Don't you hate that question? As if you don't have something gloriously and carefully planned, you're some kind of loser. How could you possibly be doin' nothin' on New Year's Eve? It's the grandest, most exciting of all evenings--- they would have us think---yes, full of laughter, comradie, lots of food and drink, all wrapped up in hopes for better days ahead. But the hype often does not live up to real life---the food is usually always over priced, the drinks way too many, the laughter a bit forced, and the company, if not carefully chosen, not the best.
Some of the worst New Year's Eves I've spent have been in public places, with everyone dressed to the hilt---the men in tuxedos, too small and too old, and the women gowned and dripping in jewelry. The champagne flowed, the chatter was stiflingly polite or boorishly loud, the food a welcome respite from the chatter, followed by the requisite dancing done on a crowded postage stamp floor, all to be climaxed by the midnight kiss, which somehow always seems over done, presumed, and not at all romantic.
I love romantic , dinner out of the house New Year's Eves, and I've had a few, but in general, I find that New Year's Eve, and especially parties, rarely live up to the expectations of fantastically good times. Much better to spend it intimately with friends or family. Some of my best memories are of when the children were still of an age when we would gather around the dinner table and insist that everyone come up with a new year's resolution---I don't remember any of them, but I do remember their little faces and hoping fervently that their futures would be bright.
So, while I hope you're not doin' nothin', staying in, and all alone this New Year's, take note that sometimes it's not so bad, because it's not always so great out there---at least you won't have to nurse a hangover the next day, or worry whether you've said the wrong thing at the party the night before. I recently did when I asked a man how his wife was---only I used the name of his former wife, not the present one. So, now one of my many resolutions is to rehearse myself and all names before allowing myself out in public again.
Cheers, everyone---2012 is coming round the mountain, and is bound to have within it some good times. No one promised us a rose garden, did they? Just a chance to live in one----weeds and all. It may not be Eden, but it's all we've got for now. May you find a few roses among the thorns, and may the garden gate swing open to wonderful new vistas, full of promise, love, laughter, and good health. Isn't that all we really need??
Once while visiting Israel, I learned from some Jewish friends an old favorite Hebrew toast---"L'chaim"--"-to life!!! " They, of all people, know the true secret of life---life! Happy New Year!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
THANKS FOR NOTHING, SUPER COP-OUT COMMITTEE
So much for the "Super Committee" and its efforts to come up with 1.2 trillion in budget cuts and/or extra revenue, otherwise known to the Dems as taxes. The committee, which was comprised of six Democrats and six Republicans, could have been called "same song, different verse", decided that failing to do their assigned duty was a better option than jeopardizing their reputations during an election year. So, now what? Supposedly, we now kick into a pre-ordained do or die edict called "sequester", whereby severe cuts will automatically be made to both domestic and military budgets. The former will hurt lots of people, but the latter could seriously compromise our very security as a nation---up to 600 billion, in addition to a previous cut of 450 billion, may not be much in our total national budget, but it's blood-letting, traumatic surgery for our military. There is talk that congress will find a way around this trigger-cutting last ditch effort to save us from these dire slashes; but President Obama says he will not allow for any such meddling---how very staunch----but where was he during the negotiation phase?? It would appear he did not care to involve himself in the political "sausage making", getting his hands dirty and thereby steering clear of controversy---- preferring to do what he enjoys most---mixing it up with the people, sharing his views, otherwise known as campaigning. We could have used a dab of leadership about now---a president who might have been present and presidential---who might have actually led by putting politics aside and said, "Look, people----this is what you gotta do---- raise a little, cut a little, compromise, negotiate---but get it done!!! Forget the election and do your duty and mine---it's the right thing to do, even if we personally lose." How noble and awesome would that be? It might even win them all votes, based on extraordinary wisdom, courage and a patriotism that refuses to be responsible for the demise of a once great country. But it didn't happen, not going to happen---we are grid-locked.
It was Obama's golden opportunity, his moment in time to rise to the occasion, and he blew it---all of them did. So, now we face the prospect of sinking into the same morass as Europe. Well, you can't say they didn't try---but was it all lip service? Political ideology and ambition trump conscience and reality. It is painful and distressing to watch our system not working, as though the problems are too big to be solved by mere politicians and their petty agendas and self interests. The differences between the two parties seem to have become more of a "my way or the highway" loggerjam than a celebration of diversity and balance. It is as though we are engaged in a tug of war, with one side pulling for an America that is traditional and rooted in our past; and the other wishing to mold and morph into a new America that will somehow blend our past capitalistic history with socialistic principles---a "new" system. Proponents of this theory argue that a few countries such as the Norwegians, have done this---so why not us. We are not Norwegian, or anyone else, that's why. We are Americans, a different breed of cat, sprung from the alleys of an oppressive English monarchy, with a fierce wish to be free of unnecessary government intervention, to pursue our happiness with all the inherent risks of independence. We do not wish to go backwards---or even sideways. We wish to be what we've always been---a great, roaring motor of free market enterprise, entrepeneurs, and a labor force which benefits from the success of revenue gained from product and labor, not taxes---or even over zealous labor unions.
But the game of tug of war has turned ugly and threatens to dismantle, rather than build. upon our differences. The occupiers of New York and other big cities are hopefully fading away, as they lack a true compass, leadership, and focus. The spectrum of people causing mayhem, destruction, and dangerous conditions were more distasteful than inspiring. Their rallies could have been a teachable moment, in that it might have shone a light on the growing unrest and impatience with the state of our economy and those who helped get us where we are. But the protesters didn't have a leader to clarify and state a constructive message. The only vision they showed the world was one of resentment, rebellion, rape, drugs, and demand for more entitlement---not a recipe for reasonable change. It didn't fly, because it didn't reflect the true American spirit---which is still that we play by the rules, not mob frenzy. Unfortunately, the current administration used the occupiers for their own agendas, emphasizing and promoting class warfare for political advantage---- they have missed an underlying and sincere angst of the so called 90 percent of us---- unemployment and our very profound concern regarding our future as a healthy world power.
But what about closing the income gap between the rich and the middle class? Again, those who assign all our troubles to that complaint, do not represent the "can do" spirit of this country---don't we all want to do well, to make as much money as possible? Is the disparity of income a result of the rich having made too much money---or is it what happens when a country can no longer afford the entitlements given to the middle class and poor, thereby collapsing under it's own weight?? That is the real question, isn't it? The unions will answer a resounding "no", but they too have become part of the problem. Burning the house down isn't the answer---cleaning it out, is. Get rid of the dishonesty and greed that contaminated the financial empires.. Regulations are already doing that, but they must also be tempered, lest it suck all the oxygen out of the room. Fire the politicians that march only to their special interest groups. That is not an easy task, as politics are fueled by money, and special interest groups are the money trees, but integrity is becoming a more effective currency as the American people begin to take more interest in the workings of government and demand transparency and integrity. Champion the rights for the poor and middle class, but guard the parameters of that which is fair versus undue and excessive benefits. Supply a safety net for those who cannot help themselves, but don't tear it apart with the weight of those who can.
It appears we have reached a tipping point, teetering on the edge of a philosophical disagreement too polarized to even consider compromise and balance between social responsibility and fiscal practicality. But on the eve of our Thanksgiving holiday, there is still hope that we will find our way back to, if not what we were, a healing, chastened country who will once again work together, having tasted the bitter fruits of too much dissention among ourselves. Look closely and you will see a longing for a national ability to get along with one another, to once again be proud of ourselves, to work together towards health and prosperity for all.
The path to the future is already here---we're on it. We're stumbling, falling, hesitating, getting lost, but not down yet----because we're too big to fail---big, as in big spirited. To coin a phrase, it really isn't our economy," stupid", it's our heart. It beats as one, refuses to lose, and in spite of our diversities, wants to include everybody who believes in the American dream. To do anything else is to lose our identity, give up our heritage, give in to forces within and without that have weakened and diluted our unitedness.
The upcoming election is part of the journey we're on---take note, watch the debates, read, read, read. Study the nominees, the current president---take part in the process that will ultimately shape our destiny. This is a big deal, this election----Newt Gingrich, currently the front runner in the Republican presidential nominee race, recently stated that he believes we will begin to get well on the eve of election night, given we elect a Republican president. How in your face is that? But memo to the Dems---it played very well with the conservatives, according to the polls. And likewise, President Obama says loud and clear that his is the way, that he needs another four years to get his goals accomplished. His poll numbers are not so good---but predictions are that he will still win the nomination---go figure.
The American people must decide which way to turn, left or right--- but given the extreme polarization in the country, perhaps the only electable way is down the middle. Whatever, we march forward, and history will remember this time as our major fork in the road. The" super committee" may have failed us, but they are not us---we will hopefully find a way to salvage ourselves sooner or later. May that goal be included in our prayers as we bow our heads in remembrance of a people who once sat together in thanksgiving for freedoms they were willing to fight and die for. Their passion for their country, not their "party", is remembered still today---may we find the same, as we struggle to restore even a semblance of the United States of America---God bless us, everyone..
It was Obama's golden opportunity, his moment in time to rise to the occasion, and he blew it---all of them did. So, now we face the prospect of sinking into the same morass as Europe. Well, you can't say they didn't try---but was it all lip service? Political ideology and ambition trump conscience and reality. It is painful and distressing to watch our system not working, as though the problems are too big to be solved by mere politicians and their petty agendas and self interests. The differences between the two parties seem to have become more of a "my way or the highway" loggerjam than a celebration of diversity and balance. It is as though we are engaged in a tug of war, with one side pulling for an America that is traditional and rooted in our past; and the other wishing to mold and morph into a new America that will somehow blend our past capitalistic history with socialistic principles---a "new" system. Proponents of this theory argue that a few countries such as the Norwegians, have done this---so why not us. We are not Norwegian, or anyone else, that's why. We are Americans, a different breed of cat, sprung from the alleys of an oppressive English monarchy, with a fierce wish to be free of unnecessary government intervention, to pursue our happiness with all the inherent risks of independence. We do not wish to go backwards---or even sideways. We wish to be what we've always been---a great, roaring motor of free market enterprise, entrepeneurs, and a labor force which benefits from the success of revenue gained from product and labor, not taxes---or even over zealous labor unions.
