On the world stage -- climate talks in Paris are now in session. The economic future of the world, the evolutionary future of biodiversity, the political future of ... civilization: are all in doubt, as we haggle over "fossil fuels," pollution, carbon exchanges, and life itself.
On a much smaller level my students are beginning their final "group presentations" today. The same doubts, on a microcosmic scale, exist for them. Will their work this term bear fruit? Will they cooperate with each other and still do their best individually -- enough to not only survive, but conquer. Will they ensure their own future(s) by realizing that speech is required -- speech is essential -- for their continued growth as thinkers, doers, survivors, winners?
Monday, November 30, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Whom Do We Thank?
Do we thank our neighbors? Our friends? Our enemies? Our co-workers? Our family? Our lover(s)? Our children? Our acquaintances? Whom do we thank?
If we believe in God -- we thank Him (Her, Whomever). If we believe in life -- we thank our parents and siblings. If we believe in happiness -- we thank ourselves: for sticking with it, for staying the course, for continuing on as before.
I would just life to thank someone; my visionary communicants, my students, my colleagues, my unwitting foils, my awkward meetings, my triumphs.
If we believe in God -- we thank Him (Her, Whomever). If we believe in life -- we thank our parents and siblings. If we believe in happiness -- we thank ourselves: for sticking with it, for staying the course, for continuing on as before.
I would just life to thank someone; my visionary communicants, my students, my colleagues, my unwitting foils, my awkward meetings, my triumphs.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Last Day
Today is technically my last day of classes for this semester. The two remaining classes in each course during the week after Thanksgiving will host final "group presentations" and make-up speeches from those lazier students.
It is always an interesting time: getting grades together, writing SLOGS, doing letters of reference for scholarships (3-5 so far). I need the "free time" to also catch up with about a million household and yard chores. Hopefully it won't be too cold for the latter.
Lots of turmoil in the news today: Russia and Turkey both in an "emergency meeting" at the UN over the war plane being shot down; Trump bellowing mightily about torture (waterboarding) and Black Lives Matter (terrorist group -- now, thanks to Trump, under attack around the nation by white supremacist racist groups); Obama not quite being strong enough to command the public eye, and Congress in absolute chaos over its simple "business." Welcome to America!
It is always an interesting time: getting grades together, writing SLOGS, doing letters of reference for scholarships (3-5 so far). I need the "free time" to also catch up with about a million household and yard chores. Hopefully it won't be too cold for the latter.
Lots of turmoil in the news today: Russia and Turkey both in an "emergency meeting" at the UN over the war plane being shot down; Trump bellowing mightily about torture (waterboarding) and Black Lives Matter (terrorist group -- now, thanks to Trump, under attack around the nation by white supremacist racist groups); Obama not quite being strong enough to command the public eye, and Congress in absolute chaos over its simple "business." Welcome to America!
Monday, November 23, 2015
Young Beauty -- a Photograph of Life Itself
Sometimes just seeing a "younger" (like someone in their 30's) person sitting and doing what they do can be an "enriching" experience. I have a lot of "younger" students -- still with lots of effusive energy, high hopes, and an impenetrable sense of "hope." Most of them work hard for the grades they get; most have high ideals and a strong sense of personal integrity.
And that youth, in many ways, is absolutely beautiful. It is the essence of "life" on earth. It is a soft and driving force of life, permeating and enriching everyone who is close to it. It is not a "sexy" beautiful -- but rather a reverential kind of beautiful. It is the "Shinto" sense of life that makes just being worthwhile.
I am looking out at my 8:00 AM class now -- working out the problems of their "group presentations" and being beautiful just by working at their assignment. It brings a "kind of peace" to my soul to understand and accept that such beauty actually...exists. Thanks to God, or god, or fate, or time -- thanks for this life!
And that youth, in many ways, is absolutely beautiful. It is the essence of "life" on earth. It is a soft and driving force of life, permeating and enriching everyone who is close to it. It is not a "sexy" beautiful -- but rather a reverential kind of beautiful. It is the "Shinto" sense of life that makes just being worthwhile.
