It's been 10 years since the event that so shook our nation on 9/11/'01. I am having most of the same emotions as all Americans reignited on this anniversary. I feel like all the nationalistic mantras will be well-represented and so I don't think I can add anything to them, but I do wonder if there will be much attention given to our own national conscience. You know, that ethereal entity our country would rather keep in the closet. It's not easy to go in there. If I were to examine this emotion, I wouldn't do it to the exclusion of how real people lost real lives. Nor would I discount the fact that NYC and Wash., D.C. were brutally attacked not unlike Pearl Harbor was many years and many national identities ago. In short, I was as stunned as all of us.
But I hope others in this country are able to reflect on the big 'why' questions.
Why did this happen in the first place?
Of couse, the easy answer is that a fanatic religious leader led his fanatical faction of religious followers in a hate-filled attack against the West.
No, that's still the 'what' part of the equation.
The 'why', if one looks at it, isn't clear. Not unless you are able to just say it's all Al Qaeda's doing and then leave it at that.
I think that is what our leaders want us to do. Focus on one big boggie-man. Our leaders want us to believe that we have no culpability in the 'why'. It is the same reason we aren't asked to sacrifice much as individuals in any international conflicts anymore. We're told to go shop! Because, if we did have to sacrifice, we would invariably ask questions...questions like 'why?' Why do we care so much about the Middle East?
We're told, in answer to these questions, 'it is in our national interest'...'that our massive presence there is necessary.'
Now, I may not be the most intelligent person around, but I do know when someone isn't being upfront with me, and this response is anything but upfront. Do I need to know every detail about our involvement in any given region? No. But if our leaders are that unclear, I'm going to come to my own conclusions...and I can't help but think that 'our interests' are dubious ones.
They may not even be plural in number. It may come down to just one. Oil.
It's all about oil, folks, and this country may have put itself in the 'Ugly American' role to procure it.
What is the one basket America has put all their eggs in, so to speak? Force...military force. I can't pinpoint the date, but ever since that date, we've gone all-in with military power. That's what we do best. Think about it, though...is this what you want to hang America's collective hat on? Not that we shouldn't be able to defend ourselves, but with a calling card like that, we should probably expect other nations and entities to feel the pinch. We are the bullies of the globe and we're apparently proud of it.
I love Americans in general and their lively spirit in particular. But one trait that doesn't appear much in our national psyche is empathy. The ability to put one's self in another's place.
When I try to imagine what I would feel if I were a Muslim in the Middle East and saw the blatant arrogance that America displays in my country, it wouldn't take long for me to forget all the good the US had done in years past. It wouldn't take long for me to find other people just like me who felt the same way and were angry about it, too. And, knowing myself, it wouldn't be totally out of the question for me to want to be part of any movement to resist that international bully's destructive actions.
It's true that I probably wouldn't want to kill 3000 people in NYC, but I don't know all the facts...and our leaders aren't very forthcoming with those facts. I get a sense that there's plenty more than meets the eyes and ears here in this country. But the powers-that-be seem to like it that way, and this makes me very uneasy when I try to understand the 'why'.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Those Pesky Germans
In the news we hear that Germany has sworn off nuclear energy in the wake of the disaster in Japan, but the sentiment here in America is that of jealous scorn. "Look at those silly Germans! Scared-y-cats!"
This arrogant and ignorant reaction from people who SHOULD be wishing the Germans good luck in their decision is just about what I've come to expect lately, but it's doubly embarassing since it is Germany that has established a healthy solar energy policy over the past 12 years...precisely what SHOULD have been the case here. My prediction is that, of all nations, Germany will be where the least upheaval in national energy policy will occur because they haven't been afraid to subsidize new ideas with an eye to the future. While the rest of us scuffle over the last drops of (expensive) oil and deal with issues related to nuclear accidents and waste, they will have already set their compass with prudent action.
Of course, even Germany won't be able to escape the havoc America and other imprudent nations wreak upon the planet, but in a country where the national psyche has been guilt-ridden for decades, the German populace can at least hold their heads high knowing they've done the right thing.
Too bad America doesn't see things that way.
This arrogant and ignorant reaction from people who SHOULD be wishing the Germans good luck in their decision is just about what I've come to expect lately, but it's doubly embarassing since it is Germany that has established a healthy solar energy policy over the past 12 years...precisely what SHOULD have been the case here. My prediction is that, of all nations, Germany will be where the least upheaval in national energy policy will occur because they haven't been afraid to subsidize new ideas with an eye to the future. While the rest of us scuffle over the last drops of (expensive) oil and deal with issues related to nuclear accidents and waste, they will have already set their compass with prudent action.
