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No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session.
Somebody has to do something, and it's just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Democracy in Action!
Just did a mass emailing of my last blog post to all the members of parliament in Ottawa, except the conservatives (they have enough problems without hearing what I think of them and their shenanigans). I'm sure once the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc read my post it will encourage them even more to form a coalition to take this country forward, that obviously the conservatives were unwilling or unable to do because of their build-in biases and small-mindedness.
On the home front, for years we have had a local MLA (Coutts), a mayor who is a long standing member of the conservative party here in this province, and for decades a conservative provincial government. Despite all that we here in the Crowsnest Pass got 'nothing'! Maybe, some federal attention needs to be brought here to check into why that is?
I know that Western Economic Diversification (Federal Ministry) that oversees our local Community Futures (Economic Development) office, is presently looking into why these entities that are suppose to be lending out money to community economic development initiatives and local individual entrepreneurship, have instead, for years, been hoarding the money instead of loaning it out to the people, as is suppose to be their mandate.
Back when I was on council, I found out (and spoke out about) our local Community Futures Bank having over $1 million dollars sitting in their bank, for three years running. Today, I hear that figure is $2.7 million. Back then and today, I still have people coming to me telling me they have either been given the brush off outright, or been denied help, after due process, in financing their economic initiatives.
My point is we as a community have suffered economic stagnation for too many years for it to be an accident or just bad luck. We need an investigation into why our fortunes have been so bad, while all our neighbours are 'enjoying' relative prosperity compared to us.
Maybe, an email campaign needs to be initiated to Western Economic Diversification, our provincial 'conservative' government (probably a waste of time) and the federal government?
The main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything - or nothing.
On the home front, for years we have had a local MLA (Coutts), a mayor who is a long standing member of the conservative party here in this province, and for decades a conservative provincial government. Despite all that we here in the Crowsnest Pass got 'nothing'! Maybe, some federal attention needs to be brought here to check into why that is?
I know that Western Economic Diversification (Federal Ministry) that oversees our local Community Futures (Economic Development) office, is presently looking into why these entities that are suppose to be lending out money to community economic development initiatives and local individual entrepreneurship, have instead, for years, been hoarding the money instead of loaning it out to the people, as is suppose to be their mandate.
Back when I was on council, I found out (and spoke out about) our local Community Futures Bank having over $1 million dollars sitting in their bank, for three years running. Today, I hear that figure is $2.7 million. Back then and today, I still have people coming to me telling me they have either been given the brush off outright, or been denied help, after due process, in financing their economic initiatives.
My point is we as a community have suffered economic stagnation for too many years for it to be an accident or just bad luck. We need an investigation into why our fortunes have been so bad, while all our neighbours are 'enjoying' relative prosperity compared to us.
Maybe, an email campaign needs to be initiated to Western Economic Diversification, our provincial 'conservative' government (probably a waste of time) and the federal government?
The main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything - or nothing.
Political Quote vs Conservative Government
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy. - Ernest Benn
The above quote pretty much sums up the recent actions of the Conservatives. Harper once again tried playing political brinkmanship, instead of doing his job of running our country to the best of his ability, during these difficult times. He has shown us again, he is not a leader of all the people, only a leader of some of the people (Reform/Conservative).
I welcome a coalition government and truly believe more good will come from them (as history has proven) than anything we can expect from the conservatives, whose only mandate will be to take advantage of our economic crisis to enrich themselves, and their friends, at the people's expense.
Hearing that feelings of despair and inferiority are unequally distributed does not move conservatives. Under meritocracy, it is just deserts.
Republicans (Conservatives) do not believe that people can work together and help each other so they do not believe in government and law. Instead they believe in a dog-eat-dog, everyone on-their-own and out-for-themselves society where the strongest survive and it doesn't matter what happens to everyone else. So whenever conservatives gain power they abuse it and use it to get money for themselves and their friends.
The above quote pretty much sums up the recent actions of the Conservatives. Harper once again tried playing political brinkmanship, instead of doing his job of running our country to the best of his ability, during these difficult times. He has shown us again, he is not a leader of all the people, only a leader of some of the people (Reform/Conservative).
I welcome a coalition government and truly believe more good will come from them (as history has proven) than anything we can expect from the conservatives, whose only mandate will be to take advantage of our economic crisis to enrich themselves, and their friends, at the people's expense.
Hearing that feelings of despair and inferiority are unequally distributed does not move conservatives. Under meritocracy, it is just deserts.
