What is the purpose of government?
In a representative society like America's, we labor under the delusion that government is "of the people, for the people." This bit of naivety is shattered every time a government, Local, State, or Federal, steps on the rights of the individual for the sake of the greater good. A fine example is the Supreme Court ruling that enjoins local governments to suborn the rights of landowners in favor of increasing tax base through development.
Totalitarian governments are created for two reasons. Some totalitarian governments exist solely to protect the power of a core cadre. Others, even more frightening, exist to take care of the people by making their decisions for them .
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Winning isn't everything but....
Everyone likes to win.
Winning in America means living the life you want to live. The American Dream has always meant having enough money to live a pleasant life. For some that takes more cash than others, but the idea is the same.
Now check out today's economy. If you're over forty or have kids, healthcare (including dental which few plans actually cover) is a major portion the cost of living. Then there's retirement. How do you live and save money for retirement? Take it from the kid's college fund? (O you have a kid's college fund? My kids college fund is state aid, of which there is none.)
Today's economy makes it hard for even the most "successful" middle class workers to have good healthcare, have a pleasant lifestyle, take care of the kid's education, and have enough money to retire and enjoy their golden years. In fact I don't know anyone who hasn't tried to do this and ended up in debt to their eyeballs.
Being in debt is not winning.
In fact doesn't there seem to be a corollary between the rapid growth in gambling and state lotteries, and the decline of most people's ability to pay for what they want and need? Everyone who wins the lotto says, "I'm gonna pay off my bills and my kids bills..."
We have the richest economy in the world. Losing here is better than winning in most other countries. But does that mean we should be satisfied? Everyone wants to win. Either change the game so we can win or stop waving the prizes in our faces.
I hate playing a sucker's game.
Winning in America means living the life you want to live. The American Dream has always meant having enough money to live a pleasant life. For some that takes more cash than others, but the idea is the same.
Now check out today's economy. If you're over forty or have kids, healthcare (including dental which few plans actually cover) is a major portion the cost of living. Then there's retirement. How do you live and save money for retirement? Take it from the kid's college fund? (O you have a kid's college fund? My kids college fund is state aid, of which there is none.)
Today's economy makes it hard for even the most "successful" middle class workers to have good healthcare, have a pleasant lifestyle, take care of the kid's education, and have enough money to retire and enjoy their golden years. In fact I don't know anyone who hasn't tried to do this and ended up in debt to their eyeballs.
Being in debt is not winning.
In fact doesn't there seem to be a corollary between the rapid growth in gambling and state lotteries, and the decline of most people's ability to pay for what they want and need? Everyone who wins the lotto says, "I'm gonna pay off my bills and my kids bills..."
We have the richest economy in the world. Losing here is better than winning in most other countries. But does that mean we should be satisfied? Everyone wants to win. Either change the game so we can win or stop waving the prizes in our faces.
I hate playing a sucker's game.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Playing Chicken
Life is different in America. In some countries , (Ethiopia, Darfor, Iraq) the main impetous of life is survival. A young man in Iraq has three choices, fight the American Crusaders, fight the foreign (and domesticate) insurgents, or be a victim of either or both. If this hpothetical young Iraqi wants thrills he doesn't need extreme sports like base jumping or skiing through avalanche zones. He just needs to walk down his hometown street. More thrill than I need.
In America we ARE safe. The violence of 9/11 was a wakeup call, but our country for all its ills resists the rule of club and rifle. We have expectations.
We expect a just and fair police force, from the part time rent a cop in the village down the road to the Director of the FBI. We expect innocence to be rewarded and guilt punished. Hell, we expect to be treated as innocent until we ARE proven guilty.
We expect that violent defense of our property is a requirement only if we live in the "wrong" neighborhoods. We expect the criminals to be responsible for the laws they break.
Some of us think that if we make enough laws there won't be any criminal activity. (Guns are a great example. Criminals who carry guns DON'T get permits, go through background checks, and register their weapons. So why do we need more "stringent" gun control laws? The law abiding citizen isn't the problem. The criminals are. And remember; They're CRIMINALS. They don't obey laws... duh. So what good do more laws do except hinder the law abiding?)
While I'm on the subject of laws and criminals: Laws that try to coerce the majority into a narrow set of behaviors fundamentally make an intermediate class of lawbreakers. Consider: A recent study states that most states have a 10 to 15 mph tolerance on the maximum speedlimit. Why? Because 96% of the traffic exceeds the speedlimit by that much. These scofflaws represent a solid majority of the public using the highway system. Breaking a law makes you a criminal, right?
