Renewing the American Dream requires opportunity. Opportunity for work. Opportunity to get a job.
Unfortunately, we are obviously beset by a crises in the lack of jobs (not to mention good jobs).
In looking to solutions, there is this troubling message about claiming that "the government can't create jobs."
Clearly, this claim flies in the face of history and reality:
The Government Can Create Jobs | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG
It also flies in the face of the fact that the alternative job creator that is suggested we should rely upon -- private industry -- is creating a woefully inadequate number of jobs currently. Furthermore, it is clear that we cannot depend on it to do so anytime soon as long as exists the economic reality of depressed demand for their products and services. And that demand will not rise as long as average Americans -- the long-neglected middle class and 99% -- continue to suffer through chronic joblessness, underemployment, and wage stagnation. It is a vicious cycle (which will not be fixed by the other big deception: that somehow "less regulation" and "lower corporate taxes" will somehow spur job growth).
One thing that would really help to take us out of this viciousness is a WPA-CCC type government jobs program. There are plenty of jobs that need to be done -- from repairing bridges to cleaning up parks -- and personally I am convinced that not only would the unemployed by happy to be able to earn some real wages, but most Americans would be happy to see tax dollars to something so worthwhile.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Ongoing Price of 9/11
This sums up some of the most important facts surrounding the wars and defense budgets since 9/11:
Anthony Gregory: The Priceless Price of the Post-9/11 Decade
The only thing missing here is the answer to the question: what do we do now?
The additional fact is that we can make ourselves more secure, and have the forces to combat the real 21st century threats to this country, while savings hundreds of billions a year. Well respected and thoughtful individuals and groups have studied the issue and offer some suggestions for how to proceed:
http://www.cdi.org/program/index.cfm?programid=37
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2010/10/barney_frank_ron_paul_and_55_o.html
What stands in the way is a military-industrial complex, a group of powerful and wealthy interests that are using their influence to get their way in Congress -- whether or not those decisions are indeed in the best interests of our armed services or our country.
Certainly, we need to eliminate the military trappings, systems, and weapons that were designed for the large-scale conventional and nuclear wars that were planned for during the Cold War of the last century, but which contribute nothing -- and in fact detract -- from our ability to fight the conflicts of the new century. This includes main battle tanks, pursuing numerous advanced stealthy bombers and fighters, nuclear submarines, and maintaining so many (11) carrier battle groups. It also includes our massive nuclear arsenals and network of hundreds of military bases around the globe -- in addition to our wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan -- are not only unnecessary and expensive, but actually make us less safe, contributing to resentment of American military presence. The increasingly costly and unwise use of mercenary forces ("independent contractors") must be ended as well.
At the same time, we need to renew focus on defending us from the real threat posed by militant violent Islamacism. In combating this threat on the modern "battlefield," we must have the special forces, asymmetrical (non-traditional conventional) forces, and intelligence forces sufficient to do so. However, we must also better acknowledge that non-military means are at least as effective in opposing, diffusing, and reducing this threat.
In addition, not only must better provision be made to ensure that those on the battlefield have the equipment they need -- it is unacceptable to ever send soldiers and Marines into combat without proper body armor or armoured vehicles -- but our veterans must be honored with the medical (included mental health care) they need, as well as more adequate assistance with paying for education and obtaining employment in the civilian sector.
In a broader sense, a government and society which such a massive focus on militarism and war-fighting (we do, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, at the very least because we spend as much on the military as the rest of the world combined), is not conducive or compatible with either democracy or fulfillment of the American Dream. Our current levels of military spending are not sustainable. We need to not only face this reality, but do something about it, before it is too late.
Anthony Gregory: The Priceless Price of the Post-9/11 Decade
The only thing missing here is the answer to the question: what do we do now?
The additional fact is that we can make ourselves more secure, and have the forces to combat the real 21st century threats to this country, while savings hundreds of billions a year. Well respected and thoughtful individuals and groups have studied the issue and offer some suggestions for how to proceed:
http://www.cdi.org/program/index.cfm?programid=37
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2010/10/barney_frank_ron_paul_and_55_o.html
What stands in the way is a military-industrial complex, a group of powerful and wealthy interests that are using their influence to get their way in Congress -- whether or not those decisions are indeed in the best interests of our armed services or our country.
Certainly, we need to eliminate the military trappings, systems, and weapons that were designed for the large-scale conventional and nuclear wars that were planned for during the Cold War of the last century, but which contribute nothing -- and in fact detract -- from our ability to fight the conflicts of the new century. This includes main battle tanks, pursuing numerous advanced stealthy bombers and fighters, nuclear submarines, and maintaining so many (11) carrier battle groups. It also includes our massive nuclear arsenals and network of hundreds of military bases around the globe -- in addition to our wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan -- are not only unnecessary and expensive, but actually make us less safe, contributing to resentment of American military presence. The increasingly costly and unwise use of mercenary forces ("independent contractors") must be ended as well.
At the same time, we need to renew focus on defending us from the real threat posed by militant violent Islamacism. In combating this threat on the modern "battlefield," we must have the special forces, asymmetrical (non-traditional conventional) forces, and intelligence forces sufficient to do so. However, we must also better acknowledge that non-military means are at least as effective in opposing, diffusing, and reducing this threat.
In addition, not only must better provision be made to ensure that those on the battlefield have the equipment they need -- it is unacceptable to ever send soldiers and Marines into combat without proper body armor or armoured vehicles -- but our veterans must be honored with the medical (included mental health care) they need, as well as more adequate assistance with paying for education and obtaining employment in the civilian sector.
In a broader sense, a government and society which such a massive focus on militarism and war-fighting (we do, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, at the very least because we spend as much on the military as the rest of the world combined), is not conducive or compatible with either democracy or fulfillment of the American Dream. Our current levels of military spending are not sustainable. We need to not only face this reality, but do something about it, before it is too late.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Exploration of Space and the American Dream
AFP: Astronauts brace for emotional shuttle landing
Unfortunately, along with the shuttle, we are going to lose so much of our experience and expertise in space exploration. We are instead left with an uncertain future.
This uncertainty is due to no small part to a decade marked by a lack of leadership. We are beset by presidents more concerned with launching missiles to destroy our fellow human beings than with building the rockets that will help lift humankind up in a spirit of cooperation; more committed to spending hundreds of billions on destruction than a relative paltry sum on exploration; more focused on sending talented, devoted Americans off to be maimed and scarred forever, rather than on missions that leave us all with a legacy of hope and wonder.
We must demand a future devoted to our best instincts and values, rather than plagued with war and death.
The dream of space exploration has become inextricably woven into the American Dream. To lose it, we lose a piece of ourselves. For even though a relative few have ventured into the heavens, they have take all of us with them. Whether it's the display of bravery or the hope of discovery, the lure of the unknown or the frontiers of science, the human story or the history of the universe, we are drawn into the spectacular drama of it all. It embodies so much of the best of our values as Americans, as well as the best of humanity. Especially when the course is laid through the efforts of individuals heralding from all corners of our Earth.
In our fascination with spaceflight, we all capture a youthful spirit. As a kid, I was caught up in the fascination. The children of tomorrow should be able to be similarly inspired. Let us make it so.