Republicans (Conservatives) do not believe that people can work together and help each other so they do not believe in government and law. Instead they believe in a dog-eat-dog, everyone on-their-own and out-for-themselves society where the strongest survive and it doesn't matter what happens to everyone else. So whenever conservatives gain power they abuse it and use it to get money for themselves and their friends.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Economic Development (or lack of)
Attended last night's meeting of REDA (Regional Economic Development Alliance) which is better known as the Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance. For those that don't know, this is a group that I am proud to say I was part of forming some years back when I was on council that was then known as MMERI ("Mounties to Mountain Economic Regional Initiative") and which is a joint venture of approximately a dozen or so communities (including our own) whose mandate is to promote economic development in our region.
Well, last night I went expecting (hoping) for news of an economic initiative to take place in the 'Pass. Instead, I was 'floored' to discover that it was yet again 'another' fact finding mission i.e. what kind of development would you like to see in the 'Pass?, who should the partners be?, etc. The questions being asked were the same one's we went through some ten years back when we went through the S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis exercise, when we first formed this group. Talk about re-inventing the wheel! Needless to say, I was totally disappointed at the lack of progress made over the years, and hold out little or no hope of economic relief coming soon from this quarter, on our community's behalf.
On a brighter note, I did get to meet the new Community Futures General Manager for Pincher Creek whose name is Tony Walker. I was quite impressed with him. However, I was not impressed that he and his assistant along with another resident from Pincher made the trip to the 'Pass to participate at this meeting, while our own Community Future's office people, did not. Speaks volumes, I think!
To sum up, I think it is quite clear that not only do we have a serious economic crisis happening here in the 'Pass with even more dire predictions of economic collapse on the horizon for our community, but we also have people running our economic engine that appear to be just going through the motions (if even that).
For the life of me, I don't understand why with my countless times demonstrated commitment to this community, council background, experience, drive and vision, I have never been asked to join the board of our local Community Futures Board? In fact, they did not even return my call to their office of a week or two back. Go figure!
Is a shake up needed here? I think so! But it will not happen until we have the right people in positions to turn things around, rather than the one's we have now who's only mandate, it appears, is to preserve the status quo.
In our own society, we love competition and we promote inequality... we have become a steeply hierarchical society, and this is with popular support. We are choosing inequality through government economic policies that chronically distributed wealth unfairly.
Well, last night I went expecting (hoping) for news of an economic initiative to take place in the 'Pass. Instead, I was 'floored' to discover that it was yet again 'another' fact finding mission i.e. what kind of development would you like to see in the 'Pass?, who should the partners be?, etc. The questions being asked were the same one's we went through some ten years back when we went through the S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis exercise, when we first formed this group. Talk about re-inventing the wheel! Needless to say, I was totally disappointed at the lack of progress made over the years, and hold out little or no hope of economic relief coming soon from this quarter, on our community's behalf.
On a brighter note, I did get to meet the new Community Futures General Manager for Pincher Creek whose name is Tony Walker. I was quite impressed with him. However, I was not impressed that he and his assistant along with another resident from Pincher made the trip to the 'Pass to participate at this meeting, while our own Community Future's office people, did not. Speaks volumes, I think!
To sum up, I think it is quite clear that not only do we have a serious economic crisis happening here in the 'Pass with even more dire predictions of economic collapse on the horizon for our community, but we also have people running our economic engine that appear to be just going through the motions (if even that).
For the life of me, I don't understand why with my countless times demonstrated commitment to this community, council background, experience, drive and vision, I have never been asked to join the board of our local Community Futures Board? In fact, they did not even return my call to their office of a week or two back. Go figure!
Is a shake up needed here? I think so! But it will not happen until we have the right people in positions to turn things around, rather than the one's we have now who's only mandate, it appears, is to preserve the status quo.
In our own society, we love competition and we promote inequality... we have become a steeply hierarchical society, and this is with popular support. We are choosing inequality through government economic policies that chronically distributed wealth unfairly.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thank you, John!
So now that we have gotten through revolutions, spiritual guidance (or how to 'reasonably' deal with today’s chaos) and a totalitarian future filled with mind chilling mediocrity and dread, what else have I got to say about this beautiful planet we call earth? How about, life is still great and a Happy Holiday Season to one and all!