I am looking out at my 8:00 AM class now -- working out the problems of their "group presentations" and being beautiful just by working at their assignment. It brings a "kind of peace" to my soul to understand and accept that such beauty actually...exists. Thanks to God, or god, or fate, or time -- thanks for this life!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Student Cancelled
Just had another cancellation for a "special meeting" to catch up one of my students on all she's missed -- so she can pass my course. Why is it that the students today are so needy -- and yet so flippant about what they put others through to help them do their basic work.
It is the callow selfishness of youth, of course. Unfortunately I have 50 year old students who have it
still.
It is the callow selfishness of youth, of course. Unfortunately I have 50 year old students who have it
still.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
"Now is the Winter of our Discontent..."
The quote from Shakespeare's history cycle (name that play!) always reminds me that I am entering the "time of horrible remembrance." It is the agonizing recollection of the final weeks and days of my wife's death -- She's death -- in Hospice Savannah. This year marks the ninth anniversary of that time -- and will, once again, plunge me into remembrance and self-doubt.
It was "not fair" that she died so young, and so horribly. It should have been me. It was "not right" that her life and the memory of her kindness and goodness should fade; she was "the best" among us.
It is not normal that time should thunder on, and cycle forward, without her gentle heart moving forward as well. I don't know if I believe in any kind of afterlife --- for myself --- but I certainly do hope and pray for one for She.
I cannot believe in a life-cycle that is so cold as to admit her death, without reasoning out the circumstances and history that caused it. She's Mom lost a daughter (and now she is gone as well); and I lost my life, my meaning, my hope for happiness. I realize that I am biding time here -- and giving myself purpose so that I have some; but I am not sure it is for any good reason.
It was "not fair" that she died so young, and so horribly. It should have been me. It was "not right" that her life and the memory of her kindness and goodness should fade; she was "the best" among us.
It is not normal that time should thunder on, and cycle forward, without her gentle heart moving forward as well. I don't know if I believe in any kind of afterlife --- for myself --- but I certainly do hope and pray for one for She.
I cannot believe in a life-cycle that is so cold as to admit her death, without reasoning out the circumstances and history that caused it. She's Mom lost a daughter (and now she is gone as well); and I lost my life, my meaning, my hope for happiness. I realize that I am biding time here -- and giving myself purpose so that I have some; but I am not sure it is for any good reason.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Maintaining a Cool Head
The world does seem to be going crazy -- even normal reactions sound strained and hollow as people give their opinions on Islam, Daesh, the Paris attacks, the upcoming attacks on America (sometime, someday too soon), women in politics, women in Islam, refugees, the end of the world, the "terrorists coming to kill us all" disguised as starving women and children, etc. etc. etc.
Read all the articles out there --- but keep a cool and intelligent perspective. Maintain your values. Strengthen you core beliefs by just plain understanding them better. Be yourself. Be true to yourself. and don't ever ever let fear and stupidity overtake you.
Read all the articles out there --- but keep a cool and intelligent perspective. Maintain your values. Strengthen you core beliefs by just plain understanding them better. Be yourself. Be true to yourself. and don't ever ever let fear and stupidity overtake you.
The French Have Won
A free state -- with freedom for all its citizens -- has won. They have continued their principles, their government, their rule of law, their cherished ethos.
I must admit that Paris is not my favorite "world city." I had "bad experiences" there as a student -- I was "conned" by a slick young Frenchman in a train station back when I was there as a student. I was ersatz "arrested" and deported during the Easter General Strike back in the 1960's -- just because I was an American student. And the Parisian population is gruff and unyielding to outsiders (like Americans) who cannot speak French, or even try to speak it. Nonetheless...
Given all the history I have with Paris -- I still love the people of France. They are tough -- unflinching, and generally good people. They are free and open-minded: their country has been a haven for outsiders and refugees for centuries.
I must admit that Paris is not my favorite "world city." I had "bad experiences" there as a student -- I was "conned" by a slick young Frenchman in a train station back when I was there as a student. I was ersatz "arrested" and deported during the Easter General Strike back in the 1960's -- just because I was an American student. And the Parisian population is gruff and unyielding to outsiders (like Americans) who cannot speak French, or even try to speak it. Nonetheless...
