What Do You Do When The Country Where You Live Is Literally Going Insane?

Yes. As soon as someone claims there is a "crisis," I know I am dealing with an ideologue (typically a Left-winger) or a nut job.

The incident in Kent State was brought about by the New Left. Most people do not know the total picture and simply USE their deaths to promote their Leftist agenda.

Yes, you have defined the problem of the Left very clearly.

It is the Left-wingers who are trying to force uniformity and conformity on the American people.

There are many examples of this, but there is a key, an essential, element that conclusively proves this: They emphasis on, and deferral to, the federal government to solve all matters of any importance.

If we decentralize, we will have true diversity. But the Left-wingers want the opposite: They want to centralize - via regulation, standardization of education, speech codes, rules of political correctness, and so on.

"One of our weaknesses on the left is that we do value diversity, to the extent that we can't all agree on many issues."

OK. Let me ask a couple of questions, then:

1. The States of Texas and Tennessee (very recently) have changed the history curriculum to reflect the benefits of free market capitalism, and emphasize the glory, wisdom, and spendor of our Founding. In that process, they also include the references to a strong Christian heritage in our history. Is that OK with you?

2. Is it OK if some states allow gay marriage and others refuse to recognize it?

3. How about some states getting rid of almost all welfare, and removing all federal mandates and guidelines for it so that they can do so?

4. How about schools including Creationism in their curriculum if the school board decides on that?

"What does large government have to do with conformity"

Perhaps I should have chosen the word, "powerful" in the sense that it has increased regulations and more control and management of the economy.

In that sense, it has EVERYTHING to do with conformity.

In addition, Left-winger stress socialism in one form or another. Socialism has to have conformity in orer to function. It demands conformity, and it spreads its conformity. It is not a choice, but a inextricable function of Socialism.

"If you study the stats, you will see that government has grown more under conservative administrations than they have under liberals."

That can be a numbers and other "game" that can never be won. For example, the Democrats had much control when Reagan was president, and thwarted his budget cuts. The Republicans held back Clinton, and it can be argued that Clinton inherited the "peace dividend" and the prosperity engendered during the Reagan years. And on and on.

Rather than play a numbers and "who did what" game, it makes more sense to stick to the principles and concepts.

" isn't it big government when they try to come into our homes and work, and dictate our every behavior. Do this, don't do that. I'm sorry, to be big government is in-your-face government, and those are conservatives."

There is virtually none with Conservatives who simply want to emphasize states' rights, for example.

"Not all liberals want large government. In fact I've have recently been advocating the dissolution of all government"

I do not discuss nonsense, and the varieties of utopian anarchy are idiotic. They do not deal with reality, and they refuse to acknowledge human nature.

OK. Let me ask a couple of questions, then:

1. The States of Texas and Tennessee (very recently) have changed the history curriculum to reflect the benefits of free market capitalism, and emphasize the glory, wisdom, and spendor of our Founding. In that process, they also include the references to a strong Christian heritage in our history. Is that OK with you?

KB: Since I do not have access to the changes I can only give a general opinion. From what I've read about what Texas is doing to text books, I would say that I would not support it. It is changing history for the purpose of indoctrination. We should be teaching children to be free thinkers, that means give them all the facts and then let them decide. Rewriting history to make your side sound good is indoctrination and should not happen.

2. Is it OK if some states allow gay marriage and others refuse to recognize it?

KB: I oppose the state, any state, trying to control peoples lives and telling them how to live, trying to force them to all be the same. This doesn't mean I'm against diversity because I would like to see all states be fair. You have twisted the argument to favor your position which is not valid.

3. How about some states getting rid of almost all welfare, and removing all federal mandates and guidelines for it so that they can do so?

KB: You think you can force people to go to work when there are no jobs to be had. Would you prefer people start working for a dollar a day like they do in the poorest third world countries? Do you get your kicks off of watching poor children starve to death?

4. How about schools including Creationism in their curriculum if the school board decides on that?

The school could offer a voluntary class on the subject, but to teach it as science? They would then have to teach Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and all the other religions and mysticism's as science also, oh and lets not leave out Wicca, we'll have to teach witchcraft as well. Science is science and should be taught as such. Creationism is a religious myth and has no place except in houses of mythical worship. If you want to worship go yo a church, but do not even try to force your religious myths on my children, that may just make me grab my pitchfork and rope and have a little party.

"The States of Texas and Tennessee (very recently) have changed the history curriculum to reflect the benefits of free market capitalism, and emphasize the glory, wisdom, and spendor of our Founding. In that process, they also include the references to a strong Christian heritage in our history. Is that OK with you?"

Yes. And I am a confirmed atheist.

" I would not support it. It is changing history for the purpose of indoctrination."

It is not indoctrination. It a response to previous indoctrination.

"We should be teaching children to be free thinkers, that means give them all the facts and then let them decide."

That is illogical and Left-winger claptrap. Complete nonsense.

OK, #2: You are against states freely deciding and put the parameters in your terms. This shows that you want uniformity and conformity to your views instead of states freely deciding, based on their population's values and desires. The Left-winger forcing conformity and calling it freedom. Typical Owellian doublespeak.