Unfortunately, along with the shuttle, we are going to lose so much of our experience and expertise in space exploration. We are instead left with an uncertain future.
This uncertainty is due to no small part to a decade marked by a lack of leadership. We are beset by presidents more concerned with launching missiles to destroy our fellow human beings than with building the rockets that will help lift humankind up in a spirit of cooperation; more committed to spending hundreds of billions on destruction than a relative paltry sum on exploration; more focused on sending talented, devoted Americans off to be maimed and scarred forever, rather than on missions that leave us all with a legacy of hope and wonder.
We must demand a future devoted to our best instincts and values, rather than plagued with war and death.
The dream of space exploration has become inextricably woven into the American Dream. To lose it, we lose a piece of ourselves. For even though a relative few have ventured into the heavens, they have take all of us with them. Whether it's the display of bravery or the hope of discovery, the lure of the unknown or the frontiers of science, the human story or the history of the universe, we are drawn into the spectacular drama of it all. It embodies so much of the best of our values as Americans, as well as the best of humanity. Especially when the course is laid through the efforts of individuals heralding from all corners of our Earth.
In our fascination with spaceflight, we all capture a youthful spirit. As a kid, I was caught up in the fascination. The children of tomorrow should be able to be similarly inspired. Let us make it so.
Monday, April 18, 2011
"No We Can't"?
"We shall extract our resources, and we shall provide a market for products. We will provide a government that is as pliable as possible towards the encouragement of those two things, and all else is communism."
Daily Kos: No We Can't
This sentence, in my mind, is the essence of the American Nightmare that Hunter describes here and attributes to the Republicans. And the idea that America as a society, as a country, can accomplish nothing Together anymore -- with the possible exception of ongoing war, as he hints at briefly -- is truly disheartening. And unfortunately, despite the rhetoric of "Yes We Can," it doesn't appear that the Democrats, whom Hunter doesn't mention, for the most part offer much of an American Dream as an alternative. The vision that was heralded in 2008 seems to have proven to be largely an empty one. The results serving as merely a pale shadow of the possibility that could be represented by a real New American Dream. This would be a realized vision of a country in which militarism and empire are shed in favor of health care for all, the best education in the world, full employment, real democracy, and incredible national accomplishments such as a completely sustainable energy economy, the banishment of crippling diseases, and exploration of space. While fascinating, wonders of the consumer marketplace such as the iPad is not truly the product of "We the People" that will help fulfill and sustain the American Dream. While the American Dream is deeply personal, at the same time integral to it is the attainment of "great things" as a people, as a country, and as a society.
Daily Kos: No We Can't
This sentence, in my mind, is the essence of the American Nightmare that Hunter describes here and attributes to the Republicans. And the idea that America as a society, as a country, can accomplish nothing Together anymore -- with the possible exception of ongoing war, as he hints at briefly -- is truly disheartening. And unfortunately, despite the rhetoric of "Yes We Can," it doesn't appear that the Democrats, whom Hunter doesn't mention, for the most part offer much of an American Dream as an alternative. The vision that was heralded in 2008 seems to have proven to be largely an empty one. The results serving as merely a pale shadow of the possibility that could be represented by a real New American Dream. This would be a realized vision of a country in which militarism and empire are shed in favor of health care for all, the best education in the world, full employment, real democracy, and incredible national accomplishments such as a completely sustainable energy economy, the banishment of crippling diseases, and exploration of space. While fascinating, wonders of the consumer marketplace such as the iPad is not truly the product of "We the People" that will help fulfill and sustain the American Dream. While the American Dream is deeply personal, at the same time integral to it is the attainment of "great things" as a people, as a country, and as a society.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Warfare on Working People Threatens the American Dream
Fire the Rich — Features — Utne Reader
The author here is indeed correct: the American Dream is under threat, as the wealthiest among us continue to use their greater influence to make the system benefit them, at the detriment of 95% of the rest of the population. If class warfare has been declared, is was declared long ago by the wealthy and not -- as too-opt alleged -- by working people who are trying to restore balance, fairness, and a chance at attaining the American Dream.
The author here is indeed correct: the American Dream is under threat, as the wealthiest among us continue to use their greater influence to make the system benefit them, at the detriment of 95% of the rest of the population. If class warfare has been declared, is was declared long ago by the wealthy and not -- as too-opt alleged -- by working people who are trying to restore balance, fairness, and a chance at attaining the American Dream.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Are we fatally distracted by faulty political assumptions in this post-election period?
If we are going to renew the American Dream, and make progress towards it in the political realm, we need to keep our eye on the ball, and operate from a place of political reality. Our understanding of the needs and wants of the American people must be correct. When considering compromise positions, we must have a factual perception of where the parties involved stand. Unfortunately, in the most recent post-election environment, our politics are driven by significant misunderstandings that are keeping us from making desperately needed progress.
The following piece features two of these misunderstandings:
NationalJournal.com - The Cook Report: Hang On Tight - Friday, February 18, 2011
While the general analysis of it is interesting, there are two unfortunate assumptions which have been all too common in this recent post-election period.
1. That the focus of American's concerns is the budget deficit.
This is a misnomer, and revisionist history. All the polls both pre- and post- election revealed what Americans are really concerned about. And my personal experience talking to literally hundreds of voters over many weeks during the election can attest to it. People are concerned about jobs and the economy. Period. Health care and education are a distant second. Our wars and the budget are barely on the radar right now.
Now, we can certainly debate over whether this is what we should be most concerned about, but this conservative fantasy that somehow Americans are obsessed with cutting spending and balancing the budget asap has infected our media and public dialogue. On the contray, Americans want to see good jobs, and farbeit from anti-government on this issue, are closely divided on whether the stimulus even went far enough. We need to change the dialogue, guiding by a correct understanding of the real desires of the American people.
2. The Republicans are "good at cutting spending."
A conventional wisdom that has little basis in reality. One only has to look at the 8 years of the Bush administration for evidence to the contrary. And Republicans (generally) have never seen a defense program, a war, a corporate tax expenditure, a fossil fuel industry subsidy, or a highway funding project that they didn't like. We need to change our language to reflect reality. Only then can we have a real discussion regarding federal government expenditures and revenues, and how best to address the budget situation into the future. For while the budget problem needs to be addressed in the long term, the short-term emergency is an unacceptably high employment rate and declining real wages. This is a problem that left unattended will destroy the middle class, and our country with it. However, the good news is, if it is properly addressed, it will go a long ways to resolving the budget deficit, as the relatively good economic times of the mid and late '90s can attest.
The following piece features two of these misunderstandings:
NationalJournal.com - The Cook Report: Hang On Tight - Friday, February 18, 2011
While the general analysis of it is interesting, there are two unfortunate assumptions which have been all too common in this recent post-election period.
1. That the focus of American's concerns is the budget deficit.
This is a misnomer, and revisionist history. All the polls both pre- and post- election revealed what Americans are really concerned about. And my personal experience talking to literally hundreds of voters over many weeks during the election can attest to it. People are concerned about jobs and the economy. Period. Health care and education are a distant second. Our wars and the budget are barely on the radar right now.