Of course, even Germany won't be able to escape the havoc America and other imprudent nations wreak upon the planet, but in a country where the national psyche has been guilt-ridden for decades, the German populace can at least hold their heads high knowing they've done the right thing.
Too bad America doesn't see things that way.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Two Birds
I remember this little toy I had as a kid. A dinky electric generator attached to an axle that had a rubberized washer against which I'd run the edge of, say, the dining-room table, or desktop. This made the generator spin, of course, and the light attached to the generator would glow. It provided plenty of diversion for me in my 50's childhood.
I thought of this toy as I was pondering our nation's energy dependence on oil...mostly foreign oil...and how we seem to be backed up against a cliff in regards to just how dependent we are. The statistics are staggering. We use 25% of the world's energy while producing only 2%. Doesn't take much calculating to get a visceral feel for our addiction. I call it an addiction because, like a drug addict, we can't seem to find the will to change the numbers. I'm not naive enough to think it would be easy, but since when has anything of real value been easy to acquire. My dad gave me his Olds 88 and even though it was a great gift, it was hard for me to conjure up the sense of duty to maintain it the way I would've had I paid for it myself. (It took until I turned 30 before this thought crystalized in my head!)
Back to the toy. I thought of the toy in a much grander version and pondered ways to kill two birds with one stone...not literally, but in a symbolic way...two endeavors that tackle separate needs while locked together.
In my local YMCA I am mesmerized by the constant stream of exercisers enter and head to the treadmills and steppers and stationary bikes. They do themselves a service that will aid them in a multitude of ways. Are they vain? Maybe. Are they rehabbing? Could be. Are they aware of the aging process and, therefore, doing what they can to slow it? Possibly...but whatever their reasons they show up and do the work...the work that I believe can be put to an even more useful application.
Imagine all that torque, all that constant rolling, spinning, twisting action, being harnessed and applied to electric energy generation! Sure, it seems far-fetched, but since when is far-fetched a reason for defeat!? I don't think it's far-fetched to retro-fit a gym so that each machine is connected through gears and rods to transfer the requisite manpower needed to turn a turbine that generates electricity. How much electricity? It depends...but just think about the excitement that would be created when the Y tells it's members that their exercise will not only be for their health, but might also, say, power their community's street lights, or a sector of the power-grid! It only takes a small success in this field to send the message that others can jump on the bandwagon and add their own sweat to tackle energy independence in their own neighborhood. How many gyms are there in Nashville...Tennessee...the South...across the nation?
It's a big problem, our national health...and so is our energy situation. Two huge issues that people are struggling with. Two albatrosses, if you will. But these nasty birds can, and must, be defeated.
Something as simple as that toy I played with as a kid might tie these two issues together and provide a chance to take charge of both.
I thought of this toy as I was pondering our nation's energy dependence on oil...mostly foreign oil...and how we seem to be backed up against a cliff in regards to just how dependent we are. The statistics are staggering. We use 25% of the world's energy while producing only 2%. Doesn't take much calculating to get a visceral feel for our addiction. I call it an addiction because, like a drug addict, we can't seem to find the will to change the numbers. I'm not naive enough to think it would be easy, but since when has anything of real value been easy to acquire. My dad gave me his Olds 88 and even though it was a great gift, it was hard for me to conjure up the sense of duty to maintain it the way I would've had I paid for it myself. (It took until I turned 30 before this thought crystalized in my head!)
Back to the toy. I thought of the toy in a much grander version and pondered ways to kill two birds with one stone...not literally, but in a symbolic way...two endeavors that tackle separate needs while locked together.
In my local YMCA I am mesmerized by the constant stream of exercisers enter and head to the treadmills and steppers and stationary bikes. They do themselves a service that will aid them in a multitude of ways. Are they vain? Maybe. Are they rehabbing? Could be. Are they aware of the aging process and, therefore, doing what they can to slow it? Possibly...but whatever their reasons they show up and do the work...the work that I believe can be put to an even more useful application.
