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In this article the author does an excellent job of describing the difference between the approach of conservatives compared to progressives in the creation of think tanks. The extreme proliferation of conservative think tanks has created a wedge in our political structure. Progressives have not come close to having such a strong effect. Progressives have made a consistent mantra of the sacrifice of wealth as the proper approach to solving world problems. That is a tough sell. To ask people who have to give up to those who do not have is not going to win a popularity contest with the haves. What progressives need to espouse is the raising of all boats. MB
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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This article by Robert Reich (Secretary of Labor under Clinton) is very clear and instructive. He posits that the way for us to improve performance is educating the lower classes so each goes to the next plateau. Sort of the 'historical mandate of raising all boats'. That will give us greater prosperity in material and intellectual spheres. Who knows it might expand the spiritual. Of great interest is how this will be influenced by our awakening desire to save this planet. That increasing awareness of our desire to reduce the materialist domination of our lives has become increasingly paramount. This is a major tectonic shift of the direction of the future of civilization. Consumerism does not work for the pursuit of happiness. mb
Monday, June 1, 2009
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Memorial Day is an appropriate day to publish such an article, “The Disease of Permanent War” by Chris Hedges. This day is named in honor of those who have given their lives or suffered grievous wounds in combat for their country. I do not write ‘in defense of their country’ as too often their combat has nothing to do with defense but with offense.
We have become completely dominated by the MICC (Military Industrial Congressional Complex) to mention Dwight Eisenhower’s original title for the famed warning in his farewell address.
In 1968 during the watershed of The Movement we had a meeting at Oak Brook in the board room of the Butler Company. Amongst those in attendance were Michael Gifford, Fred Hampton (later assassinated by Chicago detectives), Tom Smothers, Peter Yarrow and myself. The purpose of this gathering was to see if we, with our groups, could come to a common cause. Each of us had strong dedication to our respective causes. After several hours we could not agree. We left the meeting to repair to my home. I lived in the compound. My father was awaiting in my greenhouse. I wanted my friends to meet him. We told him we were not succes
sful in concentrating on one subject,
He said, “There is one cause more important than everything you all address, that is Peace!. You maybe for religious tolerance, civil rights, freedom of speech, poverty, or indigenous rights however they are pale in comparison to the importance of Peace.” We were stunned, no one more than I. His point was so simple and so true. This statement from a man of the far right, a member of the MICC, and an officer in the cavalry. I never forgot that statement nor its correctness and importance.
Now, four decades later we are faced with so many challenges of world wide significance that those of the 60’s seem minor in comparison. Climate change, dwindling resources, water, religious strife, energy, human rights, hunger, poverty, wars of imperial design. If the list continues it will be much longer.
Again my father was right. Peace is the prime objective. Cessation of war must become our mantra. Otherwise we do not have a chance for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. mb
Sunday, May 24, 2009
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This is by Paul Hawkin, a great intellect, who hereby gives a speech which is really for all of our graduating classes past, present and future.
Mike Blaxill, one of the Editors at MB Civic, posted it earlier. It is worth another read. mb
Saturday, May 23, 2009
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Yes, the problem is simple. The solutions are not. How are we going to be able to tell those who have not that they are not entitled to enjoy our lifestyle. This is particularly difficult when in America we have such great diversity between the poor and the rich.Our own example tells the world that we do not care. We have what we want and don't care about the needs and desires of other people. It is particularly difficult when so much of the world consumption is programmed by our marketeers. Take one example, meat. From the problems of food consumption for animals and the damage caused by their waste it is difficult to explain the reason for meat consumption except to profit the corporate interests. Large autos or trucks are another example.
In every sense the USA is promoting consumerism and other countries are taking it up. We are over consuming our very planet.
It is not a question of reducing the consumption or the population we are already in the terminal path of destruction.
Poliicians and businessmen are ignoring these problems to serve the short term philosophy most demanded by the bottom line. More money to make, more souls to save keeps all in business.