But the game of tug of war has turned ugly and threatens to dismantle, rather than build. upon our differences. The occupiers of New York and other big cities are hopefully fading away, as they lack a true compass, leadership, and focus. The spectrum of people causing mayhem, destruction, and dangerous conditions were more distasteful than inspiring. Their rallies could have been a teachable moment, in that it might have shone a light on the growing unrest and impatience with the state of our economy and those who helped get us where we are. But the protesters didn't have a leader to clarify and state a constructive message. The only vision they showed the world was one of resentment, rebellion, rape, drugs, and demand for more entitlement---not a recipe for reasonable change. It didn't fly, because it didn't reflect the true American spirit---which is still that we play by the rules, not mob frenzy. Unfortunately, the current administration used the occupiers for their own agendas, emphasizing and promoting class warfare for political advantage---- they have missed an underlying and sincere angst of the so called 90 percent of us---- unemployment and our very profound concern regarding our future as a healthy world power.
But what about closing the income gap between the rich and the middle class? Again, those who assign all our troubles to that complaint, do not represent the "can do" spirit of this country---don't we all want to do well, to make as much money as possible? Is the disparity of income a result of the rich having made too much money---or is it what happens when a country can no longer afford the entitlements given to the middle class and poor, thereby collapsing under it's own weight?? That is the real question, isn't it? The unions will answer a resounding "no", but they too have become part of the problem. Burning the house down isn't the answer---cleaning it out, is. Get rid of the dishonesty and greed that contaminated the financial empires.. Regulations are already doing that, but they must also be tempered, lest it suck all the oxygen out of the room. Fire the politicians that march only to their special interest groups. That is not an easy task, as politics are fueled by money, and special interest groups are the money trees, but integrity is becoming a more effective currency as the American people begin to take more interest in the workings of government and demand transparency and integrity. Champion the rights for the poor and middle class, but guard the parameters of that which is fair versus undue and excessive benefits. Supply a safety net for those who cannot help themselves, but don't tear it apart with the weight of those who can.
It appears we have reached a tipping point, teetering on the edge of a philosophical disagreement too polarized to even consider compromise and balance between social responsibility and fiscal practicality. But on the eve of our Thanksgiving holiday, there is still hope that we will find our way back to, if not what we were, a healing, chastened country who will once again work together, having tasted the bitter fruits of too much dissention among ourselves. Look closely and you will see a longing for a national ability to get along with one another, to once again be proud of ourselves, to work together towards health and prosperity for all.
The path to the future is already here---we're on it. We're stumbling, falling, hesitating, getting lost, but not down yet----because we're too big to fail---big, as in big spirited. To coin a phrase, it really isn't our economy," stupid", it's our heart. It beats as one, refuses to lose, and in spite of our diversities, wants to include everybody who believes in the American dream. To do anything else is to lose our identity, give up our heritage, give in to forces within and without that have weakened and diluted our unitedness.
The upcoming election is part of the journey we're on---take note, watch the debates, read, read, read. Study the nominees, the current president---take part in the process that will ultimately shape our destiny. This is a big deal, this election----Newt Gingrich, currently the front runner in the Republican presidential nominee race, recently stated that he believes we will begin to get well on the eve of election night, given we elect a Republican president. How in your face is that? But memo to the Dems---it played very well with the conservatives, according to the polls. And likewise, President Obama says loud and clear that his is the way, that he needs another four years to get his goals accomplished. His poll numbers are not so good---but predictions are that he will still win the nomination---go figure.
The American people must decide which way to turn, left or right--- but given the extreme polarization in the country, perhaps the only electable way is down the middle. Whatever, we march forward, and history will remember this time as our major fork in the road. The" super committee" may have failed us, but they are not us---we will hopefully find a way to salvage ourselves sooner or later. May that goal be included in our prayers as we bow our heads in remembrance of a people who once sat together in thanksgiving for freedoms they were willing to fight and die for. Their passion for their country, not their "party", is remembered still today---may we find the same, as we struggle to restore even a semblance of the United States of America---God bless us, everyone..
Saturday, November 5, 2011
IS CAIN ABLE, AND IS MEDIA GOD??
Herman Cain, the rising star in the murky sky of Republican presidential candidates, has just experienced a harsh reality of politics in America----the blinding, punishing light of the scandal seeking media. Politico magazine broke the story this week and the rest of the media picked it up like vultures after fresh meat. Mr. Cain, a successful business man and CEO of Godfather's Pizza chain, was getting a little too much attention lately, coming in a surprising second to Mitt Romney, the front runner. Time to dig up the dirt----in this case, on Mr. Cain, who has been accused of improper behavior regarding the opposite sex---what?? What kind of improper behavior?? Well, that hasn't been clearly explained yet----unless you consider Mr. Cain's remarks about his chin being at the same level as a woman's height---uh, well---excuse me?? Perhaps there's more to the story, but we haven't heard it yet. Mr. Cain did admit to a legal entanglement and a payoff of some kind, but so far, no details. Where there's smoke, there is usually some kind of fire---but this sounds like a push deal, a rush to judgment. As this blog is going to press, both sides seem to be tip toe-ing around how much they can say under confidentiality contractual terms. But even the charges turn out to be nothing but a" he said she said" situation, or prior cultural norms, mis-interpretations, or even somewhat offensive behavior ---Mr. Cain's reputation has been put up for suspicion. Another Republican presidential hopeful bites the dust---at least in the eyes of the media, who have been doing a superb job of eliminating all comers to the job of challenging their suspected favorite, the incumbent President Obama. Is that an unfair charge against the media? Let's look at what's been said so far about a few of the most promising candidates---what's left of them.
Michelle Bachmann, congresswoman and--- once a promising presidential candidate, with lots of sass and class. She has now been reduced pretty much to an also ran,with a strong conservative message--- too many holes in her historical references---and just a touch too religious. Note to Ms. Bachmann---identifying oneself as "Christian isn't hip or cool these days---and above all, our media is hip and cool.
New Gingrich, a previous Speaker of the House, author, and current political consultant---obviously the brightest kid in the room with impressive experience and Washington know-how to get the job done. But sorry, he's got personal baggage, involving a divorce. Never mind that was many years ago, and that divorce is hardly an uncommon sin among the media, let alone the general populace. But hey, we want 'em squeeky clean. After all, if our ship is going down, the chief thing we want said about us is that our leaders had no infidelity and wonderful marriages, if nothing else.
Rick Perry,Texas Gov---this guy was promoted like global warming by the media for a short while. Mitt Romney was running away with the prize, and somebody had to stop this run away train that might actually de-rail the Obama stop and go locomotive. So, what to do? Shine the spotlight on someone else---casting all others to oblivion. It worked, until Perry showed himself to be less than stellar on the debate test. Bye-bye media. Though Perry did it to himself, they were more than happy to accentuate the negative. This guy can run Texas like a well managed gushing oil well, but no one showed him how to know when to fold 'em or hold 'em up there on that TV stage with all the other Republicans. Note to Perry---the enemy ain't them. Show us how you'd bring your Texas " git 'er" done expertise to Washington. Meanwhile, the media has all but written you off. Get back on your horse, man, and stop the attack Romney schtick---it's not working. You need to bring it--because the media isn't about to do that for you.
Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts---the most presidential looking one of all, would probably make a very acceptable, if not exceptional, president. He has all the credentials---he is a smart, experienced business man, with moderate conservative views---a-a-and---he's squeeky clean. No personal baggage here---yet. Don't think the dirt baggers haven't tried. But there is that one little thing. This man is RELIGIOUS. What?? Not only that, he's, gasp, Mormon! Double whammy. Terribly sorry, but that just does not fit the media's presidential template. On the other hand, they're not too worried about Romney, because, guess what? The Republicans don't seem too excited about him yet, either. Maybe they, also, have been reading too many left wing editorials. After all they are " the third rail", and have a lot to do with how all the voters think and respond. Wouldn't it be nice if the National Republican Committee could rise above the media and publicize all that is good about all of the nominees, and how each could improve the current situation?
President Obama, meanwhile back at the ranch, isn't spending much time on the ranch. Touring the country in his tax- payer financed jet, spreading the "tax the rich" gospel, all the while proclaiming that this trip is not about the election, but about putting Americans back to work. Please. That, coupled with his sudden alliance to the Wall Street Occupiers, is really outrageously transparent---the guy is in trouble, and has retreated to the only thing he seems able to do---preach class warfare to the masses via speeches, teleprompters, and TV talk shows.
President Obama made an appearance on Jay Leno's show last week. He made a very revealing statement when Leno asked who Obama was most concerned about as a serious competitor in the next election. Obama replied that for now he wasn't worried---he was just waiting to see who would be "voted off the island next." It rang true---why worry, when the media seems to be doing all the heavy lifting for him. Hm-m--m, not a bad plan they've got going either----vote everyone off the island, until there's no one left but---who we've already got! No worries, man---another 4 years coming up. Happy days are here again,--- or will be as soon as they figure out this little economy problem. They're working on it---it's not their fault, you understand, they inherited it, they're learning as they go, and they don't have a lot of experience . But we have irreproachable behavior coming out the ying -yang with our prez. He's never been divorced, nor involved in any personal scandals, (never mind the Jeremiah Wright or x-terrorist Bill Ayer's associations) not overtly religious, has even given up smoking, is thin, good looking, cool, and very well spoken at all times. Not to mention he's black. But wait---so is Herman Cain. Well, that's different. He's a Republican. Doesn't count. I believe they call that "reverse discrimination."
So moving right along, we're still a year away from the big election, but it feels like we're down to the wire, and just one or two are left standing----isn't it a bit premature, and shouldn't we demand as much fair handed reportage from our journalists as they demand from anyone who dares to run for president against the incumbent Mr. Obama. Printing or releasing all the dirt that's fit to report, may be the unfortunate standard today, but it would seem in the Herman Cain case, especially that they could have waited until they had just a few more specifics. Perhaps the public is finally catching up and has had enough of this kind of journalism--word has it that contributions have been pouring into the Herman Cain campaign coffers since the news reported the, whatever it was," gotcha'" scoop.
