On another subject, manufacturing, as the basis for the economy, was mentioned by Mr Moyers almost as an aside. Let me propose that if domestic manufacturers had anything like the backing that is being showered on the Wall Street traders, we would make the world forget about China and other cheap-labor, off-shore manufacturers.
Andrew Bacevich did indeed nail it. We need to stop living beyond our means; we need to stop our dependency on oil, not merely foreign oil; we need to stop looking to blame so called "terrorists" (they are, more simply, murderers) for the problems lie within--recall Bush's response to 9/11; extraordinarily, he told us to go out and spend! Consumerism is a false god and deflects people from having to think. The so-called terrorists are the new "reds under the beds." Yes, they are a threat but we must devote appropriate intelligence to them not invade sovereign nations. We need to look for real change, fundamentally, to our system of government and representation. I suggest the only likelihood of success will come with the growth of a genuine third party, willing to achieve a different way of looking at the world. Let's ask both McCain and Obama to read Bacevich's book and then seek their reactions. I'd like the opportunity to vote for real change. Both promise it; neither will (or can) deliver it. And by the way, there is life after one's empire dies (look at Britain); not as powerful in the world but still playing a role (sadly, too often as America's poodle) so this is a good time for the US to begin thinking of their post-empire role.
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I found last night's interview with Mr.Bacevich interesting. I agreed with him to a great extent about the imperial presidency, but I don't agree with the profligacyof the America public. I am 59 years old and my lifestyle has been very similar to the lifestyle of my parents. The only difference is that in order to maintain that lifestyle (small house, camping vacations, used cars) I worked while my mother was able to stay home. My parents also didn't have to worry that they would be unable to keep health insurance even though they had a chronically ill child, and they were able to send me to college without taking out loans. I don't think profligacy is the cause of our problems. I would like to see Elizabeth Warren and Mr. Bacevich on the program at the same time. I believe that there differences in opinion as to how we got where we are would make for an interesting debate.
Something we've only touched on here that would be an essential component of the American Dream is Community. Since moving to Lancaster about 15 years ago (returning to my roots and remarrying) I've really been exploring the concept of community and find it very enriching. Social scientists were talking a lot back then about how we may live on a city street and see folks go in and out day after day without ever making contact. Here are some of the things my husband and I have done to help overcome this in our neighborhood, and, looking back, I believe it's made a difference. It doesn't cost a taxpayer's dime to say hello to a neighbor.--Say hello to the kids. They'll grow up some day, and you'd sooner have them with ya than agin'ya.--Get active with a your block association, even if you don't feel like it.--The city's approach to block associations had been mainly Crime Watch. (as in, "have you spied on your neighbor today?) Crime watch is actually important. We let each other know if we'll be away a few days and keep an eye open for suspicious activity. --But I got the idea we should have "Positive Neighboring". When we ran out of city officials to call in as speakers, we started having board game nights and a Christmas supper. We went Christmas caroling.--Have a block party. This August when we were giving out the hot dogs and krispie treats, I was wondering how many of those families were glad to have that simple supper that night. I began to wonder how we might reach out to one another as times are harder now. --Perhaps our churches could open up for more frequent meals to give our neighbors a bit of a break. We would all pitch in to cook and clean up, and everyone would be invited, poor or better off, because the focus would be on community, not on one group feeding the other.When we started attending our neighborhood association, it was a handful of seniors who'd been coming for years. But more recently we've had a wonderful influx of young 30-somethings come in. They're the ones who suggested the Christmas caroling. They let me sing alto. I was their token old person. Anyway, the surprise and delight expressed by the mentally delayed folks in the group home, and all the folks we visited, was priceless.
If PEOPLE POWER were to materialize I suggest no halfway measures.1. We must demand limits on wealth disparity and the prerogatives of the wealthy class in order to restore democracy and preserve the environment. Grassroots capitalism works to a degree with small entrepreneurship but is a failure otherwise. But do not be afraid if you are involved in a local enterprise or service for you will not be adversely affected.2.Corporate personhood must be abolished for accountability and transparency. Legislation to promote and mandate worker ownership and collective enterprise (nationalization of some vital industries and enterprises) is clearly necessary. Energy companies and utilities will be nationalized. The wealthy will be compensated with true security and respect of an egalitarian nature, but must be contented to retain capped amounts of property as per legislation. Those attempting to flee with our assets will be pursued and prosecuted, assets seized or frozen.3.Government will be made more glasnostic by the immediate abolition of lobbying and the ability of all individual taxpayers to designate the use(s) of their contributions. Some offices may be filled by lottery until public financed campaigning can be agreed upon. Some previous illegitimate wealthy and powerful persons may be excluded from holding office.4.Embezzlers, chislers and war criminals must face legal trials or at least hearings of reconciliation. Longstanding conspiracies and assassinations will be investigated publicly. The truth will out and we will face our national shames.5. Education is no longer compulsory, but is free and will be reformed to societal needs by public consensus. Community instruction will be funded.6.An environmental and energy emergency will be declared with lower speed limits, restricted traffic and ad hoc mass transit beginning ASAP.7, A national security strategy of protected domestic production of vital commodities such as food, clothing, housing, small-scale energy and medicine will be instituted and reinforced by tariffs and incentives. In many cases shipping for import/export wastes energy by impracticability and duplication and must be closely examined. Immigrants not wanting to return to the states of origin will be treated as citizens but all borders will be closed to immigration indefinitely, or until our economic adjustments can be stabilized.8.Legislative incentives will reward small property owners, worker and community owned enterprises for energy conservation and sustainable production.9. People will meet to plan and appropriate local greenways so that anyone can walk or bike safely to needed destinations, local or far.9.Predatory employments will cease and the resultant unemployed be reemployed in useful tasks. A living wage based upon costs will be enforced. The work week may be shortened to accommodate more employees.A minimum vacation and leave will be universal.10.All overseas military deployments not sanctioned by the United Nations will cease immediately and service personnel return home. Military expenditures will be minimized and reevaluated considering our new isolationist policies. No more empire: No more adventurism. We shall serve the world by example with caring generosity as we are able, and not by force, coercion or interference.11. We will criticize the violation of human rights wherever it may occur. Individuals may elect to volunteer as aide workers or peacekeepers, but only under the auspices and protection of the UN. Citizen committees will decide the role of any intelligence assets or agencies, such as spy satellites or electronic monitoring.12.(Could someone please provide input on public health , diet and right to treatment?)
I want to believe that if Obama wins everything will just be perfect, like Jon Stewart's very funny spoof of the Lion King. But that would be naive. Still, I have to have faith that the situation will be mostly better. He advocates for what's right, even if he can't get all those ideas through. I know our life was a lot better under Clinton than it has been under Bush. So there's hope.And I can see how many Americans are working for unethical bosses or companies. I've never been very good at making money, mainly because I was born without some kinda suck-up gene. I've been wondering lately what in the world CEO's do to warrant such outlandish salaries. I've come to the conclusion that it's blood money--paid to those who are ruthless enough to do whatever it takes. 2ff7e9595c
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