Given all the history I have with Paris -- I still love the people of France. They are tough -- unflinching, and generally good people. They are free and open-minded: their country has been a haven for outsiders and refugees for centuries.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Students Who Care ... Will Win
I have a certain number of students who are, literally, brilliant. They are smart, nuanced, clever, savvy, but often badly educated. They are people who have not done well in school yet too often just blame themselves. Or they blame their circumstances: too little time, too little sleep, too much work!
John Hersey''s brilliant college age novel "Too Far To Walk" sums up the rather stupid reasoning behind just doing badly as a "way to be" for many college students. I have other students who literally "piss" their credits away, by working not at all to learn what they need to learn. Laziness, lack of foresight, lack of understanding --- and a badly marred future is what awaits such students.
These students -- both types -- just take up space in our colleges.
John Hersey''s brilliant college age novel "Too Far To Walk" sums up the rather stupid reasoning behind just doing badly as a "way to be" for many college students. I have other students who literally "piss" their credits away, by working not at all to learn what they need to learn. Laziness, lack of foresight, lack of understanding --- and a badly marred future is what awaits such students.
These students -- both types -- just take up space in our colleges.
We Are At War
We, all of us -- you and me, are "at war!" We are at war with ignorance -- that cannot distinguish between those Americans who think differently than we do and "terrorists" who would kill us all indiscriminately to please their "imagined" god! We are at war -- with our own lack of empathy for those who die in third world countries! We are at war -- with our stupidity about the world at large, about differences between religions, with our own desire to stay uninvolved while someone is literally holding a gun to our head!
We are at war -- with indifference, with solipsism, with our own selfishness, with our petty solutions to world problems (putting a "French Flag Filter" on my facebook page to show solidarity with the people of Paris), with our own fear(s)! We cannot win any of these wars -- until we open our eyes and see ISIS for what it is, and kill it before it kills us!
We are at war -- with indifference, with solipsism, with our own selfishness, with our petty solutions to world problems (putting a "French Flag Filter" on my facebook page to show solidarity with the people of Paris), with our own fear(s)! We cannot win any of these wars -- until we open our eyes and see ISIS for what it is, and kill it before it kills us!
Monday, November 16, 2015
JIhad is Death to Islam
We can all parse our words about Islam --- Radical Islam -- the Jihadists -- the ISIS Caliphate; etc. etc. etc. The truth remains the truth -- the Muslim religion is flawed enough to produce a pogrom of normalcy unseen since the Crusades or the Holocaust.
Sunni or Shia -- holy or apostate -- Islam has given all the "crazies" in the world permission to act out their nightmares and inflict them on all of the rest of us. The world has witnessed this before: the rise of the Nazi's, the cycle after cycle of religious war in Europe, the tribal excesses in Central Africa, the murderous genocide of Pol Pot in Cambodia, and on and on.
The capacity of human beings to go beyond the norm into unreasonable anti-civilization is extraordinary. Christians are guilty of such throughout history: the Crusades; the Inquisition; the stances on lesbians, gays, and trans-genders; the stances on sexuality and birth control, abortion, and end-of-life! Now Muslims are trying to drag the world back into the Middle Ages: the time of ignorance and fear, and male control masquerading as religious piety, and violent jihad standing in for truth or love.
Stop parsing words -- fight the enemies of love and compassion; kill the morons who would reduce the world to animalism; stop the "crazies" on all sides!!!
Sunni or Shia -- holy or apostate -- Islam has given all the "crazies" in the world permission to act out their nightmares and inflict them on all of the rest of us. The world has witnessed this before: the rise of the Nazi's, the cycle after cycle of religious war in Europe, the tribal excesses in Central Africa, the murderous genocide of Pol Pot in Cambodia, and on and on.
The capacity of human beings to go beyond the norm into unreasonable anti-civilization is extraordinary. Christians are guilty of such throughout history: the Crusades; the Inquisition; the stances on lesbians, gays, and trans-genders; the stances on sexuality and birth control, abortion, and end-of-life! Now Muslims are trying to drag the world back into the Middle Ages: the time of ignorance and fear, and male control masquerading as religious piety, and violent jihad standing in for truth or love.
