What Americans need now, most of all, is a sense of calm. Surviving and enduring the years ahead will be difficult for Republicans and Democrats alike. Because few of us think exactly like our new President and even fewer approve of the way he will execute things.
There will be "blows" to normalcy, to the way government(s) usually get things done. There will be shattered traditions which have been mainstays of our political and civic background. Our new leader will tell us that change is good -- and it is. But not change that distorts the truth or reverts everything to base economics. Capitalism is not the only game in town -- and it is not "more important" than democracy itself. It is a system of financial exchange -- and that is all. It is not war, nor patriotism, nor compulsory, not absolute. It is a system of financial exchange.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Saturday, January 21, 2017
MacTrump
"If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it was done quickly..." A quote from my favorite plays, from one of my favorite playwrights, at one of the plays most important times!
If affords multiple lessons for our time (in America and in the world). It suggests that one must never hesitate. That for "the war" to be won, we must act quickly and continuously. We must resist; we must stand up for ourselves (and the weakest among us). Tyranny and bad judgment must never be tolerated; we cannot give away our rights nor our conscience. We are bound to "do the right thing" no matter what, no matter when.
Don't just send a dollar, or three, or five! It is not about money, Democrats -- Independents -- and normal Republicans. It is about resistance and living life fully -- on the grid -- in full view of our "overlords." 😅
If affords multiple lessons for our time (in America and in the world). It suggests that one must never hesitate. That for "the war" to be won, we must act quickly and continuously. We must resist; we must stand up for ourselves (and the weakest among us). Tyranny and bad judgment must never be tolerated; we cannot give away our rights nor our conscience. We are bound to "do the right thing" no matter what, no matter when.
Don't just send a dollar, or three, or five! It is not about money, Democrats -- Independents -- and normal Republicans. It is about resistance and living life fully -- on the grid -- in full view of our "overlords." 😅
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Rapture ... and Love
In times of egregious stupidity and overwhelming selfishness in our politics, ordinary people look forward to the simple things, The touch of a child's hand, a gentle handshake from a friend, a soft kiss from a wouldbe lover.
The elements of life that mean something really connect with us and "mean everything" when we are beset from without by our own government, our own guilty politics, our own selfish capitalist system. Normal things of family and relationship and friendship float away on a tide of anger and regression -- but only if we let them.
Hold on to the precious blocks of building life -- love, respect, rapture. And pleasure, joy, and enthusiasm. All the very important aspects of life still exist -- but only if we let them. Nurture the images of magnificence within you. Cherish the memories of past victories and future engagements.
Learn a 'new friend.' What are they like? Who are they, really? What gives them pleasure? What makes them happy? Do you know? Can you try?
Remake yourself every day. Make your own thoughts lift you up, above the morass of the ordinary. Above the meaningless twitter of birds with no brains. We have a new crop of "hollow men" today. Don't let them contain you -- or repress you -- or distract you. You are your own joy...to be shared with others.
The elements of life that mean something really connect with us and "mean everything" when we are beset from without by our own government, our own guilty politics, our own selfish capitalist system. Normal things of family and relationship and friendship float away on a tide of anger and regression -- but only if we let them.
Hold on to the precious blocks of building life -- love, respect, rapture. And pleasure, joy, and enthusiasm. All the very important aspects of life still exist -- but only if we let them. Nurture the images of magnificence within you. Cherish the memories of past victories and future engagements.
Learn a 'new friend.' What are they like? Who are they, really? What gives them pleasure? What makes them happy? Do you know? Can you try?
Remake yourself every day. Make your own thoughts lift you up, above the morass of the ordinary. Above the meaningless twitter of birds with no brains. We have a new crop of "hollow men" today. Don't let them contain you -- or repress you -- or distract you. You are your own joy...to be shared with others.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
America, America...
America will soon have a small-minded, 'big-egoed' person as its President. That person, and his insidious approaches to human communication, contact, and control --- must be resisted. It is a kind of ideological was we will be engaged in. And we must all fight, and win, for the sake of a future America.
Donald Trump is not an ordinary person. His principles should not be governing a nation as good and compassionate as the United States. If Barack Obama was a 7 our of 10 as President, Trump is heading for a minus 3!
If there is a God, and I believe there is; he/she must help us! Help us to survive the darker days of Donald which are coming at us --- too fast.
Donald Trump is not an ordinary person. His principles should not be governing a nation as good and compassionate as the United States. If Barack Obama was a 7 our of 10 as President, Trump is heading for a minus 3!
If there is a God, and I believe there is; he/she must help us! Help us to survive the darker days of Donald which are coming at us --- too fast.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Money Trumps Patriotism for President-Elect
Is Trump a "stalking horse" for Putin? Does the Russian "money" connection mean more to Trump than America itself? Is Trump not just an arrogant crook but also a treasonous capitalist?
