Libya follow-up

Anybody can second guess the allies’ actions with the no fly zone.  We did it under the guise of “national interests”---whatever that means.  There weren’t any massacres of their people. There wasn’t any imminent danger to our safety.  But as the president says, it was in our interests; oil perhaps?  They do export some 5 million barrels a day.  You decide. Maybe kill a couple of birds with one stone?

If this isn’t some 10 year war and it’s over in a short period, with little consequences, then all there is to argue about or discuss are principles.  Unfortunately, I don’t think we, the public, even have all the information needed to make an educated assessment of the situation; particularly with the Samurai speed of our actions. We are already sliding down the slippery slope of when to exert force and when not to.  So in the pursuit of principles, I suppose, we have to just let it go. You can argue ‘till the cows come home, but I doubt there’ll be any definitive resolution. At least, the military intervention doesn’t appear to be for religious reasons.  It’s times like these to know what motivates our elected officials.

On the plus side, Gaddafi was a douche-bag, and I don’t think many will miss him.  As a practical matter, I do believe we had the tacit support of some of the other Arab countries.  That was smart.  The big question is, what/who will be his replacement?  Will the new government be pro western/reformed Islam or fundamentalist?  Be careful what we wish for. WE don’t have the right to determine their political representatives or cultural persuasions.  But will it be able to provide the basic human rights that weren’t afforded them under the previous dictatorial regime?  Will they use their natural resources for the ultimate benefit of their people or for further nefarious purposes? 

We may have opened the can of worms as we did with the election of Hamas in Palestine or the invasion of Iraq.  There are always unintended consequences whenever we meddle in other’s affairs.  These are uncertain times, and it’s not always about us.  Either people are entitled to live as they democratically see fit, or we’re hypocrites.  I believe, if you keep your nose clean, there’s little to fear.  I don’t believe, included in the list of human universals, people are arbitrarily vengeful.  If we did the right thing ultimately or coincidentally for the right reasons then I would be surprised if we got bit in the butt.  But we shouldn’t stay at the party too long.  We have domestic business to attend to.

                                                     No Flies!            

Pass the aspirin. We need an overhaul.

It’s becoming obvious that things are changing at light speed compared to 30 years ago.  I don’t know about you, but we‘re not living in MY father’s world.  Life expectancy is outliving social security.  Communication is changing faster than one can write about it.  World events: Libya, Japan, Mideast uprisings, financial, tsunamis, earthquakes, nuclear issues; remember Afghanistan, Iraq?  How about global warming, that’s not waiting.  Energy policy, health care, education, basketball brackets; seems like the inmates are running loose in the asylum and we’re like chimpanzees on fire.  What’s next?  We need a breather.  We need some jobs.  And it’s all happening faster than we can deal with, particularly when we have competing interests.  Do we need people pushing when we need all pulling?  And there’ll always be somebody that second guesses the plan. Someone will always find something wrong with the policy because it wasn’t their side who initiated the solution.  And sometimes the solution isn’t the best because one side postures and refuses to make meaningful contributions.  Shouldn’t the needs of the people transcend partisanship?  

We’re not living in MY father’s world, let alone, yours.  Not to say our fathers didn’t know a lot of stuff.  In the meantime, by ordinary standards, we’re having everything but the kitchen sink thrown at us on a daily basis; because it’s the Age of Inter-connectivity. Everybody hears about everything instantaneously and it’s enough to make anyone’s hair go gray overnight.  But the point is, although we can’t stop going forward, are we going to trust those who rely on 2500 year old, faith based criteria, and rigid ideology? Or those who might try to make the best decisions based on the circumstances without the chest beating of our fathers along with those who have, at least, a pulse on what’s happening today and can be flexible and creative in solving problems?  We don’t live in an isolated world anymore; changing demographics and technologies have assured us of that.  Do we really believe we are supermen; or a people who can keep a level head under pressure while rationally thinking through the options?  More gorillas on fire we don’t need. Yes, we like the passion, but that might be old school; because we’re taught to watch our anger, so there’s a contradiction fer ya. 

