Long Time No Write!!

Well I have certainly let much too much time go by without contributing to my blog. Being without a computer in my new apartment, (from which I will be moving in 2 short weeks), has led to my absence concerning the issues of today...that is my absence from this blog. My reading has not waned and my combative nature is as fiery as ever. A few of the things that I am working on now, and that I will be posting about, are:

--Updating weekly on Human Rights Watch and those states struggling for liberty and freedom
--The state of racism in this country and who is to blame for the class gaps still extant in the
U.S.
--Bridging communication gaps by learning multiple foreign languages
--An intense look at ideas for universal healthcare
--An intense look at free public education at the state university level

As my time is about to run out on my computer use I leave with the promise of a strong return. Time slips away so we must act now!!

La Inspiracion es simpatico con una mariposa!!

Translation: Inspiration is like a butterfly. She flits and flutters all around our head and we are lucky if she lands on our finger. In these days of war and politics we all search for peace within our own beings. Some, like the Objectivists and Libertarians, choose to secure only for themselves and feel society would benefit greater from each individual taking on a laissez faire attitude. Socialists are more mutually compassionate and we feel that certain individuals haven't the same opportunities as everyone else, and that, the stronger and more privileged can aid in helping to procure the aggrandizement of our culture. We must build together so that the foundation is strong. A slip-shod, individualistic society promotes the "virtue of selfishness" and condemns every citizen to a life of competition and hegemony.

My inspiration comes in many a varied form. At times, she has been a beautiful face and a compassionate heart. Most other times she has come in the form of a book that resonates within my pathos. If it takes 40 more years to kickstart this culture then so be it!! A life dedicated to awareness building is a journey filled with inspiration and compassion. The road less traveled by, at times, is lonely, but only the deepest of bonds are formed when a fellow traveller I do meet.

The Road Not Taken

..."Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less travled by,
And that has made all the difference.

It has made all the difference concerning those individuals brave enough to break away from the norm and energetic and positive enough to contribute thought-provoking, awareness building meditations. When meditations are clear, we then are able to reflect and, hopefully, act. If we are caught in the stream and maelstrom of the mundane, we may NOT have the ability or desire to diverge in order to seek out open minded perspectives. John Staurt Mill writes in his essay On Liberty that in order to come to the truth, concerning any and all matters, one must take into account, not only the prevailing opinions and ideology, but those, also, containing the polemic view. For the popular opinion, perhaps, may not be the half or whole truth and the yang to its yin is necessary to fuse the complete whole. Hegel provided this dialectic form of reasoning by explaining that true Reason is possible when the thesis collides and combines with its antithesis to elucidate a synthesis of Understanding. Is it possible to think differently than that which we have been raised and nurtured? If most citizens of this nation toil day in and day out, only to return home to a kiss from their significant other, a hot meal and reality television, where is the leisure time found to reflect on these issues? That is why honest and brave leaders must rise to positively infuse action and awareness into the lives of 300 million people.

Occam's Razor; or lex parsimoniae

Just to try and put our involvement in Iraq, and prior military engagements, into perspective for us "beasts," as Alexander Hamilton referred to the public majority, I want to use a heuristic theory proposed by a Fransiscan friar from 14th century England, William of Ockham. The theory states, "All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the right one." So when discussing foreign involvement and these supposed threats of terror to the United States of America that have been ubiquitous, at least, for 25 years, we may apply this theory to try and extricate the right answers. So I ask, "What is more likely? That poor, underdeveloped countries lacking the financial resources, military backing, and technological advances, (Grenada, Panama, Nicaragua, and Iraq), would pose a threat to a world power; and even if they did, were lacking in human intelligence enough to attack, or even provoke a war?" OR "By studying human history, and the ever presence of imperial powers with sights set on territorial/global hegemony and domination over the "weaker" states, and propagated by Machiavellian shouts of, "Might makes Right," would want to maintain their financial and militaristic strangle-holds, in said countries, with the notion of squeezing out all other competitors in this dog-eat-dog world in which we struggle to survive?"