Stop parsing words -- fight the enemies of love and compassion; kill the morons who would reduce the world to animalism; stop the "crazies" on all sides!!!
Paris, and the World, is Burning
World War II was a shocking and horrible "moment" for proud and ancient Paris. It was a time for resistance and compliance -- sadness and survival.
Now Paris is "burning again" -- in a smaller but perhaps just as significant way. Fear and anger both grip the people of Paris, and of the rest of the World as well. ISIS (ISIL, DASH, etc) has launched unprovoked and mindless attacks on free Parisians (and all of us as well) for doing nothing more than enjoying life. The Jihadists of ISIS are insane, of course. But focused as well.
They are focused on destroying our lives, our joys, our desires for peace and happiness -- while they pursue their merciless and inhumane "state of Islam" (though one so perverted and corrupt as to be unrecognizable in human history). We must "crush" this jihadist aberration -- we must do so for our own sake, and the sake of any human history.
Now Paris is "burning again" -- in a smaller but perhaps just as significant way. Fear and anger both grip the people of Paris, and of the rest of the World as well. ISIS (ISIL, DASH, etc) has launched unprovoked and mindless attacks on free Parisians (and all of us as well) for doing nothing more than enjoying life. The Jihadists of ISIS are insane, of course. But focused as well.
They are focused on destroying our lives, our joys, our desires for peace and happiness -- while they pursue their merciless and inhumane "state of Islam" (though one so perverted and corrupt as to be unrecognizable in human history). We must "crush" this jihadist aberration -- we must do so for our own sake, and the sake of any human history.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Dead Souls
There are many among us who have lost our sense of empathy. These are the "dead souls" of our world. They are totally into themselves and their own needs, neglectful of all problems or concerns that affect anyone else, and mindful only of their families -- their health -- their bank accounts.
Such people actually believe that "if the world were to somehow 'end'" -- they would still somehow be all right. Their second home in the mountains or their condo at the shore would somehow survive all life-ending catastrophes -- and they themselves would somehow make it out of the maelstrom and be safe. Such stupidity abounds.
It takes the form of "us versus them" and "the good old days" and "how things used to be " kind of thinking. These people are trapped inside their own small bubbles and don't understand that the world is all connective tissue now -- there are no safe places; their are no survivors.
Such people actually believe that "if the world were to somehow 'end'" -- they would still somehow be all right. Their second home in the mountains or their condo at the shore would somehow survive all life-ending catastrophes -- and they themselves would somehow make it out of the maelstrom and be safe. Such stupidity abounds.
It takes the form of "us versus them" and "the good old days" and "how things used to be " kind of thinking. These people are trapped inside their own small bubbles and don't understand that the world is all connective tissue now -- there are no safe places; their are no survivors.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Racism Is the New Death Wish
I simply will never, ever understand racism!!! Those who espouse it are usually stupid, misinformed, socially backward, and incapable of learning. Diversity has and will play such a significant and positive part of the future of mankind -- that being a racist, for any reason, real of imagined is absolutely insane.
Donald Trump is a racist -- versus Hispanics (Mexicans in particular), all-non-Americans, and especially African-Americans (despite his protestations and ridiculous statements about "being loved by this group or that group"). Unfortunately many of the other Republican candidates (including Ben Carson) are also racists, or are simply crazy. Being a racist really entails being a solipsist, a loner, a chauvinist, an anti-feminist, and a total reactionary. Tea Partier's and the Religions "Right" (Wrong, it should be) need to wake up and understand that racial diversity brings human diversity; human diversity brings change and growth; change and growth can and should be all for the better; and life should wax beautiful and full -- not hateful and small!
Donald Trump is a racist -- versus Hispanics (Mexicans in particular), all-non-Americans, and especially African-Americans (despite his protestations and ridiculous statements about "being loved by this group or that group"). Unfortunately many of the other Republican candidates (including Ben Carson) are also racists, or are simply crazy. Being a racist really entails being a solipsist, a loner, a chauvinist, an anti-feminist, and a total reactionary. Tea Partier's and the Religions "Right" (Wrong, it should be) need to wake up and understand that racial diversity brings human diversity; human diversity brings change and growth; change and growth can and should be all for the better; and life should wax beautiful and full -- not hateful and small!