.
Herman Cain may or may not be guilty of personal indiscretions, but he will probably be the latest victim in the media controlled selection of an acceptable Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, and that may be our loss. Back in the late 50's, I remember a man who wanted to be president and who was enjoying his own indiscretions with Marilyn Monroe, among too many to count others, while married and before the election. I knew about it, not from the media, but from people I knew who were privvy to such secrets. It was not public knowledge, and his continued dalliances never became widely known, even after he became president. John F. Kennedy would never have made the current media litmus test----or would he?
Note to Republicans, and everyone else---don't believe everything you read, and don't form opinions too quickly. The best leaders, may not always be the squeek-iest clean.Think Eisenhower, Bill Clinton---Thomas Jefferson. It's about the economy, governing philosophy, the very future of this country. What we need now isn't necessarily idol love, media style, but it.is a real person, perhaps a little humanly flawed, but who has know-how, business acumen and experience, an international diplomacy that believes America must remain strong, and a touch of Solomon,----not a media perceived and conjured picture of impossible perfection. Been there, done that. Is Cain able to overcome this vague, but probably very calculating move to down grade his chances to become the next president? Stay tuned---sometimes the American people smell a rat.
Michelle Bachmann, congresswoman and--- once a promising presidential candidate, with lots of sass and class. She has now been reduced pretty much to an also ran,with a strong conservative message--- too many holes in her historical references---and just a touch too religious. Note to Ms. Bachmann---identifying oneself as "Christian isn't hip or cool these days---and above all, our media is hip and cool.
New Gingrich, a previous Speaker of the House, author, and current political consultant---obviously the brightest kid in the room with impressive experience and Washington know-how to get the job done. But sorry, he's got personal baggage, involving a divorce. Never mind that was many years ago, and that divorce is hardly an uncommon sin among the media, let alone the general populace. But hey, we want 'em squeeky clean. After all, if our ship is going down, the chief thing we want said about us is that our leaders had no infidelity and wonderful marriages, if nothing else.
Rick Perry,Texas Gov---this guy was promoted like global warming by the media for a short while. Mitt Romney was running away with the prize, and somebody had to stop this run away train that might actually de-rail the Obama stop and go locomotive. So, what to do? Shine the spotlight on someone else---casting all others to oblivion. It worked, until Perry showed himself to be less than stellar on the debate test. Bye-bye media. Though Perry did it to himself, they were more than happy to accentuate the negative. This guy can run Texas like a well managed gushing oil well, but no one showed him how to know when to fold 'em or hold 'em up there on that TV stage with all the other Republicans. Note to Perry---the enemy ain't them. Show us how you'd bring your Texas " git 'er" done expertise to Washington. Meanwhile, the media has all but written you off. Get back on your horse, man, and stop the attack Romney schtick---it's not working. You need to bring it--because the media isn't about to do that for you.
Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts---the most presidential looking one of all, would probably make a very acceptable, if not exceptional, president. He has all the credentials---he is a smart, experienced business man, with moderate conservative views---a-a-and---he's squeeky clean. No personal baggage here---yet. Don't think the dirt baggers haven't tried. But there is that one little thing. This man is RELIGIOUS. What?? Not only that, he's, gasp, Mormon! Double whammy. Terribly sorry, but that just does not fit the media's presidential template. On the other hand, they're not too worried about Romney, because, guess what? The Republicans don't seem too excited about him yet, either. Maybe they, also, have been reading too many left wing editorials. After all they are " the third rail", and have a lot to do with how all the voters think and respond. Wouldn't it be nice if the National Republican Committee could rise above the media and publicize all that is good about all of the nominees, and how each could improve the current situation?
President Obama, meanwhile back at the ranch, isn't spending much time on the ranch. Touring the country in his tax- payer financed jet, spreading the "tax the rich" gospel, all the while proclaiming that this trip is not about the election, but about putting Americans back to work. Please. That, coupled with his sudden alliance to the Wall Street Occupiers, is really outrageously transparent---the guy is in trouble, and has retreated to the only thing he seems able to do---preach class warfare to the masses via speeches, teleprompters, and TV talk shows.
President Obama made an appearance on Jay Leno's show last week. He made a very revealing statement when Leno asked who Obama was most concerned about as a serious competitor in the next election. Obama replied that for now he wasn't worried---he was just waiting to see who would be "voted off the island next." It rang true---why worry, when the media seems to be doing all the heavy lifting for him. Hm-m--m, not a bad plan they've got going either----vote everyone off the island, until there's no one left but---who we've already got! No worries, man---another 4 years coming up. Happy days are here again,--- or will be as soon as they figure out this little economy problem. They're working on it---it's not their fault, you understand, they inherited it, they're learning as they go, and they don't have a lot of experience . But we have irreproachable behavior coming out the ying -yang with our prez. He's never been divorced, nor involved in any personal scandals, (never mind the Jeremiah Wright or x-terrorist Bill Ayer's associations) not overtly religious, has even given up smoking, is thin, good looking, cool, and very well spoken at all times. Not to mention he's black. But wait---so is Herman Cain. Well, that's different. He's a Republican. Doesn't count. I believe they call that "reverse discrimination."
So moving right along, we're still a year away from the big election, but it feels like we're down to the wire, and just one or two are left standing----isn't it a bit premature, and shouldn't we demand as much fair handed reportage from our journalists as they demand from anyone who dares to run for president against the incumbent Mr. Obama. Printing or releasing all the dirt that's fit to report, may be the unfortunate standard today, but it would seem in the Herman Cain case, especially that they could have waited until they had just a few more specifics. Perhaps the public is finally catching up and has had enough of this kind of journalism--word has it that contributions have been pouring into the Herman Cain campaign coffers since the news reported the, whatever it was," gotcha'" scoop.
.
Herman Cain may or may not be guilty of personal indiscretions, but he will probably be the latest victim in the media controlled selection of an acceptable Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, and that may be our loss. Back in the late 50's, I remember a man who wanted to be president and who was enjoying his own indiscretions with Marilyn Monroe, among too many to count others, while married and before the election. I knew about it, not from the media, but from people I knew who were privvy to such secrets. It was not public knowledge, and his continued dalliances never became widely known, even after he became president. John F. Kennedy would never have made the current media litmus test----or would he?
Note to Republicans, and everyone else---don't believe everything you read, and don't form opinions too quickly. The best leaders, may not always be the squeek-iest clean.Think Eisenhower, Bill Clinton---Thomas Jefferson. It's about the economy, governing philosophy, the very future of this country. What we need now isn't necessarily idol love, media style, but it.is a real person, perhaps a little humanly flawed, but who has know-how, business acumen and experience, an international diplomacy that believes America must remain strong, and a touch of Solomon,----not a media perceived and conjured picture of impossible perfection. Been there, done that. Is Cain able to overcome this vague, but probably very calculating move to down grade his chances to become the next president? Stay tuned---sometimes the American people smell a rat.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
WAILING OR WHINING ON WALL STREET??
So, how are you feeling about the "Wall Street Occupiers"?? A little torn, or ambiguous? It's probably the biggest news out there right now, and perhaps the one with the most potential for important consequences----but nobody seems to know whether to cheer them on, or wish they'd go away. In fact, it seems un-American to say anything negative about a group of people who are coming up against the behemoth giant of our capitalistic society----like David and Goliath of the Bible. Who doesn't want to root for the little guys, and who doesn't still have a bad taste in their mouth over the behavior of some of Wall Street's finest institutions? In our hour of desperation, they continued to dole out obscene amounts of money in the form of bonuses, as if we who had bailed them out in their hour of need, wouldn't notice. And weren't they partly responsible for the current economic meltdown, in the first place?? Yes, some, not all, were complicit and guilty as sin for agreeing to the mandates of the federal govt., namely Fannie and Freddy to supply homes for people who could not afford them, then bundling those unreliable loans, and selling them off to unsuspecting clients. The house of cards came tumbling down when those mortgages could not be met by people who could not afford them in the first place. A well intentioned idea---or a way to line the pockets of those involved in the transactions??
But don't forget the word, complicit---which implies a partnership in wrongdoing or a crime. A major wrongdoing and huge reason for our economic problems is due to the housing collapse, and was instigated by the government mortgage institutions of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, at that time led by Chris Dodd and Bernie Frank, who insisted, in a moment of excessive left wing entitlement ideology, in which almost everyone deserved to own a home, and mandated it so to the banks. Ironically, these two gentlemen were the same designers of the new regulatory reforms now crippling many of the financial institutions with their over reaching rules and infringement against a free market flow. The housing collapse and ensuing failure of the banks and auto industry was a crime against all of us, the tax payers who would eventually have to pay for all the wrongdoing, in the form of a stimulation that failed as well. The sin of greed was certainly committed---but not only by some Wall Street folks, but by those involved in the faulty loans. Interesting that Fannie and Freddie, who also were bailed out by the tax payers, were never slapped with regulatory reforms----and to this day continue operating without much change.
So, let's be clear here. Wall Street financial institutions, or huge corps. are not angels, they are in business to make a profit--- they are greedy sometimes, even law breakers sometimes, but they are not all devils, nor the ones who concocted our poisonous brew of economic woes. To be sure, it's no secret , or shouldn't be that Wall Street and the United States government work together all the time via special interest groups, unions, etc., and the financing of all manner of programs. They have a love/hate relationship at times----- they need each other, and they know it. Big government needs big money, and the corporations, love them or hate them, generate that money. The Democrats, and especially this administration are fond of referring to them as enemies of the people, the "fat cats", when in fact many within the Wall Street businesses supported Obama's candidacy and continue to do so, though their numbers are fading as they see their world crumbling around them. According to N.Y.'s comptrolling office, 20,000. Wall Street jobs have been lost and another 10,000 layoffs are expected by the end of this year.