How can we, as intelligent, thought provoking human beings sit here and believe all of the lies that have been regurgitated by Imperialistic nations, including our own, for centuries? If you don't enjoy studying history then you are only ignoring the facts. If studying historical facts in order to find the solutions in the present so that we may ensure a better understanding of the future is pointless, then we may as well continue living in this insular, protected bubble created by fear and competition.

Implementing the Truth in the Language of our Culture

To just turn on any news channel these days that support these, so-called, political pundits and experts has grown utterly tiresome. The rhetoric and political fear tactics that are used by presidential candidates, Republicans, Democrats, conservative media, left wing liberals, etc... proves only the ignorance and lack of knowledge and compassion that resides within our culture. "Should we pull out of Iraq, the the "enemy" will be victorious" or "by looking to remove our troops we are sending negative support for them." Look, everyone in this country agrees that those fighting and dying over in Iraq right now, albeit for an unworthy and unjustified cause, will continue to receive our support. How can we blame an 18 year old kid, who signed up for service because he lacked the finances for school and thought the Army would provide him with the means to do so at a later date? We understand they are citizens of this country. The troubling thing is that our Administration, or the "Establishment", doesn't seem too concerned for their rights. How can they purport to support them if they extend their tours of duty, thus extending their stay in a war that seems inert and unjustified?

The media and politicians want always to point fingers. What is needed are people working together to devise solutions. We certainly do not need combative and abusive language and literature, bashing each other and suppressing ideas and opinion. As citizens we were given freedom of speech, yes, but that freedom can be very damaging at times. Or to explore another aspect of free speech, who is to say those speaking from supposed expert fields really are knowledgeable or human conscious at all? Nobody knows. What we DO know is that the continual implementation of fear tactics and finger pointing merely skirts the issues at hand. Will anyone instigate free discussion that outlines solutions to our international involvement and foreign affairs? Will we the people ever hear even just a smattering of truth from the lips and pens of the U.S. government? While dollar signs and power trips continue to fuel the economy, these "experts" and leaders are all we are left with to decide some of the most crucial issues at one of the most significant and scary times in the history of this young nation.

Thoughts on....well, Thoughts

All sensations and their consequent effects upon the body and Reason can be compared to the mouth of any great river which empties out into a vast sea. Ideas flow freely upon the river, making their way towards the mass that welcomes them, sometimes slowing to a trickle, enabling us to wade long enough to engage in their meaning. Every citizen may sip from its waters as freely as it flows, and if so inclined, may sit nearby, under a shady spot, and contemplate its contents.

One only needs to witness the salmon swimming upstream once, however, to realize that not all of these ideas and thoughts flow as easily as prior Utopian feelings may have hoped for. The salmon work upstream, away from the mouth of the delta or outflowing of any stream or brook, in order to spawn and multiply their chances for its species' survival. Radical thought and ideas also wish to occasionally " swim against the current." We can all purge ourselves of every opinion and idea that arises in our brains , but can we also allow entrance of "external notions, apart from our foetal well of ideas and nourish them to become our own and One with the essence of Humans? That is, are we so egotistical, nay naive, to believe that all our opinions can be unleashed to the world but that there may be some eager ideas, (fighting the "bearish" tenacity of Society), that wish to find their home within us? Those thoughts not borne of ourselves, but rather, orphans to our souls to adopt and feed in order to culminate the Universal and "metaphysical animal."

The current flows in one direction, completely in it of itself, and always in our own finite conception of Space and Time, however notions struggling to make their way to the source, fighting the current, must also have their moment in the sun. Never shun that which doesn't derive from you merely because you distrust it. Open up to every possibility, especially those that have been fighting an upstream battle for all of eternity, and engage, (perhaps for the first time), in a more worldly, a more global, community. If given the chance, this society can multiply and live in the realm of tangible dreams.