Now, we can certainly debate over whether this is what we should be most concerned about, but this conservative fantasy that somehow Americans are obsessed with cutting spending and balancing the budget asap has infected our media and public dialogue. On the contray, Americans want to see good jobs, and farbeit from anti-government on this issue, are closely divided on whether the stimulus even went far enough. We need to change the dialogue, guiding by a correct understanding of the real desires of the American people.
2. The Republicans are "good at cutting spending."
A conventional wisdom that has little basis in reality. One only has to look at the 8 years of the Bush administration for evidence to the contrary. And Republicans (generally) have never seen a defense program, a war, a corporate tax expenditure, a fossil fuel industry subsidy, or a highway funding project that they didn't like. We need to change our language to reflect reality. Only then can we have a real discussion regarding federal government expenditures and revenues, and how best to address the budget situation into the future. For while the budget problem needs to be addressed in the long term, the short-term emergency is an unacceptably high employment rate and declining real wages. This is a problem that left unattended will destroy the middle class, and our country with it. However, the good news is, if it is properly addressed, it will go a long ways to resolving the budget deficit, as the relatively good economic times of the mid and late '90s can attest.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The People of Egypt Have Taugh Us Something About Liberty & Democracy
The People of Egypt Have Done It! They Have Driven Mubarak Out! | Common Dreams
They have indeed done it. And it is more than just a victory for themselves. In doing so, they teach us an important lesson about liberty and democracy. These are lessons which should inform and inspire. There are in fact 4 important lessons which we as Americans should take to heart as we consider how view the world, how we act here at home, and how we fulfill the American Dream:
1. The Nature of Arab & Muslim Societies & Cultures
For some time -- and especially after 9/11 -- our media, entertainment, and culture has generally portrayed Muslim and Arabic peoples and cultures in a negative light, as extremists and terrorists. It is emphasized on a daily basis by political pudits and in action movies. It was evident in the comments of news reporters in their analysis of the days recent events, in their words of surprise that the demonstrators had not erupted into violence rebellion.
Now, the people have Egypt, in a profound and powerful way, have demonstrated the inappropriateness of those comments, the inaccuracy of those words, the offensiveness of those images, and the untruth in those portrayals. (Hopefully it will bring to light a history that stands in contrast to the negative characterizations: http://www.davidswanson.org/content/nonviolent-activism-middle-eastern ). They have shown not just incredible courage and resilience, but restraint and savvy. In fact, their movement has not only done us one better in terms of rejecting violence, but also in effectiveness.
2. The Nature of Leadership & Democracy
From almost the beginning, media also kept looking for a leader for this movement. Oft heard was the refrain "there is yet to be a face of this movement." On the contrary, there was a face. Or rather, a multitude of faces. They have shown not only the possibility, but the power and benefit, of movements which are democratic and decentralized, leaderful and not simply led. Their power was in their number and their commitment, and not simply in the speeches of visages of a single individual.
3. The Power of Nonviolence
Over and over again, we demonstrate how we believe that political change against oppressive regimes and illigimate dictators is accomplished through clash of arms and military force. It was a message that our country's "leaders" repeated ad nauseum as we invaded Iraq, and continue to do so as we continue the war in Afghanistan. But as the nonviolence revolutions demonstrated in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union two decades ago -- and Gandhi before them in India -- the Egyptian people remind us of the power of nonviolent action to effect real change. And it is change much preferable to that which comes from war, as we compare the dignity and hope of recent days in Egypt with the death and destruction of recent years in Iraq and Afghanistan. In truth, this contrast shows that the idea that real peace can come from war, that democracy can come from the decision of the few to invade, that justice can come from unjust conflict, is a big lie.
4. The Power of the People
We look to leaders and military might as the impetus and force for change. That, when the true power lies within ourselves as citizens. The people of Egypt reminds us how there is nothing that the people cannot accomplish if they unite together, with courage and determination, organized and committed.
*******
These are the lessons for us. The only question is: will we heed them? Will our elected officials do so? I have real hope that the American people will be inspired. Unfortunately, I have less faith in our elected "leaders." It begins with the policies that lead us to (once again) support self-aggrandizing oppressive dictators and brutish police forces using American-made tear gas. It continues with the belated and hesitant support of the protestors by our government, the ongoing billions to a military that stood by and watched peaceful demonstrators were killed by molotov cocktails, and the government support for a Patriot Act that commits into law some of the very trappings of tyranny that we decry in the Egyptian authoritarian rule (http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/02/11-2).
We are now faced with a choice: are we going to be on the side of independent peoples striving for justice, liberty, opportunity, democracy, and self-determination, or are we going be compelled by militarism, fear, nativism, empire, and selfishness. Are we going to be guided by the values of the American Dream, or the perverse American Nightmare that threatens to destroy us.
They have indeed done it. And it is more than just a victory for themselves. In doing so, they teach us an important lesson about liberty and democracy. These are lessons which should inform and inspire. There are in fact 4 important lessons which we as Americans should take to heart as we consider how view the world, how we act here at home, and how we fulfill the American Dream:
1. The Nature of Arab & Muslim Societies & Cultures
For some time -- and especially after 9/11 -- our media, entertainment, and culture has generally portrayed Muslim and Arabic peoples and cultures in a negative light, as extremists and terrorists. It is emphasized on a daily basis by political pudits and in action movies. It was evident in the comments of news reporters in their analysis of the days recent events, in their words of surprise that the demonstrators had not erupted into violence rebellion.
Now, the people have Egypt, in a profound and powerful way, have demonstrated the inappropriateness of those comments, the inaccuracy of those words, the offensiveness of those images, and the untruth in those portrayals. (Hopefully it will bring to light a history that stands in contrast to the negative characterizations: http://www.davidswanson.org/content/nonviolent-activism-middle-eastern ). They have shown not just incredible courage and resilience, but restraint and savvy. In fact, their movement has not only done us one better in terms of rejecting violence, but also in effectiveness.
2. The Nature of Leadership & Democracy
From almost the beginning, media also kept looking for a leader for this movement. Oft heard was the refrain "there is yet to be a face of this movement." On the contrary, there was a face. Or rather, a multitude of faces. They have shown not only the possibility, but the power and benefit, of movements which are democratic and decentralized, leaderful and not simply led. Their power was in their number and their commitment, and not simply in the speeches of visages of a single individual.
3. The Power of Nonviolence
Over and over again, we demonstrate how we believe that political change against oppressive regimes and illigimate dictators is accomplished through clash of arms and military force. It was a message that our country's "leaders" repeated ad nauseum as we invaded Iraq, and continue to do so as we continue the war in Afghanistan. But as the nonviolence revolutions demonstrated in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union two decades ago -- and Gandhi before them in India -- the Egyptian people remind us of the power of nonviolent action to effect real change. And it is change much preferable to that which comes from war, as we compare the dignity and hope of recent days in Egypt with the death and destruction of recent years in Iraq and Afghanistan. In truth, this contrast shows that the idea that real peace can come from war, that democracy can come from the decision of the few to invade, that justice can come from unjust conflict, is a big lie.