It is not going to be easy however this article lays it out. Something must be done. Otherwise nothing will spare our children or certainly our grandchildren. We have had challenges before which have been solved. We have also seen many civilizations go under due to lack of long term prior planning. This time it is the world at stake. Do not believe those who say we don't have problems-they are lying, either due to lack of education or obscene motives. Get to it to help in any way possible. Now is the time-that alone should make the short termers happy. MB
Saturday, May 16, 2009
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Disinformation in all areas is not just created by commercials used in advertising. It is pervasive in the area of politics. We have just passed through a period of excessive manipulation through the previous administration. Use of fear, primarily, has created a continuing feeling of insecurity. As many facts have become more prevalent doubt has increased. We are feeling the effects of a pandemic of rampant distrust. We need openness and transparency. There is no other solution. mb
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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My 'Russian Bear' partner, Stas Namin is writing about his friends at Yukos Oil. They are incarcerated as a result of a messy show trial to gain control the largest oil company in Russia. A sub plot, or perhaps the primary plot, was to silence them politically. They were constantly criticizing the government for corruption, lack of transparency and incompetence. Normally when such activities exist nowadays in Russia they are ignored by the government. In this case taking down the wealthiest Russian, grabbing an oil company and eliminating a strong political rival was too tempting for Putin to ignore, mb
Besides Stas's article I suggest you look at the Khodorkovsky website (English version). It is interesting. I have saved it.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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My, this article sure created a lot of interest. Alterman posted to MB Civic. Then Khalsa and Pearl both sent it to me. This article is interesting for author and subject. Both are empowering subjects for all of us.
Solution of this dilemma is so important that somehow the nation must come to grips with it. We need to put these matters to rest. Not only for our national soul but also for our position and relations with the rest of the world. These are capital crimes. Unless they are made transparent and put to rest Americans will never know peace. Not to settle these questions will create great damage to 'the rule of law'. I personally am not suggesting that the Bush/Cheney clique go to jail. I pine for the ancient Greek solution of ostracism. mb
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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I saved this on my desktop to read again. I recently posted it in MB Civic. It is interesting to see the application of another science to economics. The bankers will scream-rightfully-as this will strip them of the heavy cream they have been skimming from the top. It is uniquely possible now. It is an idea which when implemented would have profound physiological and philosophical manifestations. mb
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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This article was published before in MB Civic. I consider it so important as to present it to you again. A key phrase posits a position we must learn. We should not confine its message just to banks:
"Anything that is too big to fail is too big to exist."
In reading you will realize the similarities between many problems in foreign countries and the current situation in America.
And a further position:
"The conventional wisdom among the elite is still that the current slump “cannot be as bad as the Great Depression.” This
view is wrong. What we face now could, in fact, be worse than the Great Depression—because the world is now so much
more interconnected and because the banking sector is now so big. We face a synchronized downturn in almost all countries,
a weakening of confidence among individuals and firms, and major problems for government finances. If our leadership
wakes up to the potential consequences, we may yet see dramatic action on the banking system and a breaking of the old
elite. Let us hope it is not then too late.
Let us pray that our politicians will respond. MB
Monday, April 20, 2009
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I know, I know this has already been published by MB CIVIC posted by Mike Blaxill. I just want to be sure you have not missed this piece, Really worth your while. He really lays some strong points worth your considering. MB
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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I strongly suspect that Americans are going to start rejecting the excessive consumerism we have indulged in. For sure most of my family and friends are cutting down with a vengeance. I suspect they will like it. The masses maybe conned back into the plastic card universe. I hope they are smart enough to resist. MB
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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Indulge me for posting this article on my blog. Bill Swiggard beat me to it by posting it on MB Civic this morning. The content has such importance for your serous thought it is worth being brought to your condition again. I am not a vegetarian. Reading this makes me aware what eating flesh means in environmental and energy areas. I am sure that I will be consuming less meat and fowl from now on. MB
Friday, April 3, 2009
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This is so great! From many points; for sure environment, economy, energy one could go on as to the great effect of what the Obama's are doing. It gives us all such a positive feeling compared to chain-sawing brush. I also applaud the others suggestions of what to with all that lawn. I hope others take on the same idea. Just save the playing fields, particularly the grounds for polo. Let us grow things we can use to live. And preserve all those tiny critters who help out like bees and ladybugs. MB
PS thanks Ed Pearl for sending
Sunday, March 29, 2009
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An unusual style of writing. Go with it and you will see that he is making a point. That is, all of us are responsible for the plunder of our planet. Nature is our home. And as the article quotes, "Nature doesn't do bailouts". MB
Monday, March 23, 2009
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This article was published recently on MB Civic. As it is so important I present it again. It is a dour epistle which delves into much history showing comparisons to situations now faced by us in America. I know that all of us cannot conceive of such things happening in this country. Do not doubt that such a turn of events is possible. Many countries, many empires have continued merrily on such a path to their eventual ruin. MB
Friday, March 20, 2009
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Here are tough, realistic words which I pray you consider. A new lifestyle is emerging. Not too soon before past , and current, excesses destroy the planet. Growth of all types husband cancers which will destroy the structures they consist of. MB
Monday, March 16, 2009
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