Meanwhile, I’m going to a public Regional Economic Developments Alliance Consultations meeting at the Centre, tonight. That should be interesting, since we haven't been getting any... development, that is. It seems everybody else is getting 'fat and happy' (as I've put it before), while we have been starving. I'm going to bring my bowl, and like in Charles Dickens’s book, ask: "Please sir, can we have more?" Please???
I wonder how much these guys really know about our circumstances here? Are they oblivious, or just resigned to the realities that are in play here? I wonder?
One thing is for sure, they, and our local Community Futures (Economic Development) office have been doing a 'lousy job' in 'communicating' what they are all about, and what they do. Obviously, what they have been doing hasn't been working! I believe it is because they have been hindered by micro-managing know it alls, who obviously don't know it all, because they have successfully run us into the ground.
Understand, we are headed into more increases in property taxes next year (and the years to come). At a time, when we are also headed into the 'mean years', having no reserves and deep in debt. Thank you, John!
Greed is the acquisition of a desirable good by one person or a group beyond need, resulting in unequal distribution to the point others are deprived.
Meanwhile, I’m going to a public Regional Economic Developments Alliance Consultations meeting at the Centre, tonight. That should be interesting, since we haven't been getting any... development, that is. It seems everybody else is getting 'fat and happy' (as I've put it before), while we have been starving. I'm going to bring my bowl, and like in Charles Dickens’s book, ask: "Please sir, can we have more?" Please???
I wonder how much these guys really know about our circumstances here? Are they oblivious, or just resigned to the realities that are in play here? I wonder?
One thing is for sure, they, and our local Community Futures (Economic Development) office have been doing a 'lousy job' in 'communicating' what they are all about, and what they do. Obviously, what they have been doing hasn't been working! I believe it is because they have been hindered by micro-managing know it alls, who obviously don't know it all, because they have successfully run us into the ground.
Understand, we are headed into more increases in property taxes next year (and the years to come). At a time, when we are also headed into the 'mean years', having no reserves and deep in debt. Thank you, John!
Greed is the acquisition of a desirable good by one person or a group beyond need, resulting in unequal distribution to the point others are deprived.
THE DAY THE DOLLAR DIES
Notes on book written in 1973, by a Bible-thumping conspiracy theorist, that has much in the way of relevancy today. See what you think?
... they who control the credit of a nation direct the policy of the governments and hold in the hollow of their hands, the destiny of the people.
He who controls the money of a nation controls the nation.
Financial panics are scientifically created.
Give me control of a nation's economy, and I care not who writes its laws.
Money plays the largest part in determining the course of history.
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark... or the number.
70% of all American expenditures on medicine was an effort to calm the nation's ragged nerves. (imagine what it must be today?)
John's prophecy of a day when the world would not buy and sell with silver and gold nor any other currency but only with a number system.
Money was as man's life. He earned it by the brilliance of his brain, or the sweat of his brow.
To understand the history of the past, and the prophecy of the future, was to have complete comprehension and understanding of the present.
... interest accruing on huge national debts could destroy the economy of the nation and the sovereignty of the individuals.
History shows that no economy of the past has ever survived when the taxation has reached 30% of the nation's income.
Give us depression or problems, but not inflation, for it spells eventually certain death to any economy.
They turned their eye to the United Nations and to the agency that had been established within the UN called the International Monetary Fund.
They who control the credit of a nation direct the policy of the governments and hold in the hollow of their hand the destiny of the people... those who controlled the finance of a nation represented power greater than any other legislative body.
... it is too late for the little people to turn back the tide.
The world is governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who are not behind the scenes.
... war debts allowed to continue would soon burden the people of the world with such indebtness that it would take most of the earning power of the masses simply to pay the compounding interest.
... the world was swiftly moving toward centralized government and universal control.
Growth in the world is self-defeating, and the planet cannot any longer sustain additional life. We are now moving toward social and biological collapse... exploding population threatened famine, increased pollution threatened poison, atomic weapons threatened destruction.
The earth that spins on its axis at 1,000 miles an hour also moves through space in its elliptical orbit around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour.
... the earth's weather is manufactured in an envelope of atmosphere about eight miles high that encloses the world... the amount of precipitation in the form of rain in any given area appears to be affected by the electrical balance between earth and air. The earth carries a negative charge. This is constantly being ionized by cosmic rays from the sun. Nature has set up an amazing system of re-balancing the positive-negative between earth and air. But, said the scientists, men seem to have upset this balance with the radioactive fallout.
... forfeiture of rights by individuals and nations being pushed daily nearer to a form of world government.
Old fashioned patriotism is surely an obstacle to world government.