4. The Power of the People
We look to leaders and military might as the impetus and force for change. That, when the true power lies within ourselves as citizens. The people of Egypt reminds us how there is nothing that the people cannot accomplish if they unite together, with courage and determination, organized and committed.
*******
These are the lessons for us. The only question is: will we heed them? Will our elected officials do so? I have real hope that the American people will be inspired. Unfortunately, I have less faith in our elected "leaders." It begins with the policies that lead us to (once again) support self-aggrandizing oppressive dictators and brutish police forces using American-made tear gas. It continues with the belated and hesitant support of the protestors by our government, the ongoing billions to a military that stood by and watched peaceful demonstrators were killed by molotov cocktails, and the government support for a Patriot Act that commits into law some of the very trappings of tyranny that we decry in the Egyptian authoritarian rule (http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/02/11-2).
We are now faced with a choice: are we going to be on the side of independent peoples striving for justice, liberty, opportunity, democracy, and self-determination, or are we going be compelled by militarism, fear, nativism, empire, and selfishness. Are we going to be guided by the values of the American Dream, or the perverse American Nightmare that threatens to destroy us.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wind Power: A Preferable Alternative
I have grown increasingly weary over time of the ignorant opposition to wind power in this state (and country). The following letter to the editor provoked me to finally send my own:
Wind farms, other boondoggles a burden on Ohio's economy | mansfieldnewsjournal.com | Mansfield News Journal
Dear Editor:
Subject: Wind Power: A Preferable Alternative
The letter entitled "Wind farms, other boondoggles a burden on Ohio's economy," which appeared in the January 24, 2001 edition, made several unsubstantiated claims. While all energy sources have some negative effects, alternatives such as wind power must be compared to conventional sources. In Ohio, this means coal. Such an evaluation shows that wind power wins on all counts.
Let's consider birds: fossil fuel based electricity causes many times more fatalities than wind farms per gigawatt hour. Even with more turbines, many times more birds are killed by each of automobiles, electric lines, hunting, cats, and even windows! (I'm sure the letter author would not advocate getting rid of cars to protect birds.) As for other environmental and health costs, while wind power is negligible, coal mining and burning contaminates water with mercury, destroys wildlife habitat, scars the landscape, puts harmful particulates into the air, and causes global warming. Worse, coal power has terrible health effects, including contributing to childhood asthma and causing estimated thousands of premature deaths each year. In terms of noise and appearance, wind turbines are much more benign and beautiful than dirty, ugly, loud, smoke-belching and smelly coal fired plants. With regard to space: wind farms also serve as agricultural farms. Meanwhile, coal mines destroy the land and produce toxic water ponds, while coal plants harm the livability of the areas surrounding them for miles. Addressing cost, wind power easily achieves parity with coal (or is cheaper!) if all the social, environmental, and health costs are factored in. Finally, conventional sources have are the unreliability of variable fuel costs, and plants shut down occasionally without notice. As a result, reserves are and will be integrated into any system with. In addition, no one is advocating depending totally on wind power: a mix of renewable sources are necessary.
Wind power may not be perfect, but an honest and fact-based assessment clearly shows that it is far preferable than the main alternative of coal. Farbeit from hurting Ohio's economy, wind power is an essential element if we are to ensure the clean and cost-effective energy sources on which a prosperous future depends.
Nathan Ruggles
Cincinnati (formerly of Akron)
Wind farms, other boondoggles a burden on Ohio's economy | mansfieldnewsjournal.com | Mansfield News Journal
Dear Editor:
Subject: Wind Power: A Preferable Alternative
The letter entitled "Wind farms, other boondoggles a burden on Ohio's economy," which appeared in the January 24, 2001 edition, made several unsubstantiated claims. While all energy sources have some negative effects, alternatives such as wind power must be compared to conventional sources. In Ohio, this means coal. Such an evaluation shows that wind power wins on all counts.
Let's consider birds: fossil fuel based electricity causes many times more fatalities than wind farms per gigawatt hour. Even with more turbines, many times more birds are killed by each of automobiles, electric lines, hunting, cats, and even windows! (I'm sure the letter author would not advocate getting rid of cars to protect birds.) As for other environmental and health costs, while wind power is negligible, coal mining and burning contaminates water with mercury, destroys wildlife habitat, scars the landscape, puts harmful particulates into the air, and causes global warming. Worse, coal power has terrible health effects, including contributing to childhood asthma and causing estimated thousands of premature deaths each year. In terms of noise and appearance, wind turbines are much more benign and beautiful than dirty, ugly, loud, smoke-belching and smelly coal fired plants. With regard to space: wind farms also serve as agricultural farms. Meanwhile, coal mines destroy the land and produce toxic water ponds, while coal plants harm the livability of the areas surrounding them for miles. Addressing cost, wind power easily achieves parity with coal (or is cheaper!) if all the social, environmental, and health costs are factored in. Finally, conventional sources have are the unreliability of variable fuel costs, and plants shut down occasionally without notice. As a result, reserves are and will be integrated into any system with. In addition, no one is advocating depending totally on wind power: a mix of renewable sources are necessary.
Wind power may not be perfect, but an honest and fact-based assessment clearly shows that it is far preferable than the main alternative of coal. Farbeit from hurting Ohio's economy, wind power is an essential element if we are to ensure the clean and cost-effective energy sources on which a prosperous future depends.
Nathan Ruggles
Cincinnati (formerly of Akron)
Friday, December 17, 2010
So Much Accomplished!
More funding for endless wars. Check.
Escalation of Afghan War. Check.
Taking military cuts off the table for deficit reduction. Check.
Inability to pass arms treaties. Check.
Closed-door meetings in the White House with CEOs. Check.
Taxpayer funding for massive giveaway to health insurance companies. Check.
Billions for banks (and not Americans threatened by foreclosure). Check.
Billions for corporations (and not small businesses and workers). Check.
Free trade agreements (that benefit corporations at the expense of workers and small business). Check.
Continued tax cuts for the well-to-do. Check.
Tax cuts on the estate tax on millionaires. Check.
Continued tax cuts for the wealthy. Check.
Still more tax breaks for the wealthiest with their investment income. Check.
No climate change legislation. Check.
No immigration reform and more funding for border guards. Check.
Boy, they got a lot done in two years! At least the minority in Congress got scraps from the table on health care, unemployment, and tax breaks for the neediest. Don't worry, things will get better once Dems get the Congressional majority and we get McCain out of office.
Oh, wait a minute....
Escalation of Afghan War. Check.
Taking military cuts off the table for deficit reduction. Check.
Inability to pass arms treaties. Check.
Closed-door meetings in the White House with CEOs. Check.
Taxpayer funding for massive giveaway to health insurance companies. Check.
Billions for banks (and not Americans threatened by foreclosure). Check.
Billions for corporations (and not small businesses and workers). Check.
Free trade agreements (that benefit corporations at the expense of workers and small business). Check.
Continued tax cuts for the well-to-do. Check.
Tax cuts on the estate tax on millionaires. Check.
Continued tax cuts for the wealthy. Check.
Still more tax breaks for the wealthiest with their investment income. Check.
No climate change legislation. Check.
