Our Future?

What lies ahead for you is not determined. Nor is it for me. Or any of us.

No, the future will unfold as long as there are tomorrows. What we do with it is another question. Open to wonder, isn’t it? What will tomorrow be like, what will my life become, how will we live with one another, and so many other questions to ponder.

It is fun to do so. Imagine what could be. Then imagine my own life and its borders and reaches. What will I touch? What will I feel? What kind of person will I be then? Will I know the influences that will shape me? Will I be in control of that? or any part of it?

Most likely not. We respond to something. It is almost automatic, without thinking. And the cause of the reaction is not in our control at all, either. It happens. IT. Whatever it is. And we roll with the pulses. If we are prepared for the event – the ‘it’ – then we might react with more finesse and polish; but most likely we are not prepared.

The future is like that. So are our reactions to the future. Sort of like ‘que sera, sera’, whatever will be will be. The Doris Day song of the 1950’s. A world then in stark change from World War II to whatever we all hoped it would become. The Cold War, though, took the fun out of it all. First the hope, then the fear, then the work to protect and defend, and then the despair, and then the wonder. Only wonder, not knowing.

We fear the unknown. We tie the bungee cord to our legs and leap into space, not knowing where we will land, crash, or bounce. Or even the trajectory – only that it is down, down, down. Reassurance when the cord reaches its extension and pulls the body upward, clear of the ground and a nasty landing. The cord worked. Someone’s calculations worked. The jumper is alive and exhilarated by the experience.

That alone informs us, and the jumper. But does it do more than just that? Does it teach us anything?

Perhaps we learn that a risk taken leads us over the edge of the known and survival and doubt provides a lesson only we who experience it can perceive. Just like so many other instances in life. Do something different and experience the difference. Like skiing for the first time, or zip lining through an equatorial jungle, or eating a strange cuisine. What awaits our action? Our daring?

Seems to me much of this is informational but not instructional. What might be worth much more of our time and effort is imagining what we want from life. Not the riches or the experiences, but the characteristics of a life well lived. What is that like? How is it defined? What clear objectives come into focus. Do we do this imagining often enough and with discipline that helps us discern what is important in life?

The world is a noisy place. Filled with visions, colors, happenings, and movement. Like the turning on of a well connected TV with 400 cable channels. Each channel switch comes with images, colors, motion and sound. Dizzying arrays of all of that – and more. Noise. Confusion. Distraction.

Yes we experience all of that, but it keeps us from concluding anything. Well, for me, I turn it off or hit the mute button! I can’t stand the overload of noise – both visual and audio. Too much stimulation; not enough discernment. What it means should be important. It isn’t, because it is too much. Scattered attention. No focus.

Like drugs, I guess. An addict takes chemicals into the body to detach from reality and escape from the noise. No conclusions there, either; unless, of course, too much is indulged and death results. Maybe not a conclusion, just an end. An untimely dead end at that.

Rather, I think we should think about what we want in our future that is of value. Not just for you, or me, but all of us. The common good of all of us on the planet. What would be of value to us all. How much of this thinking is common to us? How much agreement can we reach?

Here’s a start on some objectives: 

1. Clean abundant supply of water
2. Adequate supply of healthy food and diet
3. Shelter from weather, and natural elements of the outdoors
4. Clothing to cover and protect our body
5. Access to medical care to maintain health
6. Safety from immediate threats
7. Order to keep peace and cooperation among many
8. Freedom to pursue happiness as defined by each person 

Each objective has its role. Each is necessary for the person and the society. Each builds on a common platform that sustains an orderly life yet allows freedom to reach into the future. These are the building blocks of freedom and happiness. Each person will benefit from these. Together we can make it all happen.

As social complexity develops – as certainly it will, and has – the objectives may be altered or added to. But I bet most of those objectives will conform to the 8 listed.

At any rate, these are my objectives; perhaps yours are different? Give it a try and let’s compare. Nice beginning! And so easy to do. Why can’t this work for everyone?

March 3, 2017

Unreliable Times

The most unsettling thing about America these days is its unreliable nature. I thought I understood my neighbors, family and friends. But when discussion turns to news items it is clear not all of us are of the same mind. No, far from it!

The brother of one of my in laws – funny and quirky – but now I learn he is a Trump supporter. The truly odd thing is that he is a third first generation Hispanic born here of parents who were born in native lands – one Mexico, the other Cuba.

