Forever comes to mind,
Love sublime,
Smiles and happiness,
Your tender touch,
Shine forth like the sun,
Warming my heart.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Be My Valentine
Forever comes to mind,
Love sublime,
Smiles and happiness,
Your tender touch,
Shine forth like the sun,
Warming my heart.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Can We Talk? (Inspired by Deepak Chopra's Book of Secrets)
I believe our purpose in this existence is to learn and grow spiritually and to experience a physical sensory existence, including the full range of human emotions, pain and pleasure. Our ego tries to rule this physical existence apart from our Source while our conscience is our inherent compass always pointing to spiritual growth. Some are not good cub scouts or brownies, get lost along their pathway, and end up repeating their lessons until they get them right and are ready to move to a higher level of consciousness or enlightenment. I also do not believe we are limited to this planet in our eternal journey... it just seems totally improbable and impractical. The "heaven" which many spoke of may exist in another galaxy or simultaneously on this planet in other dimensions theorized by quantum physics to exist in parallel universes. We may socialize there in our "off-world" time and decide to revisit this existence when we are ready for our next semester, so to speak. *smile* Perhaps it is simply a reference to the knowledge we possess yet only realized by the enlightened. Regardless... I do not believe any of the prophets have ever spoken in literal terms when they speak of these matters.
Human spiritual growth is similar to Nature (Source) in that we evolve in leaps, or exponentially for you mathematicians, not in methodical straight lines. It is possible that human evolution experiences these leaps when certain enlightened souls return to this 4-dimensional plane to prod humanity along during times of cimcarrah (circular cycles with no forward movement). I believe every human spirit that has ever lived or will ever live in this physical world are simply different manifestations of a common Source which exists outside of our known dimensions and time as most people understand it. Time is a human concept for categorizing the near instantaneous on/off pulsating at the speed of light, our universe's natural frequency, in a near/far relationship to the NOW. However, in reality... time is only an illusion. As far as the earthly body we each possess... it is made up of the existing natural elements of this planet and is ours to use for the duration. However, we are not of this world or limited to this existence. MRI or any technological effort to monitor brain activity has never localized our consciousness. As Deepak Chopra as stated, “Our consciousness exists in space... sort of like the space within a house. You can tear down the walls/burn the house, whatever you choose to do to destroy the house, but the space that was within remains unbounded by any physical limitations.”
As the Universe (Source) renews us at its inherent frequency which I believe to be the speed of light (this aligns with Einstein's theory that "time" stands still). From peak to peak of this wavelength, one of the great wonders of Existence occurs. We simultaneously are the same consciousness, yet different... we evolve emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually with each on/off pulsation. Yet in the "off" mode, there is the unlimited potential for any reality to occur in the "on" mode. The Universe adapts to whatever we can imagine. Per Quantum Physics, we make the rules. There is no matter... only energy... and it constructs that which we expect to occur... in other words, consciousness creates reality. Therefore, our own reality is a product of our own consciousness. By our own creation, this existence can be our own personal heaven or hell... whichever we choose to make it. Likewise, if we believe that we will experience heaven or hell after we have died... our consciousness will create that, as well. Our consciousness is a minute subset of the Source... as Jesus said, "the Kingdom of Heaven is within". Perhaps He was referring to His intuitive knowledge that our minds create our own reality.
Most people have never really thought out their concept of heaven. Consider... in what form would you be? If you died today, would you want to be the same age you are in heaven? What if you were elderly, crippled, or even just overweight? Would it be heaven if you weren't young, healthy and perfectly formed? But then, would there be no elderly people in heaven? What about children? If a child dies before reaching maturity, are they condemned to live as a child for eternity? Would they have to accept a second-class heaven and never know the joys of marriage and family? What would heaven be like without growth? Can our human mind conceive of such an existence? or would it still be heaven? Not to me... how about you? I like hearing children play and watching them enjoy the simple things in life. I also enjoy the wisdom, kindness and patience of the elderly. This is just the tip of the iceberg... think about it a while. Does it really make sense that there is a heaven or hell? Perhaps in reality, these are just our different existences in different dimensions... yet, all pathways of spiritual growth and evolution? Perhaps we have no physical attributes unless we choose to come in to an earthly or other planetary existence... perhaps that is one of the great joys which offsets the pain and suffering we experience as we age, grow old, become ill and pass thru the portal of this existence. Think of all human experiences throughout the complete spectrum from ecstacy to great physical pain as opportunities for experiencing spiritual growth. If we realize that pain cannot affect our consciousness, our true eternal self and that it only affects our physical body, then we realize that there is nothing in this life that can harm us. We learn we are immune from any pain and suffering... it is only a sensation that we categorize as a negative experience based upon our human perception. Perhaps those whom suffer great pain become even greater spiritual beings because of their experience. Perhaps those whom live a "charmed" life must go through "class" again until they learn the lessons needed to attain the next level of growth. Perhaps they test themselves to see if they have learned humility.