Anyway: The point behind this post is to outline the expectations of Americans. We expect things to be better here than any other place in the world. Yet we still don't meet our own expectations. Our leaders aren't held to a high enough standard and if they aren't why should we? If the laws we live under are not reasonable on the little things (like speeding) why should we believe they are reasonable on bigger issues. (like taxes).
Remember if we're already criminals what does it matter if we break another stupid law?
In America we ARE safe. The violence of 9/11 was a wakeup call, but our country for all its ills resists the rule of club and rifle. We have expectations.
We expect a just and fair police force, from the part time rent a cop in the village down the road to the Director of the FBI. We expect innocence to be rewarded and guilt punished. Hell, we expect to be treated as innocent until we ARE proven guilty.
We expect that violent defense of our property is a requirement only if we live in the "wrong" neighborhoods. We expect the criminals to be responsible for the laws they break.
Some of us think that if we make enough laws there won't be any criminal activity. (Guns are a great example. Criminals who carry guns DON'T get permits, go through background checks, and register their weapons. So why do we need more "stringent" gun control laws? The law abiding citizen isn't the problem. The criminals are. And remember; They're CRIMINALS. They don't obey laws... duh. So what good do more laws do except hinder the law abiding?)
While I'm on the subject of laws and criminals: Laws that try to coerce the majority into a narrow set of behaviors fundamentally make an intermediate class of lawbreakers. Consider: A recent study states that most states have a 10 to 15 mph tolerance on the maximum speedlimit. Why? Because 96% of the traffic exceeds the speedlimit by that much. These scofflaws represent a solid majority of the public using the highway system. Breaking a law makes you a criminal, right?
Anyway: The point behind this post is to outline the expectations of Americans. We expect things to be better here than any other place in the world. Yet we still don't meet our own expectations. Our leaders aren't held to a high enough standard and if they aren't why should we? If the laws we live under are not reasonable on the little things (like speeding) why should we believe they are reasonable on bigger issues. (like taxes).
Remember if we're already criminals what does it matter if we break another stupid law?
Friday, June 24, 2005
A New Opportunity
Folks this is not a rant. This is an opportunity. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors. There's a Madman who wants people's thoughts and experiences and help in shaping a policy document to restructure the government and society of the United States.
Think about it. This thing ahs been done before. Sometimes peacefully, somtimes with violence. We don't need violence, but we do need a strong voice. One echoing call to those who think they hold all the power. Two words: "No More."
Think about it. This thing ahs been done before. Sometimes peacefully, somtimes with violence. We don't need violence, but we do need a strong voice. One echoing call to those who think they hold all the power. Two words: "No More."
Thursday, June 23, 2005
The Manifesto
The Manifesto
As a country we need a coherent set of ideals to follow and to require our leaders to follow. The constitution represents many good and useful concepts. The declaration of Independence has others, but lest we feel these writings of white capitalists of 230 years ago are not relevant to today's world lets see what can be added.
Economics: The basis for a free society is a free economy where every person or family can maintain the standard of living they want and are willing to work for. When people can work and actually afford those things they want and need they don't feel apart from society. Our new manifesto must show how everyone can interact with the economy and meet their needs.
Honesty: We have to make a commitment to the truth. Lies and half truths and withholding information or using secret information to gain an advantage have a long tradition in the world. It causes harm. It is bad. We need to acknowledge this and try to do better.
Our leaders must be at the forefront of the honest movement. It's real hard to trust a president who lies and conceals truths with the bald faced confidence of a street con. Does he believe his barrage of bull&*#$? No one else does, but his actions have taught us the truth is relative to our own perceived needs and desires.
Big Business: Business has made this country the super power that it is. Without capital to invest in new technologies and new industries we might still be hauling coal to heat our houses and driving one horse carriages. Money talks. Unfortunately money doesn't always talk to the betterment of the society. Governments through the centuries have manipulated the way money flows in the economy some for the better, most for the worst. We as a country need to set guidelines for the business world not vice versa. They need us. We need them.
Politics: Both our political parties are frauds. Neither one tries to represent the people. They only want to manipulate the people. Somewhere we need to remind them that "politics" is about the will of the people. We the people form this country. The politicos are supposed to work for us. Enough complaining, lets do something about it.
Politicans shouldn't keep campaign donations. If they've paid all their bills then the balance of the "war chest" needs to be turned over to the IRS to settle tax debts. Politicians should not be allowed to work for lobbyists. Ever. Period. The term "honest politician" needs to stop being an oxymoron.