It would seem an odd thing, even a dangerous thing for the president of the United States to take sides and align himself and his party against Wall Street and encourage the demonstrators---but that is what Obama appears to be doing. For a man who promised to be a president for all of us, to rally against devision, he is looking less and less credible, and more and more the common politician.bent on morphing himself into whatever will garner the most votes in 2012 . How disappointing. And how refreshing it would be for him to, instead of cheering on the Wall Street people, many of whom are misinformed, to tell it like it is---that the blame for our financial difficulties are not to be pinned on any one culprit. The government and those who ran it prior to President Obama, and now he and the mis-management of both parties, were partly to blame and continue to bear that burden of overspending and not being vigilant enough to see the wave of crushing debt coming towards us, or courageous enough to stop it. Even all of us are to be held partially to blame for living beyond our means. Our economic house was a bubble bound to burst, but there were many factors leading up to it, not just one.
Like so many mobs, the mentality gets focused and warped by a sort of group-think---without logic or the desire to look at the whole picture. In this case, it seems a good excuse to go after the popular demon of the left wing, big business----or sometimes just an invitation to party at a park. Burn the evil witch of corporations, or at least make them the scapegoat----but then what? Will that create more jobs? Will it make us all well again? No, but it could be another step towards the dismantlement of capitalism. But what will take its place?? Is this another "Arab Spring", American style? If so, perhaps it should be called, as someone suggested, "The American Fall"---at least, as we have known her to be. Keep a leery, careful eye on those who scream for "justice" ----is their target a just one, and what do they offer as a better solution?
The state of our union is in deep trouble. The people are angry and scared, and have a right to be. They also have a right to object, to try to change things, even to demonstrate against that which they feel are counter to their way of thinking. Large groups of activists can often shine a spotlight on areas needing attention. But unruly mobs in general, are not the best way to effect good change. They are emotionally charged, fueled by artificial numbers, sometimes populated by those who do not necessarily have any agenda, save being against whatever. If we are to change the direction of this country, we must do it in an orderly, wise fashion, as we always have--- or leave ourselves vulnerable to the whims of a noisy few, not the majority, otherwise known as anarchy.
Some have likened the Wall Street Occupiers to the Tea Party folks. There are stark dissimilarities, but they are alike, in that they are both grass roots movements and are exercising a very American right to free speech---but there is one very huge difference. The Tea Party target is big government. The Wall Street group's target is big business. Pick your poison. Big business will always have a few bad apples, but they can be routed out, and they are the cornerstone of our financial system. Big government can get so big that even the bad apples get to stay in way beyond their welcome, and they live off of the financial success of business and those who work in the private sector.
Memo to the Wall Street Occupiers----careful what you ask for, and that you are not being exploited. The same people who uphold you now, could also ridicule and possibly shut you down, if your agenda doesn't fit theirs. Accountability regulations are already in place, perhaps to the extreme. Less profit and fewer bonuses? Those may be opinions, but not the peoples' right to govern such things in a free market. Ah, but wait--- higher taxes would seem to be a way to soothe the disparities between those who enjoy the haves and the have- nots. Life just isn't fair, and class warfare is so tempting--- and for some, so much easier to whine, than to work. It has stirred many a revolution, but--- in reality, our corporations already pay a much higher tax rate, at 35%, second highest in the world. And the top 1% of top wage earners in this country pay 38% of all federal taxes, while the bottom 50% of wage earners pay only 3% of all federal taxes, and 49% of our population pay no federal taxes at all.. That sounds pretty progressive already. How much is enough, and why should we punish those who are successful? Don't we all want to be successful? One young man at the Wall Street gathering said he thought he was entitled to free education health benefits, and even free housing and a car if possible---he knew that probably wasn't going to happen, but he said he could ask for it anyway. Entitlement gone awry? Success at the expense of others' hard work? Here's the fear---that young man may get what he wants, or close to it---a short cut to "success", or at least a free distribution of the perks, but at whose expense, and at what detriment to our democratic soul? In the meantime, however, we are losing more and more of our businesses to other countries with fewer stringent laws and harsh regulations. Business thrives on profit, and a free country thrives on hard work and a people willing to pull themselves through the hard times, without dragging everyone down to a common denominator.
Occupy and shame the bogey men of Wall Street, many of whom are hard working employees? Take over public parks and make the public pay for the mess left behind? Exercise our right to voice our opinions, even in a disorderly way that prompts police/tax paid action? You bet'cha----this is America!! And that's just the way we roll. Love it, or leave it---just don't kill the golden goose that lays the golden eggs, that fuels the whole engine called----- capitalism.. Listen to it roar---or is it whimpering the last sighs of a system beseiged by too many who would burn it down, rather than find a way to rebuild it?
.
So, let's be clear here. Wall Street financial institutions, or huge corps. are not angels, they are in business to make a profit--- they are greedy sometimes, even law breakers sometimes, but they are not all devils, nor the ones who concocted our poisonous brew of economic woes. To be sure, it's no secret , or shouldn't be that Wall Street and the United States government work together all the time via special interest groups, unions, etc., and the financing of all manner of programs. They have a love/hate relationship at times----- they need each other, and they know it. Big government needs big money, and the corporations, love them or hate them, generate that money. The Democrats, and especially this administration are fond of referring to them as enemies of the people, the "fat cats", when in fact many within the Wall Street businesses supported Obama's candidacy and continue to do so, though their numbers are fading as they see their world crumbling around them. According to N.Y.'s comptrolling office, 20,000. Wall Street jobs have been lost and another 10,000 layoffs are expected by the end of this year.
It would seem an odd thing, even a dangerous thing for the president of the United States to take sides and align himself and his party against Wall Street and encourage the demonstrators---but that is what Obama appears to be doing. For a man who promised to be a president for all of us, to rally against devision, he is looking less and less credible, and more and more the common politician.bent on morphing himself into whatever will garner the most votes in 2012 . How disappointing. And how refreshing it would be for him to, instead of cheering on the Wall Street people, many of whom are misinformed, to tell it like it is---that the blame for our financial difficulties are not to be pinned on any one culprit. The government and those who ran it prior to President Obama, and now he and the mis-management of both parties, were partly to blame and continue to bear that burden of overspending and not being vigilant enough to see the wave of crushing debt coming towards us, or courageous enough to stop it. Even all of us are to be held partially to blame for living beyond our means. Our economic house was a bubble bound to burst, but there were many factors leading up to it, not just one.
Like so many mobs, the mentality gets focused and warped by a sort of group-think---without logic or the desire to look at the whole picture. In this case, it seems a good excuse to go after the popular demon of the left wing, big business----or sometimes just an invitation to party at a park. Burn the evil witch of corporations, or at least make them the scapegoat----but then what? Will that create more jobs? Will it make us all well again? No, but it could be another step towards the dismantlement of capitalism. But what will take its place?? Is this another "Arab Spring", American style? If so, perhaps it should be called, as someone suggested, "The American Fall"---at least, as we have known her to be. Keep a leery, careful eye on those who scream for "justice" ----is their target a just one, and what do they offer as a better solution?
The state of our union is in deep trouble. The people are angry and scared, and have a right to be. They also have a right to object, to try to change things, even to demonstrate against that which they feel are counter to their way of thinking. Large groups of activists can often shine a spotlight on areas needing attention. But unruly mobs in general, are not the best way to effect good change. They are emotionally charged, fueled by artificial numbers, sometimes populated by those who do not necessarily have any agenda, save being against whatever. If we are to change the direction of this country, we must do it in an orderly, wise fashion, as we always have--- or leave ourselves vulnerable to the whims of a noisy few, not the majority, otherwise known as anarchy.
Some have likened the Wall Street Occupiers to the Tea Party folks. There are stark dissimilarities, but they are alike, in that they are both grass roots movements and are exercising a very American right to free speech---but there is one very huge difference. The Tea Party target is big government. The Wall Street group's target is big business. Pick your poison. Big business will always have a few bad apples, but they can be routed out, and they are the cornerstone of our financial system. Big government can get so big that even the bad apples get to stay in way beyond their welcome, and they live off of the financial success of business and those who work in the private sector.
Memo to the Wall Street Occupiers----careful what you ask for, and that you are not being exploited. The same people who uphold you now, could also ridicule and possibly shut you down, if your agenda doesn't fit theirs. Accountability regulations are already in place, perhaps to the extreme. Less profit and fewer bonuses? Those may be opinions, but not the peoples' right to govern such things in a free market. Ah, but wait--- higher taxes would seem to be a way to soothe the disparities between those who enjoy the haves and the have- nots. Life just isn't fair, and class warfare is so tempting--- and for some, so much easier to whine, than to work. It has stirred many a revolution, but--- in reality, our corporations already pay a much higher tax rate, at 35%, second highest in the world. And the top 1% of top wage earners in this country pay 38% of all federal taxes, while the bottom 50% of wage earners pay only 3% of all federal taxes, and 49% of our population pay no federal taxes at all.. That sounds pretty progressive already. How much is enough, and why should we punish those who are successful? Don't we all want to be successful? One young man at the Wall Street gathering said he thought he was entitled to free education health benefits, and even free housing and a car if possible---he knew that probably wasn't going to happen, but he said he could ask for it anyway. Entitlement gone awry? Success at the expense of others' hard work? Here's the fear---that young man may get what he wants, or close to it---a short cut to "success", or at least a free distribution of the perks, but at whose expense, and at what detriment to our democratic soul? In the meantime, however, we are losing more and more of our businesses to other countries with fewer stringent laws and harsh regulations. Business thrives on profit, and a free country thrives on hard work and a people willing to pull themselves through the hard times, without dragging everyone down to a common denominator.
Occupy and shame the bogey men of Wall Street, many of whom are hard working employees? Take over public parks and make the public pay for the mess left behind? Exercise our right to voice our opinions, even in a disorderly way that prompts police/tax paid action? You bet'cha----this is America!! And that's just the way we roll. Love it, or leave it---just don't kill the golden goose that lays the golden eggs, that fuels the whole engine called----- capitalism.. Listen to it roar---or is it whimpering the last sighs of a system beseiged by too many who would burn it down, rather than find a way to rebuild it?