No immigration reform and more funding for border guards. Check.
Boy, they got a lot done in two years! At least the minority in Congress got scraps from the table on health care, unemployment, and tax breaks for the neediest. Don't worry, things will get better once Dems get the Congressional majority and we get McCain out of office.
Oh, wait a minute....
Saturday, December 4, 2010
America needs trains.
Chinese Passenger Train Tops 300 MPH During Test Run : The Two-Way : NPR
We need more affordable, reliable, safe, clean transportation in this country. Trains offer us all of the above, compared to both cars and planes, which are relatively dirty, expensive, unsafe, and unreliable. (To those who say trains are unreliable in this country, I say: they do it well in Europe, while cars will always be plagued by traffic jams, accidents, and breakdowns, while planes are now saddled with security.)
Attaining the American Dream requires affordability, especially in this day and age with a disrupted and unreliable economy, declining competitiveness via other countries, and higher unemployment. Trains (especially when combined with good public transit in cities) offers this to us. It is more sustainable both as individuals and as a society. We then have more time and resources to pursue our American Dreams....
We need more affordable, reliable, safe, clean transportation in this country. Trains offer us all of the above, compared to both cars and planes, which are relatively dirty, expensive, unsafe, and unreliable. (To those who say trains are unreliable in this country, I say: they do it well in Europe, while cars will always be plagued by traffic jams, accidents, and breakdowns, while planes are now saddled with security.)
Attaining the American Dream requires affordability, especially in this day and age with a disrupted and unreliable economy, declining competitiveness via other countries, and higher unemployment. Trains (especially when combined with good public transit in cities) offers this to us. It is more sustainable both as individuals and as a society. We then have more time and resources to pursue our American Dreams....
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Voter Fraud Myth
Voter fraud would be a real threat to our democracy. That is, if it existed.
The truth is, it hardly exists at all (let alone systemically, as some would have us believe with their accusations towards those of us who worked to register voters in our with ACORN.)
This piece nicely sums us the facts and the argument:
Why would anyone commit voter fraud? - By Christopher Beam - Slate Magazine
Debunking any myths about voter fraud helps to pave the way towards good reforms like universal voter registration, something truly worth our time, attention, and efforts if we truly care about ensuring fair, secure, and genuinely democratic elections in this country. It would be a real step towards strengthening American democracy....and securing the American Dream.
The truth is, it hardly exists at all (let alone systemically, as some would have us believe with their accusations towards those of us who worked to register voters in our with ACORN.)
This piece nicely sums us the facts and the argument:
Why would anyone commit voter fraud? - By Christopher Beam - Slate Magazine
Debunking any myths about voter fraud helps to pave the way towards good reforms like universal voter registration, something truly worth our time, attention, and efforts if we truly care about ensuring fair, secure, and genuinely democratic elections in this country. It would be a real step towards strengthening American democracy....and securing the American Dream.
Letter to Voinovich: Global Warming, Nuclear Energy, and Renewable Alternatives
Clean, renewable, sustainable energy sources are essential if we are to continue and renew the American Dream.
A recent e-newsletter from our Ohio Senator George Voinovich prompted me to send a brief email his office on the subject (text below). As part of his "legacy," he is strongly supporting (re)development of nuclear energy. In addition to addressing what would be a horrid mistake, I addressed a related issue: All of his earlier e-newsletters began with the headline "The REAL Inconvenient Truth" followed by the current budget deficit amount. I felt a need to address this misguided feature.
We'll see if a get a response from the Senator's office.
Email text:
"Two items:
1. E-Newsletter
As a recipient of the newsletter, I am glad to see that you no longer headline it with the phrase "The REAL Inconvenient Truth." I agree wholeheartedly that the budget deficit is a real problem. But there is no reason to denigrate another real problem -- global warming -- while bringing attention to the budget concern. They both need attention.
2. Nuclear Power
I hope that if the Senator supports pursuit of nuclear energy, that he also believes in folding the FULL cost of safe storage, transport and disposal of the waste, as well as the cost of adequately protecting facilities from terrorist attack (by ground or air), into the cost of the electricity to the consumer. Anything less would be an unfair subsidy to be borne by the taxpayer.
Alternatively, I would encourage the Senator to redirect his efforts towards renewable sources that do not have the ill effects of extremely dangerous radioactive waste: wind, solar, geothermal, and tidal power.
Thank you.
Nathan Ruggles"
A recent e-newsletter from our Ohio Senator George Voinovich prompted me to send a brief email his office on the subject (text below). As part of his "legacy," he is strongly supporting (re)development of nuclear energy. In addition to addressing what would be a horrid mistake, I addressed a related issue: All of his earlier e-newsletters began with the headline "The REAL Inconvenient Truth" followed by the current budget deficit amount. I felt a need to address this misguided feature.
We'll see if a get a response from the Senator's office.
Email text:
"Two items:
1. E-Newsletter
As a recipient of the newsletter, I am glad to see that you no longer headline it with the phrase "The REAL Inconvenient Truth." I agree wholeheartedly that the budget deficit is a real problem. But there is no reason to denigrate another real problem -- global warming -- while bringing attention to the budget concern. They both need attention.
2. Nuclear Power
I hope that if the Senator supports pursuit of nuclear energy, that he also believes in folding the FULL cost of safe storage, transport and disposal of the waste, as well as the cost of adequately protecting facilities from terrorist attack (by ground or air), into the cost of the electricity to the consumer. Anything less would be an unfair subsidy to be borne by the taxpayer.
Alternatively, I would encourage the Senator to redirect his efforts towards renewable sources that do not have the ill effects of extremely dangerous radioactive waste: wind, solar, geothermal, and tidal power.
Thank you.
Nathan Ruggles"
A Note on Third Parties: The Goal Must Be to "Spoil"!
"Power never concedes anything without a demand; it never has and it never will."
- Frederick Douglas
I have believed for some time that one of the essential reforms needed to Save Our Democracy -- and therefore the American Dream -- is a multiparty political system in this country. We are too big and diverse for being restricted to "Coke vs. Pepsi" choices at election time when so many people may demand tea, or coffee, or some other "beverage" to quench their thirst for a responsive representative democratic system.
I engaged in a recent Facebook exchange on the recent election, and the question of the impact of third party candidates was broached, them being accused of "messing up" the election (for Dems).
With all due respect, we really need to stop with the third party blame game. I have grown so weary of Dems and Dem supporters wining about third party candidates (i.e. Nader, Greens) of spoiling their time. It is borne out of a rather arrogant and elitist attitude that someone their (major) party candidates automatically "own" or are "due" the votes from people who hold certain view or values (which mean they are reinforcing one of the key problems with the existing two party system). Furthermore, they essentially are complaining at fellow voters for not voting for their Dem candidates. Well, if you want someone to vote for your preferred candidate, my first response to that is: that's is the purpose of the campaign! You have your chance to convince people that your candidate is worthy of their vote. I say, take advantage of that opportunity (and frankly, for the two major parties, this is much easier than third parties). It you can't or won't, that's your own fault. If your candidate is essentially unworthy, blame them. It is unfair to scold people for voting for candidates that they actually like, and candidates for running on values and issues that are underrepresented.