Lobbyists. These vampires are the spawn of Satan. While there are times when our leaders need expert opinions on matters beyond their education and experience, they certainly don't need devils tempting them with all the kingdoms of the earth and all its riches. We need limits on lobbyists. EXTREME limits.
Health care: We have the best health care money can buy but we're going broke buying it. TANSTAAFL (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch) but the economics of health care are broke. Someone's making a lot of money off of other people's misery. It must stop.
Socialized Health care is an option. We need answers not platitudes.
Society: who are we? Are we white bread Europeans? Are we African? Are we Hispanic? Are we Native American? Are we Japanese or Chinese? No. We're Americans. Our fore fathers were driven out of every decent country in the world at one time or another (yeah that's a quote from Stripes starring Bill Murray), and that includes our African brothers. After all the nasty white man slave trader was only a trader. The sellers were also natives of Africa.
Did our forefathers do bad things to each other? Yes. Let's agree it was not the kind of country we wanted and now it's different. We all need to get over it. The only differences we have are the ones we push on ourselves. If you act ghetto then you're from the ghetto. If you act like a cracker your a cracker. Stop it. It's bad. Let's move on for the love of all.
Religion: If you say "I'm a Christian and we're different", please read the passage in the gospels about praying on streetcorners. It was a parable for all people who profess they are holier than the rest of us. Freedom of religion is a key guarantee in this country. Let's make it a joyous one. This applies to those who worship at the rock of atheism. It's fine if you don't believe in God. If you're right I'll never know. If you're wrong, you WILL know. Let me know how it turns out. But until then stop interfering with the fundamental right to have a religion. Religion is practiced in communities. If you don't like their religion or find it offensive in some way (the same as I might find a black Sabbath offensive) then don't invade their community and try to change them. Mind your own business and move on.
As a country we need a coherent set of ideals to follow and to require our leaders to follow. The constitution represents many good and useful concepts. The declaration of Independence has others, but lest we feel these writings of white capitalists of 230 years ago are not relevant to today's world lets see what can be added.
Economics: The basis for a free society is a free economy where every person or family can maintain the standard of living they want and are willing to work for. When people can work and actually afford those things they want and need they don't feel apart from society. Our new manifesto must show how everyone can interact with the economy and meet their needs.
Honesty: We have to make a commitment to the truth. Lies and half truths and withholding information or using secret information to gain an advantage have a long tradition in the world. It causes harm. It is bad. We need to acknowledge this and try to do better.
Our leaders must be at the forefront of the honest movement. It's real hard to trust a president who lies and conceals truths with the bald faced confidence of a street con. Does he believe his barrage of bull&*#$? No one else does, but his actions have taught us the truth is relative to our own perceived needs and desires.
Big Business: Business has made this country the super power that it is. Without capital to invest in new technologies and new industries we might still be hauling coal to heat our houses and driving one horse carriages. Money talks. Unfortunately money doesn't always talk to the betterment of the society. Governments through the centuries have manipulated the way money flows in the economy some for the better, most for the worst. We as a country need to set guidelines for the business world not vice versa. They need us. We need them.
Politics: Both our political parties are frauds. Neither one tries to represent the people. They only want to manipulate the people. Somewhere we need to remind them that "politics" is about the will of the people. We the people form this country. The politicos are supposed to work for us. Enough complaining, lets do something about it.
Politicans shouldn't keep campaign donations. If they've paid all their bills then the balance of the "war chest" needs to be turned over to the IRS to settle tax debts. Politicians should not be allowed to work for lobbyists. Ever. Period. The term "honest politician" needs to stop being an oxymoron.
Lobbyists. These vampires are the spawn of Satan. While there are times when our leaders need expert opinions on matters beyond their education and experience, they certainly don't need devils tempting them with all the kingdoms of the earth and all its riches. We need limits on lobbyists. EXTREME limits.
Health care: We have the best health care money can buy but we're going broke buying it. TANSTAAFL (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch) but the economics of health care are broke. Someone's making a lot of money off of other people's misery. It must stop.
Socialized Health care is an option. We need answers not platitudes.
Society: who are we? Are we white bread Europeans? Are we African? Are we Hispanic? Are we Native American? Are we Japanese or Chinese? No. We're Americans. Our fore fathers were driven out of every decent country in the world at one time or another (yeah that's a quote from Stripes starring Bill Murray), and that includes our African brothers. After all the nasty white man slave trader was only a trader. The sellers were also natives of Africa.