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Michele Bachmann
There is a crazy woman out there --- former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann! She sees signs of the "end times" everywhere: violence in Israel/"Jesus is coming soon"; bickering and stalemate in Congress/"Jesus is almost here"; Obama as President/"the anti-Christ is in power--Jesus's Second Coming is at hand!' She takes a trip to Israel and promptly informs Jews everywhere that they must convert now or "face God's eternal wrath!" She is the Christian Jihadist to end all Jihadists!
What is it that Fundamentalist Christians are all gleefully looking forward to the end of the world! Do they really think that they "are the chosen ones" ? Why? Because of their intolerance towards others who are not as crazy as they are, perhaps? Or because they have read Revelations and actually think that they understand that poetic view of "the way the world ends!" Or because their hypocritical "faith" somehow makes them immune from blame ... for anything?
Between the crazed "neocons" and the crazier "Christian right (not 'right' but 'right-turners'):" it's just so very hard to choose. You add it "voodoo economics," "trickle-down wealth theory," and "fantasy
capitalism theories" --- and there you have the GOP. Grand Old Party or Gargantuan Oligarchic Posse!
What is it that Fundamentalist Christians are all gleefully looking forward to the end of the world! Do they really think that they "are the chosen ones" ? Why? Because of their intolerance towards others who are not as crazy as they are, perhaps? Or because they have read Revelations and actually think that they understand that poetic view of "the way the world ends!" Or because their hypocritical "faith" somehow makes them immune from blame ... for anything?
Between the crazed "neocons" and the crazier "Christian right (not 'right' but 'right-turners'):" it's just so very hard to choose. You add it "voodoo economics," "trickle-down wealth theory," and "fantasy
capitalism theories" --- and there you have the GOP. Grand Old Party or Gargantuan Oligarchic Posse!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Silly Girls in College
As a Professor -- I see lots of things happening with the current college generation that I find inspiring (Mizzou students and football players/coaches stand against racism); praiseworthy (college kids on "missions" to repair neighborhoods, help others); and even holy (campuses question and debate their most fundamental faith/science clashes). I also see a whole half generation of "silly" high school girls locked into their emotional upheavals so constantly that they can't even focus on their fundamental life activities.
I have seen young Moms so enthralled with "boys" that they think every look, every coffee date, every touch --- is true love. I see young men throwing away their lives and educations just to please some snarky wilful little girl. I see sorority girls who are openly racist and fraternity boys who use sex with freshman girls like energy drinks. Values? Morals? Introspection? Control? Where are they?
I have seen young Moms so enthralled with "boys" that they think every look, every coffee date, every touch --- is true love. I see young men throwing away their lives and educations just to please some snarky wilful little girl. I see sorority girls who are openly racist and fraternity boys who use sex with freshman girls like energy drinks. Values? Morals? Introspection? Control? Where are they?
Monday, November 9, 2015
Great Balls of Fear
Lots of people in their 20's think they are absolutely fearless -- about just about everything. But in my experience -- they are rather cowardly and just plain stupid about what they should be afraid of and what they should embrace.
Many of them masquerade as being open-minded about life; but actually hide in an invisible shield of outright terror about "new" experiences. They are afraid of the sexual experiences they need to have; they are frightened of commitment and so they stay away from possible "entangling alliances." They know what the phrase "friends with benefits" means but they understand no real part of that self-contained equation. Tantric practice means nothing to them; the Kama Sutra is an unknown; "Cosmo" or "Esquire" is what they consider "dirty": massage is like "prostitution" in their minds. They are the non-sensual, non-sexual generation that actually thinks they have it all. They are the "Puritan majority" in America. The most sexually tantalizing show they watch on television is: "Scandals" or "Satisfaction."
Youth IS wasted on the young.
