Capitalism is like fire :: properly regulated, it can feed your family. Without regulation it can burn down your house
31 October 2011
We've lost the haggle
Haggling. It's so fun. Not done in America much anymore.
Capitalism.
Businesses get to set their price and we agree to buy it at that price. If everything goes well, we shop around and find things for the cheapest price.
That might not be what we think it's worth. Which is a problem.
A bigger problem is that workers don't set their prices.
A business posts a job offer and they set the wage that they will pay.
Kind of backwards. Labor is a service. Workers are offering a service.
Who puts out a job notice? The employer. When do they do it? When they need another worker.
So who has the upper hand? The worker.
And if that employer wants to put the work of two or more people on one laborer; then the worker should renegotiate their price.
Workers should be setting the price of their own labor.
Capitalism.
Businesses get to set their price and we agree to buy it at that price. If everything goes well, we shop around and find things for the cheapest price.
That might not be what we think it's worth. Which is a problem.
A bigger problem is that workers don't set their prices.
A business posts a job offer and they set the wage that they will pay.
Kind of backwards. Labor is a service. Workers are offering a service.
Who puts out a job notice? The employer. When do they do it? When they need another worker.
So who has the upper hand? The worker.
And if that employer wants to put the work of two or more people on one laborer; then the worker should renegotiate their price.
Workers should be setting the price of their own labor.
Economic fantasies
Every proposed economic system is a complete fictional fantasy. Especially capitalism, socialism, and communism.
This is a basic question of private or public ownership.
If the government owned all means of exchange, would our society be any better? Is it even possible for over 300 million people to come to own the means of production?
To some, A free market means that the government does not regulate/restrict business; but, will create laws to benefit them. To others, a free market means the government's sole duty is to protect people's rights and provide recompense for fraud or force.
If I remember correctly, corrupt politicians made the Gilded Age possible. So, no. Markets will never be free as long as politicians can be bought.
Where is the economic policy that takes human greed, discrimination, distrust, fear, ignorance, etc., into account?
This is a basic question of private or public ownership.
If the government owned all means of exchange, would our society be any better? Is it even possible for over 300 million people to come to own the means of production?
To some, A free market means that the government does not regulate/restrict business; but, will create laws to benefit them. To others, a free market means the government's sole duty is to protect people's rights and provide recompense for fraud or force.
If I remember correctly, corrupt politicians made the Gilded Age possible. So, no. Markets will never be free as long as politicians can be bought.
Where is the economic policy that takes human greed, discrimination, distrust, fear, ignorance, etc., into account?
Politics and Economics
The same human factor works behind our Our government and our economy. In American democracy, people have always voted for their own self-interests (real or imagined).
The tyranny of the majority is a real phenomenon; it's part of the reason I like our judicial system so much. The courts check and balance the voters.
History doesn't support the idea that a democratic vote is supposed to be cast for the benefit of the many
People have continuously voted to take rights away from others.
We can see this now with measures like prop 8 in CA or any other state where voters deny people the right to marry.
Looking back to America's birth, the government has always written laws to give power to the wealthy elites. First by restricting the vote to white, male landowners. Then created laws that gave more power to slave-owners. Used Armies to force tribes out of their homes. Created laws that made women subservient to men. Then created laws to allow segregation. Etc.
All this making it easier for the wealthy elite to gain power.
Democracy, capitalism, socialism... all ideals that assume people are benevolent.
"How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it."
"And hence it is, that to feel much for others and little for ourselves, that to restrain our selfish, and to indulge our benevolent affections, constituties the perfection of human nature; and can alone produce among mankind that harmony of sentiments and passions in which consists there whole grace and propriety. As to love our neighbour as we love ourselves is the great law of Christianity, so it is the great precept of nature to love ourselves only as we love our neighbour, or what comes to the same thing, as our neighbour is capable of loving us"
Both quotes from Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiment.
Every time I see someone speak of Adam Smith, I seriously doubt they have read all his writings.
I think cartels depend on the government to enforce laws that benefit them and ignore laws that are to their detriment.
I think we really will never know what the outcomes of capitalism or socialism would be because the ideals we imagine don't include the people factor. Ideals ignore the ingenuity of the greedy; And ignores the human tendency for hierarchy.
History of women's right to vote and Constitutional amendments
The automatic assumption should be that everyone has equal rights until stated otherwise.
1776 women already had the right to vote.
1787 US Constitutional Convention places voting qualifications in the hands of the states. Women in all states except New Jersey lose the right to vote.