The whole world doesn’t buy our dogma, and we don’t need enemies.  But we should try to do the best we can.  Unfortunately, we aren’t clairvoyant, and some of our choices would leave, Joshua, the computer from War Games, baffled.   We also have to hurdle those who don’t care about solving problems as long as their solutions fall within their ideological criteria----regardless of right or wrong, for today’s world.  They don’t care that we have neighbors who might be affected by our decisions or that people have human rights. It’s, let’s live in a colonialist, imperial, past.  Or, I’ve got mine---you’re on your own.

We need people who have a pulse on the past but who see the direction of the future.

We need to review our policy paradigms.  The old ones don’t work anymore; just the way trying to fit 1950’s size policy in a 2011 size era, won’t work either.   Social security has to be adjusted along with realistic health care costs while recognizing new life expectancies and changing demographics. Foreign world intervention has to be reviewed based on the recognition that there are other people living in the world with equal human rights and ours don’t trump theirs; regardless of needs. We also can’t be the world’s policeman; our face being the first in the door gets the recognition; maybe something we don’t need. Our demographics are changing as our population ages and health and retirement programs are affected; not everyone can take care of themselves.  We need an energy policy that enables us to be less reactive to outside pressures that affect our supplies and cost.  By the same token, this policy will affect the environment.  Let’s not forget about that; we’re all living under the same sky and breathe the same air. The soaring cost of education is creating less opportunity for those who can’t afford it.  In the long run, this is not productive for a society; everybody shouldn’t aspire to work at Walmart.  Who will make the intellectual contributions to our society; foreigners who take their educations home?  Which addresses the next issue; is there anybody here who’s a Native American?  If not, what gives you the right to practice NOAM (no one after me)?  We’re all immigrants, and it’s what’s made this country what it is/was.  

Ideologues stand on ceremony and in the way of solutions, not those who recognize that changing worlds demand flexible solutions.  Remember, 1950’s modus operandi is 60 years old; does your father’s rotary telephone still work?  Why should almost anything else from that era, not to mention 2500 years ago?  We need an attempt at solving these problems with symbiotic relationships.  Why can’t we do it like a Manhattan project?  We have supercomputers along with the most brilliant minds in the country.  We need a grand unifying theory for the 21^st century, not competing policies dictated by old dogma. Although not perfect, I’m sure; at least it’s not an aging hodgepodge lodge. 

This time should be looked at like a rebuilding and transition period with a spirit of world cooperation.  We may find it hard, believing we are abdicating our leadership position.  But that should be militarily only.  We will, again, find ourselves leading because of our ideas that are those of inclusiveness rather than imperialistic. It will be, in part, because of the mass of who we are.  With more consistent policies I think the rest of the world will understand if we ask for their assistance rather than placing our interests first. Being humble will be more fruitful.  Their respect will follow, our influence easier to implement.  Bullying is not the place to be in the future.  Give them choices, but not with guns to their heads.

Too many others can demand our attention.  We have our own needs that need attending to that costs money.  If we can maintain our internal strength we can be there for those that need us in the future.  But unless we are strong, we will eventually exhaust ourselves. We will lose by default.  Simply cutting deficits isn’t a recipe for competing.  In addition to price, people are attracted to good karma.  This concept of accomplishment requires pragmatical thinking---not dogma.  Although it might be nice to be able to rely on some guiding principles if life were static, life in today’s world is not stagnant; and kinda fluid if you know what I mean.  We should consider the feelings of others---no?  When was the last time a dog bit the hand that was feeding it?  We won’t make everybody happy all the time.  But we should stick to our core paradigm of flexibility and determination.  It’s what’s made us great.  Although we have gotten into trouble because of dogma, perhaps we have an opportunity now to correct the course. 