If there is blame to be cast in this electoral system, the blame falls on the Reps and Dems for continuing a system that excludes third parties when they easily could allow us to rank candidates 1, 2, 3 (and thereby eliminate "spoilers.") The truth is that third party candidates wouldn't run if the major party (candidates) actually stood up for what the people wanted. And what better way to force major parties to rethink things than to deny them a seat that they somehow think that they own.
The sad fact is that we might wish third parties candidate to be able to "compete" first, but history and facts show that they will never be able to really compete in the system as it stand today, with the rules stacked against them. Also, in "safe" races third party candidates are seen as irrelevant by both the two major parties and the media.
The rules must change. But the Reps and Dems won't change a system that serves them well. They must perceive it's in their interest to change. I see the only way that that may happen is if third party candidates "spoil" their elections enough so that they will change the election rules to prevent it (by instituting Instant Runoff/ranked preference/choice voting). It may mean short term pain, but it is in the service of reform for the long term.
I am speaking as someone who has been on both sides, actively campaigning for third party as well as Democratic candidates. My conclusion is the same. Even having served the campaign of a Dem I understand the desire to vote third party. Even after dedicating my life for a time to getting a Democratic governor and congressional rep elected. Don't get me wrong; I believed strongly in my cause. At that time I tried my best to convince everyone -- including those considering third party candidates -- to voter our way. However, in the end, I do not "blame" anyone for voting third party. If I failed to convince, that's on me. If there are legitimate criticisms of my candidate(s) from the left, I have to acknowledge them and not cast stones. Anything else on my part would be sour grapes.
One benefit of third parties on the left is that is makes the Dems listen to progressives (and counter our overall rightward slide in this country). The recent gubernatorial election is a case in point. Strickland pulled out the rug from progressives when he torpedoed the ballot initiative for sick days in Ohio. He didn't pay attention to progressive forces (who helped get him elected the first time), leaving people to turn to third party candidates, or not vote at all out of lack of enthisiasm, or outright disgust (believe me, I talked to dozens of such people at the doors of their homes as part of my campaign job.) A strong third party in Ohio on the left might have helped wake Strickland up (and save him from himself electorally.)
Historically, third parties have also served an important purpose in our democracy, of being the originators of many reforms that are eventually adopted/coopted by the two major parties (witness Social Security and other reforms from the Socialists, and others from the Populists).
If those who whine about third parties (or actively try to illegitimately torpedo their efforts, as the Dems did to Nader in Ohio in '04) would spend their time pushing their candidates to listen to progressives, and get out there trying to convince voters that their candidates are worthwhile, we'd all be a lot better off.
- Frederick Douglas
I have believed for some time that one of the essential reforms needed to Save Our Democracy -- and therefore the American Dream -- is a multiparty political system in this country. We are too big and diverse for being restricted to "Coke vs. Pepsi" choices at election time when so many people may demand tea, or coffee, or some other "beverage" to quench their thirst for a responsive representative democratic system.
I engaged in a recent Facebook exchange on the recent election, and the question of the impact of third party candidates was broached, them being accused of "messing up" the election (for Dems).
With all due respect, we really need to stop with the third party blame game. I have grown so weary of Dems and Dem supporters wining about third party candidates (i.e. Nader, Greens) of spoiling their time. It is borne out of a rather arrogant and elitist attitude that someone their (major) party candidates automatically "own" or are "due" the votes from people who hold certain view or values (which mean they are reinforcing one of the key problems with the existing two party system). Furthermore, they essentially are complaining at fellow voters for not voting for their Dem candidates. Well, if you want someone to vote for your preferred candidate, my first response to that is: that's is the purpose of the campaign! You have your chance to convince people that your candidate is worthy of their vote. I say, take advantage of that opportunity (and frankly, for the two major parties, this is much easier than third parties). It you can't or won't, that's your own fault. If your candidate is essentially unworthy, blame them. It is unfair to scold people for voting for candidates that they actually like, and candidates for running on values and issues that are underrepresented.
If there is blame to be cast in this electoral system, the blame falls on the Reps and Dems for continuing a system that excludes third parties when they easily could allow us to rank candidates 1, 2, 3 (and thereby eliminate "spoilers.") The truth is that third party candidates wouldn't run if the major party (candidates) actually stood up for what the people wanted. And what better way to force major parties to rethink things than to deny them a seat that they somehow think that they own.
The sad fact is that we might wish third parties candidate to be able to "compete" first, but history and facts show that they will never be able to really compete in the system as it stand today, with the rules stacked against them. Also, in "safe" races third party candidates are seen as irrelevant by both the two major parties and the media.
The rules must change. But the Reps and Dems won't change a system that serves them well. They must perceive it's in their interest to change. I see the only way that that may happen is if third party candidates "spoil" their elections enough so that they will change the election rules to prevent it (by instituting Instant Runoff/ranked preference/choice voting). It may mean short term pain, but it is in the service of reform for the long term.
I am speaking as someone who has been on both sides, actively campaigning for third party as well as Democratic candidates. My conclusion is the same. Even having served the campaign of a Dem I understand the desire to vote third party. Even after dedicating my life for a time to getting a Democratic governor and congressional rep elected. Don't get me wrong; I believed strongly in my cause. At that time I tried my best to convince everyone -- including those considering third party candidates -- to voter our way. However, in the end, I do not "blame" anyone for voting third party. If I failed to convince, that's on me. If there are legitimate criticisms of my candidate(s) from the left, I have to acknowledge them and not cast stones. Anything else on my part would be sour grapes.
One benefit of third parties on the left is that is makes the Dems listen to progressives (and counter our overall rightward slide in this country). The recent gubernatorial election is a case in point. Strickland pulled out the rug from progressives when he torpedoed the ballot initiative for sick days in Ohio. He didn't pay attention to progressive forces (who helped get him elected the first time), leaving people to turn to third party candidates, or not vote at all out of lack of enthisiasm, or outright disgust (believe me, I talked to dozens of such people at the doors of their homes as part of my campaign job.) A strong third party in Ohio on the left might have helped wake Strickland up (and save him from himself electorally.)
Historically, third parties have also served an important purpose in our democracy, of being the originators of many reforms that are eventually adopted/coopted by the two major parties (witness Social Security and other reforms from the Socialists, and others from the Populists).
If those who whine about third parties (or actively try to illegitimately torpedo their efforts, as the Dems did to Nader in Ohio in '04) would spend their time pushing their candidates to listen to progressives, and get out there trying to convince voters that their candidates are worthwhile, we'd all be a lot better off.
Kasich Derails Our Future
Passenger Rail would help take us into a better future in Ohio. Too bad our Governor-elect doesn't realize this:
Kasich to Strickland: Cancel all passenger rail contracts | Politics Extra
Even worse, his letter to Obama is nothing but political grandstanding. It's a poor attempt to try to cover himself from inevitable criticism for refusing $400 million from the feds, and getting in a plug on deficit reduction and highway funds. He knows that this money only can go towards high speed passenger rail projects, according to the law, the stimulus package passed by Congress. He knows that Obama can't change that. He knows that Governor elect Cuomo of New York has already asked for the funds to be sent to his state after he heard of Kasich's rejection:
http://online.wsj.com/article/APe7a07d45af0f46b9a850f2f7be2263ca.html
If this type of poor decision-making and political posturing is any foreshadowing of things to come under this new governor, we will see further cracks in the American Dream for Ohioans.