Imagine all that torque, all that constant rolling, spinning, twisting action, being harnessed and applied to electric energy generation! Sure, it seems far-fetched, but since when is far-fetched a reason for defeat!? I don't think it's far-fetched to retro-fit a gym so that each machine is connected through gears and rods to transfer the requisite manpower needed to turn a turbine that generates electricity. How much electricity? It depends...but just think about the excitement that would be created when the Y tells it's members that their exercise will not only be for their health, but might also, say, power their community's street lights, or a sector of the power-grid! It only takes a small success in this field to send the message that others can jump on the bandwagon and add their own sweat to tackle energy independence in their own neighborhood. How many gyms are there in Nashville...Tennessee...the South...across the nation?
It's a big problem, our national health...and so is our energy situation. Two huge issues that people are struggling with. Two albatrosses, if you will. But these nasty birds can, and must, be defeated.
Something as simple as that toy I played with as a kid might tie these two issues together and provide a chance to take charge of both.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Off Into the Wild Blue Yonder
There they go...up, up. and away!
Can't see them anymore...they've disappeared. Retirees...all of them, in one way or another. Just this week another high-proflie celebrity figure retired, as Oprah aired her last show. It was a big deal, and her fans got teary-eyed (on cue) as she hopped on the bandwagon to pasture with all the others cashing in their chips, calling it a day, packing it in.
Before I actually shed a tear, though, my mind, ever-inquisitive, wanders from the sendoff and wonders if all these people walking away from what seem to be lucrative careers are possibly one step ahead of the rest of us. Do they know something we don't? It's the feeling I guess a fly might get just one millisecond before the newspaper strikes.
I could understand if someone is retiring from digging ditches, but these people could REALLY just 'phone it in'! And if the gravy train has actually been derailed I'd like to know so I can...well, uh. Oh, maybe it wouldn't even matter. What would I do? Retire?
Can't see them anymore...they've disappeared. Retirees...all of them, in one way or another. Just this week another high-proflie celebrity figure retired, as Oprah aired her last show. It was a big deal, and her fans got teary-eyed (on cue) as she hopped on the bandwagon to pasture with all the others cashing in their chips, calling it a day, packing it in.
Before I actually shed a tear, though, my mind, ever-inquisitive, wanders from the sendoff and wonders if all these people walking away from what seem to be lucrative careers are possibly one step ahead of the rest of us. Do they know something we don't? It's the feeling I guess a fly might get just one millisecond before the newspaper strikes.
I could understand if someone is retiring from digging ditches, but these people could REALLY just 'phone it in'! And if the gravy train has actually been derailed I'd like to know so I can...well, uh. Oh, maybe it wouldn't even matter. What would I do? Retire?
Monday, March 21, 2011
You Know Your Society Is In Decline When...
I am often reminded of the comical Jeff Foxworthy when I look at our society today. Instead of 'You know you're a redneck when...' I can easily substitute, 'You know your society is in decline when...' and take your pick of the myriad examples one can plug in to follow. Not that it would be funny, though...just alarmingly true.
My latest plug-in is, 'You know your society is in decline when your government legislates individuals to use their seat belts, thus protecting us from ourselves, but they don't have the will to legislate against the use of cellphones while driving...thus allowing us to drive one-handed and half-brained. Does anyone actually believe the seat belt law would save anyone other than the fool who refuses to wear it? Yet with all the evidence of the dangers of cell phone use while driving, nearly every community balks at the thought of creating a law banning it. Must be because most legislators just can't fathom breaking their own lethal habit...can't think of any other reason... can you?
My latest plug-in is, 'You know your society is in decline when your government legislates individuals to use their seat belts, thus protecting us from ourselves, but they don't have the will to legislate against the use of cellphones while driving...thus allowing us to drive one-handed and half-brained. Does anyone actually believe the seat belt law would save anyone other than the fool who refuses to wear it? Yet with all the evidence of the dangers of cell phone use while driving, nearly every community balks at the thought of creating a law banning it. Must be because most legislators just can't fathom breaking their own lethal habit...can't think of any other reason... can you?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Right Wing Schism
It's probably not coincidence that the inception of the Tea Party came along when it did. This offshoot of the Republican Party had it's beginning in the wake of our Great Recession's wave of economic upheaval. Tea Partiers are fully aware that, as Republicans in sheep's clothing, they can rail against the myriad sins of their counterparts without fear of reprisal. That is, that under a new name, they aren't viewed as recent supporters of George Bush's administration.