The best revolutionary is a youth without morals.
Religion is the opium of the people. Religion is a kind of spiritual gin, in which the slaves of capitalism drown their human shape and their claim to any decent human life.
Their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions.
On October 1, 1949, Mao, in order to crush resistance on the home front, ordered what he called Mass Shock, in which 12 million were wiped out.
In our time it is not our custom to give any consideration to the weak.
The USSR is guilty of committing spiritual murder, a variant of the gas chamber but more cruel.
What you have is mine, and if you do not give it freely, we will take it from you by force.
A world under law is realistic and obtainable. The ultimate crisis before the UN is the crisis of authority.
"Pax Orbis ex Jur" meaning "World Peace by World Law."
... an executive with substantially greater powers than those now exercised by the Secretary-General of the UN. A judiciary system modeled after the world court. Decisions enforced by a world police force, under the command of a world executive.
Interpret us... as puzzled, yet aspiring men, struggling on the possible brink of Armageddon.
So foreboding was the prospect of atomic annihilation that many people sought to build around sensitivities of their inner soul an insulation of indifference.
... we made idols of self-reliance, self-confidence - self-centeredness.
Hedonism, hatred of morality, mindless violence - and amongst our youth, bitter rejection of authority and a blaming of "those in charge" for the hopeless mess the world is in. And escape - into alcohol, drugs, Eastern mind religions, anything to get as far away from reality as possible. But there is no permanent escape, save one.
Hegel who wrote that the individual exists only for the state, the state is divine, the absolute end, the true God, the divinity which enjoys an authority and majesty absolute.
I believe in the philosophy of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. From its present antithesis, I believe the world is moving toward a new synthesis.
Humanity is so accustomed to failure it still assumes failure to be normal, and does not realize that it has literally earned - and actually acquired - the capability to take care of everyone on earth at a higher standard of living than ever heretofore experienced by anyone... we now have the capability to support all life and are not doing so means we have to introduce a new system. One that can make the world work.
Sovereignty must go; that means also the interests which sovereignty protects must be recognized as out-moded in character and dangerous in operation.
Strong, one-man civilian control of America's giant military establishment is vital to the nation's well-being. The concentration of authority is inevitable.
If man was willing under crisis to commit total and absolute power to an individual leader of the nation or the world, how sudden and complete could be the revolutionary new methods swept in by such a man!
We are all under an obscure domination. It is by Satan, the prince of this world.
... Who can rule men if not he who holds their conscience and their bread in his hands?
Lucifer would give his wisdom and power to those who would be leaders of the final form of government in which sinful man would rule the world.
No where in the world is there greater spoil than the oil of the Middle East.
... wealth of the Dead Sea with its limitless deposits of potash and other chemicals. Added to all of this is the importance of the Middle East geographically. Some have crudely but aptly referred to the Middle East, in the center of the globe as "the jugular vein of the World."
World control Ah, yes, that has been the dream and desire of Lucifer through all of the ages. Follow me! he cried, Obey me! Worship me! Ye shall be as Gods, and the glories of this world shall be thine.
Among those willing to follow Lucifer were the money changers whose God was Mammon. Though Christ drove them from the temple, they did not disappear from earth. The Luciferian Society of money changers became the unseen rulers over kings and princes.
They are driving toward complete control of the world's long-range monetary policy - for their own profit. They foment foreign wars to aid this objective.
The world system will be praised and promoted by brilliant men. With eloquence and apparent logic they will persuade men that this is the path to peace and security.
The world leader will rise to power with flattery and gain complete control of the military and monetary powers of all nations.
Wealth is a tool of freedom, but the pursuit of wealth is the way to slavery.
... they who control the credit of a nation direct the policy of the governments and hold in the hollow of their hands, the destiny of the people.
He who controls the money of a nation controls the nation.
Financial panics are scientifically created.
Give me control of a nation's economy, and I care not who writes its laws.
Money plays the largest part in determining the course of history.
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark... or the number.
70% of all American expenditures on medicine was an effort to calm the nation's ragged nerves. (imagine what it must be today?)
John's prophecy of a day when the world would not buy and sell with silver and gold nor any other currency but only with a number system.
Money was as man's life. He earned it by the brilliance of his brain, or the sweat of his brow.
To understand the history of the past, and the prophecy of the future, was to have complete comprehension and understanding of the present.
... interest accruing on huge national debts could destroy the economy of the nation and the sovereignty of the individuals.