For some good info on Ohio high-speed rail:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-3C-Quick-Start-Passenger-Rail-Plan/134456767470?v=wall
Kasich to Strickland: Cancel all passenger rail contracts | Politics Extra
Even worse, his letter to Obama is nothing but political grandstanding. It's a poor attempt to try to cover himself from inevitable criticism for refusing $400 million from the feds, and getting in a plug on deficit reduction and highway funds. He knows that this money only can go towards high speed passenger rail projects, according to the law, the stimulus package passed by Congress. He knows that Obama can't change that. He knows that Governor elect Cuomo of New York has already asked for the funds to be sent to his state after he heard of Kasich's rejection:
http://online.wsj.com/article/APe7a07d45af0f46b9a850f2f7be2263ca.html
If this type of poor decision-making and political posturing is any foreshadowing of things to come under this new governor, we will see further cracks in the American Dream for Ohioans.
For some good info on Ohio high-speed rail:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-3C-Quick-Start-Passenger-Rail-Plan/134456767470?v=wall
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Energy-Independent Future for the American Dream....by the way of comedy.
Once again, Jon Stewart provides a little bit of brilliance. Insightful. Enlightening. And of course, funny:
An Energy-Independent Future - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - 6/16/2010 - Video Clip | Comedy Central
And I cannot resist sharing some choice quotes from it:
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me eight times...am I a %#$@ing idiot?"
"%$&! it, let's just use oil....I will not allow the dinosaurs to have died in vain."
"WE ARE AN UNSTOPPABLE OIL-DEPENDENCY BREAKING MACHINE! Unfortunately, that machine runs on oil."
The only think lacking is an answer to the question: how do we get out of this "sad, somewhat Groundhog-Dayish saga"?
For the American Dream to be fulfilled, for our country to know economic health and success -- not to mention (possibly, hopefully) freedom from entangling wars in oil-rich regions of the globe, and for the future health of our Earth -- it is clear we need to end our oil dependence. However, it is also clear that the rhetoric from both sides of our political partisans has not been matched by real action. The fact that it has gone on so long forces us to ask: why? For one thing, it must go beyond the issues or idosyncracies of any one Presidential Administration, or one decade. Our political system is broken when it cannot accomplish those tasks which we agree are necessary for our own prosperity, nay, survival. Our democracy is dysfunctional. Fixing it is the key to moving forward on this issue (and many others....but that is a discussion for another time).
An Energy-Independent Future - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - 6/16/2010 - Video Clip | Comedy Central
And I cannot resist sharing some choice quotes from it:
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me eight times...am I a %#$@ing idiot?"
"%$&! it, let's just use oil....I will not allow the dinosaurs to have died in vain."
"WE ARE AN UNSTOPPABLE OIL-DEPENDENCY BREAKING MACHINE! Unfortunately, that machine runs on oil."
The only think lacking is an answer to the question: how do we get out of this "sad, somewhat Groundhog-Dayish saga"?
For the American Dream to be fulfilled, for our country to know economic health and success -- not to mention (possibly, hopefully) freedom from entangling wars in oil-rich regions of the globe, and for the future health of our Earth -- it is clear we need to end our oil dependence. However, it is also clear that the rhetoric from both sides of our political partisans has not been matched by real action. The fact that it has gone on so long forces us to ask: why? For one thing, it must go beyond the issues or idosyncracies of any one Presidential Administration, or one decade. Our political system is broken when it cannot accomplish those tasks which we agree are necessary for our own prosperity, nay, survival. Our democracy is dysfunctional. Fixing it is the key to moving forward on this issue (and many others....but that is a discussion for another time).
Sunday, September 26, 2010
There are some people who feel and know the power of the American Dream: immigrants
A friend posted this to facebook recently and I'm so glad I took the time to watch it.
30 Days: Immigration on Vimeo
Morgan Spurlock has done some good work, but never has one touched my like this one, or caused me to reflect so much.
It brought a few things to mind, and now into words.
First, that there is something beyond our impersonal principles and politics, our theoretical polemics and postulates, our lofty ideas about how we think the world works or our often black and white view of how things should be. For these things can be so far removed from the reality of the world and the truth of our existence. Beyond them, there is something that can contain so much more truth, and holds greater importance: that is, our relationships with people, what we learn from the interaction with others, the understanding we gain from human experience, the connection we have as we look someone in the eye and really listen and realize who they are.
To paraphrase Frank, the central character in this excellent short program: "you can cling to political ideas, but an idea does not laugh, an idea does not cry, an idea doesn't have memories....an idea is not a human being." This is a story of human beings. And it is well worth watching.
Second, this program reminds me of the power of the American Dream. Frank has a powerful idea of what American is, and what it should be. Armida has her own idea of what she whats to accomplish in life; it is something deeply tied to the American Dream. It is interesting -- and shouldn't be surprising -- that people who have risked so much, tied so much of themselves and their hopes for a better life to this country, would have a particularly strong idea of what the American Dream is. It brings to mind how this country has been shaped by immigrants, and an immigrant spirit, one which has created and defined that American Dream. And these people in this program, give the American Dream life, a reality that goes beyond that idea to something deep in the human spirit.
30 Days: Immigration on Vimeo
Morgan Spurlock has done some good work, but never has one touched my like this one, or caused me to reflect so much.
It brought a few things to mind, and now into words.
First, that there is something beyond our impersonal principles and politics, our theoretical polemics and postulates, our lofty ideas about how we think the world works or our often black and white view of how things should be. For these things can be so far removed from the reality of the world and the truth of our existence. Beyond them, there is something that can contain so much more truth, and holds greater importance: that is, our relationships with people, what we learn from the interaction with others, the understanding we gain from human experience, the connection we have as we look someone in the eye and really listen and realize who they are.
To paraphrase Frank, the central character in this excellent short program: "you can cling to political ideas, but an idea does not laugh, an idea does not cry, an idea doesn't have memories....an idea is not a human being." This is a story of human beings. And it is well worth watching.
Second, this program reminds me of the power of the American Dream. Frank has a powerful idea of what American is, and what it should be. Armida has her own idea of what she whats to accomplish in life; it is something deeply tied to the American Dream. It is interesting -- and shouldn't be surprising -- that people who have risked so much, tied so much of themselves and their hopes for a better life to this country, would have a particularly strong idea of what the American Dream is. It brings to mind how this country has been shaped by immigrants, and an immigrant spirit, one which has created and defined that American Dream. And these people in this program, give the American Dream life, a reality that goes beyond that idea to something deep in the human spirit.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Decade: What Have We Wrought?