.
Monday, October 3, 2011
"AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM"--REALLY??
It keeps coming up---"American exceptionalism". It can even be found in the comment section of this blog site's last entry, finding its way into a dialogue not directly related, but somehow always relevant to many an American mind set, and is often used in the same breath as "the American dream", It was mentioned this week on "Meet the Press", as the talking heads discussed the current crop of Republican nominees for president and what the American people really want in their president----and whether any of the nominees, or even President Obama, has that intangible quality that will inspire people to once again believe that the American dream is still possible and react accordingly----because that dream is fading ---we are losing confidence in ourselves and the notion that we are in any way exceptional. On the contrary, there is a visible shift in our historical and here-to-fore national pride and self image ----we no longer feel like winners, but more like losers here at home and on the world stage. A "Shining city on the hill", as President Reagan called us? Not so much. That hill has eroded beneath us, as we struggle to shore it up with so called stimulus money we don't have, and which so far has proven to be ineffective. There are conflicting philosophies as to how to regain our economic footing, and more and more speeches and debates. You can hear the despair in our conversations about ourselves, read it in the daily news of unemployment and foreclosure figures, and see it in the resigned, sad eyes of a people, who once proud, now instinctively sense our greatness slipping away.
We are becoming quite unexceptional, and we sense it. China is eating our lunch, owning much of our debt, and we resent it. We have lost our way and our standing as the greatest and most respected power, and the whole world knows it. We endlessly discuss the crux of our problems, which is our sick economy, but nobody seems to know how to fix it---or has the courage to do so. Therein lies the despair--- we are no longer what we were, and the urgency of a needed correction and change couldn't be more evident. There are even those who think it's too late, that we are in the throes of a downward spiral from which we will not return very soon, if ever. And even worse, that we have lost our exceptionalism, the key to our identity and the very thing that got us started, always kept us going, and led us away from the cliffs of previous disasters.
So what is or was this exceptionalism?? It may depend on who's doing the talking ,as to whether it is something to which we should still aspire. Possibly the first person to coin the phrase, "American exceptionalism", was Alexis de Tocqueville, a writer, who in 1831 used it as as theory to explain and describe the mix of characteristics that were inherent in the America's early success---liberty, egalitarianism, individual populism, and "laissez faire"----very different from the England and every other country at that time. Later, Abraham Lincoln's words in the Gettysburg Address, were permanently remembered for their strong emphasis on individual freedom and that "all men are created equal---". Much later, New Gingrich, a United States Senator, and currently a Republican presidential hopeful, in both his film, "A Nation Like No Other", and his book, "A City Upon a Hill", echoed those feelings by reminding us that our rights do not come from government, but from God. In a nutshell, American exceptionalism means that one is not limited by his or her birth circumstances, but that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible in terms of financial, career, and social ambitions.
However, though this theory of individual freedom to excell is still widely accepted as the American dream, it is beginning to appear less and less attainable, and perhaps only an old fashioned relic of the past. It is no longer a creed in which we wholeheartedly and unanimously ascribe---it is in fact, the basis for great philosophical and political strife currently being waged in this country today. It may even lie at the core of the main differences between our two political parties, for Conservatives or Republicans still cling to the concept of American Exceptionalism, while Liberals or Democrats tend to underplay and even eschew the strength and effectiveness of individual pursuits, preferring instead to give more power to the government for, in their minds, the greater good.
President Obama in a 2009 speech perhaps revealed his true compass, and may be the reason for his failure to lead a beleagured, doubting country, when he punted in regards to the validity of American exceptionalism and said that while he believed in American exceptionalism, it was no different than that of the British or the people of Greece. In other words, he feels we are not so exceptional, after all. Obama's recent speeches seem to reflect even more so his belief that government, therefore higher taxes, especially from those who are wealthy, are, in large part, the answer to our problems. His idealogy of wealth distribution is becoming more obvious, and seems to encourage class warfare , as he deliberately pits one class against the other, and dims our chances of pulling together---it is disappointing, destructive to our already national, polarized mood, and most unpresidential . But ever the strategic politician, with a laser eye on the 2012 election, Mr. Obama is banking that most of the country will follow his idealogical trumpet call to minority groups and rhetorical fable of the rich, greedy Republicans vs. the Democrats, so-called champions of the poor and middle class. And he may be right---Robin Hood politics sells, and the Republicans need to do more to show that their way is the better way, that real revenue comes not from taking from the rich, but from making it possible for all to materially succeed, thereby creating real, sustainable revenue. They need to put forth a candidate that re-instills a renewed vigor and faith in our ability to restore ourselves--and clear solutions, not just platitudes. Do they have such a person? The media would have us believe not---but it is still early, and the jury has barely begun to assemble.
We are the jury, and our challenge is to recognize that the biggest turning point in our history may be taking place now---do we want to continue on the same path, or will we have the courage to fire those who do not believe in us, and take back the possibility of the American dream and believe once again that we are exceptional---because once upon a time, we gave birth to a nation against all odds, fought hard to overcome great difficulties and enemies, tamed our frontiers, fought even among ourselves to sort out our principles, and built a free, strong, capatalistic country the likes of which the world had never seen. We still take in more immigrants than any other country, based on the American dream theory---we still offer more hope than any other country, but how disappointing it must be for those people to slowly grasp that that dream has seemingly been replaced by a different vision, which stifles and discourages individual success and pursuits, in the name of social progress, but otherwise known as socialism---not a new idea, nor one that has ever flourished beyond mediocrity.
This a crucial time for our country--- the other side of the argument for American exceptionalism is that there are those who feel that it is a negative concept, in that it smacks of ignorance and breeds arrogance, and that it is time for us to become more world integrated and less "parochial" or self focused---and that we should leave some of our constitutional laws behind, including cancelling the next election, as outrageously suggested by democrat North Carolina's governor, Beverly Perdue, last week. Perhaps, the thinking goes, we should think of ourselves, not as disloyal to our original concepts, but as evolving into a better, more enlightened society, where everybody gets a fair share of the pie. Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek magazine referred to a "post American world", which is not about the decline of America, but the rise of everyone else" , But. that sounds more like an excuse, than a remedy, and more like Utopia, than reality. Mr. Zakaria is a smart and nice man, but probably not a believer in American exceptionalism.There will always be room for improvement, and ways to bring opportunity and aid to the unfortunate among us, but does not run-away charity lead to not only an over taxed budget, but a creeping subserviency?
The original American spirit does not believe in rising everybody without merit or as welfare dependants of the rich---or in excusing our decline. It believes in everyone having a crack at the American dream , not through a government which takes from everybody and distributes as it sees fit, but through a free people, willing to work hard for their success. It may be too late, but it is time for those who still believe in American exceptionalism to stand up and be counted---or watch as we become quite ordinary, no longer a "shining city on a hill", but dimmed to the point of intellectual and socialistic "enlightenment".
We are becoming quite unexceptional, and we sense it. China is eating our lunch, owning much of our debt, and we resent it. We have lost our way and our standing as the greatest and most respected power, and the whole world knows it. We endlessly discuss the crux of our problems, which is our sick economy, but nobody seems to know how to fix it---or has the courage to do so. Therein lies the despair--- we are no longer what we were, and the urgency of a needed correction and change couldn't be more evident. There are even those who think it's too late, that we are in the throes of a downward spiral from which we will not return very soon, if ever. And even worse, that we have lost our exceptionalism, the key to our identity and the very thing that got us started, always kept us going, and led us away from the cliffs of previous disasters.
So what is or was this exceptionalism?? It may depend on who's doing the talking ,as to whether it is something to which we should still aspire. Possibly the first person to coin the phrase, "American exceptionalism", was Alexis de Tocqueville, a writer, who in 1831 used it as as theory to explain and describe the mix of characteristics that were inherent in the America's early success---liberty, egalitarianism, individual populism, and "laissez faire"----very different from the England and every other country at that time. Later, Abraham Lincoln's words in the Gettysburg Address, were permanently remembered for their strong emphasis on individual freedom and that "all men are created equal---". Much later, New Gingrich, a United States Senator, and currently a Republican presidential hopeful, in both his film, "A Nation Like No Other", and his book, "A City Upon a Hill", echoed those feelings by reminding us that our rights do not come from government, but from God. In a nutshell, American exceptionalism means that one is not limited by his or her birth circumstances, but that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible in terms of financial, career, and social ambitions.
However, though this theory of individual freedom to excell is still widely accepted as the American dream, it is beginning to appear less and less attainable, and perhaps only an old fashioned relic of the past. It is no longer a creed in which we wholeheartedly and unanimously ascribe---it is in fact, the basis for great philosophical and political strife currently being waged in this country today. It may even lie at the core of the main differences between our two political parties, for Conservatives or Republicans still cling to the concept of American Exceptionalism, while Liberals or Democrats tend to underplay and even eschew the strength and effectiveness of individual pursuits, preferring instead to give more power to the government for, in their minds, the greater good.
President Obama in a 2009 speech perhaps revealed his true compass, and may be the reason for his failure to lead a beleagured, doubting country, when he punted in regards to the validity of American exceptionalism and said that while he believed in American exceptionalism, it was no different than that of the British or the people of Greece. In other words, he feels we are not so exceptional, after all. Obama's recent speeches seem to reflect even more so his belief that government, therefore higher taxes, especially from those who are wealthy, are, in large part, the answer to our problems. His idealogy of wealth distribution is becoming more obvious, and seems to encourage class warfare , as he deliberately pits one class against the other, and dims our chances of pulling together---it is disappointing, destructive to our already national, polarized mood, and most unpresidential . But ever the strategic politician, with a laser eye on the 2012 election, Mr. Obama is banking that most of the country will follow his idealogical trumpet call to minority groups and rhetorical fable of the rich, greedy Republicans vs. the Democrats, so-called champions of the poor and middle class. And he may be right---Robin Hood politics sells, and the Republicans need to do more to show that their way is the better way, that real revenue comes not from taking from the rich, but from making it possible for all to materially succeed, thereby creating real, sustainable revenue. They need to put forth a candidate that re-instills a renewed vigor and faith in our ability to restore ourselves--and clear solutions, not just platitudes. Do they have such a person? The media would have us believe not---but it is still early, and the jury has barely begun to assemble.