History shows that no economy of the past has ever survived when the taxation has reached 30% of the nation's income.
Give us depression or problems, but not inflation, for it spells eventually certain death to any economy.
They turned their eye to the United Nations and to the agency that had been established within the UN called the International Monetary Fund.
They who control the credit of a nation direct the policy of the governments and hold in the hollow of their hand the destiny of the people... those who controlled the finance of a nation represented power greater than any other legislative body.
... it is too late for the little people to turn back the tide.
The world is governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who are not behind the scenes.
... war debts allowed to continue would soon burden the people of the world with such indebtness that it would take most of the earning power of the masses simply to pay the compounding interest.
... the world was swiftly moving toward centralized government and universal control.
Growth in the world is self-defeating, and the planet cannot any longer sustain additional life. We are now moving toward social and biological collapse... exploding population threatened famine, increased pollution threatened poison, atomic weapons threatened destruction.
The earth that spins on its axis at 1,000 miles an hour also moves through space in its elliptical orbit around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour.
... the earth's weather is manufactured in an envelope of atmosphere about eight miles high that encloses the world... the amount of precipitation in the form of rain in any given area appears to be affected by the electrical balance between earth and air. The earth carries a negative charge. This is constantly being ionized by cosmic rays from the sun. Nature has set up an amazing system of re-balancing the positive-negative between earth and air. But, said the scientists, men seem to have upset this balance with the radioactive fallout.
... forfeiture of rights by individuals and nations being pushed daily nearer to a form of world government.
Old fashioned patriotism is surely an obstacle to world government.
The best revolutionary is a youth without morals.
Religion is the opium of the people. Religion is a kind of spiritual gin, in which the slaves of capitalism drown their human shape and their claim to any decent human life.
Their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions.
On October 1, 1949, Mao, in order to crush resistance on the home front, ordered what he called Mass Shock, in which 12 million were wiped out.
In our time it is not our custom to give any consideration to the weak.
The USSR is guilty of committing spiritual murder, a variant of the gas chamber but more cruel.
What you have is mine, and if you do not give it freely, we will take it from you by force.
A world under law is realistic and obtainable. The ultimate crisis before the UN is the crisis of authority.
"Pax Orbis ex Jur" meaning "World Peace by World Law."
... an executive with substantially greater powers than those now exercised by the Secretary-General of the UN. A judiciary system modeled after the world court. Decisions enforced by a world police force, under the command of a world executive.
Interpret us... as puzzled, yet aspiring men, struggling on the possible brink of Armageddon.
So foreboding was the prospect of atomic annihilation that many people sought to build around sensitivities of their inner soul an insulation of indifference.
... we made idols of self-reliance, self-confidence - self-centeredness.
Hedonism, hatred of morality, mindless violence - and amongst our youth, bitter rejection of authority and a blaming of "those in charge" for the hopeless mess the world is in. And escape - into alcohol, drugs, Eastern mind religions, anything to get as far away from reality as possible. But there is no permanent escape, save one.
Hegel who wrote that the individual exists only for the state, the state is divine, the absolute end, the true God, the divinity which enjoys an authority and majesty absolute.
I believe in the philosophy of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. From its present antithesis, I believe the world is moving toward a new synthesis.
Humanity is so accustomed to failure it still assumes failure to be normal, and does not realize that it has literally earned - and actually acquired - the capability to take care of everyone on earth at a higher standard of living than ever heretofore experienced by anyone... we now have the capability to support all life and are not doing so means we have to introduce a new system. One that can make the world work.
Sovereignty must go; that means also the interests which sovereignty protects must be recognized as out-moded in character and dangerous in operation.
Strong, one-man civilian control of America's giant military establishment is vital to the nation's well-being. The concentration of authority is inevitable.
If man was willing under crisis to commit total and absolute power to an individual leader of the nation or the world, how sudden and complete could be the revolutionary new methods swept in by such a man!
We are all under an obscure domination. It is by Satan, the prince of this world.
... Who can rule men if not he who holds their conscience and their bread in his hands?
Lucifer would give his wisdom and power to those who would be leaders of the final form of government in which sinful man would rule the world.
No where in the world is there greater spoil than the oil of the Middle East.
... wealth of the Dead Sea with its limitless deposits of potash and other chemicals. Added to all of this is the importance of the Middle East geographically. Some have crudely but aptly referred to the Middle East, in the center of the globe as "the jugular vein of the World."