1893 Colorado is the first state to adopt an amendment granting women the right to vote.
Utah and Idaho follow suit in 1896,
Washington State in 1910,
California in 1911,
Oregon, Kansas,
and Arizona in 1912,
Alaska and Illinois in 1913,
Montana and Nevada in 1914,
New York in 1917;
Michigan, South Dakota, and Oklahoma in 1918.
I've heard some complain about those who wish the constitution was followed strictly.
They say that if it wasn't for the 19th amendment, women wouldn't have the right to vote.
Women already had the right to vote. Many women had the right to vote before 1920.
The states took their rights away. Then women had to fight to get them back.
I have no problem with the amendments (except the 16th); but, many amendments could have been dealt with by judicial action instead. Depending on who was in the supreme court at the time.
1776 women already had the right to vote.
1787 US Constitutional Convention places voting qualifications in the hands of the states. Women in all states except New Jersey lose the right to vote.
1893 Colorado is the first state to adopt an amendment granting women the right to vote.
Utah and Idaho follow suit in 1896,
Washington State in 1910,
California in 1911,
Oregon, Kansas,
and Arizona in 1912,
Alaska and Illinois in 1913,
Montana and Nevada in 1914,
New York in 1917;
Michigan, South Dakota, and Oklahoma in 1918.
I've heard some complain about those who wish the constitution was followed strictly.
They say that if it wasn't for the 19th amendment, women wouldn't have the right to vote.
Women already had the right to vote. Many women had the right to vote before 1920.
The states took their rights away. Then women had to fight to get them back.
I have no problem with the amendments (except the 16th); but, many amendments could have been dealt with by judicial action instead. Depending on who was in the supreme court at the time.
Occupy
Reiteration
Our rights enumerated in the first amendment are more powerful than the right to vote.
We get to vote for our representatives every two years.
We want to vote for someone who will represent our interests.
We end up voting for the lesser of two evils
Sometimes the one we didn't vote for ends up representing us
In the meantime, we sit back and complain because they are not doing what they said they would do,
and they're definitely not doing what we want them to do.
In the meantime, there are people who send their representatives to government (lobby) and those people influence laws.
So, we wait
till the next election and we vote against them.
The first amendment is for the meantime.
There is no reason to sit back, complain, and wait.
We have the right to assemble peacefully,
The Freedom of speech,
The freedom to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Our representatives in D.C. and in our state capital are not representing us.
We must represent ourselves.
NY GA declaration
occupywallst
occupytogether
beyond_occupy_wall_street_11_american_uprisings_youve_never_heard_of_that_changed_the_world
consensus
Our rights enumerated in the first amendment are more powerful than the right to vote.
We get to vote for our representatives every two years.
We want to vote for someone who will represent our interests.
We end up voting for the lesser of two evils
Sometimes the one we didn't vote for ends up representing us
In the meantime, we sit back and complain because they are not doing what they said they would do,
and they're definitely not doing what we want them to do.
In the meantime, there are people who send their representatives to government (lobby) and those people influence laws.
So, we wait
till the next election and we vote against them.
The first amendment is for the meantime.
There is no reason to sit back, complain, and wait.
We have the right to assemble peacefully,
The Freedom of speech,
The freedom to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
We can do it everyday.
We should do it always
And if they don't listen,
then we'll govern ourselves.
Article IV Section 4 of the Constitution
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government...
Occupy Wall Street may be about some Americans finally realizing that America is not a democracy and how that fact has shaped our nation.
then we'll govern ourselves.
Article IV Section 4 of the Constitution
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government...
Occupy Wall Street may be about some Americans finally realizing that America is not a democracy and how that fact has shaped our nation.
Our representatives in D.C. and in our state capital are not representing us.
We must represent ourselves.
NY GA declaration
occupywallst
occupytogether
beyond_occupy_wall_street_11_american_uprisings_youve_never_heard_of_that_changed_the_world
consensus
Bill of Rights
The Amendments
The following are the Amendments to the Constitution. The first ten Amendments collectively are commonly known as the Bill of Rights.
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms. Ratified 12/15/1791.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment 3 - Quartering of Soldiers. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any personbe subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by animpartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for hisdefence.
Amendment 7 - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment 8 - Cruel and Unusual Punishment. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment 9 - Construction of Constitution. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Amends
The following are the Amendments to the Constitution. The first ten Amendments collectively are commonly known as the Bill of Rights.
