was not parallel, or to the extent it was there has been a significant lagging behind in the Islamic nations.
This is not the only explanation but it is one and it is one that should be considered and examined more closely.
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