I'm not saying I'm right, but we should logically think about our typical concept of heaven. When I used to question my preacher, Sunday school teacher, or fellow church members about these types of topics, I always got the same answer... "We just have to have faith." Yeah... right. That is a cop-out for saying, "I don't want to doubt or question my religion because I fear what I might uncover." Eventually, I got the reputation for being a "trouble maker". Lol But I believe it is our moral responsibility to question all things... discern for ourselves that which is true. Otherwise, we join the flock of sheep. Perhaps Jesus used the term sheep in a derogatory manner... calling followers "sheep" and the translation was whitewashed by the church to have positive connotations... who knows? Who can really claim to know precisely what Jesus meant? Not the written texts that we call the Bible... they were written at least one generation after his lifetime. If a news story gets exaggerated or the facts reported wrong from the time it happened until it gets on the 6 o'clock news or the next morning's headlines... how can we realistically expect ancient "reporters" to accurately record the "gospel" when they were not even born until after Jesus had already died? I do not believe it to be so... therefore, i question it. Once we remove the cloak of "Holy" from the Bible and realize it was created with human intent to fulfill human needs, whether noble or not... it has no more validity in human spirituality than any other ancient texts which guide us thru this life, ie... Lao Tsu's "The Tao". Imho, any religion which must exclude or condemn other religions to gain and keep followers fears its own shortcomings. There are many paths to enlightenment... none are wrong, as long as one can attain enlightenment. Sadly, I encounter few Christians whom have found it... perhaps it is not the shortcoming of Christianity as much as those whom have taken over control of its instruction.
However, it is my opinion that most religions are like plastic and nylon. Convenient... but certainly not organic. Durable... but lacking permanence. All will eventually decompose into their fundamental nature for the world to see. Then you will see what is real. The "holy" books of the Bible were selectively compiled and translated by King James' scholars and church leaders. They omitted other authentic ancient manuscripts that contradicted or diluted their desired effect. In addition to abandoning scrolls with contradictions and opposing perspectives, individual words were translated incorrectly and some were translated correctly, but their common usage and meaning had evolved from the time it was originally written. How can these texts be considered Divine? How can people be so gullible to believe every single word is the Word of God and believe each retains its literal meaning? Perhaps it's because they are told so every Sunday by someone who is dependent upon them believing this in order to provide food, clothing and shelter for themselves and their family. Unlike the Buddhist monks whom practice spirituality in an austere Spartan environment, typical western religious leaders live quite a luxurious life. I don't know how much money Billy Graham, Jimmy Swaggart, and their ilk make a year, but i assure you they enjoy more luxuries than 99.9% of their followers... or the Dalai Lama and other Eastern religious leaders. This is one of my biggest gripes about Christianity... there is no sincerity in their leaders. It is all about the money, power, and ego. Christianity has enough wealth to eliminate world hunger... yet does nothing more than make token efforts.
As far as religious figures throughout history... I believe they are no more divine than you or I. People with ulterior motives or that are unenlightened have always sought to create saviors to calm their fears of the unknown or to manipulate the masses to their own benefit. I believe Jesus, as well as other great prophets were enlightened manifestations of the Source whom had humanity's betterment as their motivation but to my knowledge, none have ever professed to be Divine. Only those followers whom sought recognition or other benefits have declared them so. Regardless, each of the previous prophets played an immensely important step in our spiritual evolution by increasing our awareness of the possibilities. It is now time to realize them. I believe we are past due for another great prophet to enter into this realm to enlighten humanity's progress as a whole. I also believe the current epoch ending on Dec 20, 2012 as the Chinese, Mayan and various other advanced cultures have determined, will be the beginning. At this time, our solar system will perfectly align with the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. I suspect this will be the beginning of the maternal epoch that has been prophesied to usher in peace and prosperity. If on a global scale, we believe it is so, we have the power to make it become real. Most will agree from experience, anything we can envision, we can create. Does it not make sense that this works on a macro level, as well?
In the next epoch, as our Earth attempts to heal herself by purging the blight of humanity upon her surface, true spiritual leaders will lead the enlightened to aid her. The earth is of the same Source as all living things, plants and animals... she is a living organism. It is our duty as spiritual beings to alleviate her woes. This is the essence of our required spiritual evolution during the next couple of centuries. It is time to expose and discard the antiquated fairy tales and stop the manipulation of humanity. It is time to sync in rhythm and become at peace with our planet. Never fear... we will do this. Humanity will survive. It is only a question of how much suffering and loss of physical life our "sins" will exact before our Mother Earth heals herself and we reach equilibrium again. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Human spiritual growth is similar to Nature (Source) in that we evolve in leaps, or exponentially for you mathematicians, not in methodical straight lines. It is possible that human evolution experiences these leaps when certain enlightened souls return to this 4-dimensional plane to prod humanity along during times of cimcarrah (circular cycles with no forward movement). I believe every human spirit that has ever lived or will ever live in this physical world are simply different manifestations of a common Source which exists outside of our known dimensions and time as most people understand it. Time is a human concept for categorizing the near instantaneous on/off pulsating at the speed of light, our universe's natural frequency, in a near/far relationship to the NOW. However, in reality... time is only an illusion. As far as the earthly body we each possess... it is made up of the existing natural elements of this planet and is ours to use for the duration. However, we are not of this world or limited to this existence. MRI or any technological effort to monitor brain activity has never localized our consciousness. As Deepak Chopra as stated, “Our consciousness exists in space... sort of like the space within a house. You can tear down the walls/burn the house, whatever you choose to do to destroy the house, but the space that was within remains unbounded by any physical limitations.”