Many of them masquerade as being open-minded about life; but actually hide in an invisible shield of outright terror about "new" experiences. They are afraid of the sexual experiences they need to have; they are frightened of commitment and so they stay away from possible "entangling alliances." They know what the phrase "friends with benefits" means but they understand no real part of that self-contained equation. Tantric practice means nothing to them; the Kama Sutra is an unknown; "Cosmo" or "Esquire" is what they consider "dirty": massage is like "prostitution" in their minds. They are the non-sensual, non-sexual generation that actually thinks they have it all. They are the "Puritan majority" in America. The most sexually tantalizing show they watch on television is: "Scandals" or "Satisfaction."
Youth IS wasted on the young.
Political Poop
Is Ben Carson a pathological liar? Is Donald Trump a self-aggrandizing sociopath? Is Carly Fiorina frigid? Is Jeb Bush alive? What is John Kasich? Or Marco Rubio?
Why should I care about tabloid political punditry? Perhaps so that I can distinguish it from real issues of character, or real truths about someone's views, or accurate portrayals of the candidate's behavior in the past.
Are political campaigns that hang on for months and months, with debate after debate, still a useful tool for society to judge a candidate for possible selection and election to the highest offices in our government? How else could we do it? Divine right of kings, perhaps? Or, the richest guy (or gal) gets elected! Or the best smile and haircut wins!
There has got to be a better way than this cauldron of information
Why should I care about tabloid political punditry? Perhaps so that I can distinguish it from real issues of character, or real truths about someone's views, or accurate portrayals of the candidate's behavior in the past.
Are political campaigns that hang on for months and months, with debate after debate, still a useful tool for society to judge a candidate for possible selection and election to the highest offices in our government? How else could we do it? Divine right of kings, perhaps? Or, the richest guy (or gal) gets elected! Or the best smile and haircut wins!
There has got to be a better way than this cauldron of information
Friday, November 6, 2015
Real Men Read
Today I will be "reading" for classes at Haven Elementary School in the national Real Men Read program. I hope to show my love of reading to others -- and fire their own love of reading and discovery.
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Rise of Russian Nationalism
I have both Russian and Ukrainian neighbors in my little Downtown area of Savannah, GA, USA! When we do see each other -- we talk about the "rise of Russia" in its own mind, as a "leading country" (a Superpower?) on the face of the earth. The nuclear capability is what people most talk about now -- rather than the "top world economy" that Russia once had.
Russia and Ukraine are at "odds with one another." As are many of the former Soviet Union countries that grew under Russian rule. But Ukraine is now free -- with millions of Russian-speaking citizens more loyal perhaps to Russia and Putin, than to the Democratic Republic which is the Ukraine. Russia (or its surrogates) have recaptured the Crimea, and Donetsk (now a self-declared, self-governing "republic" dominated by Russian-speaking separatists).
Will Ukraine itself eventually be absorbed by this "movement?" What about other areas with large Russian-speaking populations? Estonia? Latvia? Lithuania? And even parts of Bulgaria, or Romania, or perhaps Poland? How far does the Russian shadow fall? Brighton Beach?
Russia and Ukraine are at "odds with one another." As are many of the former Soviet Union countries that grew under Russian rule. But Ukraine is now free -- with millions of Russian-speaking citizens more loyal perhaps to Russia and Putin, than to the Democratic Republic which is the Ukraine. Russia (or its surrogates) have recaptured the Crimea, and Donetsk (now a self-declared, self-governing "republic" dominated by Russian-speaking separatists).
Will Ukraine itself eventually be absorbed by this "movement?" What about other areas with large Russian-speaking populations? Estonia? Latvia? Lithuania? And even parts of Bulgaria, or Romania, or perhaps Poland? How far does the Russian shadow fall? Brighton Beach?
We Are All Racists
A colleague of mine here at Savannah Tech yesterday opined the idea that the above statement (the title of this blog entry) should be leveled at all of us -- to induce a real soul-searching round of "critical thinking" concerning our daily actions towards others. Forcing ourselves to examine our decisions, day to day, might make us more aware of the subtle little shifts in attitude we display or repeat (often without even realizing that we do).