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms. Ratified 12/15/1791.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment 3 - Quartering of Soldiers. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment 5 - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings. Ratified 12/15/1791.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any personbe subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by animpartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for hisdefence.
Amendment 7 - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases. Ratified 12/15/1791.
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment 8 - Cruel and Unusual Punishment. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment 9 - Construction of Constitution. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Amends
libertarian?
I would support a free market economy if the people were united and informed.
If the people are not educated; the economic powers will run all over them. If the people are not united, economic powers will run all over them
I'm about as close to libertarian as you can get.
I'm a libertarian on paper
Although I don't believe in unregulated capitalism.
I don't think corporations are a good replacement for government
I think the democrats fail in thinking that the federal govt can solve people's problems. These problems should be solved at the community level.
I think the federal govt is this big money sucking monster. I don't really want to privatize everything; but I do think all of it (except foreign affairs) should be handled at a state level
And the government's vision of privatization is to give tax dollars to contractors.
I think the republicans fail in thinking the government can control people's private lives.
I think people should have the right to live their lives as they choose as long as they're not harming anyone else (infringing on the life, liberty, and property of others)
I'm "pro-life" but I don't think that's a decision the govt. should be getting involved in. That's between a woman, her family, and her doctor, and hopefully a therapist. I hope that women choose to keep their babies but if they don't, that's their decision and really none of my business.
I think libertarians fail in thinking that corporations would have no power over the people in a free market.
The war cry is that it's all the government's fault and you should not fault corporations. If the government had less power then the corporations would not take advantage...
I should not fault corporations for taking advantage of the government? If you take advantage of something to benefit yourself to the detriment of others, I should not fault you, I should fault the one you took advantage of?
In my head, when a person takes a bribe, the person giving the bribe and the person taking the bribe should both be held accountable.
Libertarians fail to realize that economic powers control the government. Economic powers are the reason there are governments in place. If you get rid of government, you are just taking out the middle man.
I don't like the idea of welfare; but I do think we should provide assistance in exchange for community service.
I think it would behoove society to ensure everyone has proper medical care and a competitive education. Nutritious food and adequate shelter. Again, I would be in favor of community service in exchange for funding these things.
Drugs aren't a legal issue they're a medical issue.
living wage instead of minimum wage. Factor in cost of living and determine how much a person should need
workers collectively determine wages
Donations, service fees, and public service instead of taxes
What the libertarian party is missing is direct advocacy for non-government organizations.
If you think that private entities do a better job at serving people than the government does, then you need to advertise, support, and promote those private entities.
I would be a libertarian, but I actually give a fuck about people
If the people are not educated; the economic powers will run all over them. If the people are not united, economic powers will run all over them
I'm about as close to libertarian as you can get.
I'm a libertarian on paper
Although I don't believe in unregulated capitalism.
I don't think corporations are a good replacement for government
I think the democrats fail in thinking that the federal govt can solve people's problems. These problems should be solved at the community level.
I think the federal govt is this big money sucking monster. I don't really want to privatize everything; but I do think all of it (except foreign affairs) should be handled at a state level
And the government's vision of privatization is to give tax dollars to contractors.
I think the republicans fail in thinking the government can control people's private lives.
I think people should have the right to live their lives as they choose as long as they're not harming anyone else (infringing on the life, liberty, and property of others)
I'm "pro-life" but I don't think that's a decision the govt. should be getting involved in. That's between a woman, her family, and her doctor, and hopefully a therapist. I hope that women choose to keep their babies but if they don't, that's their decision and really none of my business.
I think libertarians fail in thinking that corporations would have no power over the people in a free market.
The war cry is that it's all the government's fault and you should not fault corporations. If the government had less power then the corporations would not take advantage...
I should not fault corporations for taking advantage of the government? If you take advantage of something to benefit yourself to the detriment of others, I should not fault you, I should fault the one you took advantage of?
In my head, when a person takes a bribe, the person giving the bribe and the person taking the bribe should both be held accountable.
Libertarians fail to realize that economic powers control the government. Economic powers are the reason there are governments in place. If you get rid of government, you are just taking out the middle man.
I don't like the idea of welfare; but I do think we should provide assistance in exchange for community service.
I think it would behoove society to ensure everyone has proper medical care and a competitive education. Nutritious food and adequate shelter. Again, I would be in favor of community service in exchange for funding these things.
Drugs aren't a legal issue they're a medical issue.
living wage instead of minimum wage. Factor in cost of living and determine how much a person should need
workers collectively determine wages
Donations, service fees, and public service instead of taxes
What the libertarian party is missing is direct advocacy for non-government organizations.