As the Universe (Source) renews us at its inherent frequency which I believe to be the speed of light (this aligns with Einstein's theory that "time" stands still). From peak to peak of this wavelength, one of the great wonders of Existence occurs. We simultaneously are the same consciousness, yet different... we evolve emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually with each on/off pulsation. Yet in the "off" mode, there is the unlimited potential for any reality to occur in the "on" mode. The Universe adapts to whatever we can imagine. Per Quantum Physics, we make the rules. There is no matter... only energy... and it constructs that which we expect to occur... in other words, consciousness creates reality. Therefore, our own reality is a product of our own consciousness. By our own creation, this existence can be our own personal heaven or hell... whichever we choose to make it. Likewise, if we believe that we will experience heaven or hell after we have died... our consciousness will create that, as well. Our consciousness is a minute subset of the Source... as Jesus said, "the Kingdom of Heaven is within". Perhaps He was referring to His intuitive knowledge that our minds create our own reality.
Most people have never really thought out their concept of heaven. Consider... in what form would you be? If you died today, would you want to be the same age you are in heaven? What if you were elderly, crippled, or even just overweight? Would it be heaven if you weren't young, healthy and perfectly formed? But then, would there be no elderly people in heaven? What about children? If a child dies before reaching maturity, are they condemned to live as a child for eternity? Would they have to accept a second-class heaven and never know the joys of marriage and family? What would heaven be like without growth? Can our human mind conceive of such an existence? or would it still be heaven? Not to me... how about you? I like hearing children play and watching them enjoy the simple things in life. I also enjoy the wisdom, kindness and patience of the elderly. This is just the tip of the iceberg... think about it a while. Does it really make sense that there is a heaven or hell? Perhaps in reality, these are just our different existences in different dimensions... yet, all pathways of spiritual growth and evolution? Perhaps we have no physical attributes unless we choose to come in to an earthly or other planetary existence... perhaps that is one of the great joys which offsets the pain and suffering we experience as we age, grow old, become ill and pass thru the portal of this existence. Think of all human experiences throughout the complete spectrum from ecstacy to great physical pain as opportunities for experiencing spiritual growth. If we realize that pain cannot affect our consciousness, our true eternal self and that it only affects our physical body, then we realize that there is nothing in this life that can harm us. We learn we are immune from any pain and suffering... it is only a sensation that we categorize as a negative experience based upon our human perception. Perhaps those whom suffer great pain become even greater spiritual beings because of their experience. Perhaps those whom live a "charmed" life must go through "class" again until they learn the lessons needed to attain the next level of growth. Perhaps they test themselves to see if they have learned humility.
I'm not saying I'm right, but we should logically think about our typical concept of heaven. When I used to question my preacher, Sunday school teacher, or fellow church members about these types of topics, I always got the same answer... "We just have to have faith." Yeah... right. That is a cop-out for saying, "I don't want to doubt or question my religion because I fear what I might uncover." Eventually, I got the reputation for being a "trouble maker". Lol But I believe it is our moral responsibility to question all things... discern for ourselves that which is true. Otherwise, we join the flock of sheep. Perhaps Jesus used the term sheep in a derogatory manner... calling followers "sheep" and the translation was whitewashed by the church to have positive connotations... who knows? Who can really claim to know precisely what Jesus meant? Not the written texts that we call the Bible... they were written at least one generation after his lifetime. If a news story gets exaggerated or the facts reported wrong from the time it happened until it gets on the 6 o'clock news or the next morning's headlines... how can we realistically expect ancient "reporters" to accurately record the "gospel" when they were not even born until after Jesus had already died? I do not believe it to be so... therefore, i question it. Once we remove the cloak of "Holy" from the Bible and realize it was created with human intent to fulfill human needs, whether noble or not... it has no more validity in human spirituality than any other ancient texts which guide us thru this life, ie... Lao Tsu's "The Tao". Imho, any religion which must exclude or condemn other religions to gain and keep followers fears its own shortcomings. There are many paths to enlightenment... none are wrong, as long as one can attain enlightenment. Sadly, I encounter few Christians whom have found it... perhaps it is not the shortcoming of Christianity as much as those whom have taken over control of its instruction.