World control Ah, yes, that has been the dream and desire of Lucifer through all of the ages. Follow me! he cried, Obey me! Worship me! Ye shall be as Gods, and the glories of this world shall be thine.
Among those willing to follow Lucifer were the money changers whose God was Mammon. Though Christ drove them from the temple, they did not disappear from earth. The Luciferian Society of money changers became the unseen rulers over kings and princes.
They are driving toward complete control of the world's long-range monetary policy - for their own profit. They foment foreign wars to aid this objective.
The world system will be praised and promoted by brilliant men. With eloquence and apparent logic they will persuade men that this is the path to peace and security.
The world leader will rise to power with flattery and gain complete control of the military and monetary powers of all nations.
Wealth is a tool of freedom, but the pursuit of wealth is the way to slavery.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Life's Purpose
Your life may be cut short at any time; therefore, your life should have a deep purpose, a significance that will not depend on whether it is short or long.
There is only one way, if you want to live without understanding the meaning of your life: to become addicted to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, and to live in the world of permanent entertainment.
This world is not a joke but rather a place for a trial, a way station to a better, eternal world. Our purpose is to make it a better and more joyous place to live, for those who live with us and those who come after us.
Our soul's perfection is our life's purpose; any other purpose, keeping death in mind, has no substance.
- A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy
The joy of your spirit is the indication of your strength.
There is only one way, if you want to live without understanding the meaning of your life: to become addicted to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, and to live in the world of permanent entertainment.
This world is not a joke but rather a place for a trial, a way station to a better, eternal world. Our purpose is to make it a better and more joyous place to live, for those who live with us and those who come after us.
Our soul's perfection is our life's purpose; any other purpose, keeping death in mind, has no substance.
- A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy
The joy of your spirit is the indication of your strength.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
THE REVOLT OF THE MASSES
In the last couple of weeks, I called for a Revolution but nobody came. I was sooo crushed! But hey, life goes on...
Have a book stacked among many waiting to be read with the above title, written by Jose Ortega y Gasset. The reason I mention this is because the one thing I do know about this book, is that it is about 'social upheaval'. We all might as well have a read (which I am going to do this weekend), since this is what the world is going through, as we speak, and the path we will be on for some time to come.
Social upheaval is good, because it usually results in the spreading of the wealth (wealth will be redistributed, either by politics, or by revolution). For too many years now throughout the world the rich have been getting richer and the poor poorer. That needs to change! And it will!!
Some days, I want that change to happen 'yesterday', as I am so sick of today. The change I speak of is not just a fairer and more equitable redistribution of resources, but a paradigm shift in our thinking. This dog-eat-dog society we have created suits the industrialists and big corporations, but it destroys the rest of us.
Today, it seems we are so busy building that nobody plants anymore:
Never build, but always plant: in the case of the first, nature will interfere and destroy the creation of your work, but in the case of the second, nature will help you, causing growth in everything you planted. The same thing happens in your spiritual life: those things which are in harmony with the eternal laws of human nature will grow, but those things which correspond to the temporal wishes of people will not.
The planting of ideas and new ways of thinking and doing is what is called for here and now. From a small seed grows the mighty oak tree. As above so below.
When I sit on the seashore and listen to the waves beating on the sand, I feel free from all obligation, and I think that all the people of the world can change their constitutions without me.
Have a book stacked among many waiting to be read with the above title, written by Jose Ortega y Gasset. The reason I mention this is because the one thing I do know about this book, is that it is about 'social upheaval'. We all might as well have a read (which I am going to do this weekend), since this is what the world is going through, as we speak, and the path we will be on for some time to come.
Social upheaval is good, because it usually results in the spreading of the wealth (wealth will be redistributed, either by politics, or by revolution). For too many years now throughout the world the rich have been getting richer and the poor poorer. That needs to change! And it will!!
Some days, I want that change to happen 'yesterday', as I am so sick of today. The change I speak of is not just a fairer and more equitable redistribution of resources, but a paradigm shift in our thinking. This dog-eat-dog society we have created suits the industrialists and big corporations, but it destroys the rest of us.
Today, it seems we are so busy building that nobody plants anymore:
Never build, but always plant: in the case of the first, nature will interfere and destroy the creation of your work, but in the case of the second, nature will help you, causing growth in everything you planted. The same thing happens in your spiritual life: those things which are in harmony with the eternal laws of human nature will grow, but those things which correspond to the temporal wishes of people will not.