If you think that private entities do a better job at serving people than the government does, then you need to advertise, support, and promote those private entities.
I would be a libertarian, but I actually give a fuck about people
30 October 2011
Serve your Country
I think all benefits should be earned through a community service program.
Yes, I know TANF.
A person must serve their country in order to benefit from it. This includes community service to military service.
You need food, do some community service. You want some medical benefits, work for the state part-time.
Mostly because, I'm so tired of people complaining about where their tax dollars are going and how they are being wasted. Tired of people complaining about others who only want to "mooch off the system".
This way there will be no mooching and you can stop bitching.
Honestly, the federal govt. shouldn't be benefiting anyone. All federal benefit programs should be ran by the local government.
And due to the battle cry of the ChickenHawks, I'm so ready to support compulsory national service. You want to support our troops? Fight beside them in battle. If you're qualified to join the military then joining up is the only support that is worth anything.
Sign Up or Shut Up
16 July 2008
I got one better. How about we eradicate the need for govt. assistance. How about solving the problem instead of just throwing money at it.
How about everyone who wants a job has a job. A job with a living wage. A job that can cover housing, food, childcare, transportation, clothing, education. A job that has good medical benefits. A job with a sound retirement plan.
How about eradicating unemployment and poverty.
Yes, I know TANF.
A person must serve their country in order to benefit from it. This includes community service to military service.
You need food, do some community service. You want some medical benefits, work for the state part-time.
Mostly because, I'm so tired of people complaining about where their tax dollars are going and how they are being wasted. Tired of people complaining about others who only want to "mooch off the system".
This way there will be no mooching and you can stop bitching.
Honestly, the federal govt. shouldn't be benefiting anyone. All federal benefit programs should be ran by the local government.
And due to the battle cry of the ChickenHawks, I'm so ready to support compulsory national service. You want to support our troops? Fight beside them in battle. If you're qualified to join the military then joining up is the only support that is worth anything.
Sign Up or Shut Up
16 July 2008
I got one better. How about we eradicate the need for govt. assistance. How about solving the problem instead of just throwing money at it.
How about everyone who wants a job has a job. A job with a living wage. A job that can cover housing, food, childcare, transportation, clothing, education. A job that has good medical benefits. A job with a sound retirement plan.
How about eradicating unemployment and poverty.
October 2011
I was about to submit this idea as a petition to the federal government. I took some time to research while I was writing the proposal and I found that TANF already requires people to work.
I was about to submit this idea as a petition to the federal government. I took some time to research while I was writing the proposal and I found that TANF already requires people to work.
Work requirements: The following work requirements are established under TANF:
- Unless a state opts out, non-exempt adult recipients who are not working must participate in community service two months after they start receiving benefits.
- Adults are required to participate in work activities two years after they start receiving assistance under the block grant.
- States may exempt parents with children under 1 from work requirements, and may disregard them in calculating participation rates.
- States may not penalize parents with children under 6 for not working if child care is not available.
28 October 2011
Deep Thought
One of the biggest lies we've been told is that someone else can fight for our freedom.
rule of the courts
imagine
everyone in society enjoying full autonomy.
Everyone is self-sufficient
Everyone is self-sufficient
The only function of government is judicial
To decide in cases where the people can not resolve things for themselves
To judge in matters of violating another's rights
fraud and coercion
27 October 2011
Deep Horoscope
You've heard the old platitude, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." The owner of a pizzeria in Mildura, Australia updated that sentiment in 2010 when the area was invaded by swarms of locusts. "They're crunchy and tasty," he said of the bugs, which is why he used them as a topping for his main dish. It so happens that his inventive approach would make good sense for you right now, Gemini. So if life gives you a mini-plague of locusts, make pizza garnished with the delectable creatures. Halloween costume suggestion: pizza delivery person carrying this novel delicacy.
Wouldn't you love to learn more about who you really are? What better adventure is there than learning about your soul's code?
SACRED ADVERTISEMENT
Bring the spirits of sampling and the mash-up into your relationship life. Sampling is what happens when a musician openly lifts a riff out of an existing song and inserts it into his or her own composition. In a mash-up, a producer takes parts from two different songs to assemble a new song that has elements of both originals but is an entirely new creation.
How might you apply these approaches to your collaborations with intimate allies? For example, you could "sample" a close friend's favorite catchphrases or clothes, and use them as your own. Or tell that person a story from his or her own past, but recount it as if it happened to you. The two of you could write a journal entry together, taking turns spinning out each new line. You might even switch roles for a day, trying out what it actually feels like to be the other person.