I suspect his perspective may be driven by stagnant career opportunities, but there are a number of ways to address that. Besides, his present circumstances are comfortable and he has a very happy life as far as I know of it. I don’t get why he would be so supportive of a person like Trump who so far has done nothing to change or even address the ‘needs’ of my relation. In fact the opposite is most likely going to happen: what he fears will worsen under Trump.

Look, I think the primary issues are these:

1. People fear that what America once was will be lost forever
2. Others fear Trump will actually make the loss more real 

Both sides are right. America of the 1950’s and 1960’s is gone forever. And good riddance. Those may have been simpler times and nostalgia is always a pleasant trip down memory lane, but often the trip is not realistic. It is overblown by emotions and attachments with others who are no longer with us; that is part of what we lost. But the social mores changed to better. The past was fearful of communists, conspiracies, Cold War destruction, the Bomb, and so much more. Our society was deep into racism and denial of that very same racism. It was also sexist. Male chauvinism was rampant, all in the name of polite society. Yes, Ma’am. No, Ma’am. Yes, sir! Let me hold that door for you. Oh please, take my seat!

Polite hid the fact that women were second class. They were to allow men to be held in higher esteem and assume leadership positions in everything – the church, society, politics, employers, schools and careers. It was the natural social order of the day. Period. And any woman who stated the opposite was an outsider and a firebrand. She was ostracized, too and labeled a hussy! Ooh, those were mean days.

We didn't talk nicely about others to their face; we did so behind their backs. Gossip was an industry. Not a proud one but it had stamina and staying power.

Education in those days was open to two groups – one with money to pay high tuition and fees, and another who had ability to succeed in the studies. No one else need apply. Scholarship was touted but not rewarded even then. Athletics were and still are.

Yes, those were the days. One car in most garages. Women stayed home to keep house and raise the kids. To say society was male dominated would be an understatement. Money was scarce for most families and vacations were simple affairs. One didn’t travel to exotic places unless the family had wealth. Job opportunities were also scarce. And to keep social order, we were constantly reminded the world was a harsh and cruel place where other nations were out to defeat us or destroy us. Bomb shelters were suggested as something we should all plan for. We didn’t because they were too costly and, in the end, thought to be futile anyway.

Yes I have nostalgia for those days but the good feelings were from my inevitable journey of maturation and coming of age. The process is scary but oddly rewarding and deeply felt. It is unique to each of us. Fondness of past memories of this time in our life is natural. Scratch the surface just a little and suddenly the ugly appears.

No; the past is past and we have come a long way to better times. The present is much better than the past. Certainly we are living in the best of times and the worst of times. Each age can claim the same for itself. It is inevitable to do so. Even proper.

Today has its beauty and ugly.

And we are the ugly if we allow it to remain. If we say Trump embodies what we fear, then what is it you wish for? What are your developed thoughts on that? I’m excited and anxious to hear what it is you feel is the desired outcome of your hopes.

So far all I can see is the downside of Trump. And that scares me. Please assure me my fears are unfounded. So far immigrants are not feeling safe; neither are transgenders; or women; gays; educated; aspiring thinkers and artists. So you see there are many who hunger for hopeful signs from you and your fellow Trumpeters.

We await your wisdom and messages of hope.

When might we expect to hear from you on this?

March 2, 2017

The Sides of Debate

I have always detested debate. On its surface it is meant to illuminate discussion so parties may come to a broader agreement on terms, facts and intent. My experience, however, has been quite the opposite.

Debates in America tend to be argumentative and manipulative. It tends to be all about ‘winning’ and not persuading. Especially if the persuading is based on fact, logic and truth.

What I want in a ‘debate’ is a logical array of the terms under discussion. I also need to know the expertise demonstrated by the debaters. If a speaker doesn’t have the credentials to make his points, then the argument is flawed. I prefer a lack of histrionics. Please; no emotional arguments that disguise the illogic of your argument.

Debates are supposed to be informative. An issue is defined for discussion. Its terms and boundaries are laid out. Sides step up to elucidate the points in favor of one side or the other. At the end of the debate, the audience is free to make up their own minds based on the logic and facts of the presentations. At the end, the audience has the goods available to understand the issue well and to decide how that issue figures into their minds, logic and conclusions pertaining to the many issues we live with on a daily basis.

