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Bravo, Loren Bliss!
Another brilliant and complex comment!
My husband, also a Vietnam combat vet, thinks you should post this as an essay on various other progressive websites.
This comment, especially, cuts to the bone:
We the People have mostly been reduced to hopeless poverty and are now being slowly exterminated by deliberately genocidal cutbacks in social services.
The term my husband uses for this treatment of citizens is “structural violence.”
On another note, for those who believe that we need to “get out there and vote the criminals out of office,” please realize that voting results on the national level are totally manipulated; that the “vote” has been taken over by those dark forces behind computerized voting machines and software which calculates the votes.
Local elections in small communities may still have integrity; although they should also be scrutinized by a non-partisan panel of count-the-vote observers.
BMetcalf: I couldn't agree more! While the US is spending so much money in trying to overthrow various governments of other countries (either through fomenting internal dissent or supplying arms to people like Al Qaida rebels fighting in Syria) or bribing them to vote in the UN or illegally invading other countries they let the infrastructure and well being of their citizens suffer.
Good weekend to All
America has 30 million in need of a "living wage" say 10% of population using the (Debt interest imaging) method ,450 billion in interest becomes 9 million little house's 50,000 per.bought and paid for every year Just put a Freeze due to Economic Terror reduce the Bankster FED profit margin take away corporate wellfare.Basically retool the system. a shut down just like the World had no choice but to do durring WW2. Gwp skim bankster's beware!!
off topic :Marc last week mentioned the greatfull dead for our listening pleasure thumbs up great tunes for the weekend!or chill time April 1 is in 3day's some might remember Jokerman by Bob dylan the travelling wilbury's are great too Cheers All
Of course, drug abuse is not totally attributed to people who are poor. There are plenty of filthy rich people...who use and abuse drugs as well. Actors and actresses, top corporate executives, Wall street types, Presidents and Congress critters all are famous for having drug problems. I think that people get in to using drugs, and then get hooked on them, not because they are poor or any other excuse than that they are curious and just want to experience getting high. And once they get hooked, they're hooked, and they continue to use them not necessarily because they are trying to forget the past or the present. They get into it, initially, because they think it is fun or they are pressured into it by peers. Same goes for smoking or drinking liquor. People don't have to have some terrible condition, mental or physical, or poor to become a drug user or alcoholic or lung cancer waiting to happen. In fact, if people really couldn't afford to buy these things in the first place it would be much harder for them to get them.
Just watch the first 2 minutes of this video, the one I mentioned before (and below), and tell me that Clinton was not either hypnotized or on some kind of drug....the first part.. maybe the first 40 seconds..not the King interview.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWJrUYPr6r4
I think it would have to be coupled with wage and price controls to fend off what would surely lead to runaway inflation.
If only you could outlaw Greed.
I think the few that make the decisions for the rest of us in this country have a sick sense of worth from keeping us down, not to mention a monetary value that in reality is always empty. Sure it gives them a few more toys and a false sense of security. To explore ideas like this and set the standard for the world would mean people who now value money and only spend it when there is fear (obvious from the way its spent) instead of value going to making its people the center of their strength, which it turn would increase their spending power and portfolio's. These type of people only value think groups that say control is best done by keeping the majority just under broke for maximum control. They dont have the guts and spine to try something new and more prosperous. They obviously believe fear is the only power, even they are ruled by it, sad.
Even though its a 100% great idea that would work. To walk in a world where evolution was to better ourselves and those we love, instead of be a fear crawler has got to be a good thing. Real security comes from helping each other and caring for each other, not distancing ourselves and buying more toys that may or may not work.
Thanks Thom and Mike for telling the story that Big Media wont. I'm here to support your theory. In 2008 after losing my job that I had for over 12 years, My wife and i started being late with our HSBC morgage payments. It didn't take long for HSBC to start forcloser, 3 months when we got the first papers in the mail saying if we didn't pay off right then, in 60 days we would be getting an eviction notice. After many phone calls, true to there word we got a visit from the Sheriff telling us we had one month to vacate the .properties. That lead to our family being broke up, devorce and shame by our freinds and neighbors not to mention family.
I listen to you and Mike and wonder how this could have been all avoided if they would have taken the late payments and given us a chance to catch up. I live alone now and resently had to buy a used car because I just couldn't keep my old one going any more. I was suprised that a Bank would actuly let me take a small loan out to get me into the new to me/used car. But since then I have been inundated with Credit Card offers Home financing brochures and Life Ins. offers.
So the Sharks are still out their, trying to sucker people into there money making systems. I can only say I'm sorry to my children that our lifes were so changed, by unforseen happenings. I'm sure we could have saved more so when I lost my job we could have lasted longer before the sharks attacted, and I found new work. But that's history now. I can only hope my children will have some sort of future shot at the Amercian Dream.
Thanks
Roger
Loren, you're a cool dude. I have tremendous respect for your intellect, knowledge and wisdom. But sometimes I just can't help myself... know what I mean? Thanks for not taking offense at my wise-ass remark. - Alice I.W.