Some Thoughts on Revolution

Revolution arises when a particular class of peoples, or cultures, reaches the point of enslavement, oppression and depression, that it fights to annihilate those oppressing and attempt to abolish any remnants of a culturally divided society. This is a social revolution. Political revolution is intertwined as well, to give a voice to the otherwise muffled mass. What is need here in the U.S. is a cultural revolution. For too long now our pop culture has weakened the spirit of the American people by subjecting them to mindless and mind-numbing television, internet and music, all contributing to a dissected mind and unfocused thinking. No longer do Americans feel the need to do much because so much is already done for them. Why study history when you need to pay bills and when the stress of everyday working life allows for only weekend picnics and prime time television? Why write passionately of our wants and hopes, or about morals and ethics, about the need for change, when www.justsitonyourasscuzweprovideeverythingyouneed.com exists? Why make music when Apple furnishes us with a gig of memory to listen to other peoples' songs? And what could possibly be the reason for us to travel in the Outback or Amazon or South Pacific, when "everyday" people are doing it for you on CBS? The reason is simple. As our political hold slips in the world our culture will be all that we have. Just as the early American Republic was founded on revolution and the search for better representation as humans and a nation, so must we fight again to achieve that status.

The economy and money-making should not make the American. Politics does not represent the people, even though our ignoramus of a leader projects a most damaging image of our citizens. It is the people that make up this culture. Black and White. Mexican and Native Americans. Asian and Euro immigrants. Are we to stand by while, not only our political, but cultural position turns sour and misrepresents who we Americans really are? Parents, educate yourselves each day so that your children grow into worthy citizens who are AWARE. Too many families are based on those individuals searching for their place, too afraid to educate themselves on a human conscious level, and as a result, procreation becomes their validation; their reason for being here, if you will. What happens is a cultural circle that revolves around itself, egoistic and selfish in nature. If parents do not take chances by travelling the world or even just questioning their surroundings, what, pray I ask, is the percentage their children will?

Revolution starts by grasping the root, but perhaps we must not, first, plant the seed until all aspects of photosynthesis are understood. If not, a fecund-less, synthetic society will continue to exist, and that prolific America idealised by Franklin and Paine will never again be realised.

The Conquest of Happiness

After having finished reading the above mentioned work by Bertrand Russell I felt the need to reaffirm the sentiments espoused within the essay. We all suffer from lack of thoughtful moments in our lives when reflection and awareness of our own happiness is the main priority. We feel that just by going to work, or feeding our children, or kissing our spouse and loved ones, a productive and practical day has been achieved. What we tend to forget, (or perhaps have never known), is that there exist much deeper levels to personal happiness; the deepest being that which contributes to the overall happiness of others. My position in this world has been one of leisure, thoughtfulness, and reflection. Due to the fact that I have not inundated myself with overwork or stress, and also because I am single and have no one to provide for but myself, I understand my point of view may be quite different than many others. I only wish to relate that happiness is all about passion for life. Happiness is all about positivity and projecting its essence into/onto all that you come across on your journey. Happiness is also about a multitude of varied interests that may occupy the mind instead of thoughts that are of a work-related or stressful nature.

We have all heard that saying, "Life is short," but have we all really taken in the true meaning of it? What is our place here on Earth? One of my coworkers and I had a discussion recently on why we, as privileged white Americans, were not born into a depressed and poverty-stricken 4th world nation? Whatever your beliefs may be, that of a transmigrating soul, Heaven, the spirit, you can still question why others must suffer and many others live a privileged and oblivious life. It is not too much to ask this question in order to become aware of the many aspects of living that surround us. With an oscillating mind and piercing eye we can begin to comprehend just how lucky we are. Perhaps these thoughts and emotions will begin to grow into practical living to ultimately reshape this egoistic, capitalistic, and selfish culture, here in the United States.