We are the jury, and our challenge is to recognize that the biggest turning point in our history may be taking place now---do we want to continue on the same path, or will we have the courage to fire those who do not believe in us, and take back the possibility of the American dream and believe once again that we are exceptional---because once upon a time, we gave birth to a nation against all odds, fought hard to overcome great difficulties and enemies, tamed our frontiers, fought even among ourselves to sort out our principles, and built a free, strong, capatalistic country the likes of which the world had never seen. We still take in more immigrants than any other country, based on the American dream theory---we still offer more hope than any other country, but how disappointing it must be for those people to slowly grasp that that dream has seemingly been replaced by a different vision, which stifles and discourages individual success and pursuits, in the name of social progress, but otherwise known as socialism---not a new idea, nor one that has ever flourished beyond mediocrity.
This a crucial time for our country--- the other side of the argument for American exceptionalism is that there are those who feel that it is a negative concept, in that it smacks of ignorance and breeds arrogance, and that it is time for us to become more world integrated and less "parochial" or self focused---and that we should leave some of our constitutional laws behind, including cancelling the next election, as outrageously suggested by democrat North Carolina's governor, Beverly Perdue, last week. Perhaps, the thinking goes, we should think of ourselves, not as disloyal to our original concepts, but as evolving into a better, more enlightened society, where everybody gets a fair share of the pie. Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek magazine referred to a "post American world", which is not about the decline of America, but the rise of everyone else" , But. that sounds more like an excuse, than a remedy, and more like Utopia, than reality. Mr. Zakaria is a smart and nice man, but probably not a believer in American exceptionalism.There will always be room for improvement, and ways to bring opportunity and aid to the unfortunate among us, but does not run-away charity lead to not only an over taxed budget, but a creeping subserviency?
The original American spirit does not believe in rising everybody without merit or as welfare dependants of the rich---or in excusing our decline. It believes in everyone having a crack at the American dream , not through a government which takes from everybody and distributes as it sees fit, but through a free people, willing to work hard for their success. It may be too late, but it is time for those who still believe in American exceptionalism to stand up and be counted---or watch as we become quite ordinary, no longer a "shining city on a hill", but dimmed to the point of intellectual and socialistic "enlightenment".
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
AN EVENT THAT CHANGED A NATION
"Mom, turn on your TV---we're being attacked!" That was the voice of my son, calling long distance and waking me from a sound sleep. It was a literal wake up call to what would become a national tragedy and a deep wound, not only in terms of sadness for all those who perished that day, but to our national psyche and to our self confidence in our security and well being. How could this have happened? Terror was indeed what we felt, ---- and yet resisted with everything in our national soul and pride. With flags flying from porches, buildings, cars and trucks, we found our united voice and silently we spoke----we will not fall, you will not defeat us, we are stronger than you, and we will defend ourselves. But against whom, and how?? Who was this enemy who dared to take on the most powerful country in the world? And why? Like my deep sleep, America had been referred to as a "sleeping giant"--she was wide awake now.
There had been rumblings and other attacks for a long time, but no one, including our national leaders paid enough attention. Even after the World Trade Center had been attacked previously in 1993, we seemed to shrug it off and go on with our lives. Who could imagine that a small band of extreme Islamic jihadists would or could attempt anything again, and on such a grand scale?And surely our intelligence system would protect us. Wrong. They actually had been watching for a long time, and had even received specific warnings regarding the date of 9/11/01---but the messages were among many, not dispersed to all of the dis-jointed agencies at the same time, and were not taken seriously enough by the right people at the right time. We, it seemed, were too big to be the victim of such massive destruction by such a small army; and as usual, our politicians were busy attending to political matters. George Bush had just been in office for a short time, after a very contentious election. It remained to be seen whether he was up to the job as Commander in Chief. He and we were about to find out.
President Bush , in his Texas twang, spoke publicly the name of the enemy for the first time to the country ---Al who? Al Queda was their name, and their leader was a man by the name of Osama Bin Laden, both names we would hear over and over again as we slowly digested that they hated us, disdained our way of life, and resented our allegiance to Israel. President Bush went on to say that they had our attention now, and that they would be hearing from us very soon. We were going to war---two of them.
First Afghanistan, where it was known that the terrorists primarily lived and planned their attacks. Then Iraq, where it was feared weapons of mass destruction were being developed and that it was a haven for terrorists. The controversy that developed over this decision still simmers today. President Bush, suddenly found himself a war time president, with a country to protect and very difficult decisions to make quickly based on the best intelligence he had at the time. Some argue that more time should have been taken, more information gathered, confirmed, etc., But whatever else George Bush lacked, he was not weak or indecisive---or confused as to his mission and responsibility. He made his decisions and moved forward with remarkable strength and conviction. "You can run, but you cannot hide", he announced to the terrorists. If they thought we were too weak to fight back as a nation, the face, tone, and grit of this Texas "cowboy" president had to give them some pause, and a preview of things to come. Even if our target in Iraq was not the wisest or the most righteous, the world knew--- we were mad as hell. It was time to kick ---, and our military did just that.
They took the vicious Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein and his regime down, and helped the people of Iraq stumble towards a sort of democracy. Ironically, George Bush's presidency went down with it, as there were those who felt he was too aggressive and had made a major tactictal error in going to war against Iraq. They condemned, criticized, and belittled his judjment and capabilities. But Bush, who in spite of his many flaws, managed with his team of advisors and intelligence to protect the United States from further attacks. This was a monumental task, as there were many attempted and thwarted attacks. Even Bush's worst critics give him great credit for that. He had risen to the challenge of his most solemn duty---he was up to the job. He had not hestitated, shrunk in fear or intimidation, or based his decisions on political polls or consequences. He was not perfectly wise, but he did bring a frightened country from their knees to an upright, alert, and offensive posture. Even his Texan swagger gave us a measure of strength and attitude. "Don't mess with Texas"---had a ring we could all identify with.
He overhauled the separate branches of intelligance gathering organizations, making them much more efficient, set up a homeland security headquarters, asked for and got permission to listen in on suspicious phone conversations, and designated a detention camp, Guantanamo , for the arrested terror suspects. Abu Ghraib, a prison, in Iraq was later used for harsh interrogation methods to gain information from prime suspects. All these things helped answer the question of how we would fight this small, but formidable enemy----these people were deadly serious--- and we had to match their will to destroy us, often with non-conventional or traditional war time methods---without losing our principles of freedom and humane ideals in the process. It was a fine line, at times, and we can and will argue whether all we did was right---but today, we still stand, and the threat of terrorism has been weakened by sheer will and strength of those of us who will not tolerate nor be cowered by the heinous acts of a few .
But have we changed? Yes. In so many ways. Our economy is in tatters, and much of it can be traced to the uncertain days and years following 9/11. Our travel is over- burdened by security measures. Our national awareness of a constant not so clear and present danger has taken some of the joy away from our lives. And most importantly, we have lost much treasure and the blood of our fine military men and women who had the courage to fight this battle. We owe them more than we can ever repay, for most of us sacrificed very little in comparison. Life in the United States continued along, as we willed it to, wished it to, even were instructed to by President Bush, not because he or we were shallow, or not aware of the enemy and the huge drama being played out in our lives, but because by not changing our way of life at least perceptively, it was thought we were defying the terror they hoped to inflict upon us. It would seem, however, we could have done more---for so much more was being given in our name. And we have much work to do to restore our country to healthier times.
When President Obama came into office, he kept most of the programs put in place by President Bush as a result of 9/11. He had threatened to dismantle many of them, but as he became more informed, and to his credit, he did not. He also stepped up the drone program, singularly taking out many of the Al Queda leaders. And last May, he, as Commander in Chief, gave the final order to kill Osama Bin Laden. President Obama, too, had lived up to his most sacred duty--- to protect us from our enemies. Whatever else occurs on his watch, he accomplishes or not, we owe him deep thanks and appreciation for that one act. The man who decided to wage his war against us and vowed to destroy us was gone---and the relief in this country was a sigh felt across the nation.
Al Queda lives on, as they struggle to recruit more young, naive, and disallusioned young men to their cause. Paradoxically, as these extremists are preaching their warped brand of revolution, the middle east is undergoing its own revolution against those who would oppress and deny the freedoms that they see other nations enjoy. But religious fanaticism lives on and as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approached, we were told there was good reason to believe that another attack was planned for that weekend. It never happened---but it could, and we remain ever vigilant and aware that nothing will ever be quite the same. We are not so innocent anymore and unaware of what others may think of us. Perhaps that's a good thing, but what's better is that others now know, for better or worse, mistakes made or not, perfect or flawed, we cherish and guard our freedom, and we will still fight hard for it, as we always have.
As we watched the footage of 9/11 and once again sat in awe of the bravery of the first responders, and especially the N.Y.C. firemen, one had to love their selflessness of those in such desperate need. We lost almost 3000 citizens that day, and 343 of them were firemen trying in vain to rescue people trapped in the inferno of those burning buildings. The Pentagon was struck, killing over 125 people. And worse carnage would have happened what if not for the very oncommon courage of the passengers on flight 93, who when they discovered that their plane had been hi-jacked, decided to die fighting, rather than to bow to their captors. It is worth noting, that even in their last moments, that heart breaking decision was made by voting with each other.