I am afraid all these and many more such questions will not only come up but will be answered under crisis conditions over the next four years. Trump, and his "outsider" cabinet (for the most part) are of his mind, that "winning is everything." Unfortunately "winning" doesn't translate to winning for you and I and millions of other Americans, but only for the rich who can leverage any situation and take advantage of it for purposes of their own personal gain.
America is truly in trouble -- and Donald J. Trump, the illegitimately elected President, is the root cause. His values are shallow and reflect only greed. His education is lackluster and reflects only single minded narrowness. His focus is ridiculously puny and reflects only is native stupidity.
I am afraid all these and many more such questions will not only come up but will be answered under crisis conditions over the next four years. Trump, and his "outsider" cabinet (for the most part) are of his mind, that "winning is everything." Unfortunately "winning" doesn't translate to winning for you and I and millions of other Americans, but only for the rich who can leverage any situation and take advantage of it for purposes of their own personal gain.
America is truly in trouble -- and Donald J. Trump, the illegitimately elected President, is the root cause. His values are shallow and reflect only greed. His education is lackluster and reflects only single minded narrowness. His focus is ridiculously puny and reflects only is native stupidity.
Friday, January 13, 2017
The Endless Failings of Bureaucracy
I view all bureaucracies as failures -- whether it be a government, a corporate structure, a not-for-profit administration, or a school staff. Why? Too many mistakes -- even after a brilliant initial idea!
STEM schools are a brilliant idea. A Core Curriculum is a brilliant idea. Career Academies on the high school level that allow students to take college classes for credit -- the same! But all at once -- without regard to what so much change adds to the burdens of the students and teachers who are the crux of the process --- an invitation to abuse, loss of focus, and subsequent measurable failure.
I have seen it in many cases, especially here in Georgia.
College administrations make the same kinds of mistakes -- form and order, correct paperwork, being correct -- 'uber alles.' We continue to make the same mistakes again and again in education. We need administrators who will follow through and correct bad processes, in particular those that result in abhorrent outcomes. But such administrators are fewer than you might think.
Of course the bureaucracy of the Federal Government, and the News Organizations of the world, and the staid traditions of Congress -- that would take several "books" or complaints and error to even begin to assess the current conditions.
STEM schools are a brilliant idea. A Core Curriculum is a brilliant idea. Career Academies on the high school level that allow students to take college classes for credit -- the same! But all at once -- without regard to what so much change adds to the burdens of the students and teachers who are the crux of the process --- an invitation to abuse, loss of focus, and subsequent measurable failure.
I have seen it in many cases, especially here in Georgia.
College administrations make the same kinds of mistakes -- form and order, correct paperwork, being correct -- 'uber alles.' We continue to make the same mistakes again and again in education. We need administrators who will follow through and correct bad processes, in particular those that result in abhorrent outcomes. But such administrators are fewer than you might think.
Of course the bureaucracy of the Federal Government, and the News Organizations of the world, and the staid traditions of Congress -- that would take several "books" or complaints and error to even begin to assess the current conditions.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
The Deconstruction of Donald Trump
Donald Trump is a Capitalist, not a statesman -- and not really a politician. Discovering Twitter has made him a "star" just like discovering television made him a "celebrity." But now the rest of the celebrities have disowned him. Why? He truly is not one of them. And the stars that do rise above us all no longer recognize the "Donald" as a shining member of their club.
Donald is really a "huckster" Capitalist, making a "buck" anyway he can -- including off of the office of the Presidency of the United States. He did not really expect to win -- but he did. And now he has to deliver to all those angry Americans with all their angry expectations. The task is impossible; the job is Herculean; the desired outcomes -- are impossible. You can't go backwards in time and restore the old industries we have lost. Progress is not "regress."
And no matter how much Donald Trump takes credit for other Capitalistic growth spurts in the economy -- he is not the mastermind behind them. Donald Trump is the "huckster," the braggart businessman, the arrogant and smarmy self-appointed but voter-enhanced dictator we are now stuck with for at least four years.
Donald is really a "huckster" Capitalist, making a "buck" anyway he can -- including off of the office of the Presidency of the United States. He did not really expect to win -- but he did. And now he has to deliver to all those angry Americans with all their angry expectations. The task is impossible; the job is Herculean; the desired outcomes -- are impossible. You can't go backwards in time and restore the old industries we have lost. Progress is not "regress."
And no matter how much Donald Trump takes credit for other Capitalistic growth spurts in the economy -- he is not the mastermind behind them. Donald Trump is the "huckster," the braggart businessman, the arrogant and smarmy self-appointed but voter-enhanced dictator we are now stuck with for at least four years.
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