A poem from 11/19/2001

Waves break upon the craggy shore,
spewing their misty entrails out into the cool air
while the sun melts in a westerly fashion, overtaking the sea,
hiding yet again from those who don't believe in the precious moment of Now.

A mind flits and flutters like gulls on the shore,
fighting for nourishment in order to feed the moment, and
gain strength for the next.

The splashing of waves echoes in the ears of awakened souls, and
those seeking to be so enlightened; revealing past and future of time standing still,
of motionless bodies, and minds holding reign in the kingdom of eternity.


And just a couple of months later...

My eyes open to the morning sun peeking through my shades,
Wiping away the night I stretch with anticipation of the present.
While inspiration waits for my entrance into the bright afternoon,
my senses peak with dawn's light.

The beginning an end

A chance to smile again, to weep for the suffering, and
push forward with the movement of freedom.

All five senses fuse to form the mighty receptor; lightning veins
coursing through the body capable of welcoming in passion and beauty
in order to fuel our reason for being.

Allow for intoxication of the Now, no other spirit can boast this high.

Moving with the ease of confidence and the anticipation of peace,
I follow my dreams
The sun emits its most powerful rays of light
and heat, while folks live each moment in darkness,
Look up to find what we tread on each moment, the Earth--
our reason for living.

While the sun and moon trade places in the orange horizon,
our ideals remain constant
Even if clouds cloak the brilliance of the sun,
or the majesty of the moon,
be sure there is a light that shines for all.

Somewhere, while you weep in depression,
Light makes its way across the universe.

A Rebuttal

Someone chose to comment on this blog about the "art" of achieving ones' dreams. I fully agree with the fact that one must be 100% committed to the task at hand. What I found comical was the fact that socialism was being categorized as an excuse. Socialism is a way of life that seeks out the answers to all of the social inequalities that exist in our society. One must be human conscious to explore the foundations of socialism. My passion for anarchy and progress is fueled by the iniquity of the American culture at present. I choose to blog about the topics to open up a discussion of said inequalities. The pursit of my professorship is another path that may lead to more possibilities of this discussion. Socialism puts everyone on the same playing field. For too long humans have been embroiled in the competition of life. We have spent our entire lives looking out for our own immediate security and the procurement of that goal by whichever means possible. In the meantime, classes of people and entire cultures suffer mightily due to this egoistic and insular way of life. My dream is to profess about experiences and life, about history and cultures. Socialism binds people while capitalism pits them against one another. Why not find the beauty of the pursuit of our dreams together rather than solely for yourself?

Chasing Our Dreams

We all heard about following a dream while growing up. "What do YOU want to be when you grow up?" is all we heard in our youth. But why must we stop asking ourselves this question on a daily basis? If we did not grow up to be firemen and nurses or doctors and astronauts who is to say that we should stop chasing dreams? My dream for the past 4 years has been to pursue a PhD degree with the hopes of becoming a college professor. Those of you who know me also know that it has been quite frustrating applying and, consequently, waiting to be rejected. And as the last of this rounds' rejection letters trickle in, I focus even harder on my dreams.

I had been chasing the professor dream because I feel I have many experiences and things to teach to students. Yet, perhaps, that is not to be my fate. The bureaucracy of this whole process has proved cynical. Because my GRE scores are not up to snuff, I don't qualify for admission. How about the person? How about my dedication and passion for cultures and education? If we all stay positive then positivity will reign throughout our lives. I feel I have things to say and if it is not meant to be in the lecture hall then, perhaps, through articles and essays.

This whole rant is meant for those of us that have given up the pursuit of dreams. If we have done so then we have given up the pursuit of happiness. Everyone's dreams are different and as long as happiness is the goal, all are justifiable. Always ask yourself if your dreams are being taken into consideration with everything that you do. A more dream-oriented society makes for a progressive one which could lead to more socialistic tendencies within our competitive culture.

Where is the Reaction against the War?