We have to not only create a business plan, but a human plan that works for all for as many things as we can, not for a few for as little as we want.  It’s also a time to review our military commitments and our potentially belligerent practices. It’s time to ask others to do the same, because we can’t indulge in their bigotry. It’s inconsistent policies that compromises our integrity and security.  Remember, sometimes posturing by others is simply that.  We are all of the same flesh; we all have the same human nature universals and desire to have them respected.  Do we have to take it to the brink of mutual destruction, or can we, instead, see past the blustering and try to solve other’s needs in a non belligerent fashion of cooperation and mutual respect?  Can’t even enemies cooperate if we see we have common goals as humans?  Can’t we see the hurt caused by past and present actions of colonialism and discrimination?  And even if it was at one time wrong---can’t it be corrected without malice and bitterness because it happened under false pretenses; and start the healing?  Will we never get past this idea that digging in with extreme polarization is not the answer?  In the meantime, pass the Aspirin and spread the word; haven’t you heard? We are all the same regardless of appearance.

                  No Flies!      

Holes in the umbrella

It was my father’s umbrella.  It served him well at the time; many, many years ago.  The claim was that it would protect him from the elements and provide security for him. It provided comfort.  But along the way they started making newer ones.  The new ones worked a little better.  It was also exposed that there were holes in the fabric of his umbrella; rendering the structure weaker than originally thought.  And as time passed, it was revealed that his umbrella didn’t really work in light of the latest discoveries.  His umbrella became outdated, not serving the purpose as originally intended.  It became noticeable that because of these holes and weaknesses, its original function was not being performed.  It couldn’t withstand the winds, couldn’t provide the protection as originally intended.  On the contrary, it was taking more servicing than it was giving.  As a matter of fact, the original construction was obsolete based on modern accounts, but nevertheless it was hard to let go; because it was my father’s.  We now have modern technology explaining why this umbrella is failing yet I just find it hard to let go; dragging around this useless, nonfunctional, baggage leaves me perplexed. 

Why do I do it?  Perhaps because he might have said at one time that it was so special to him that I would feel guilty if I discarded it?  It was my father’s, he knew everything. Or so I thought. Yet I don’t consult him when I buy a new car or the latest cell phone.  And yes, the original company is still in existence and they keep calling to see if their umbrella still works.  I just don’t know how to tell them due to the latest discoveries there might be something better.  I don’t know how to tell my father for fear of hurting his feelings in spite of knowing that this umbrella is now doing more damage than it’s worth.  It has holes.  So why do I resist in finding a replacement?  Why am I not confident enough to discard the old one?  And will I do the same to my children?  Will I pass down this same umbrella with holes and tell them, for fear of some reprisal, that they shouldn’t get something more useful?  I should tell them, in spite of its failings, that they must defend its integrity; when it has none? 

And I’m not alone with this predicament.  I find others with the same dilemma and we’re afraid to compare notes for fear of disloyalty to the product---even though we don’t get any more miles or points.  And again, on the contrary, I find myself defending the necessity of carrying around an umbrella with holes.  For fear that I would be considered an outcast by the group or worse yet, a defector?  All with the understanding that people are getting wet because of false impressions and warranties of protection. 

I will admit something though.  When my father first got his umbrella, he was told that if he faithfully held onto this umbrella, someday he would go to a place and live for eternity.  That’s some claim, huh?  Was my father THAT impressionable?  Did they also tell him that regardless of newer technology he was still bound to believe in the company otherwise he couldn’t go to that place? It was like some sort of spell that his father passed on down to him and so on.   And that perhaps I wouldn’t be allowed to go to that place either; was he trying to protect me and he didn’t want me to throw away that special, albeit, leaky umbrella with holes?  Now that I’ve had a chance to think about this, why should I be part of this blind faith; and worse yet, bind my children without their knowledge or choice?  I mean, if I saw this same umbrella for the first time today, would I believe in it?  Reminds me of those chain letters I used to get but finally one day I didn’t respond?  And you know, I didn’t feel the worse off for it.  Hmmmm.

                                                     No Flies             

Pedophilia Outrage!