The following chart, in stark terms, reveals to us what we have wrought during the last decade:
In Iraq, Still A Relative – And Deadly – Universe | CommonDreams.org
Nine years after 9/11, and nearing the end of this decade, this causes me to reflect. What began (at least from the point of view of most Americans) with 19 hijackers and 3000 victims, has escalated to hundreds of thousands of combatants and approaching a million innocent lives lost. (I take note -- a fact absent from the chart -- that a majority of those lives lost have been as a direct result of American military action, and not from that of al-Qaeda, terrorists, insurgents, etc). The response was ostensibly directed at exacting revenge against the director of the attacks, along with his organization, allies, and sympathizers. This number, mostly unacknowledged, certainly encompassed a relatively small number of individuals. This response soon exploded into massive military invasions costing billions in dollars. A response exacted upon peoples having nothing to do with the perpetrators of the attack on 9/11, other than possibly sharing a religious affiliation, perhaps a language, or maybe living in the neighborhood. And it continues on, despite rhetoric proclaiming otherwise.
What does this mean? What have we learned? What are the long-term consequences for our country? For our budget deficit, for how we are viewed around the world, or for the very soul of America? For the American Dream? Unfortunately, while what it means for us is inestimable, I fear we have not learned much. Or, at least, we have not learned the right lessons, beyond the aching hearts of the families of lost service members, and the lost hopes of those at home who suffer while our tax dollars are spent on death and destruction abroad. Beyond that, we rarely seem to think about these ongoing wars anymore, let alone discuss them, and would much rather forget about them. But the body counts and budget woes will not allow us to do that completely.
History is unfortunately littered with the carcasses and lost souls of civilizations who wasted themselves on military misadventures (as well as materialistic excess), at the expense of their economic and spiritual health. I hope that we can avoid that fate, and find our way again. I believe that path and inspiration comes may come with a change focus upon our American Dream.
In Iraq, Still A Relative – And Deadly – Universe | CommonDreams.org
Nine years after 9/11, and nearing the end of this decade, this causes me to reflect. What began (at least from the point of view of most Americans) with 19 hijackers and 3000 victims, has escalated to hundreds of thousands of combatants and approaching a million innocent lives lost. (I take note -- a fact absent from the chart -- that a majority of those lives lost have been as a direct result of American military action, and not from that of al-Qaeda, terrorists, insurgents, etc). The response was ostensibly directed at exacting revenge against the director of the attacks, along with his organization, allies, and sympathizers. This number, mostly unacknowledged, certainly encompassed a relatively small number of individuals. This response soon exploded into massive military invasions costing billions in dollars. A response exacted upon peoples having nothing to do with the perpetrators of the attack on 9/11, other than possibly sharing a religious affiliation, perhaps a language, or maybe living in the neighborhood. And it continues on, despite rhetoric proclaiming otherwise.
What does this mean? What have we learned? What are the long-term consequences for our country? For our budget deficit, for how we are viewed around the world, or for the very soul of America? For the American Dream? Unfortunately, while what it means for us is inestimable, I fear we have not learned much. Or, at least, we have not learned the right lessons, beyond the aching hearts of the families of lost service members, and the lost hopes of those at home who suffer while our tax dollars are spent on death and destruction abroad. Beyond that, we rarely seem to think about these ongoing wars anymore, let alone discuss them, and would much rather forget about them. But the body counts and budget woes will not allow us to do that completely.
History is unfortunately littered with the carcasses and lost souls of civilizations who wasted themselves on military misadventures (as well as materialistic excess), at the expense of their economic and spiritual health. I hope that we can avoid that fate, and find our way again. I believe that path and inspiration comes may come with a change focus upon our American Dream.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Home Ownership is an Integral Part of the American Dream!
Government Guarantees and Mortgage Loans | The Diane Rehm Show from WAMU and NPR
It seemed disgustingly easy for the program guests -- who undoubtedly own their homes -- to relegate numbers of their fellow citizens to a lifetime of rental housing. I find that abhorrent. It is not only an American value to own your own home, but it (generally) produces stability both in families, neighborhoods, communities, and the country as a whole. Why must we discard this bedrock American value because of mismanagement by private and pseudo-private entities? Perhaps it mean smaller homes, or more condos rather than houses, but why throw the home ownership baby out with the market mismanagement bathwater?
It seemed disgustingly easy for the program guests -- who undoubtedly own their homes -- to relegate numbers of their fellow citizens to a lifetime of rental housing. I find that abhorrent. It is not only an American value to own your own home, but it (generally) produces stability both in families, neighborhoods, communities, and the country as a whole. Why must we discard this bedrock American value because of mismanagement by private and pseudo-private entities? Perhaps it mean smaller homes, or more condos rather than houses, but why throw the home ownership baby out with the market mismanagement bathwater?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Military Still Failing To Diagnose, Treat Brain Injuries : NPR
Military Still Failing To Diagnose, Treat Brain Injuries : NPR
This is disgusting. Men and women willing to give their lives for our country, for something bigger than themselves, and this is how they are repaid: with disregard and substandard care. Meanwhile we spend billions on weapons systems that we neither need nor the Pentagon really wants. There is something wrong with this picture....
This is disgusting. Men and women willing to give their lives for our country, for something bigger than themselves, and this is how they are repaid: with disregard and substandard care. Meanwhile we spend billions on weapons systems that we neither need nor the Pentagon really wants. There is something wrong with this picture....
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The State Ground Zero is Grounds for Shame and a Sad Commentary on the Condition of our State
Ground Zero - 60 Minutes - CBS News
We should be ashamed.
There is no excuse.
As the report said, they built the Empire State Building in a year in the middle of the Great Depression.
We went to the Moon in a decade.
When the ten year anniversary of 9/11 rolls around we'll be lucky if there's anything more than a big hole of dirt.
This is an unfortunate sign and symbol of the decay that has set in in this country. We have not headed warnings from the founders about the corrupting influences of corporate power and monied interests. We have ignored words of caution from the likes of Eisenhower ("beware the military-industrial complex") and MLK ("A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.") and wise political scientists (Paul Kennedy's "Rise and Fall of the Great Powers" of two decades ago warned of US "imperial overstretch). Comparisons with the Roman Empire are current and apt.
We not only don't make things of substance much anymore, it also seems we can't build anything anymore. Numerous countries build new skyscrapers while we can't even get our act together at an important site like this.
We are doomed and the American Dream will die a horrible death if we don't turn this ship around.
We should be ashamed.
There is no excuse.
As the report said, they built the Empire State Building in a year in the middle of the Great Depression.
We went to the Moon in a decade.
When the ten year anniversary of 9/11 rolls around we'll be lucky if there's anything more than a big hole of dirt.
This is an unfortunate sign and symbol of the decay that has set in in this country. We have not headed warnings from the founders about the corrupting influences of corporate power and monied interests. We have ignored words of caution from the likes of Eisenhower ("beware the military-industrial complex") and MLK ("A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.") and wise political scientists (Paul Kennedy's "Rise and Fall of the Great Powers" of two decades ago warned of US "imperial overstretch). Comparisons with the Roman Empire are current and apt.
We not only don't make things of substance much anymore, it also seems we can't build anything anymore. Numerous countries build new skyscrapers while we can't even get our act together at an important site like this.
We are doomed and the American Dream will die a horrible death if we don't turn this ship around.
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