Wouldn't you love to learn more about who you really are? What better adventure is there than learning about your soul's code?
SACRED ADVERTISEMENT
Bring the spirits of sampling and the mash-up into your relationship life. Sampling is what happens when a musician openly lifts a riff out of an existing song and inserts it into his or her own composition. In a mash-up, a producer takes parts from two different songs to assemble a new song that has elements of both originals but is an entirely new creation.
How might you apply these approaches to your collaborations with intimate allies? For example, you could "sample" a close friend's favorite catchphrases or clothes, and use them as your own. Or tell that person a story from his or her own past, but recount it as if it happened to you. The two of you could write a journal entry together, taking turns spinning out each new line. You might even switch roles for a day, trying out what it actually feels like to be the other person.
20 October 2011
Deep Horoscope
As I was meditating on your horoscope this afternoon, I gazed out my window at the creek flowing nearby. The tide was coming in, which meant that the current was surging swiftly south. Row upon row of small waves were coursing through the water. Then I spied a lone duck swimming north against the tide. I couldn't imagine what her motivation was. Why not just relax and float downstream? She wasn't in a hurry and wasn't in the least flustered. Ever forward she went, determined to push on. And then it struck me, as I thought of your current astrological omens, that her approach would also suit you quite well right now. Go steadily and casually against the flow, Gemini.
Sometimes it's a challenge to try to figure out what's important and what's not important. *
Sometimes it's a challenge to try to figure out what's important and what's not important. *
SACRED ADVERTISEMENT
Like all of us, you have desires for things that you don't really need and aren't good for you. But you shouldn't disparage yourself for having them, nor should you conclude that every desire is tainted. Rather, think of your misguided longings as the bumbling, amateur expressions of a faculty that will one day be far more expert. They're how you practice as you work toward the goal of becoming a master of desire. It may take a while, but eventually you will get the hang of wanting things that are really good for you, and good for everyone else, too.
*
Like all of us, you have desires for things that you don't really need and aren't good for you. But you shouldn't disparage yourself for having them, nor should you conclude that every desire is tainted. Rather, think of your misguided longings as the bumbling, amateur expressions of a faculty that will one day be far more expert. They're how you practice as you work toward the goal of becoming a master of desire. It may take a while, but eventually you will get the hang of wanting things that are really good for you, and good for everyone else, too.
*
15 October 2011
Deep Thought
Joseph Campbell
"And when you think of this! The number of men who are in fact responsible for the condition of the world right now ... could all be contained in this room, & they are acting as though there were no way of common understanding ... the world is in chaos simply as a function of their inability to assume the middle position in a conversation."
"And when you think of this! The number of men who are in fact responsible for the condition of the world right now ... could all be contained in this room, & they are acting as though there were no way of common understanding ... the world is in chaos simply as a function of their inability to assume the middle position in a conversation."
14 October 2011
A Truly Free Market
The best economic system is one where a person can participate in any informed consensual exchange of services, products, and labor.
free of fraud or coercion
I'd hope it would look like self-sufficiency, bartering, and charity.
People who want power gave us the impression that we couldn't do certain things or that it was easier to let someone else do it. Then they planted the idea that resources were scarce and we had to compete for them.
They created a false sense of low self worth.
They create a product and make us think we cannot live without it.
An important factor is exercising our rights enumerated in the first amendment. Equal in importance is transparency, information, and education.
A more realistic goal is a mixed system. Let private entities sell and trade things that aren't necessities. Let us collectively (through the community) provide things that are necessary for life. Maybe basic Food, shelter, health care, education.
This decision is made by voluntary association or democratically (consent of the governed)
If a free market allows people to exchange goods without interference, then the people can choose the method of exchange.
Who says that the American economy has to be strictly capitalist? A group of people or a state could choose a socialist system.
Individuals can agree to participate in a co-op
Individuals can decide how they want to produce and exchange goods and services without government intervention.
Individuals could also choose not to participate in any economic system they oppose.
The only role for the government is to settle disputes if the parties choose government intervention
In order for a free market to work, the workers and the consumers have to be informed and have to participate.
The peril of any economic system is power. People in power use divide and conquer to gain more power and maintain power. All -isms boil down to divide and conquer.
I think the idealistic systems of capitalism, communism, and socialism can never be perpetuated.