However, it is my opinion that most religions are like plastic and nylon. Convenient... but certainly not organic. Durable... but lacking permanence. All will eventually decompose into their fundamental nature for the world to see. Then you will see what is real. The "holy" books of the Bible were selectively compiled and translated by King James' scholars and church leaders. They omitted other authentic ancient manuscripts that contradicted or diluted their desired effect. In addition to abandoning scrolls with contradictions and opposing perspectives, individual words were translated incorrectly and some were translated correctly, but their common usage and meaning had evolved from the time it was originally written. How can these texts be considered Divine? How can people be so gullible to believe every single word is the Word of God and believe each retains its literal meaning? Perhaps it's because they are told so every Sunday by someone who is dependent upon them believing this in order to provide food, clothing and shelter for themselves and their family. Unlike the Buddhist monks whom practice spirituality in an austere Spartan environment, typical western religious leaders live quite a luxurious life. I don't know how much money Billy Graham, Jimmy Swaggart, and their ilk make a year, but i assure you they enjoy more luxuries than 99.9% of their followers... or the Dalai Lama and other Eastern religious leaders. This is one of my biggest gripes about Christianity... there is no sincerity in their leaders. It is all about the money, power, and ego. Christianity has enough wealth to eliminate world hunger... yet does nothing more than make token efforts.
As far as religious figures throughout history... I believe they are no more divine than you or I. People with ulterior motives or that are unenlightened have always sought to create saviors to calm their fears of the unknown or to manipulate the masses to their own benefit. I believe Jesus, as well as other great prophets were enlightened manifestations of the Source whom had humanity's betterment as their motivation but to my knowledge, none have ever professed to be Divine. Only those followers whom sought recognition or other benefits have declared them so. Regardless, each of the previous prophets played an immensely important step in our spiritual evolution by increasing our awareness of the possibilities. It is now time to realize them. I believe we are past due for another great prophet to enter into this realm to enlighten humanity's progress as a whole. I also believe the current epoch ending on Dec 20, 2012 as the Chinese, Mayan and various other advanced cultures have determined, will be the beginning. At this time, our solar system will perfectly align with the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. I suspect this will be the beginning of the maternal epoch that has been prophesied to usher in peace and prosperity. If on a global scale, we believe it is so, we have the power to make it become real. Most will agree from experience, anything we can envision, we can create. Does it not make sense that this works on a macro level, as well?
In the next epoch, as our Earth attempts to heal herself by purging the blight of humanity upon her surface, true spiritual leaders will lead the enlightened to aid her. The earth is of the same Source as all living things, plants and animals... she is a living organism. It is our duty as spiritual beings to alleviate her woes. This is the essence of our required spiritual evolution during the next couple of centuries. It is time to expose and discard the antiquated fairy tales and stop the manipulation of humanity. It is time to sync in rhythm and become at peace with our planet. Never fear... we will do this. Humanity will survive. It is only a question of how much suffering and loss of physical life our "sins" will exact before our Mother Earth heals herself and we reach equilibrium again. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Soul Song
Soul Song
With each word you reach within
To grasp the heartache and pain;
Your eyes remain open,
Yet you cannot see;
Your ears hear nothing,
You feel only the song within.
As you release your sadness
Into the air your soul rings.
Your soul's song though uniquely yours,
Speaks the language of unspoken words.
I need no translation,
Only to be in its presence,
As your soul touches my own.
With each word you reach within
To grasp the heartache and pain;
Your eyes remain open,
Yet you cannot see;
Your ears hear nothing,
You feel only the song within.
As you release your sadness
Into the air your soul rings.
Your soul's song though uniquely yours,
Speaks the language of unspoken words.
I need no translation,
Only to be in its presence,
As your soul touches my own.
Bad Dream or Is This Your Life?
Bad Dream or Is This Your Life?
Feelings of desperation,
Overwhelmed,
Too many forks in the road,
Too many dead ends,
Sinking, drowning, dying.
Elusive beams of sunlight,
So small,
Groping in the dark,
Trying to pull myself up,
Nothing to hold, no substance, nothing real.
Guarding, balancing on a ray,
What... a path?
Or more roadblocks?
More traps to catch my dwindling cash?
Cannibals.
Hopelessness,
A trillion pounds on my chest,
Are there no steps?
No uplifting hands?
Naked... verticals and bones.
Spinning,
No direction,
Consciousness slipping,
More anesthesia, more programming,
Administer the awakened sleep!
Close my eyes,
Extinguish my hopes,
Pat me on the head,
Keep me under your thumb
Until I am dead.
Pat me on the head,
Keep me under your thumb
Until I am dead.
Progress
Progress
I can’t quite put my finger on it yet I feel the unrest,
People are just hangin’ on, hopin’ to pass the test.
Merry-go-rounds and Ferris wheels, at least, they stop,
On an endless monthly cycle of bills each of us are caught.
Like hamsters on a treadmill we waddle every day,
Our veins bulgin’, our hearts strainin’, wantin’ to go play.
We give up our minds while they feed us fat,
Exercise and self-discipline, we’ve lost sight of all that!
The slavemeisters poke us each day with their prods,
$0.99 greaseburgers! Great for everyone, ‘cept our bods.