#3: Same as #2. The Left-winger will not accept any deviation and wishes to force his dogma on the population. In forcing his dogma, the Left-winger draw pictures of starving children, people dying. Totally irrational and hysterical appeals. The Left-winger['s tactic is quite puerile and easily clarified: If one does not agree with my Leftist stance, I will brand you as a person who does not care about starving children. Typical of the Left.

#4: Same thing as the last three. No need to repeat myself. The Left-winger wants to force conformity and uniformity, defer to the federal government for guidelines and courts to force his version of the good society on all of us. Fascist to the core.

I wish he would start posting here again. He had great animations.

"Spike the local water supply with Ritalin?"

No, LEFT-WINGERS are already doing that to our children in the GOVERNMENT schools.

Actually it is primarily pharmaceutical companies pushing doctors to prescribe drugs that are essentially legalized narcotics when the majority of children who receive those medications just need to not be put in front of the analog babysitter and need to get outside and run around.

I do not ascribe to any "conspiracy theories," but totally agree that this ADHD diagnosis is almost always a bunch of garbage, and that there is a huge problem from the stimulation of video games and TV, What the games do is provide fast "thrills," and the classroom and schoolwork become very tedious and boring.

But to then DRUG a child into submission is not an answer.

Amen.

You are certainly among those who I respect, V.

Thank you nox.

That would be good, but most likely it will be another 4 years of deficit spending and big government, no matter who wins.

You may be right. I said at the last election we can suffer the death of a thousand cuts at the hand of John McCain or a faster death at the hand of Obama. Unfortunately, I don 't see anyone getting in who really cares about the things you mention.

There will be no revolution in America. There is no police state, either. And Occupy is worthless as some kind of hope. It is only a form of excitement and entertainment for people who live in a fantasy world in which they think they can create some kind of utopia. It is not possible, and the more one strives for it, the more one makes oneself and others miserable.

Agree a major shake-up is necessary. It worked pretty well for the Swedes and Norwegians (yesterdays post) "How Swedes and Norwegians Broke the Power of the ‘1 Percent"
http://margotbworldnews.com/News/Jan/Jan28/1percent.html
I'm 100% for it! A much better (though never "perfect" world is possible! One where you have some actual security, decent safe housing, decent clean safe food/water/air, decent education for all, decent healthcare for all no "the law of the jungle", all for the less then even 1%.

Amen.

Go away, Warren. I didn't ask you.

Thank you, V.

Exactly, MSII. This is all the 99% are looking for.

Nailed it, joe!

Follow-up comment:

LEFT-WINGERS always want to blame "society."

This is essential to LEFT-WINGERISM. That is for two reasons:

1. Left-wingers believe that they can change the nature of man in order to usher in the new society. In order to do that, the social structures must be changed. Therefore, the locus of problems lies in society, not individuals, not human nature. Crime is a result of oppression, for example.

2. Left-wingers worship SOCIALISM. The essence of socialism is shifting responsibility from the individual - people making choices - to the society. Therefore, LEFT-WINGERS want GOVERNMENT to manage society, otherwise, LEFTISTS claim, all will be lost. Government, according to LEFT-WINGERS, is the only entity able to manage this, all for our "own good," of course.....

Great comment. The buzzword for a long-time has been "equality". Besides the fact that no two human beings can be equal - ever, even if it were possible, I don't find equality desirable in the least.

At any rate, if your goal is to be one of the pack, I think you've missed the point of life entirely. If there's one thing true of nature wherever you find it, it's that - wherever you look - nature is asking the same question over and over again - "What else is possible?" Nature continually experiments to answer that question which, as it happens, never has a final answer. I live much the same way.

Long ago, I was struck by a rather passing line in the movie "Star Trek The Motion Picture" in which the character Spock, struggling to relate the nature of the probe V'ger to his captain says that it is asking "Is this all that I am? Is there nothing more?" I think most human beings are asking that very same question every day of their life.

The answer is always the same - Yes, there's more, much more. Those who stop asking live a kind of walking death.

I think I have come to the very opposite conclusion, but maybe the thinking is the same.

There really is nothing. Therefore, there is nothing more. But it is fine. It is the world. It is the way things are, and they are fine as they are.

Interesting. I've had that documentary in my Netflix streaming queue for a short time now. Will certainly have to watch it this evening. Documentaries have become something of an obsession of late. Thanks.

Do you know of the book, "The Progress Paradox?"

It is not a political tract by any means. The author provides a wealth of data that shows how much better off we are compared to a century ago, 50 years ago, and only a couple of decades ago.

But he also remarks and speculates about the fact that even though there is absolutely no question that we are better off, we are frustrated and often angry. And the book was written before the present temporary economic situation.

Just on a personal note: My father was of a "higher" level compared to me in the sense of his income relative to the rest of the society. Yet, we live much better - objectively speaking. It simply confirms the validity of the book, of course.