By clicking on this title you can see how the protests against the war in Vietnam was critical in shaping the culture of this nation. Our seeming lack of resistance now only emboldens the war machine and subjugates we citizens that much more. Sir Isaac Newton said in his Principia "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Well, where is the reaction to murder?

Shall We Continue to Fund the War?

Check out this website. It breaks down the defense spending during the war on Iraq and how much we taxpayers contribute to the senseless deaths on both "sides" of the war. Don't miss the explanation about why the human resources section of the federal spending pie is significant hint: (we are paying off the interest of prior military engagements). Sounds to me like America is all about its militarism,( as well as corporatism and totalitarianism), rather than the amelioration of its citizens....hmmm...sounds like something I have heard of before, Fascism.

"Get Up, Stand Up"

As Bob Marley sung in the '70's we should be fighting for our rights everyday.

check out his lyrics

Positivity, Recognition, Cooperation...all must reenter our lives. Not to make room is to accept the drudgery of the mundane. Fight the temptations that consume us. They exist to keep us in line with all the rest. Pursuing alternative methods is unacceptable in the public eye. Revolt against the norm. Time wastes away while we stand motionless amid zombies too afraid to overcome their internal fears. It has been programmed in our DNA since the inception of jealousy, envy, hubris, capitalism and greed.

Cynicism fights its way to distort our minds like a worm in our intestines. It f's with our psyche in a way that, eventually, conforms with most other Americans. This is the ultimate plan. Human depravity...Negativity...Fear. All concepts contributing to the mass inertia which makes up society. Stand up. "Beat to a different drummer."

It will be most difficult, though. Most everyone will want you to fail. "Success in another is failure in ourselves." At least, this is what they want you to think. We all belong to the same group and are all part and parcel of the human race. It is not a competition. It's a brotherhood. Religion does more harm than good by setting up dualities which, significantly, polarizes human beings. And when our own president publicly advocates Christian-based reformations against abortion, stem cell research, and gay marriage, the disillusioned masses are easily swayed. "If you accept Christ then you will achieve Heaven. If you do not, then Hell is your punishment." Should we adhere to a belief system that excludes others and does not set up a cooperative society looking to reach out to everyone? Let's change our mindset. In turn, we may seriously alter the public perception and shift more towards a mutual brotherhood of social proportions.

Oh one more thing for now. I deplore the fact that when I ask people how is everything going, the stock answer is almost always, "Same old same old." This phrase carries such a negative undertone. Most say it with a sigh. The next time somebody asks you this, try something original and honest. If things could be better then say that. An open dialogue will lead to more awareness.

"Paine-full" words of advice

"Ignorance...once dispelled...is impossible to reestablish. It is not originally a thing of itself, but it is only the absence of knowledge; and though man may be kept ignorant, he cannot be made ignorant." -- Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man

Paine's is the revolutionary voice that we are lacking in the present day. There is certainly nothing wrong or illegal about standing up for a powerful cause...even if it may go against the grain.

Welcome to my quasi-daily rant on awareness

Most of you who will be viewing this know that I am a bit of a preacher when it comes to addressing diversity, learning, and awareness. This blog is meant to share a lot of my writing, my influences, and, hopefully, your feedback. I will be posting work from my journal along with quotes from a lot of influential people in order to jump start a movement. The American culture is stagnant right now and lacking individuals who truly epitomise the American voice. I am NOT saying that I am that voice, however, I am frustrated at the state of the union, and more importantly, the state of the American culture.

At times, the rants may sound "preachy," revolutionary, anarchistic, and even naive, but I promise they will never carry a cynical tone. Let the political parties duke it out over Iraq while "we the people" voice our opinion. If governmental resolution is impossible than it is up to the American people to criticise and help solve these ongoing issues: racism, ignorance, globalization leading to unemployment, imperial war mongering, American Governmental strong-arming, and education.

Please join me on this journey of self discovery and awareness, if only for a moment in your busy day. By just addressing these issues we may be on the path of awareness which leads to a mass resolution to the iniquities of the government and the aggrandizement of the American culture.