However, this is not how debate is used in our nation. Rather, debate is used as a tool of propaganda.  Now, let’s turn to a definition of that term:   Propaganda: the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person; ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause; also :  a public action having such an effect  (Merriam-Webster)

You see the point: the purpose of propaganda is to mislead others.

History is filled with lessons to learn. The Soviet Union was huge on propaganda. Russia today continues that tradition. Public media is controlled by the government so the messages consumed by the public are of one voice and bent. Without facts and logic, such information is propaganda. The Nazis’ were also masters of propaganda.

In America we need look no farther than political parties. It is their job, after all, to gather supporters of a cause or point of view so they can turn that into votes and power in the political arena. It is this struggle for power and influence that has turned our political system into a debate with little value or truth. Government process thus is deflected and distorted. Left alone it might accomplish the public’s tasks and work. Interference, however, holds process hostage and progress is stopped dead in its tracks.

Witness gridlock in Congress. Witness a divided Supreme Court with 8 justices and a gaping vacancy. The list of damages to our system of governance goes on and on.

Today we have republicans, democrats, independents, libertarians, alt-right, and an army of disaffected. The arena is rife with struggle and conflicting messages. And thus the time is ripe for propaganda. Church and theology have crept into our political discourse in recent decades and have not helped illuminate healthy discourse. Ideology and its twisted logic has not been of help, either.

Worse, today we have a decidedly illogical presence in our news, press conferences, and government decisions. Today we have a repudiation of education, expertise, and logic. The argument goes: If you have a specific expertise to offer in our discussion, it is suspect as to its fairness. You are therefore not allowed to participate in our discussion.

How else can you explain the following:

1. Public education is a major building block of an educated citizenry; but now it is felt that educators have an ax to grind and cannot be trusted; thus private schools should be favored in education; and public dollars should pay for it via vouchers; public schools will need to find their own resources
2. Global warming is science run amok; eliminate the EPA and tell the White House staff who the EPA staffers are who have supported the global warming position these past several years
3. Oil does not pollute the soil, water or air. Only ideologues argue against drilling for oil in wilderness areas, oceans and populated areas. Rescind restrictions on oil well drilling and boost oil production
4. Scientists tell us alternative energy is possible and probable; but this will destroy the value of oil companies; ignore the scientists and support the hegemony of oil as the globe’s primary energy source 

I won’t go into other issues. You get the point. If the ends are not served by an expert’s well researched argument, then destroy the scientist and his science. Go with what makes you feel good.

The problem, of course, is that this is a power issue. And sharing power is not in the mix. Decidedly not! Power is only power if one party has more of it than the other party; else there is no ‘true’ power, right? Someone has to win; therefore someone has to lose.

My question is: Who are the true losers of this debate?

I shudder to think where we will be four years from now. If America’s promise is yet in her future, then we must all resist.

Resist!

March 1, 2017

Liberty & Equality

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution. The Constitution, written in 1787 and ratified in 1789, was viewed by many as not clearly stating the individual liberties protected by our new nation. So a few years later, December 1791, the Bill of Rights was appended to the Constitution.

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is a phrase we all know from our earliest classroom experience. It is in the Declaration of Independence written in 1776 and predates the US Constitution. The latter attempted a codification of the Declaration, but even then complaints were voiced to make the Constitution even more specific. The Bill of Rights was designed to address many of those complaints.

In the 226 years following, the Bill of Rights has been tested, adjudicated by the courts, and legal precedents derived. Still legal action is filed frequently to test the current meaning of the ancient vocabulary, and stretch definitions.

So, the first amendment dealt with freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances. In 2017 we are still testing each of these. There are limits to each to allow reasonable administrative remedies. This does not squelch those who petition for a broader or more specific definition, however. Today there are those who think their religious beliefs extend to them the right to legislate beliefs on others. Thus abortion has slipped into the religious legislation of the land. So too gender identification for use of public bathrooms.

Interesting turn, eh?

The Second Amendment regards the right to bear arms so that a well regulated militia could be secured. Somehow that ‘right’ has been extended to a dizzying array of weaponry all considered allowed by ‘arms’. And now we have homes, groups and institutions capable of, and actually armed to the teeth. For what purpose? Well we prefer not to define that, do we? It has to do with the freedom to bear arms, not the reason why this is so. Seems like a huge loophole to me.

The Third Amendment rarely is called into question, so we will skip it here.

The Fourth Amendment, however, is freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. Unless of course it is to determine whether your genitals are in fact in accordance with the public bathroom of your choice. Then it is anyone’s business to search (let’s not seize!) one’s privates. I doubt this was in the minds of our Founding Fathers.