This process would be more that just mild intellectual self-probing; this would need to be a real defense and thoroughgoing examination of why we think as we do; why we act as we do; recognizing the pattern(s) in ourselves, no matter how small and seemingly benign. "Critical thinking" requires turning an action or idea "inside-out" to really "pick it apart" and show, in precise and exacting terms, how we make judgments.
This is no game. This is seeking the truth of ourselves and our own behaviors. Why are we so afraid of this person, and not of that one? Why do we favor one person over another? Why do we only ever buy one kind of ice cream? Why indeed?
This process would be more that just mild intellectual self-probing; this would need to be a real defense and thoroughgoing examination of why we think as we do; why we act as we do; recognizing the pattern(s) in ourselves, no matter how small and seemingly benign. "Critical thinking" requires turning an action or idea "inside-out" to really "pick it apart" and show, in precise and exacting terms, how we make judgments.
This is no game. This is seeking the truth of ourselves and our own behaviors. Why are we so afraid of this person, and not of that one? Why do we favor one person over another? Why do we only ever buy one kind of ice cream? Why indeed?
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The American Election Spectacle
Republicans, the GOP (Grand Old Party), have degenerated into a squabbling, dangerous, slightly fascist kind of "hot mess." There Presidential candidates sometimes outdo each other in the "fantastical" conceptions of economics (trickle-down wealth), politics (money and greed are good), religion (the end of the world is coming and I want to be "your" president), and every other possible civilized construct.
Republicans resist knowledge and science (what "global warming"?); they condemn all government actions (we are not making "war" hard enough, with enough vigor, etc.); they resist all change and growth for anyone but themselves (the "middle class are struggling, and my plan will help them" -- I just can't prove it)!
The the Democrats? The Progressives? The Democratic Socialists? They just don't know.
Republicans resist knowledge and science (what "global warming"?); they condemn all government actions (we are not making "war" hard enough, with enough vigor, etc.); they resist all change and growth for anyone but themselves (the "middle class are struggling, and my plan will help them" -- I just can't prove it)!
The the Democrats? The Progressives? The Democratic Socialists? They just don't know.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Saga of Human Passion
What do we long for? What do we essentially need in our lives? Is it "love" or "sex" or "friendship" or "companionship?" What?
Everyone is certainly search for it -- that is for sure. Often unnamed or unadmitted -- we search every day for that missing element. That joy. That release. That pain/
Who is supposed to provide that "something" for us -- is it our responsibility; or is it the Planner's (god)? Are we on a kind of "trip to nowhere" in this our life? Are we an accident of the universe, left alone -- to create our own meaning? Is it enough to have "loved and lost; than never to have loved at all?" The fates are not only blind, but dumb (in every sense), crippled, and crazy? And I for one don't like the situation(s) we are all in! Where do I send my complaint?
Everyone is certainly search for it -- that is for sure. Often unnamed or unadmitted -- we search every day for that missing element. That joy. That release. That pain/
Who is supposed to provide that "something" for us -- is it our responsibility; or is it the Planner's (god)? Are we on a kind of "trip to nowhere" in this our life? Are we an accident of the universe, left alone -- to create our own meaning? Is it enough to have "loved and lost; than never to have loved at all?" The fates are not only blind, but dumb (in every sense), crippled, and crazy? And I for one don't like the situation(s) we are all in! Where do I send my complaint?
Monday, November 2, 2015
Reading for Children
This week, as part of a national initiative called "Real Men Read," I will be reading for various classes at a local elementary school in Savannah, GA. I am very happy to be doing this and am looking forward to it immensely.
Finding ways to help others has been a constant if not embedded element in my life for a long period of time. It was reinforced by She's death back in 2004. In many ways I cannot do enough for others, no matter how hard I try. I have been given so very much, and am so horribly unworthy of it all. Giving something back is the least I can do to acknowledge the many gifts and kindnesses I have been given.
Finding ways to help others has been a constant if not embedded element in my life for a long period of time. It was reinforced by She's death back in 2004. In many ways I cannot do enough for others, no matter how hard I try. I have been given so very much, and am so horribly unworthy of it all. Giving something back is the least I can do to acknowledge the many gifts and kindnesses I have been given.
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