Rebels with a mind? Let’s paint them as criminals,
Lest the swine perceive their warnin’ signals!
Progress! Progress! Progress!
That is their cry!
They just never say to where we’re progressin’,
It’s to be their fattened, mindless slave,
That is… until we die!
Progress! Progress! Progress!
I digress.
Who Are We or Is It Where?
Who Are We or Is It Where?
In the land of plenty wealth abounds,
Yet more and more homeless each day are found.
Our royal elite own not a crown,
Announced by their rides and the hoods where they’re found.
It’s human to harbor want for their life,
Although we want not for the required sacrifice.
Remaining true to self, embracing our own identity,
Yields far more contentment than they’ll ever see.
The homeless find themselves when at the bottom of the pit,
While most of the wealthy, there will never sit.
The human condition so ripe with irony,
May the lessons of the poor on the wealthy, please be.
Oh, what a litmus for destiny and full-circle theory!
If the poor became wealthy would greed we see?
If the wealthy became poor would they still charge such high fees?
Alas! I fear we are where we are, unless of course, we’re not!
Nature's Way
Nature's Way
If I were a river I'd run my course,
Never linger or stray,
Just go my own way.
I'd never think twice,
Confident my path was right.
Oh, to be a river,
So deep and beautiful.
Everyone wants to hang,
Trees, birds, fish, the whole gang!
No matter where I flowed,
I'd never, ever be alone.
If I were a tree I'd spread my limbs,
Give birds a refuge,
To raise their kin.
My shade would be so cool,
My fruit be their fuel.
Oh, to be a tree,
Reaching for the sky.
I'd have no pain or sorrow,
To spoil today or tarnish tomorrow!
The Plain Truth
The Plain Truth
Your voice melts my heart,
Your kindness exudes through it.
The love that lies within your soul,
Stands like a warrior, brave and bold,
Waiting for direction… someone to hold.
Your honor and integrity are evident to see,
Placed upon high standards, they shall always be.
Your search for a love worthy of your passion,
I pray shall lead to happiness, yours for the asking,
So in life and love you’ll be basking.
Many times our lives cross paths
With those whom have unenviable tasks.
Without feeling the depth of their pain,
We think it’s all just a game;
Sadly in hindsight, it's too late to claim.
So don’t forget the love that a plain woman holds
Is worth more than treasure, even diamonds and gold.
Our depth of commitment, our desire to please,
Our loyalty and faithfulness are given for free.
Our love, our lives, have meaning, don’t you see?
The Real World
The Real World
In the real world people help each other,
Not only through hard times with love do we offer,
But rejoicing together in life’s grandest coffers.
Those that strain for the world I’ve noticed,
Seem to be out of touch with family and friends.
Oh yes, maybe an occasional card they may send.
I worry ample means may have chilled their veins,
For they fret their new furniture or deep carpet might stain,
Not inviting life in, the almighty dollar reigns.
Yes, people do suffer with all sorts of pains,
But in the real world our soul we do gain.
It’s the distant viewers that lose the game.
No one escapes this life alive or takes with them a cent,
So I pray, “Before my time is up may all be given or lent,"
Lest my Landlord in Heaven charges me rent!
In the real world people help each other,
Not only through hard times with love do we offer,
But rejoicing together in life’s grandest coffers.
Those that strain for the world I’ve noticed,
Seem to be out of touch with family and friends.
Oh yes, maybe an occasional card they may send.
I worry ample means may have chilled their veins,
For they fret their new furniture or deep carpet might stain,
Not inviting life in, the almighty dollar reigns.
Yes, people do suffer with all sorts of pains,
But in the real world our soul we do gain.
It’s the distant viewers that lose the game.
No one escapes this life alive or takes with them a cent,
So I pray, “Before my time is up may all be given or lent,"
Lest my Landlord in Heaven charges me rent!
Green Technology
Modern man, the pinnacle of human evolution, is destroying our world. I heard my grandfather once use a friendly warning to a friend about Sh*tting too close to the backdoor in a conversation. I was young and only understood the literal translation, but it is sound advice any way it is interpreted. Our planet is a closed-loop system nothing leaves. We are gorging our landfills to their limits with our consumer-crazed, throw-away lifestyle, polluting our groundwater with decades of toxic seepage, and subjecting our surface water supplies to steadily increasing levels of recreational and commercial vessel discharges, waste and spills, pesticide runoff, acid rain, toxic factory discharges, and God only knows what else. Our life-sustaining atmosphere is primarily, a delicate balance of non-combustible nitrogen, plant-nurturing carbon-dioxide, radiation-reducing inert gases, and my personal favorite, oxygen. However, we seem intent on creating our own deadly formula reminiscent of the Mad Scientist by altering, adding, and depleting as we choose. These ecosystems required eons to create their life-giving balance, yet we are contaminating and depleting these precious resources at an alarming rate, refusing to accept responsibility for not only endangering future generations quality of life, but possibly life itself. Furthermore, we are not only content to spoil our planet, but are now intent upon creating a low-orbit junk yard, as well. When is enough, enough? Are we helpless to correct the self-destructive course the last century of progress has projected us?