The best we can do is try to maintain them on a micro-economic level;
but, when we get to macro-economics, the society, the government, then things get out of hand. People can not be kept accountable. Workers and consumers have a harder time uniting.
but, when we get to macro-economics, the society, the government, then things get out of hand. People can not be kept accountable. Workers and consumers have a harder time uniting.
It seems like tribal cultures were collectivist/socialist...
When people unite for the betterment of us all, free markets can strive.
Workers unite for fair wages and safety, etc.
Consumers unite for safe products and fair prices, etc.
But, this is planet Earth and divide and conquer works because it feeds off of basic primal human instincts.
Economics should be handled at the lowest level possible. When the production of goods reaches a national level (corporate or government), things get out of hand. Accountability is lost.
Capitalism, socialism, anarchy, communism, etc. are all idealistic systems. They assume people are benevolent and the current system is not allowing them to be benevolent. People aren't benevolent. Each system can and has been corrupted by people. They have all caused suffering. When enacted in the real world, they all are stunted. Capitalism turns into plutocracy, socialism and communism turns into totalitarianism.
Seems no matter what you do, power always ends up in the hands of the few at the expense of the many
The day that humans realize that we are here for each other and throw off selfishness, we won't be worrying about the economy
13 October 2011
Deep Horoscope
On the front of every British passport is an image that includes a chained unicorn standing up on its two hind legs. It's a central feature of the coat of arms of the United Kingdom. I would love to see you do something as wacky as that in the coming week, Gemini -- you know, bring elements of fantasy and myth and imagination into some official setting. It would, I believe, put you in sweet alignment with current cosmic rhythms. (P.S. If you decide to invoke the archetype of the unicorn, unchain it.)
All of creation loves you very much. Even now, people you know and people you don't know are collaborating to make sure you have all you need to make your next smart move. But are you willing to start loving life back with an equal intensity? The adoration it offers you has not exactly been unrequited, but there is room for you to be more demonstrative.
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This is what America looks like
"this is what democracy looks like" is a chant often heard from the Occupy Wall Street crowd.
They should know that some people are calling this occupation 'marxist', 'socialist', 'leftist'
I won't be naive enough to think that those elements are absent from this occupation.
I often hear, 'people adamantly against socialism just need to be educated on what real socialism is'
Amusingly enough, I also hear, 'the people who are adamantly against capitalism just need to be educated on what a true free market looks like'.
I believe both notions are true to a certain extent. All countries that call themselves socialist operate differently. They don't adhere to any strict definition of socialism
The same with capitalism. What countries have had full privatization of everything? What countries allowed private control of goods and services without some type of regulation?
I know that what we have right now doesn't work.
So I really want to know what your dream of america would look like.
To the socialists, What would a socialist America look like?
To capitalists, What would free markets in America look like?
I'm not interested in philosophical definitions of socialism or capitalism. I care about practical application in our country. I want to know what American socialism would look like.
How would you transition between what we have now and your idealistic state?
The conundrum is, if government has proven itself to be so untrustworthy that you won't even bother to protesting them for their corruption on the steps of the capital, then why would you asking government to do more things?
12 October 2011
conversation on socialism
You have to give some people more credit. This is about public ownership vs. private ownership. You don't even have to say the word 'socialist'. They'll do it for you.
This is about the proposals that make people cringe.
People don't like anything that gives the government more control.
People cringe when your demands include any proposals to get the government to solve any of your problems.
They cringe when you ask government to regulate business more.
You'll find resistance when you talk about taxing anybody,
when you talk about wealth redistribution,
when you ask for the government to help you do anything,
Anytime you say, 'it's the government's job to...",
Whenever you use the words "universal" or "social justice" or "workers rights",
Whenever you ask for more government spending....
These are the things that will make people call you a socialist before you even make your declaration.
When people think of socialism they think of a central government that controls all means of production and distribution of goods. They think of government services that are inefficient, wasteful, and fraudulent. They see corruption.
They think of this because this is what they've seen throughout history and what they see now.
I think I'm hearing people advocate for another form of socialism where the people control the means of production and distribution of goods. This is completely different.
Has there been a country where the people controlled the economy through direct democracy?
We've always heard the promise of this type of economy; but it always seems to stall when the totalitarian leader takes control of the country and the means of production and distribution.
We all need to analyze how systems have operated in our country.
Communism: I'd like to point out that, just like every other country, America never upheld the concept of classless equality. I don't even think they really intended to. They used science and religion to prove that the constitution didn't apply to the laborers (a.k.a slaves and indentured servants) or women.