The Ninth Amendment states: “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” This means that people may reserve rights to themselves that are not specifically included in the Constitution. However, passage of time and thousands of court cases later, most of the rights reserved have been defined and covered. And as history and culture continues to evolve those definitions and rights will be refocused and redefined as needed. The important thing here, however, is that the Constitution specifically stated that just because the ‘right’ isn’t specifically mentioned in the document, doesn’t mean that it will not be allowed in the future. A process will determine appropriateness of each and every incident in question.

So here we are in February 2017, and transgender rights and protections have now been removed by executive order. Abortion rights, the right for a woman to choose how her body will be used in continuing or ending a pregnancy based on her own evaluation of the issue, is in serious doubt. Equal rights to marriage is also open to change. Although settled law – both for abortion and equal rights to marriage – religious zealots have control of the votes in the Congress to authorize the changes.

This does not mean it is right. Therefore, the courts will once again be called to action.

Whether the courts are so constituted to administer these questions fairly, relies solely on the ideological bent of the justices sitting on the courts. That is the truth as uncomfortable as it is. Need I remind you these are the same justices who feel that corporations are people and thus able to donate endless amounts of money to congressional candidates? Just remember these same quasi-people are not allowed to vote! Some citizenship, huh?

If we claim to be a principled nation based on God and religion, then why has the primary commandment of all organized religion been pushed aside? You know the commandment of which I speak? Sure you do: Love God with all your heart, soul and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.

Pretty direct, and pretty unquestionable as to meaning. Treating others as you would like to be treated is the Golden Rule. It still makes sense today. Even more sense than political bickering in Congress and the White House. Why have they so forgotten the basics?

February 28, 2017

International Conversations

This blog experienced a large increase in readership in recent months. I think it began with our election in November. Shortly thereafter I noticed an upswing in European readership, mostly in France.

Thinking back on it I now realize that France has been rocked by two major terrorist attacks. Their national politics have also been wracked by issues surrounding immigration, contentions between Islam and Christian followers, and a host of interrelated issues. Caught up in this is France’s own national elections just around the corner.

Whatever the cause nearly 4000 readers per week were connecting to this blog. American readership was only 200. European readers of other nations were also signing in but so were readers in Russia, parts of the old USSR, and South America. Interesting statistics. I had no idea – still don’t – as to what is driving this interest. My hunch is that college or university classes somehow found my blog site and used it for peeking into the American culture and learning from it. I don’t know if they compared my material with other sites or what.

With France's elections on the threshold, my readership has just now begun to decline a bit.

So, what do you suppose our foreign readers learned? Was it about Americans or themselves or the status of the global community?

I wish there were more two-way communications so we could learn the why and wherefore of this readership. I want to know what they learned if anything. I also wish to know if their reading was helpful or of value to them?

Conversing between cultures is healthy, I think. For one thing it causes us to get outside of ourselves and think about someone else. That is always healthy. Broaden the mind and understand one another. It is not easy. Good Lord it isn’t easy in our own country! That is precisely why we must listen to other people and work to understand what they are thinking, feeling and valuing. If we do this perhaps they will do the same in return.

When that happens accurate communication is happening. The more this occurs the better our relations are and the closer we can work together to keep the world a safe and happy place. Maybe peace could break out spontaneously?

We can only hope for that! Meanwhile we have to do something to work toward that objective. Although we think our governments are doing this work we know they are not. They are too often sidetracked on other topics of questionable value and strategy. Some do this intentionally so proper topics are avoided. That is the purpose, after all, of propaganda. Its job is to mislead and misdirect. Plenty of that going on these days.

And America has a larger role in this today than it has in the past. Trump is a provocateur. His strength is propaganda. He influences rather than persuades. He trumpets nonsense as though it is truth and fact. So far his messages have been found empty of such. Thus the label is well-earned as propagandist.

Only normal, everyday citizens can counteract this. By reading, studying, listening and hearing what is actually being said, what are actually fact, history and logic, then we will easily show the propaganda for what it is. Falsehoods, sloppy rhetoric and laziness at the least. Propaganda intentionally spread at the worst.

Either way the messages are not healthy for the global community. No, we must fix this and as quickly as possible. America is better than hollow, cheap propaganda. Those who deal in this are not leaders. They are provocateurs and ought to be exposed for what they are.