If the horror of that day, and the terror that entered our hearts was real , so too are the heroic deeds of what so many of our people did for their fellow man---as images of the American flag being hoisted by dirty, exhausted workers on the ruined, devastated site of ground zero flashed across our tv screens, one couldn't help but feel that the proud spirit of this country still lived. And that much of what makes us great is not just the World Trade Center, that tall, magnificent building of our capitalistic system, or the Pentagon, symbol of our military might. It is us--- our united belief in freedom, our way of muddling through to decisions based on democracy, not the choices of a powerful few, and our inbred common respect for the lives, dignity, and rights of each other, whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, atheist, or whatever. As one fire chief emotionally expressed last night---"we don't leave people----" Nor, he could have added, do we ask people to give their lives to suicide---we give our lives to rescue others.
Thank you to all who came through that day----and to all we've lost in the two wars. May we move on to be worthy of your sacrifice. And may the terrorists who still seek to harm us and others, finally realize that their cause is hard to understand, much less justify, when it gives birth to what can only be described as evil acts, and leaves behind such death and destruction. Because 9/11, in spite of its terror, was a lesson to all of us, that the human spirit is at its core loving, resilient, and strong--- and that hope, love, and life can arise from the ashes of hate.
There had been rumblings and other attacks for a long time, but no one, including our national leaders paid enough attention. Even after the World Trade Center had been attacked previously in 1993, we seemed to shrug it off and go on with our lives. Who could imagine that a small band of extreme Islamic jihadists would or could attempt anything again, and on such a grand scale?And surely our intelligence system would protect us. Wrong. They actually had been watching for a long time, and had even received specific warnings regarding the date of 9/11/01---but the messages were among many, not dispersed to all of the dis-jointed agencies at the same time, and were not taken seriously enough by the right people at the right time. We, it seemed, were too big to be the victim of such massive destruction by such a small army; and as usual, our politicians were busy attending to political matters. George Bush had just been in office for a short time, after a very contentious election. It remained to be seen whether he was up to the job as Commander in Chief. He and we were about to find out.
President Bush , in his Texas twang, spoke publicly the name of the enemy for the first time to the country ---Al who? Al Queda was their name, and their leader was a man by the name of Osama Bin Laden, both names we would hear over and over again as we slowly digested that they hated us, disdained our way of life, and resented our allegiance to Israel. President Bush went on to say that they had our attention now, and that they would be hearing from us very soon. We were going to war---two of them.
First Afghanistan, where it was known that the terrorists primarily lived and planned their attacks. Then Iraq, where it was feared weapons of mass destruction were being developed and that it was a haven for terrorists. The controversy that developed over this decision still simmers today. President Bush, suddenly found himself a war time president, with a country to protect and very difficult decisions to make quickly based on the best intelligence he had at the time. Some argue that more time should have been taken, more information gathered, confirmed, etc., But whatever else George Bush lacked, he was not weak or indecisive---or confused as to his mission and responsibility. He made his decisions and moved forward with remarkable strength and conviction. "You can run, but you cannot hide", he announced to the terrorists. If they thought we were too weak to fight back as a nation, the face, tone, and grit of this Texas "cowboy" president had to give them some pause, and a preview of things to come. Even if our target in Iraq was not the wisest or the most righteous, the world knew--- we were mad as hell. It was time to kick ---, and our military did just that.
They took the vicious Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein and his regime down, and helped the people of Iraq stumble towards a sort of democracy. Ironically, George Bush's presidency went down with it, as there were those who felt he was too aggressive and had made a major tactictal error in going to war against Iraq. They condemned, criticized, and belittled his judjment and capabilities. But Bush, who in spite of his many flaws, managed with his team of advisors and intelligence to protect the United States from further attacks. This was a monumental task, as there were many attempted and thwarted attacks. Even Bush's worst critics give him great credit for that. He had risen to the challenge of his most solemn duty---he was up to the job. He had not hestitated, shrunk in fear or intimidation, or based his decisions on political polls or consequences. He was not perfectly wise, but he did bring a frightened country from their knees to an upright, alert, and offensive posture. Even his Texan swagger gave us a measure of strength and attitude. "Don't mess with Texas"---had a ring we could all identify with.
He overhauled the separate branches of intelligance gathering organizations, making them much more efficient, set up a homeland security headquarters, asked for and got permission to listen in on suspicious phone conversations, and designated a detention camp, Guantanamo , for the arrested terror suspects. Abu Ghraib, a prison, in Iraq was later used for harsh interrogation methods to gain information from prime suspects. All these things helped answer the question of how we would fight this small, but formidable enemy----these people were deadly serious--- and we had to match their will to destroy us, often with non-conventional or traditional war time methods---without losing our principles of freedom and humane ideals in the process. It was a fine line, at times, and we can and will argue whether all we did was right---but today, we still stand, and the threat of terrorism has been weakened by sheer will and strength of those of us who will not tolerate nor be cowered by the heinous acts of a few .
But have we changed? Yes. In so many ways. Our economy is in tatters, and much of it can be traced to the uncertain days and years following 9/11. Our travel is over- burdened by security measures. Our national awareness of a constant not so clear and present danger has taken some of the joy away from our lives. And most importantly, we have lost much treasure and the blood of our fine military men and women who had the courage to fight this battle. We owe them more than we can ever repay, for most of us sacrificed very little in comparison. Life in the United States continued along, as we willed it to, wished it to, even were instructed to by President Bush, not because he or we were shallow, or not aware of the enemy and the huge drama being played out in our lives, but because by not changing our way of life at least perceptively, it was thought we were defying the terror they hoped to inflict upon us. It would seem, however, we could have done more---for so much more was being given in our name. And we have much work to do to restore our country to healthier times.
When President Obama came into office, he kept most of the programs put in place by President Bush as a result of 9/11. He had threatened to dismantle many of them, but as he became more informed, and to his credit, he did not. He also stepped up the drone program, singularly taking out many of the Al Queda leaders. And last May, he, as Commander in Chief, gave the final order to kill Osama Bin Laden. President Obama, too, had lived up to his most sacred duty--- to protect us from our enemies. Whatever else occurs on his watch, he accomplishes or not, we owe him deep thanks and appreciation for that one act. The man who decided to wage his war against us and vowed to destroy us was gone---and the relief in this country was a sigh felt across the nation.
Al Queda lives on, as they struggle to recruit more young, naive, and disallusioned young men to their cause. Paradoxically, as these extremists are preaching their warped brand of revolution, the middle east is undergoing its own revolution against those who would oppress and deny the freedoms that they see other nations enjoy. But religious fanaticism lives on and as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approached, we were told there was good reason to believe that another attack was planned for that weekend. It never happened---but it could, and we remain ever vigilant and aware that nothing will ever be quite the same. We are not so innocent anymore and unaware of what others may think of us. Perhaps that's a good thing, but what's better is that others now know, for better or worse, mistakes made or not, perfect or flawed, we cherish and guard our freedom, and we will still fight hard for it, as we always have.
As we watched the footage of 9/11 and once again sat in awe of the bravery of the first responders, and especially the N.Y.C. firemen, one had to love their selflessness of those in such desperate need. We lost almost 3000 citizens that day, and 343 of them were firemen trying in vain to rescue people trapped in the inferno of those burning buildings. The Pentagon was struck, killing over 125 people. And worse carnage would have happened what if not for the very oncommon courage of the passengers on flight 93, who when they discovered that their plane had been hi-jacked, decided to die fighting, rather than to bow to their captors. It is worth noting, that even in their last moments, that heart breaking decision was made by voting with each other.
If the horror of that day, and the terror that entered our hearts was real , so too are the heroic deeds of what so many of our people did for their fellow man---as images of the American flag being hoisted by dirty, exhausted workers on the ruined, devastated site of ground zero flashed across our tv screens, one couldn't help but feel that the proud spirit of this country still lived. And that much of what makes us great is not just the World Trade Center, that tall, magnificent building of our capitalistic system, or the Pentagon, symbol of our military might. It is us--- our united belief in freedom, our way of muddling through to decisions based on democracy, not the choices of a powerful few, and our inbred common respect for the lives, dignity, and rights of each other, whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, atheist, or whatever. As one fire chief emotionally expressed last night---"we don't leave people----" Nor, he could have added, do we ask people to give their lives to suicide---we give our lives to rescue others.
Thank you to all who came through that day----and to all we've lost in the two wars. May we move on to be worthy of your sacrifice. And may the terrorists who still seek to harm us and others, finally realize that their cause is hard to understand, much less justify, when it gives birth to what can only be described as evil acts, and leaves behind such death and destruction. Because 9/11, in spite of its terror, was a lesson to all of us, that the human spirit is at its core loving, resilient, and strong--- and that hope, love, and life can arise from the ashes of hate.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
"THE END DAYS"?
The national conversation this week was all about Hurricane Irene--and whispered within the talk, a tantalizing question, which we will get to later. As we anxiously awaited Irene's visit and her wrath as she blasted her way across the eastern seaboard, we are reminded once again of our fragility and utter helplessness in the face of natural disasters. Preparations were made, evacuations were done, agencies did what they could do, flights were cancelled, and ----then she hit, Irene came to call, but nobody answered the door. New York looked like a ghost town, as the storm poured gallons of rain and blew its fury across the state. Irene left her calling cards with uprooted trees, flooded streets, submerged cars and massive power outages. It wasn't as bad as feared, but the city and others across the east coast, stood firm---with the exception, so far, of 37deaths in 11 states. It wasn't another Katrina, but could have been, and there wouldn't have been much we could do about it. Global warming theories not withstanding, we are but passengers on our space ship, and are no match for the violence and unpredictablity of storms, to say nothing of earthquakes, and tsunamis, which leave us trembling at our helplessness and lack of ability to accurately foresee and prepare adequately for days of natural disasters. Days---they tumble generously out of the sky, one after the other, giving us a brand new beginning with each sunrise. None of us really knows where or how it all got started----we just don't want it to end.