Socialism: One of the biggest complaints I've heard about 'American socialism' is that people don't trust our representatives with the distribution of our tax dollars. People seem to want a say in how much they contribute and how that contribution is used. There's also the notion that government is giving aid to people/corporations who didn't 'earn' it.
Capitalism: "After we broke from England’s rule they wanted to be sure that we were never put into a servitude position by any one person or organization ever again. "
If 'we' means white, male landowners, then that statement is right on the money. The 'forefathers' knew exactly what they were doing, who they were doing it for, and who they wanted to exclude.
We've never had a free market because government has always ensured the privileges of the business owners. The government has given us enough crumbs throughout history to keep us relatively docile. They used the other -isms to keep workers divided and competing with each other. They knew that if workers were truly united, we'd have enough numbers to truly revolt.
This is about the proposals that make people cringe.
People don't like anything that gives the government more control.
People cringe when your demands include any proposals to get the government to solve any of your problems.
They cringe when you ask government to regulate business more.
You'll find resistance when you talk about taxing anybody,
when you talk about wealth redistribution,
when you ask for the government to help you do anything,
Anytime you say, 'it's the government's job to...",
Whenever you use the words "universal" or "social justice" or "workers rights",
Whenever you ask for more government spending....
These are the things that will make people call you a socialist before you even make your declaration.
When people think of socialism they think of a central government that controls all means of production and distribution of goods. They think of government services that are inefficient, wasteful, and fraudulent. They see corruption.
They think of this because this is what they've seen throughout history and what they see now.
I think I'm hearing people advocate for another form of socialism where the people control the means of production and distribution of goods. This is completely different.
Has there been a country where the people controlled the economy through direct democracy?
We've always heard the promise of this type of economy; but it always seems to stall when the totalitarian leader takes control of the country and the means of production and distribution.
We all need to analyze how systems have operated in our country.
Communism: I'd like to point out that, just like every other country, America never upheld the concept of classless equality. I don't even think they really intended to. They used science and religion to prove that the constitution didn't apply to the laborers (a.k.a slaves and indentured servants) or women.
Socialism: One of the biggest complaints I've heard about 'American socialism' is that people don't trust our representatives with the distribution of our tax dollars. People seem to want a say in how much they contribute and how that contribution is used. There's also the notion that government is giving aid to people/corporations who didn't 'earn' it.
Capitalism: "After we broke from England’s rule they wanted to be sure that we were never put into a servitude position by any one person or organization ever again. "
If 'we' means white, male landowners, then that statement is right on the money. The 'forefathers' knew exactly what they were doing, who they were doing it for, and who they wanted to exclude.
We've never had a free market because government has always ensured the privileges of the business owners. The government has given us enough crumbs throughout history to keep us relatively docile. They used the other -isms to keep workers divided and competing with each other. They knew that if workers were truly united, we'd have enough numbers to truly revolt.
11 October 2011
Agrarianism
Form of socialism that features the equitable redistribution of land among the peasants and self-government similar to that in communal living. Agrarian ideals were popular in the rural United States well into the 1900s, although increasing government control deterred their growth.
Founding Fathers: champions of our rights?
I find it tragically funny that people who speak of freedom and rights will invoke the founding fathers.
People who allowed slavery. Stood by and watched while women lost the right to vote.
Only allowed white land owners a vote.
I won't throw the baby out with the bath water; they had great ideas, things we can build off of.
But the hypocrisy is hard to overlook
I'm not down with you. I will not idolize you. I do not support you. I do not want our country to return to your ideals.
10 October 2011
08 October 2011
What if we had no debt
What if 70% of americans stopped buying things.
the 70% that are in debt
what if they decided to concentrate on paying off their debt
and didn't create more debt
What if people decided to hold off on a purchase until they could afford it (pay cash/equvalent for it)
What if there was no interest
06 October 2011
Deep Horoscope
Is there something you've always wanted to create but have not gotten around to creating? Now would be an excellent time to finally get that project off the ground. Is there any role you have fantasized about taking on but have never actually sought out? Now would be a perfect moment to initiate an attempt. Is there any big mysterious deal you've thought about connecting with but never have? Any profound question you've longed to pose but didn't? Any heart-expanding message you've wanted to deliver but couldn't bring yourself to? You know what to do.
No one knows you better than you do, but maybe I can help you dig up even more self-knowledge.