It is up to you and I to do this hard work. I’m doing it now for 5 years. Hopefully you have been doing it far longer. Shall we continue on this track?

February 27, 2017

Age and Feelings

Today is my mother’s 103^rd birthday. She lives in Arizona where the sun nearly always shines. At her age, however, she doesn’t get out in the sunshine; she observes it from her assisted living center. She has friends, lots of them. She has family living nearby. She works crosswords several times each day and still reads a book a week. Yes she is aging; no she is not a shell of a person yet. Her horizons are limited but alive just the same. Very much so.

Today is also a dental day for me. Adjusting a lower partial to function better; filling some gaps that allow food to pack away between gum and teeth; and a time for more healing from a recent oral surgery before filling that gap with a indentured servant-tooth!

I had ignored my dental health for several years. Too costly to keep up with but the pain and growing disability of it all moved me to find a new dentist (mine had retired!). Luckily I found a very good fellow nearby. A referral from a friend. And he laid out a plan of attack that, with insurance, is manageable. This will take several months to complete. But the journey has begun and 4 weeks into it some bright light is visible on the horizon. The worse of the pain is over. Now to move on.

So, a major birthday for mom and major dental work for me. Such is life. It is immediate in our lives. For the rest of you – and for me as well – we have other news to digest and manage. Financial concerns. Weather concerns and challenges. Lifestyle issues, and health in general. Relationships. Traffic on local roadways. Politics. Governance. Trump!

Yes there are issues to be managed. Both age and feelings figure into all of the above. No matter that past experiences we still have today to live and cope with. My faith issue from yesterday is still too fresh to report on accomplishments, but they will come in time. Just more age and feeling to experience before the rewards are realized!

The business of life is daily. The future is yet to be. The past is over. Let today be the focus so tomorrow will be better for our efforts.

For now, just let me heal. I still have a delectable prime rib of beef to look forward to when I can chew it well and gain the flavors! Oh that it will be soon. For now I remember it well and look forward to a new memory to be born.

The drill awaits!  Happy Birthday, Mom!!

February 24, 2017

Turning it All Over

When I quite smoking I was prepared. Months of thinking about it. Setting the day of final inhaling of smoke. A supply of patches at hand to ease nicotine withdrawal. So I did it. I quit. Four weeks later I was done. No more hunger for nicotine. Just the remaining hand motions reaching for a non-existent pack in my shirt pocket. Now eleven years later I still find my hand wandering for the non-existent pack, but still no craving for a cigarette. I had the proper help to chemically kick the habit. The rest was behavioral habit and that is done with.

Kicking alcohol was different. There was the chemical dependency certainly, but the rehab center covered that with a dwindling dose of shots for a week. The rest of the process was social, behavioral, and psychological. Complex, surely, but manageable.

The process required group work and therapy. Sharing and fellowship was critical for the process to work. Reading and study was another component. Still is. Weekly meetings ensure the lessons are at hand to use in my own life as well as helping others do the same. Psychological issues dwelled deep and needed more expert help. Faith in something larger than myself, and outside of myself, was the key ingredient needed.

I had been a person of faith – religious faith – on and off for many years. It was not a certain faith based on dogma; no that sort of faith was not part of my heritage. Mine was intellect driven faith and it did respond to the need. When I called on it!

In Alcoholics Anonymous we are asked to identify a higher power to relate to, to rely on, to turn things over to. The latter is the important part. Something or someone to turn over the difficult things in life to. I could honestly name this as God. And did. I turned over my doubts, fears and dread to him (or her, as the case may be!). He or She responded quickly. Alcohol left my life. It has been almost 11 years since this happened. And I have not looked back. Only forward.

Today it is not alcohol that bewilders me. It is concern over my nation’s inability to face reality and honest governance issues. That scares the hell out of me.

As I was stewing over this recently I realized I needed help to overcome my fear and loathing. I needed to turn over my dread to a higher power, my God. This process is slow to happen, but certainly in my near future.

I will report here how I do. Meanwhile I must continue to help others with their alcohol slavery. That work helps me stay clean and healthy. Somehow I think the process will help me manage my other dread issues, too. I will try. I have faith that it will work. Already I feel better. Perhaps you would like to join me in this effort?

Americans have a lot of work to do. Accomplishing it will come from reserves of energy and faith. Best we get at it sooner rather than later. Wish us luck!?

February 23, 2017