So the question for this week's conversation is: Are these just capricious weather cycles, or climate change, or---signs of Biblical warnings? 'There shall be earthquakes and famine and drought and---' to warn of the end of the world. There are those who claim this is it----the " end days", and we must get our spiritual selves in order---or be left behind, as written in the book of Revelations? But haven't people been predicting the end endlessly since the beginning of time? And hasn't the earth been known to convulse and change dramatically over the eons ? Still, one can wonder at the world we live in and the seemingly over whelming problems---has the human race run its course and is headed towards the finish line? If there is a God, is He weary of us, and our ungodly ways---disappointed in His human experiment? Will He repeat his impatient anger, as He did with Sodom and Gomorra, those Biblical cities who refused to turn away from their sins of greed, corruption, and worship of golden idols, now known as money? Well, that's pretty heavy duty stuff---way too religious and hokey-dokey for many to subscribe, much less re-order their spirituality---or their priorities. Most of us are way too busy living to worry about such imaginary and apocalyptic predictions. No man has the ability to prophesy, and some have been dangerous, cult-ish, and wrong. Even Al Gore and his cadre of scientists have been proven to be less than accurate, after all, with their dire weather facts.
But as we watch the evening news and observe the global crises, it isn't such a stretch to believe that we could well be on a path to major upheaval, if not destruction of our own making---so perhaps we don't need a God to provide the end. We are doing it all alone to ourselves by our inability to solve our problems, understand our neighbors, and strive for peace, rather than power---let alone the likes of "Irene" and "Katrina".Then again, perhaps, this is the dawning of a new age, --- led not by Aquarius, but the "Arab Spring". These countries may produce their own peaceful democracies, free from despotic and oppressive rule. They may cease to be a threat to us, terrorism will finally be snuffed out, wars will end, and there will be treasure and compassion to end starvation in Africa, Asia and elsewhere. Tribal and ethnic differences will also end, as those in power will gain the wisdom to lead away from such cruel and senseless behavior. No religion will rule, but all may worship as they please, as long as they do not infringe upon another's right to do the same. A global economy will bring incredible co-operation and wealth to all, as we work together and share our resources. Utopia?? Why not? It could happen---but probably will not. We are humans, not gods, with limited wisdom--- and our instinct is to survive, to protect our own, and defend against those who would trespass against us. No, we would need divine intervention for such as the above to happen---which brings us to Biblical lore again---there is another story called "The rapture", a heavenly taking of some and leaving of others, which will precede many years of peace on earth----much too religious and complicated to discuss in mixed, secular company, which this is.
Of course, the Bible and it's stories could all be a grand fairy tale, and this isn't an attempt to evangelize ---it's simply a reflection of the current conversational buzz, a possibility, a religious belief to many, and a nice alternative to the evening gloom and doom news. End days? Who knows? If you are any kind of Biblical scholar , you surely know the words of Jesus so often quoted in response to those who would predict such things as endings---"I shall come as a thief in the night".In other words live well the present, and don't try to guess the end game--- not ours to know. It would be like cheating on an exam by peeking at the answers before hand---with life being the real deal test.
But wait---- this blog is supposed to provide conversational fodder----yet isn't this all rather taboo, in that the "end of days" is usually spoken of in connection with religion, not terrorism, wars, nuclear bombs or even climate change disasters, which are much more politically correct. Certainly, do not call "Irene" and "Katrina" "acts of God", perpetrated perhaps by an angry God,, a la Sodom and Gomorra, as Michelle Bachmann recently and half jolkingly implied .She got burned big time by the media for that one---who considered her remarks politically inappropriate, unsophisticated, and terribly offensive. No, no no, they ba-a-a , ba-a-ad---natural disasters are simply freak accidents of Mother Nature ----as we may also be, and no telling when or where the end will come.
So be careful with whom you discuss "the end days", unless you run into Michelle Bachmann. Those words smack of Biblical references and faith---and well, that's just not very popular or intellectual sounding anymore---separation of church and state, don't you know. We are becoming increasingly secular and proud of it. In God we trust?? Are you kidding me? That was our founders' idea, not necessarily ours---and we are a changing, fluid mix of people, less and less needful of any God in our government. But then, in whom do we trust? What do we stand for, and whose principles do we follow? We appear to no longer care so much----
Unless you happen to be John Polkinghorne, a world class physicist , author, and reknowned scientist who dares to speak of the relationship between science and religion. He admits to not knowing for sure that there is a God, bows to uncertainties in both religion and science, but is a believer in spite of his doubts ---just as he believes in other scientific theories, such things as "light", or "quarks", or "gluons". But he says there is enough evidence of God all around us for him to "bet my life on it----I'm not certain. Sometimes I'm wrong". I don't know what Mr. Polkinghorne would think about the "end days" and all the supposed signs we're seeing, but I'll bet he's not betting against it.
I like a gambling man who will bet his life on what he doesn't know for sure---and is willing to take a leap of faith. Takes guts to go publicly against the flow and many of your own peers----and an intelligence, which concedes to the possibility of a higher intelligence, presumably based on some pretty hard evidence---a life sustaining planet, a universe of infinite mystery, order, and design, and a race of people who know not from where they came---but, who in spite of their many flaws, have great capacity to love, laugh, and weep----and who cherish the thought of yet another day to get it all right.
So the question for this week's conversation is: Are these just capricious weather cycles, or climate change, or---signs of Biblical warnings? 'There shall be earthquakes and famine and drought and---' to warn of the end of the world. There are those who claim this is it----the " end days", and we must get our spiritual selves in order---or be left behind, as written in the book of Revelations? But haven't people been predicting the end endlessly since the beginning of time? And hasn't the earth been known to convulse and change dramatically over the eons ? Still, one can wonder at the world we live in and the seemingly over whelming problems---has the human race run its course and is headed towards the finish line? If there is a God, is He weary of us, and our ungodly ways---disappointed in His human experiment? Will He repeat his impatient anger, as He did with Sodom and Gomorra, those Biblical cities who refused to turn away from their sins of greed, corruption, and worship of golden idols, now known as money? Well, that's pretty heavy duty stuff---way too religious and hokey-dokey for many to subscribe, much less re-order their spirituality---or their priorities. Most of us are way too busy living to worry about such imaginary and apocalyptic predictions. No man has the ability to prophesy, and some have been dangerous, cult-ish, and wrong. Even Al Gore and his cadre of scientists have been proven to be less than accurate, after all, with their dire weather facts.
But as we watch the evening news and observe the global crises, it isn't such a stretch to believe that we could well be on a path to major upheaval, if not destruction of our own making---so perhaps we don't need a God to provide the end. We are doing it all alone to ourselves by our inability to solve our problems, understand our neighbors, and strive for peace, rather than power---let alone the likes of "Irene" and "Katrina".Then again, perhaps, this is the dawning of a new age, --- led not by Aquarius, but the "Arab Spring". These countries may produce their own peaceful democracies, free from despotic and oppressive rule. They may cease to be a threat to us, terrorism will finally be snuffed out, wars will end, and there will be treasure and compassion to end starvation in Africa, Asia and elsewhere. Tribal and ethnic differences will also end, as those in power will gain the wisdom to lead away from such cruel and senseless behavior. No religion will rule, but all may worship as they please, as long as they do not infringe upon another's right to do the same. A global economy will bring incredible co-operation and wealth to all, as we work together and share our resources. Utopia?? Why not? It could happen---but probably will not. We are humans, not gods, with limited wisdom--- and our instinct is to survive, to protect our own, and defend against those who would trespass against us. No, we would need divine intervention for such as the above to happen---which brings us to Biblical lore again---there is another story called "The rapture", a heavenly taking of some and leaving of others, which will precede many years of peace on earth----much too religious and complicated to discuss in mixed, secular company, which this is.
Of course, the Bible and it's stories could all be a grand fairy tale, and this isn't an attempt to evangelize ---it's simply a reflection of the current conversational buzz, a possibility, a religious belief to many, and a nice alternative to the evening gloom and doom news. End days? Who knows? If you are any kind of Biblical scholar , you surely know the words of Jesus so often quoted in response to those who would predict such things as endings---"I shall come as a thief in the night".In other words live well the present, and don't try to guess the end game--- not ours to know. It would be like cheating on an exam by peeking at the answers before hand---with life being the real deal test.
But wait---- this blog is supposed to provide conversational fodder----yet isn't this all rather taboo, in that the "end of days" is usually spoken of in connection with religion, not terrorism, wars, nuclear bombs or even climate change disasters, which are much more politically correct. Certainly, do not call "Irene" and "Katrina" "acts of God", perpetrated perhaps by an angry God,, a la Sodom and Gomorra, as Michelle Bachmann recently and half jolkingly implied .She got burned big time by the media for that one---who considered her remarks politically inappropriate, unsophisticated, and terribly offensive. No, no no, they ba-a-a , ba-a-ad---natural disasters are simply freak accidents of Mother Nature ----as we may also be, and no telling when or where the end will come.
So be careful with whom you discuss "the end days", unless you run into Michelle Bachmann. Those words smack of Biblical references and faith---and well, that's just not very popular or intellectual sounding anymore---separation of church and state, don't you know. We are becoming increasingly secular and proud of it. In God we trust?? Are you kidding me? That was our founders' idea, not necessarily ours---and we are a changing, fluid mix of people, less and less needful of any God in our government. But then, in whom do we trust? What do we stand for, and whose principles do we follow? We appear to no longer care so much----
Unless you happen to be John Polkinghorne, a world class physicist , author, and reknowned scientist who dares to speak of the relationship between science and religion. He admits to not knowing for sure that there is a God, bows to uncertainties in both religion and science, but is a believer in spite of his doubts ---just as he believes in other scientific theories, such things as "light", or "quarks", or "gluons". But he says there is enough evidence of God all around us for him to "bet my life on it----I'm not certain. Sometimes I'm wrong". I don't know what Mr. Polkinghorne would think about the "end days" and all the supposed signs we're seeing, but I'll bet he's not betting against it.
I like a gambling man who will bet his life on what he doesn't know for sure---and is willing to take a leap of faith. Takes guts to go publicly against the flow and many of your own peers----and an intelligence, which concedes to the possibility of a higher intelligence, presumably based on some pretty hard evidence---a life sustaining planet, a universe of infinite mystery, order, and design, and a race of people who know not from where they came---but, who in spite of their many flaws, have great capacity to love, laugh, and weep----and who cherish the thought of yet another day to get it all right.
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