The same George Bush, under whose leadership the nation slammed headlong into our long-overdue economic brick wall. Just recall the Liliputian Bush telling the American people in a televised address how the bailouts were necessary for any chance of avoiding catastrophy and you will realize how his previously faithful had to distance themselves from him for their own survival. Hence, the Tea Party.
A convenient birth since, under a new label, these right wingers could possibly convince enough lost souls of a grass-roots style entity with legs. I doubt that Tea Partiers can keep up the masquerade, although many people have forgotten when the schism occurred...and how important it was to find an effective hiding place for their ideological guilt.
The same George Bush, under whose leadership the nation slammed headlong into our long-overdue economic brick wall. Just recall the Liliputian Bush telling the American people in a televised address how the bailouts were necessary for any chance of avoiding catastrophy and you will realize how his previously faithful had to distance themselves from him for their own survival. Hence, the Tea Party.
A convenient birth since, under a new label, these right wingers could possibly convince enough lost souls of a grass-roots style entity with legs. I doubt that Tea Partiers can keep up the masquerade, although many people have forgotten when the schism occurred...and how important it was to find an effective hiding place for their ideological guilt.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Full Spectrum of Faith
It is said that we, as the flawed, semi-conscious beings that we are, will lean on our faith in trying times...that our faith will see us through the turmoil at hand to a more softly-lit existence.
Each of us holds a different view of our personal faith.
Some have the utmost faith that God will salve our wounds and we will emerge healed, through no effort of our own, save our faith.
Then there are those who have an undying faith in themselves...in their own ability to overcome tremendous trial and return to a place of hope by facing off with their adversity alone, drawing on personal strength.
These two paths are not at all opposed. They do not exist in a vacuum.
The deist must still fix coffee upon rising...go to work...return home to repair the leaky faucet. His inner human strength is needed to support his faith in God more than he may want to admit.
This, while the man who believes in himself as the last line of defense in life will probably not acknowledge the fact that, in his most stressful moments, he will cast his eyes skyward...in search of answers.
Each of us holds a different view of our personal faith.
Some have the utmost faith that God will salve our wounds and we will emerge healed, through no effort of our own, save our faith.
Then there are those who have an undying faith in themselves...in their own ability to overcome tremendous trial and return to a place of hope by facing off with their adversity alone, drawing on personal strength.
These two paths are not at all opposed. They do not exist in a vacuum.
The deist must still fix coffee upon rising...go to work...return home to repair the leaky faucet. His inner human strength is needed to support his faith in God more than he may want to admit.
This, while the man who believes in himself as the last line of defense in life will probably not acknowledge the fact that, in his most stressful moments, he will cast his eyes skyward...in search of answers.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A Pet Ownership Primer
This is my attempt to provide my community, and any community for that matter, an up-to-date primer to follow when considering the noble art of pet ownership. The main reason it is noble is simply because there are so many animals available with the need for a home. This fact, alone, makes it noble. Now, a person should decide why it is that they want the pet. To be noble? Companionship? Protection? The pet world is a broad marketplace that includes everything from cute to killer and usually someone who is after one extreme is not after the other. There are rules that govern pet ownership that vary from state to state also. Here in Tennessee there are leash laws that make it illegal to let your pet out of the home uncontrolled, hence the word 'leash'. This law covers all pets...from a cute little kitten to a vicious Doberman Pinscher. This is for the safety of everyone...not just pet owners. It also helps keep uncontrolled animals from crapping on private property. Other laws are noise ordinances. Here, constant barking or noise of any kind after 10pm until 7am is unlawful. It's a law, but a cop isn't going to enforce this without what is called a complaint. If any citizen's peace and quiet is disturbed in this way he or she can call in a complaint and there are proceedures whose ends are to put an end to the disturbance. The only problem seems to be that certain pet owners are aware of the rules and expend tremendous energy working around them. I've noticed in my neighborhood how the incessant barking of dogs curiously occurs during the hours when the Animal Control offices are closed, making it harder for someone to lodge a complaint. Some owners don't like the barking in their home...they can't sleep at night...imagine that! Some of them remedy this by letting the animal outside (fenced or chained of course) so everyone else can enjoy it. Multiply this by the uncanny numbers of what I'd call 'bad owners' and you can see how fast the neighborhood becomes a literal kennel. If you are thinking of joining the crowd as a brand new pet owner, the best thing to do would be to learn the rules, and keep one thing in mind that the rules do NOT explain...it's easy to love your pet but hard to remember not to force everyone else to.
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