Prior to the 20th century, humanity had existed in harmony with this planet for a very, very long time. Is it possible for mankind to reap the comforting, lifestyle benefits of modern technology while simultaneously, preserving and protecting our mother Earth, rather than continue to pursue a destructive, gilded existence? In my opinion, with the current consumer-driven mandate for technology development combined with a weak environmental policy and the near-complete absence of consumer demand for green technology, the answer is a resounding, NO. Will the unmanageable social and environmental consequences of a continuously-escalating lifestyle pace of wastefulness and neglect create a cultural meltdown of chaos and destruction with epic proportions? IMHO, quite possibly, YES. Have the last several centuries of human development progressed up our ancestral tree on a dead limb? Unless adequate portions of our global society branches off in a more sustainable direction, I venture to say, "Get out the saw!"
However, perhaps there are alternative approaches to advancing humanity, which are more environmentally harmonious, while achieving relatively, similar degrees of comfort and convenience. Is it necessary for the gains in human lifespan over the last fifty years to be negated before we take notice? Must our children be born with environmentally-induced birth defects? What dire circumstances are demanded before the collective human race affects change? At that point, how much worse would the circumstances become before the turn-around occurred? How many generations will pay the price our wasteful folly will exact? Look at your children, your grandchildren, and ask yourself what they have done to deserve a tainted inheritance. The recent Dickson County incidences are only the proverbial drop in the bucket to whats occurring throughout our nation, and increasingly, around the world. We are the caretakers of mother Earth, the guardians of our essential life-sustaining planet. What have we done?
Im not advocating the dismantling of our modern economic and technological society, quite the contrary. Truthfully though, human nature justifies inaction until there is intolerable pain, by some definition. However, a new paradigm of technology motivated by an environmentally-conscious consumer expectation and demand is critical for our continued existence. I have no doubt that Americas capitalistic free-market forces are unique to accepting the monumental challenge of converting our existing consumer-driven economy and consciousness to a green economy and mindset.
Unfortunately, there must be a market demand for business to gain a foothold. Thats why I suggest legislated tax-incentives for environmental R&D investment, federal loan guarantees, meaningful and sincere environmental reforms, and generously-endowed, public-awareness programs as necessary to create the required economic environment conducive to allowing American entrepreneurs to alter the course of our economy and consumer lifestyle. American business has much to gain by leading the developing world down a greener path. Americas green-technology business sector could replace the defense industrys global exports with more conscionable products while simultaneously, capitalizing on one of our greatest and more exclusive, if not misguided strengths; our desire to create a better world than we inherited. Without taxpayer subsidies for our defense industry, the global competition would cause them to wither and die.
As voters, we have a voice in our government's expenditures. It is OUR money... not the government's. They are only the caretakers and supposedly the Comptroller of the public's will and desire for public investment. Lets face it, any and everybody exports weapons; lets lead the world in conservation research and technology. The world has always admired the USA, until recently. But it is not too late to set an example for the developing third-world countries that are following our current economic growth model of waste and environmental insensitivity. Without further action, the USA's blunder of the 20th century's economic growth, environmental devastation, and technological advance will not only have impacted our Mother Earth negatively, but will have created a "domino effect" of dire proportions. Exporting green products and concepts which offer environmental solutions could be the economic solution to our unsustainable import trade deficits, which undermine our economy and standard of living.
Otherwise, quite frankly, I am not optimistic about the long-term survivability prospects of our species. And this is one instance, when rich and poor alike will be facing the same fate. Think about it... let your voice be heard. Get involved in yours and your children's future. Please vote!
Prior to the 20th century, humanity had existed in harmony with this planet for a very, very long time. Is it possible for mankind to reap the comforting, lifestyle benefits of modern technology while simultaneously, preserving and protecting our mother Earth, rather than continue to pursue a destructive, gilded existence? In my opinion, with the current consumer-driven mandate for technology development combined with a weak environmental policy and the near-complete absence of consumer demand for green technology, the answer is a resounding, NO. Will the unmanageable social and environmental consequences of a continuously-escalating lifestyle pace of wastefulness and neglect create a cultural meltdown of chaos and destruction with epic proportions? IMHO, quite possibly, YES. Have the last several centuries of human development progressed up our ancestral tree on a dead limb? Unless adequate portions of our global society branches off in a more sustainable direction, I venture to say, "Get out the saw!"
However, perhaps there are alternative approaches to advancing humanity, which are more environmentally harmonious, while achieving relatively, similar degrees of comfort and convenience. Is it necessary for the gains in human lifespan over the last fifty years to be negated before we take notice? Must our children be born with environmentally-induced birth defects? What dire circumstances are demanded before the collective human race affects change? At that point, how much worse would the circumstances become before the turn-around occurred? How many generations will pay the price our wasteful folly will exact? Look at your children, your grandchildren, and ask yourself what they have done to deserve a tainted inheritance. The recent Dickson County incidences are only the proverbial drop in the bucket to whats occurring throughout our nation, and increasingly, around the world. We are the caretakers of mother Earth, the guardians of our essential life-sustaining planet. What have we done?