It’s the only word that should immediately come to mind when hearing of the latest church cover-up.  You can believe anything you want—but at what cost?  Once again we hear of the clergy involved in accusations of abuse towards its youngest and most defenseless members.  And once again, there are accusations of cover-up.  These are not baseless stories.  They’ve happened too often to be all false.  One wonders if this is out of the ordinary or is it understandable considering the dogma the clergy must follow; sex starved animals.   Makes sense if sex is denied among the members and innocent children are plentiful; forbidden fruits to them?  On top of that, the code of the church, according to Saddleback Church’s, Rick Warren, is covering it up.  It all makes sense. 

But this conduct will continue until enablers come to their senses.  How do you accept one coercing another saying “god loves you” while committing unconsentual sodomy or rape?  Committed against children, it’s beyond cruel; it’s criminal.  There is no defense for taking advantage of innocence.  And these criminals are the people whose guidance is sought; the people who guide the community?  Who is your all so powerful and knowing god that permits this treatment in his name? Who is the hierarchy that establishes these dens of sin from within and threatens those that question its ministry?   Anyone who says they know it all (religion) ---has something to hide. Where is the outrage to demand the truth from these charlatans pompously parading around in beanies and bathrobes? 

Their armies of priests have done their jobs well.  You live in fear of retribution for lack of devotion.  You hide behind their sermons of hypocrisy; behind their pleas for hope, their promises of eternity, in their shadows of secrecy and deceit for their ends.   Step into the light as they say.  Let it shine on what has been perpetrated on humanity.  The greatest crutch is the church (religion); the greatest dictator of thought.

How ignorantly complicit can you be to ignore the signs? How stupidly naïve can you be to enable this charade to continue? Your silence by not demanding proof of claims enables those to take advantage of the defenseless.  Yet, perhaps you are just as defenseless.  Mothers you have culpability.  In these men controlled organizations you dutifully sacrifice your children and abdicate your motherly protective instincts for blind faith.  Stepford Wives pale in comparison. Yet again you would mindlessly defend these actions and ideology in the name of fellowship---till the death of many. You dare not speak up for fear being labeled a devil for questioning their authenticity.  You live in fear.  It is their invisible weapon of choice.  But the opportunity for this situation shouldn’t happen.  Those that are aware of it, cover it up, all under the guise that there simply are those that sin, like shit happens, are enablers.  They are part of the system that feeds on the opportunity to commit these acts as well as perpetrating the greater scam of mind control.

How much is the world supposed to endure the persecution, the wars, the slavery, the child abuse, the brainwashing, the hypocrisy; all in the pursuit of some 2500 year old dogma?  In the name of the continuation of senseless ideology you do have that choice to follow; but at what price?

Defenseless children, perks for priests, are subjected to the irrational desires of adults.  Essentially from birth they are indoctrinated with false claims of angels, demons, deities and pseudoscience.  And for risking this exposure, what is the return; the ludicrous claim to live in eternity?  In this pursuit you doom your children to tend the same fruitless tree.

It’s chutzpah to accuse homosexuals of pedophilic behavior when it seems the church has a greater disposition and track record of this behavior.  It’s chutzpah to believe in helping your brother---to take from others.  It’s chutzpah to believe that your way of life is the only way and you’ll go to all ends to convert those that find their own happiness in other beliefs.  It’s chutzpah to enlist members under the guise of brotherhood when all that is being peddled is groupthink—for good or bad.  It’s chutzpah to deny your own children their human rights.

You just keep on subjecting your kids to these pedophiles and purveyors of fraud.    You keep prostrating yourself for the privilege of associating with a sect/cult that teaches, you should abstain and sacrifice your natural instincts and comfort.  Isn’t your kid’s happiness and healthy development more important than your deal for living in eternity; which, frankly, is a bunch of bullshit?  

I’m sorry, but I don’t know of any other way to have acceptably stated this.  You can continue buy into this whole thing.  Maybe you, too, were blindly subjected to this manipulation and conditioning. But what makes you think your children would want to perpetuate your beliefs if given the choice? We smoked before the Surgeon General educated us to the effects of smoking, but, when informed, we stopped.  What will it take for you to come to your senses?  How badly the outrage?

           

                       No Flies