Haven't read the book, but I've heard the essentials from Easterbrooks' work and find it intriguing. I think it likely there are many reasons why human beings aren't necessarily happier, but the primary reason must be that, although their material gains are great, those gains aren't exactly what they wish for most. It's like getting lots of presents at Christmas but not really the one thing that would make you happy. Doesn't have to be a thing, just something that represents real happiness to you. Can't say there's ever been a time in my own life that material gain brought me happiness which is why, even now, I could quite literally toss all but the most essential away and start new. I've actually had to do it a few times in my life and it's always seemed more like a weight lifted than a descent into hardship. I suspect many or most human beings are the same and they know it but are too afraid to do what they know they must do to have a real life.

I was homeless for over two years back in the 90's and can't say the material "poverty" was of any concern to me. In fact, I rather enjoyed that part. It was the feelings of social rejection and isolation that really made me feel poor. Gradually, I made material gains but the isolation continued until I chose to put less value in social connection. I greatly value time alone now and have a busier and wealthier life than ever before despite the fact I haven't but a single person I'd call "friend" with all of the meanings the word suggests. All of my "friends" are actually people my wife knows whose company I enjoy but aren't really people I'd choose as friends on my own.

As the Buddha teaches, we suffer because of those things we cling to. Let them go and the suffering diminishes. True, some things seem impossible to release - most of it can be when you really think of it.

I no longer seek things - I seek value.

There's a very big difference. I put more value now into discovering an interesting leaf or watching a snail take an hour to cross a parking lot, or creating a simple bit of artwork with a plain old river stone than just about anything else. Some would call that crazy.

I call it enlightened. Things have very little power over me now ... as well as those who crave only things.

I believe I can relate to much of what you wrote. That is why I frequently take exception with people who claim that they are "stuck" where they are or in their situation. One can accept one's situation or change - Change the location, the lifestyle, the job, the thought process, or the expectations.

8 years ago, after the kids were on their own, we decided on a change. Sold everything, did not put anything in storage. And left the country.

You mentioned the "fear." I do not quite understand it, but I see it.

I remember a decision I made at about the age of 11 or 12. Kids were jumping off a high bridge into the water below. I got on the edge and wanted to do the same, and also wanted the "thrill," but was very afraid. I stood there, frozen for awhile, trying to work up enough nerve to jump.

Then, it just "hit me" with crystal clarity. I would never work up enough nerve to do it. So, since I decided to jump, there was only one thing left to do: Jump, then "worry" about it on the way down.

Most of my life has been like that. On my first trip overseas, I went alone and told the travel agent to book me on the next plane to anywhere in Europe that was cheap. I bought the ticket and left the next morning. Had no idea where I would stay or anything. Didn't know when I would come back, either. Went as far as eastern Iran, overland.

This time, decades later, I was a bit more "responsible." Put in for job applications. When the acceptance came, just put everything up for sale. And there have been plenty of other such times inbetween the first one and this.

There is really not much to be afraid of, is there? I do not look at it as any kind of "bravery," because there is nothing really to fear. FDR was right.

Your life sounds full. Does your wife think you are nuts? ;-)

"Your life sounds full. Does your wife think you are nuts? ;-)"

Yes, certifiably. But she knows anything else would be hideously boring.

Have you ever seen the movie "Barfly?" There is a scene there that has one of my favorite movie lines of all. I had it saved, but YouTube stopped it because of copyright reasons.

Mickey Rourke is a gifted writer in the movie but a drunk who hangs around sleazy bars. In his apartment when he writes, his voice narrates what he is writing. In one, he writes:

"Some people never know what it is like to go crazy..... What boring lives they must lead."

One of my favorite films too and somewhat biographical of one of my favorite poets - Charles Bukowski. He wrote the screenplay. That line is, I think, an exact quote from him. Very wise man. His way of seeing things really helps me in my own work. It keeps you honest yet kind.

Many find the truth depressing. I find the constant escape from the truth depressing ... and the only truly crazy thing I can think of.

"Many find the truth depressing. I find the constant escape from the truth depressing"

I think I understand, as well as one person can understand another. I saw part of a documentary at the gym today. (I work on a military base overseas, and see some American TV at the gym.) It showed life of sea creatures. The tortoise comes to lay her eggs on shore. After they hatch, the (cute) little turtles try to make it to the ocean. But the birds come. The scene followed with the birds swooping down, while the baby turtles were rushing to the sea as fast as they could. A few made it of the hundreds and hundreds.

Then, the sea predators started. The narrator said, "Only about one in a thousand make it, but it is enough to keep the species."

I laugh when these LEFT-WINGERS think that the government can protect them. They are in complete denial of the realities of life.

I get my yearly check-up, knowing that I could get a death sentence. I can walk across the street and get hit by a car. People have children who are born handicapped.

But these people want some entity to protect and guarantee everything.

Have you ever come across Thomas Sowell's "Cosmic Justice" work? I have the book. You might enjoy this shorter version:

http://www.tsowell.com/spquestc.html

I doubt that you will agree, but things are actually getting better - WORLDWIDE.

let us not spend much time here
there is more important fish to fry