Im not advocating the dismantling of our modern economic and technological society, quite the contrary. Truthfully though, human nature justifies inaction until there is intolerable pain, by some definition. However, a new paradigm of technology motivated by an environmentally-conscious consumer expectation and demand is critical for our continued existence. I have no doubt that Americas capitalistic free-market forces are unique to accepting the monumental challenge of converting our existing consumer-driven economy and consciousness to a green economy and mindset.
Unfortunately, there must be a market demand for business to gain a foothold. Thats why I suggest legislated tax-incentives for environmental R&D investment, federal loan guarantees, meaningful and sincere environmental reforms, and generously-endowed, public-awareness programs as necessary to create the required economic environment conducive to allowing American entrepreneurs to alter the course of our economy and consumer lifestyle. American business has much to gain by leading the developing world down a greener path. Americas green-technology business sector could replace the defense industrys global exports with more conscionable products while simultaneously, capitalizing on one of our greatest and more exclusive, if not misguided strengths; our desire to create a better world than we inherited. Without taxpayer subsidies for our defense industry, the global competition would cause them to wither and die.
As voters, we have a voice in our government's expenditures. It is OUR money... not the government's. They are only the caretakers and supposedly the Comptroller of the public's will and desire for public investment. Lets face it, any and everybody exports weapons; lets lead the world in conservation research and technology. The world has always admired the USA, until recently. But it is not too late to set an example for the developing third-world countries that are following our current economic growth model of waste and environmental insensitivity. Without further action, the USA's blunder of the 20th century's economic growth, environmental devastation, and technological advance will not only have impacted our Mother Earth negatively, but will have created a "domino effect" of dire proportions. Exporting green products and concepts which offer environmental solutions could be the economic solution to our unsustainable import trade deficits, which undermine our economy and standard of living.
Otherwise, quite frankly, I am not optimistic about the long-term survivability prospects of our species. And this is one instance, when rich and poor alike will be facing the same fate. Think about it... let your voice be heard. Get involved in yours and your children's future. Please vote!
Jettison Materialism, Baby Steps to a Brighter Future, and Politicians R Us
So another Christmas in America... thankfully this year somehow I've been immunized against the onslaught of corporate America's focused aim on my pocketbook. With our economy in its current state, it seems to fly against the grain of our national interest to continue spending every last cent and for some of us, actually going into debt, to feed the nasty monster of consumerism. In spite of everything we hear that it is good for our country to "have another drink the morning after a big night to relieve the hangover," don't believe it. Prolonging the binge only intensifies the pain once we decide to sober up and stop this insanity. With 43 million fellow Americans without health insurance; record unemployment outpacing new job growth, not to mention the great income disparity between lost jobs and the new replacement ones; a pension and retirement crisis of unimaginable proportions in over 1000 of our major corporate employers, as well as countless, publicly-funded and taxpayer supported government pensions, including social security; an all-time record national, state and local government budget deficits; and a runaway import trade imbalance; just to mention a few of our current social and economic woes; do you think maybe, just maybe it's time for us to start changing our ways?
It's easy for Americans to blame our elected leaders, but are they not selected from a consensus of like-minded constituents? Everyone is familiar with the definition of insanity, right? Continuing to do the same thing every day but expecting a different result. It is now time for each individual to start the slow process of change in our lives. Everyone and everything on this planet is inter-connected. As the recipients of the benefits of technology, we also must accept the accompanying responsibilities to manage our consumption of earth's limited resources. Our nation and its woes are like an enormous ship on the ocean. The sheer momentum prohibits turning it on a dime like a jet ski. We must slowly start making a turn (change) in our lives one day at a time. Each of us must consciously make decisions to avoid the wastefulness of our natural and economic resources. Examples of minor, almost painless changes include curbing our personal spending, carpooling and combining trips, repairing household items, mending clothing, saving leftovers instead of dumping them down the disposal, keeping thermostats lower, turning off unnecessary lights, insulating our homes, etc. Landfills are overflowing; our oceans and rivers and their delightfully, diverse inhabitants are becoming poisoned by our refuse; our precious air is being negatively affected by deforestation, commercial pollutants, and vehicle emissions. Our global weather patterns are entering an era unknown in modern times.
The human presence on this planet of life is quickly resembling rats in a cellar. With no regard for each other, we continue to overconsume and ruin the very habitat necessary for our survival as a species. At what point will we begin to justify the catastrophic, mass extinction of animal and human species? Have we already begun to do so in Africa? Are we not supposedly, intelligent? Is it true, as individuals we are, but as a group we sink to the lowest common denominator, the mob mentality? The country and planet we leave to our children will not be desirable, nor even life-sustainable, if we don't individually begin action to alter the current path of destruction. Shame on all of us, but moreso the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles of tomorrow's future, if we fail to open our eyes and see what is happening to our world. America should be leading this crusade to change the world for a better place, instead of leading the rest of the world in pollutants, consumerism, and self-centered consciousness. All humans on this planet are our brothers and sisters. When will we begin to treat them as such? Yet, if each individual American doesn't care enough to make a small sacrifice in their life today for the future of our own children, nation, planet, and ultimately, our species, it will be our children whom are left to make a great sacrifice, perhaps the ultimate one. Is that the legacy we want to leave?