The planting of ideas and new ways of thinking and doing is what is called for here and now. From a small seed grows the mighty oak tree. As above so below.
When I sit on the seashore and listen to the waves beating on the sand, I feel free from all obligation, and I think that all the people of the world can change their constitutions without me.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Who cares? Not the residents of the Crowsnest Pass. That's for sure!
Well a week has gone by since my last post and judging from the lack of comments it received, as well as, our local Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting this week being eerily similar to Nero playing his fiddle while Rome burned, it is obvious to me this community has a serious case of 'lack of intestinal fortitude', with respect to dealing with our on-going economic crisis. No wonder the powers that be have such an easy time of things here.
As things are here, so are they elsewhere in our province and country. A people who have never lost a war against despots and tyrants from other countries who would enslave and exploit them, raise not a finger against those who subject them to these same indignities and injustices here at home, by their own kind. Go figure!
I was recently asked by an editor of a local newspaper to write a letter to the editor about our economic woes and the general state of our economy. But why bother, when the apathy in our community is so thick you can cut it with a knife.
... democracy cannot be advancing if its parts are autocratic.
As things are here, so are they elsewhere in our province and country. A people who have never lost a war against despots and tyrants from other countries who would enslave and exploit them, raise not a finger against those who subject them to these same indignities and injustices here at home, by their own kind. Go figure!
I was recently asked by an editor of a local newspaper to write a letter to the editor about our economic woes and the general state of our economy. But why bother, when the apathy in our community is so thick you can cut it with a knife.
... democracy cannot be advancing if its parts are autocratic.
Friday, November 7, 2008
What is to be done?
The talk around town lately is one of despair and lost hope, over our community’s economic ills and failures. Infighting, apathy and hopelessness with our situation also seems to be running rampant. So much so, that as a Realtor, I now see along with the regular exodus from our community, we are now losing many well-known and beloved long-time residents as well. They like so many before them have given up and are moving away. Is it any surprise? Is it any wonder?
It seems communities all around us are getting 'fat and happy', while ours continues to slowly starve. Obviously we have a problem, and some say a ‘dire straights’ type situation that requires immediate attention. In this regard, I have been asked to speak out and say something. The following is what I have to say:
I think it’s quite clear to most of us that the people in charge of our community’s ‘economic engine’ have failed us, badly! Something must be done, but what?
Consider the following:
The Economic Development Board (Community Futures) which is dependent on its funding from the federal government and, in part, from our municipality is 'secretive and aloof', and not transparent and inclusive, as it should be and as one would expect. Going as far as telling a recently appointed council member to its board, to 'get lost’. Now, today, I hear on the radio they no longer require or want the annual $20,000 our municipality gives them. Is this an attempt by them to maintain their secrecy, now that they are threatened by council representation on their board, other than by the mayor? It sure sounds like it! They are obviously running scared, which suggests they have something to hide? Some people in our community think this Board and their bank are being utilized for self-serving purposes, rather than what their mandate calls for, which is to promote 'community' economic development and local entrepreneurship.
The Chamber of Commerce tries its best to promote our community, while being hampered in their efforts by having to contend with constant fallout from all the infighting that takes place here. While at the same time, being forced to walk a ‘tightrope of public opinion’, at times, for not being ‘political’ enough.
With respect to council, who still have two years remaining in their term, the Centre issue has polarized them into two camps. They are divided, leaderless (for all intents and purposes) and are working at cross-purposes. Don’t look at council to get us out of this mess (although recent councils (and its leadership) are largely responsible for getting us into it). They can play a role, but a supporting one at best.
The actions (or inactions) of the above groups make me think of the Three Monkeys (Hear no evil/ See no evil/ Speak no evil) as far as economic development (or the lack of) in the Crowsnest Pass goes. What we need is one smart monkey, instead of the three not so smart ones we have now.
In this regard, I think a ‘joint committee’ (Community Initiatives Group) should be formed, made up of representatives from the above three groups (as well as certain members-at-large from within our community of communities). They then can collectively and democratically select a leader (chair) from among themselves, and having the support and mandate from the above three groups, meet 'regularly' (monthly) to tackle our community’s pressing economic and social problems.
If someone has a better idea, your community would love to hear it?
"Work for a great idea, and you arouse ideas in your own mind. Great ideas produce great thoughts, and great thoughts produce greatness in humanity. A person is exactly what one thinks oneself to be. Therefore, the one who thinks great thoughts must necessarily attain greatness, and the simplest way for anyone to form the habit of thinking great thoughts is to work for great ideas."