*
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Cancer cells are constantly developing in our bodies. Luckily, our immune systems routinely kill them off. Similarly, our minds always harbor pockets of crazy-making misconceptions and faulty imprints. They usually don't rise up and render us insane thanks to the psychic versions of our immune systems.
How can you stay strong in your ability to fight off sickness and madness? You know the drill: Eat healthy food, sleep well, get physical exercise, minimize stress, give and receive love. But as an aspiring pronoiac, you have at your disposal other actions that can provide powerful boosts to your immune system. Here are examples:
Scheme to put yourself in the path of beautiful landscapes, buildings, art, and creatures.
Exercise your imagination regularly. Get in the habit of feeding your mind's eye images that fill you with wonder and vitality.
Eliminate uhs, you knows, I means, and other junk words from your speech. Avoid saying things you don't really mean and haven't thought out. Stop yourself when tempted to make scornful assertions about people.
Every night before you fall asleep, review the day's activities in your mind's eye. As if watching a movie about yourself, try to be calmly objective as you observe your memories from the previous 16 hours. Be especially alert for moments when you strayed from your purpose and didn't live up to your highest standards.
With a companion, sit in front of a turned-off TV as you make up a pronoiac story that features tricky benevolence, scintillating harmony, and amusing redemption. Speak this tale aloud or write it down.
Take on an additional job title, beautifier. Put it on your business card and do something every day to cultivate your skill. If you're a people person, bring grace and intrigue into your conversations; ask unexpected questions that provoke original thoughts. If you're an artist, leave samples of your finest work in public places. If you're a psychologist or sociologist, point out the institutions and relationships that are working really well. Whatever you do best, be alert for how you can refine it and offer it up to those who'll benefit from it.
If you're going through a phase when you feel you have nothing especially beautiful to offer, or if you think it would be self-indulgent to inject your own aesthetic into shared environments, turn for help to great artists and thinkers. Sneak O'Keeffe or Chagall prints onto unadorned walls in public places, for instance. Memorize poems by Rilke and Hafiz, and slip them into your conversations when appropriate. Program your cell phone so that its ring is Vivaldi's Stabat Mater in C Minor. Scrawl passages from Annie Dillard's Teaching a Stone to Talk on the walls of public lavatories.
No one knows you better than you do, but maybe I can help you dig up even more self-knowledge.
*
SACRED ADVERTISEMENT
Cancer cells are constantly developing in our bodies. Luckily, our immune systems routinely kill them off. Similarly, our minds always harbor pockets of crazy-making misconceptions and faulty imprints. They usually don't rise up and render us insane thanks to the psychic versions of our immune systems.
How can you stay strong in your ability to fight off sickness and madness? You know the drill: Eat healthy food, sleep well, get physical exercise, minimize stress, give and receive love. But as an aspiring pronoiac, you have at your disposal other actions that can provide powerful boosts to your immune system. Here are examples:
Scheme to put yourself in the path of beautiful landscapes, buildings, art, and creatures.
Exercise your imagination regularly. Get in the habit of feeding your mind's eye images that fill you with wonder and vitality.
Eliminate uhs, you knows, I means, and other junk words from your speech. Avoid saying things you don't really mean and haven't thought out. Stop yourself when tempted to make scornful assertions about people.
Every night before you fall asleep, review the day's activities in your mind's eye. As if watching a movie about yourself, try to be calmly objective as you observe your memories from the previous 16 hours. Be especially alert for moments when you strayed from your purpose and didn't live up to your highest standards.
With a companion, sit in front of a turned-off TV as you make up a pronoiac story that features tricky benevolence, scintillating harmony, and amusing redemption. Speak this tale aloud or write it down.
Take on an additional job title, beautifier. Put it on your business card and do something every day to cultivate your skill. If you're a people person, bring grace and intrigue into your conversations; ask unexpected questions that provoke original thoughts. If you're an artist, leave samples of your finest work in public places. If you're a psychologist or sociologist, point out the institutions and relationships that are working really well. Whatever you do best, be alert for how you can refine it and offer it up to those who'll benefit from it.
If you're going through a phase when you feel you have nothing especially beautiful to offer, or if you think it would be self-indulgent to inject your own aesthetic into shared environments, turn for help to great artists and thinkers. Sneak O'Keeffe or Chagall prints onto unadorned walls in public places, for instance. Memorize poems by Rilke and Hafiz, and slip them into your conversations when appropriate. Program your cell phone so that its ring is Vivaldi's Stabat Mater in C Minor. Scrawl passages from Annie Dillard's Teaching a Stone to Talk on the walls of public lavatories.
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