Wendalore sez: "What a lot of fun and funny comments!" We aim to please. Thanks for the acknowledgement.
Beyond that, there's lots of serious stuff in your post I feel compelled to answer, for what it's worth. And from my perspective, if it wasn't for all the suffering and pain in our society, there wouldn't be such high demand (no pun intended!) for hard drugs. I'm talking about a spiritual and emotional void so overwhelming, so hideous, as to create this unrelenting need for escape. You'd be amazed how many addicts were abused as children, enduring horrible traumas of the sort that alter brain development and cripple the spirit. Directly or indirectly, it relates to the uncertainty, stress and fear of living in a decaying empire where the socioeconomic system and culture are rigged against most of its people and as a direct consequence, toxic to family life. Because even in the best of circumstances, raising children can be very hard. When parents are over-stressed and ill equipped, it's the children who suffer the most.
For a study in contrasts, imagine a society that is more inclusive, that's about opportunity for all and upward mobility, where the pursuit of happiness and simple human dignity are emphasized and nurtured. Such a society would not create so many lost souls zoning out on lethal mind-numbing substances like heroin, frying their brains on crack and meth. It all boils down to a dance with death, Wendalore. But it's only a symptom, not the disease.
Mental health is a general state of wellbeing that enables one to function and thrive with some sense of purpose and self worth. That's how I'd describe it anyway. It seems inevitable that a few people would be content living simpler lives on a government subsidy of some sort, sacrificing status and certain comforts for the freedom of not having to earn a living by conventional means. I don't believe the value of human life should be contingent upon one's employability or role in the marketplace. Speaking for myself, if I was financially independent or receiving such a subsidy, I could be quite content living the reclusive life of a writer or composer, unburdened with the necessity of selling my work for profit. I'm not assuming those are the only circumstances in which I might thrive and be happy. Never having had the choice, I'll never know for sure. But the reality is that for a variety of reasons, not everyone is cut out to be a career person or entrepreneur, and function in the workforce. Frankly, I've always had difficulty accepting, as inevitabe or necessary, a way of life where the vast majority of us must spend most of our days working ourselves half to death just to get by. I don't think that is what life should be about.
Left to their natural impulses, Wendalore, most people would choose to lead purposeful lives, whether in or outside the marketplace. To be useful, to contribute to one's society and culture in a meaningful way that is appropriate to one's abilities and temperament, is a basic human need. But I have never believed the sun rises & sets in the marketplace of goods & services. There are other ways of contributing. The failure of our capitalist culture to recognize value in anything outside the marketplace is a major factor behind the spiritual malaise feeding into the void I described earlier in this post. In our current environment where for so many, working is more a form of bondage than self-empowerment or fulfillment, you're damn right it crushes the spirit. In such an environment, "freedom" is just an abstraction.
I don't think the problems you're describing are all that mysterious, Wendalore. While certain traits, needs and inclinations are universal to humankind, each one of us is unique in aptitude, personality and temperament. What suits one person just swimmingly could be torture for another. We're not meant to all be cogs in the same old wheel with everyone in lockstep. When there's not enough jobs for those who need and want to work, and most of us have to constantly struggle just to barely survive and function, and when the wealth we bust ass to create is stolen from us, and when so many are demoralized and frightened and isolated by poverty or the threat of poverty, you bet it takes a toll on mental health. We should be working to live, not the other way around.
Why are you threatened by the prospect of a safety net that keeps people off the streets and protected from the elements, that catches them when they fall? Do you really believe such a system would create a society comprised of nothing but deadbeats? And what of this "death of religion" you're referring to? Seems to me that with the steady erosion of that precious boundary separating church and state, religion has gotten too big for its britches. Maybe religion needs to be brought down to size. Creationism belongs in bible school, not the high school science lab.
What is inappropriate to civilized life is a winner-take-all system of abuse and exploitation that serves only a wealthy few, at the expense of everyone else. Long as this nightmare prevails, Wendalore, we will be plagued with drug addiction and mental health issues and crime and broken families and broken spirits. - Aliceinwonderland
Alice (and Marc), were Marcus Aurelius alive today, he'd probably pick Mickey Mouse as the definitive USian cultural icon too. Either Mickey or Elmer Fudd...
Hey, I've got nothing against Marcus Aurelius. I don't know doodily-do about him anyway; prior to this thread, never knew he existed! At any rate, don't be so friggin' paranoid. There's room in this galaxy for both Marcus and Mickey. - AIW
Mark sez, regarding the venerable Mr. Christie: "You and I know that his scandal was orchestrated and media sensationalized because Christie refused to tow the Repug line..." Yeah whatever, Marc. Far as I'm concerned, it's all a goddam circus of toxic clowns. I'd like to throw 'em all in a pit and watch 'em eat each other alive. Them and all their blow-dried, airbrushed, puppet pundit shills. They deserve each other, and we deserve better. - Alice I.W,
We might both be right, Marc. Maintaining brain health involves many factors, interconnected with all facets of what comprises general health and wellbeing. In our bodies as in nature, everything is interconnected. - Alice I.W.