It all begins with simple changes, but today... not tomorrow. Recycle, combine trips to the store or to town to eliminate extra trips. Make lists of things needing to be accomplished while we're out. Avoid the Christmas hype and the great deals on shopping for the latest, newest, best, most advanced, of everything we own, unless we truly need to replace our old ones. Most everything is imported today, anyway. Let's begin a crusade to build American value again. But this starts with balanced trade, a balanced federal budget, and the elimination of our national debt. It will require Americans to save instead of spend. For over 70 years, we have dug ourselves into a deep hole. Every generation since Roosevelt has contributed to our dilemma. There are no fingers pointing, but there are no exemptions, either. Collectively, we have participated in our nation's downward direction; collectively, we all share the burden. This next Christmas can be a Christmas to remember. It can be the day YOU decide to change your lifestyle for the future of humanity. Once we have commited to these small changes, we can then without hypocrisy, demand our elected officials follow suit with their leadership. Otherwise, replace them with like-minded leaders whom regard their fellow citizens above themselves. Isn't that where the term, "public servant" originated? Currently, our leaders mirror our nation's attitudes and values. We must change those first, then our leaders will naturally come from the source we have created.
It's easy for Americans to blame our elected leaders, but are they not selected from a consensus of like-minded constituents? Everyone is familiar with the definition of insanity, right? Continuing to do the same thing every day but expecting a different result. It is now time for each individual to start the slow process of change in our lives. Everyone and everything on this planet is inter-connected. As the recipients of the benefits of technology, we also must accept the accompanying responsibilities to manage our consumption of earth's limited resources. Our nation and its woes are like an enormous ship on the ocean. The sheer momentum prohibits turning it on a dime like a jet ski. We must slowly start making a turn (change) in our lives one day at a time. Each of us must consciously make decisions to avoid the wastefulness of our natural and economic resources. Examples of minor, almost painless changes include curbing our personal spending, carpooling and combining trips, repairing household items, mending clothing, saving leftovers instead of dumping them down the disposal, keeping thermostats lower, turning off unnecessary lights, insulating our homes, etc. Landfills are overflowing; our oceans and rivers and their delightfully, diverse inhabitants are becoming poisoned by our refuse; our precious air is being negatively affected by deforestation, commercial pollutants, and vehicle emissions. Our global weather patterns are entering an era unknown in modern times.
The human presence on this planet of life is quickly resembling rats in a cellar. With no regard for each other, we continue to overconsume and ruin the very habitat necessary for our survival as a species. At what point will we begin to justify the catastrophic, mass extinction of animal and human species? Have we already begun to do so in Africa? Are we not supposedly, intelligent? Is it true, as individuals we are, but as a group we sink to the lowest common denominator, the mob mentality? The country and planet we leave to our children will not be desirable, nor even life-sustainable, if we don't individually begin action to alter the current path of destruction. Shame on all of us, but moreso the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles of tomorrow's future, if we fail to open our eyes and see what is happening to our world. America should be leading this crusade to change the world for a better place, instead of leading the rest of the world in pollutants, consumerism, and self-centered consciousness. All humans on this planet are our brothers and sisters. When will we begin to treat them as such? Yet, if each individual American doesn't care enough to make a small sacrifice in their life today for the future of our own children, nation, planet, and ultimately, our species, it will be our children whom are left to make a great sacrifice, perhaps the ultimate one. Is that the legacy we want to leave?
It all begins with simple changes, but today... not tomorrow. Recycle, combine trips to the store or to town to eliminate extra trips. Make lists of things needing to be accomplished while we're out. Avoid the Christmas hype and the great deals on shopping for the latest, newest, best, most advanced, of everything we own, unless we truly need to replace our old ones. Most everything is imported today, anyway. Let's begin a crusade to build American value again. But this starts with balanced trade, a balanced federal budget, and the elimination of our national debt. It will require Americans to save instead of spend. For over 70 years, we have dug ourselves into a deep hole. Every generation since Roosevelt has contributed to our dilemma. There are no fingers pointing, but there are no exemptions, either. Collectively, we have participated in our nation's downward direction; collectively, we all share the burden. This next Christmas can be a Christmas to remember. It can be the day YOU decide to change your lifestyle for the future of humanity. Once we have commited to these small changes, we can then without hypocrisy, demand our elected officials follow suit with their leadership. Otherwise, replace them with like-minded leaders whom regard their fellow citizens above themselves. Isn't that where the term, "public servant" originated? Currently, our leaders mirror our nation's attitudes and values. We must change those first, then our leaders will naturally come from the source we have created.
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