It seems communities all around us are getting 'fat and happy', while ours continues to slowly starve. Obviously we have a problem, and some say a ‘dire straights’ type situation that requires immediate attention. In this regard, I have been asked to speak out and say something. The following is what I have to say:
I think it’s quite clear to most of us that the people in charge of our community’s ‘economic engine’ have failed us, badly! Something must be done, but what?
Consider the following:
The Economic Development Board (Community Futures) which is dependent on its funding from the federal government and, in part, from our municipality is 'secretive and aloof', and not transparent and inclusive, as it should be and as one would expect. Going as far as telling a recently appointed council member to its board, to 'get lost’. Now, today, I hear on the radio they no longer require or want the annual $20,000 our municipality gives them. Is this an attempt by them to maintain their secrecy, now that they are threatened by council representation on their board, other than by the mayor? It sure sounds like it! They are obviously running scared, which suggests they have something to hide? Some people in our community think this Board and their bank are being utilized for self-serving purposes, rather than what their mandate calls for, which is to promote 'community' economic development and local entrepreneurship.
The Chamber of Commerce tries its best to promote our community, while being hampered in their efforts by having to contend with constant fallout from all the infighting that takes place here. While at the same time, being forced to walk a ‘tightrope of public opinion’, at times, for not being ‘political’ enough.
With respect to council, who still have two years remaining in their term, the Centre issue has polarized them into two camps. They are divided, leaderless (for all intents and purposes) and are working at cross-purposes. Don’t look at council to get us out of this mess (although recent councils (and its leadership) are largely responsible for getting us into it). They can play a role, but a supporting one at best.
The actions (or inactions) of the above groups make me think of the Three Monkeys (Hear no evil/ See no evil/ Speak no evil) as far as economic development (or the lack of) in the Crowsnest Pass goes. What we need is one smart monkey, instead of the three not so smart ones we have now.
In this regard, I think a ‘joint committee’ (Community Initiatives Group) should be formed, made up of representatives from the above three groups (as well as certain members-at-large from within our community of communities). They then can collectively and democratically select a leader (chair) from among themselves, and having the support and mandate from the above three groups, meet 'regularly' (monthly) to tackle our community’s pressing economic and social problems.
If someone has a better idea, your community would love to hear it?
"Work for a great idea, and you arouse ideas in your own mind. Great ideas produce great thoughts, and great thoughts produce greatness in humanity. A person is exactly what one thinks oneself to be. Therefore, the one who thinks great thoughts must necessarily attain greatness, and the simplest way for anyone to form the habit of thinking great thoughts is to work for great ideas."
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Yes We Can!
Today is a brand new day and a brand new world, and it's about bloody time!
For those of us who lived through the Sixties with its unfullfilled great hope and promise of a better future for all, only to have right-wing ideology steal it away from us with their failed and deceitful promises of trickle down economics and their religious fundamentalism, today is a truly great day indeed.
The world wants change and now that Obama has been elected that's what they will get. Welcomed change! A bright new day and future is what is in store for all of us, after so many years of a selfish, arrogant, intolerant and greedy ideology that very nearly brought the States and the world to its knees. The whole world is rejoicing and celebrating the end of a dark era and the beginning of a new period of promise, hope, understanding, tolerance and a renewed sense of social activism and empowerment.
For far too long people have been blinded by a false ideology. Obama is the shining light that will lead the way. Together, we will change the world! Yes We Can!!!
To attempt seeing Truth without knowing Falsehood. It is the attempt to see the Light without knowing the Darkness. It cannot be.
For those of us who lived through the Sixties with its unfullfilled great hope and promise of a better future for all, only to have right-wing ideology steal it away from us with their failed and deceitful promises of trickle down economics and their religious fundamentalism, today is a truly great day indeed.
The world wants change and now that Obama has been elected that's what they will get. Welcomed change! A bright new day and future is what is in store for all of us, after so many years of a selfish, arrogant, intolerant and greedy ideology that very nearly brought the States and the world to its knees. The whole world is rejoicing and celebrating the end of a dark era and the beginning of a new period of promise, hope, understanding, tolerance and a renewed sense of social activism and empowerment.
For far too long people have been blinded by a false ideology. Obama is the shining light that will lead the way. Together, we will change the world! Yes We Can!!!
To attempt seeing Truth without knowing Falsehood. It is the attempt to see the Light without knowing the Darkness. It cannot be.
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