If we can pledge aid to the Ukraine, why can't we restore unemployment benefits to those who are still in dire need of a little income to keep looking for work? And why can't we do more for our returning Vets? And how about restoring ALL the money scrapped from S.N.A.P. so the lesser children can at least have decent meals at school? The Republicans seem to have no problems giving away money to every other country but ours... and we elected them to represent US! This is NOT representing us, unless all their Districts are well-heeled and are looking to make a killing again if we get ourselves in another war. This isn't right, and I surely hope EVERYONE who doesn't agree with their actions will remember all that's happened recently when they go to vote in November. It's the only way we can keep some of our tax dollars here, and see them distributed to our hungry, our economic system, and out Vets.
Palin, Palin, Palin... hoping no one else would notice... on this open, public blog? Seriously?!
By the way Marc, I do miss Ugly Fluffy. I do I do I do. - AIW
Palindromedary ~ You might also want to consider a photo of the elusive Flying Spaghetti Monster as an avatar. Then I wouldn't be able to even consider this debate without laughing ;-}
Oh well, Good Night all. Can't keep the eyes open anymore.
Aliceinwonderland ~ Seriously? I thought sure you'd might miss ugly Fluffy too?
And what is wrong with Marcus Aurelius--may I ask? He's my favorite Roman leader as well--not to mention my name sake. (Not to begrudge anything from Mickey Mouse.)
Concerning brain function I personally believe that the main critical factors are heart health and diet. It doesn't matter what your body mass versus brain mass is as long as you don't have any nutrient deficiencies or impairment of oxygen flow to the brain. I would prioritized oxygen first over nutrients second. Regardless of body mass to brain mass ratio, oxygen flow and nutrients are by far the most critical factors. The third factor would be brain exercise. Use it or loss it so to speak. If you strain your brain regularly it will maintain optimal functioning. If you never use your brain it will atrophy.
Aliceinwonderland ~ Don't look at me. If you ask me the "Repugs" set a pretty low bar for themselves--so low in fact, that Chris Christie can pole vault over it, clearing it completely, without even using a pole.
PS You and I know that his scandal was orchestrated and media sensationalized because Christie refused to tow the Repug line. He was set up as an example. Not that he's completely innocent. Its just that in perspective, if you tow the line in that party you can get away with murder. Literally! If you don't you get busted for something--like a puppy getting his nose rubbed in his own poop. That is why it is a party that is so full of psychopaths. Only a psychopath can successfully tow the Repug line without question. Also, it is his decent--as well as his present company--that makes him appear as such a genius.
And the American cultural icon I have the most admiration for is Mickey Mouse. (Sorry Loren; couldn't resist!)
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lol-DAnneMarc! Who would ever have thought that this ancient blog back channel would still be active? I was really only trying to respond to chuckle8 and was hoping no one else would notice...I guess that was not the case. Anyway, I guess it's about time for me to say my prayers and go to bed. ;-}
You guys have contracted a severe case of debaters' diarrhea, a theological strain that is particularly virulent. The only remedy I know of is silence........ - AIW
I just wonder, though, how many smokers would spend their food money, or the food money of their families, on cigarettes. That's probably one of the worst addictions, and the leading causes of lung cancer, but people who smoke often will not admit this.
I know that my mom, who was a smoker (so was my dad). Both had a really big problem with the idea of smoking marijuana. And my mom would never admit that smoking was bad for her...definitely not as bad as marijuana. After all, they were exposed to all of that anti-marijuana propaganda while being promised that "more doctors recommend camels cigarettes". And we are still being inundated by marketing hype that causes us to believe stupid things. But, my parents would never admit (well, maybe my dad would have) that smoking was all that bad.
Surprisingly enough, my mom outlived my dad by about 20 years. And I am now older by several years than my dad was when he died. It's kind of weird thinking about it. I smoked in my late teens and early twenties but quit cold turkey (that's really the only way to do it as far as I am concerned).
So, there are people out there who can't afford to buy food for their families (so they claim...and I have no doubt that many are right in that assertion). But, some of those same people can go out and buy all those expensive cigarettes. They add to the burden of the cost of medicine for all.
Heavily taxing these things like cigarettes and booze and even high sugar content drinks will not really deter people from buying and consuming them...but the tax man sure does take in more money.
Maybe what they should do is make all people have an identification card that allows them to buy cigarettes, or other tobacco products, providing they are not on welfare or food stamps or other socialized program. If you are on those programs then you can't buy cigarettes. Same thing with alcohol or other non-essential items...like big screen TVs. Heck I don't even have a big screen TV.
And when they do that, they should do similar things with Corporate Welfare Queens. Tax them heavily if they offshore jobs and make it illegal to send money out of the country.
Make companies doing business overseas have to get special permits and limit the amount of money they use in doing business overseas. They should put a limit on the amount of money the top executives of corporations or businesses get in compensation. And tax the heck out of them. After all, they have been screwing us for over 40 years now.