Did our forefathers do bad things to each other? Yes. Let's agree it was not the kind of country we wanted and now it's different. We all need to get over it. The only differences we have are the ones we push on ourselves. If you act ghetto then you're from the ghetto. If you act like a cracker your a cracker. Stop it. It's bad. Let's move on for the love of all.
Religion: If you say "I'm a Christian and we're different", please read the passage in the gospels about praying on streetcorners. It was a parable for all people who profess they are holier than the rest of us. Freedom of religion is a key guarantee in this country. Let's make it a joyous one. This applies to those who worship at the rock of atheism. It's fine if you don't believe in God. If you're right I'll never know. If you're wrong, you WILL know. Let me know how it turns out. But until then stop interfering with the fundamental right to have a religion. Religion is practiced in communities. If you don't like their religion or find it offensive in some way (the same as I might find a black Sabbath offensive) then don't invade their community and try to change them. Mind your own business and move on.
Voices
This blog is a release for the voices in my head. I know it's wrong to hear voices, but sometimes they make a lot of sense...
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Opening Shot
Between the failure of our fundamental economy, the war in Iraq and the Cowboy Monkey in the white house I figure it's time to speak out. Someone needs to congeal the credos, clamoring and harangues of the proletariat into something cohesive. Karl Marx tried and failed with a turgid treatise on the ills of his day that became an excuse for greater injustices than the ones he thought to cure.
I think the last hundred and fifty years has shown there is no Utopian solution. All God's chillun ain't never going to play well together. We're just that way. But we can agree on some fundamentals. Unfortunately this country has no agreement on anything. We want inexpensive merchandise. We want jobs that pay enough to support our families and meet our obligations. We want a rule of law but we don't want to be Ruled by the law. We want a strong government to take care of those things we can't take care of for ourselves. We want the government to stay out of our business. (Well it's OK if its in the other guy's business. Just stay out of ours.) We want the best health care in the world. We want to have affordable healthcare. (read that as free.)
We as a country are at odds with ourselves. What are we going to do? The last election made it clear. We live in a divided house. One side has chosen Dad and the other Mom. Them and us. Maybe there are a few people who see the world less black and white. I for one see both political parties as corrupt, power hungry, and morally bankrupt.
In my little world, if you identify a problem you better outline the solution. In concrete terms. With choices and possible results. Wouldn't it be nice if our politicians would do the same? This Blog is created to put together all the pieces . To crystallize my rants and suggest some solutions. I'm going to assume my readers are interested in what I'm saying so they (you) my assume I'm interested in your point of view.
Together we will create a New Manifesto of American ideals suitable for framing, great as a party favor and hopefully good for a $500 a plate dinner during the next election circuit.
Seriously: The American people are being lied to everyday. The president and congress can not possibly be as stupid as they seem. They remind me of my daughter, the blond, who plays dumb so she isn't asked to do anything hard.
More to follow.
I think the last hundred and fifty years has shown there is no Utopian solution. All God's chillun ain't never going to play well together. We're just that way. But we can agree on some fundamentals. Unfortunately this country has no agreement on anything. We want inexpensive merchandise. We want jobs that pay enough to support our families and meet our obligations. We want a rule of law but we don't want to be Ruled by the law. We want a strong government to take care of those things we can't take care of for ourselves. We want the government to stay out of our business. (Well it's OK if its in the other guy's business. Just stay out of ours.) We want the best health care in the world. We want to have affordable healthcare. (read that as free.)
We as a country are at odds with ourselves. What are we going to do? The last election made it clear. We live in a divided house. One side has chosen Dad and the other Mom. Them and us. Maybe there are a few people who see the world less black and white. I for one see both political parties as corrupt, power hungry, and morally bankrupt.
In my little world, if you identify a problem you better outline the solution. In concrete terms. With choices and possible results. Wouldn't it be nice if our politicians would do the same? This Blog is created to put together all the pieces . To crystallize my rants and suggest some solutions. I'm going to assume my readers are interested in what I'm saying so they (you) my assume I'm interested in your point of view.
Together we will create a New Manifesto of American ideals suitable for framing, great as a party favor and hopefully good for a $500 a plate dinner during the next election circuit.
Seriously: The American people are being lied to everyday. The president and congress can not possibly be as stupid as they seem. They remind me of my daughter, the blond, who plays dumb so she isn't asked to do anything hard.
More to follow.
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