more commentary: Why Should You Have to Pay to Live
Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts
If there is to be any peace...
If there is to be any peace, it will come through being, not having. - Henry Miller
A Foot in Two Different Worlds
This is a rough dissertation. I am sick and tired of corporate power and socially/environmentally/spiritually destructive economic systems. Another way is possible...
I feel like I am living in two different worlds. One is the world of economic necessity, a world that for many people is cold, hard, cruel and oppressive. This is the world of bottomline economics. It is a world where profit motive is the reality. Yes, there are values here, but even the positive values of this world often times (and ever increasingly so in decades recent) get steamrolled by the sheer weight of motive for financial profit. This world is a world of fear. Fear of destitution. Fear of hunger, of alienation. Fear of scarcity. Fear of punishment for stepping out of line. Fear of termination from employment for political activity and/or political beliefs. In this world, hate and violence operate on a daily basis. People are corralled by big media into groups, where their differences are analyzed, and hostility and distrust are provoked.
Then there is another world. A world that exists to replace the current reality. A world of hope and love and care. There is a rainbow between these two worlds. A bridge. Let's walk it. Cross the bridge with me into this other world.
In the other world, which exists in the dreams of many people, and is, excitingly increasingly taking shape into a real physical and philosophical form, the principles of success relate to our abilities to co-exist harmoniously with each other, and the planet. Success relates to our abilities to care for one another, and to make provision and space for the meaningful and uplifting economic contribution from everyone. To work and to have health care is a human right. No one should have to struggle to find meaningful and positive work. No one should have to live without access to health care. Success can be measured by our abilities to care for each other.
Both of these worlds exist. The world of light, of kindness, of compassion, forgiveness, tolerance of personal differences, of cooperation, of equitable distribution of resources, of long-term sustainability, of uplifting and life-serving economic structures awaits. The rainbow bridge awaits. Join me in walking the path toward another world. A world that is human. A world that is benign. A world where care is among the pinnacles of human achievement.
Blessings. May Peace Be Unto You.
I feel like I am living in two different worlds. One is the world of economic necessity, a world that for many people is cold, hard, cruel and oppressive. This is the world of bottomline economics. It is a world where profit motive is the reality. Yes, there are values here, but even the positive values of this world often times (and ever increasingly so in decades recent) get steamrolled by the sheer weight of motive for financial profit. This world is a world of fear. Fear of destitution. Fear of hunger, of alienation. Fear of scarcity. Fear of punishment for stepping out of line. Fear of termination from employment for political activity and/or political beliefs. In this world, hate and violence operate on a daily basis. People are corralled by big media into groups, where their differences are analyzed, and hostility and distrust are provoked.
Then there is another world. A world that exists to replace the current reality. A world of hope and love and care. There is a rainbow between these two worlds. A bridge. Let's walk it. Cross the bridge with me into this other world.
In the other world, which exists in the dreams of many people, and is, excitingly increasingly taking shape into a real physical and philosophical form, the principles of success relate to our abilities to co-exist harmoniously with each other, and the planet. Success relates to our abilities to care for one another, and to make provision and space for the meaningful and uplifting economic contribution from everyone. To work and to have health care is a human right. No one should have to struggle to find meaningful and positive work. No one should have to live without access to health care. Success can be measured by our abilities to care for each other.
Both of these worlds exist. The world of light, of kindness, of compassion, forgiveness, tolerance of personal differences, of cooperation, of equitable distribution of resources, of long-term sustainability, of uplifting and life-serving economic structures awaits. The rainbow bridge awaits. Join me in walking the path toward another world. A world that is human. A world that is benign. A world where care is among the pinnacles of human achievement.
Blessings. May Peace Be Unto You.
Ambiguous Utopia / Socio-cultural Transformation, Evolution
[update Tuesday 27 July 2010: I just want to chime in here, that while I love much of this song, the lyrics of which really resonate with me, I have lately been questioning the first paragraph more and more. I think it is possible for the mind to control love, in the sense of compassion and empathy with the suffering of others. Anyway, those are my rough thoughts on this. Peace, Berd]
Ambiguous Utopia is a song, the lyrics of which are adapted from a speech by the main character in the novel, The Dispossessed, by the legendary author Ursula K. LeGuin. The melody is by Mark Gunnery, (of, if I remember correctly, Port Townsend, Washington.)
I have been singing with the Olympia Free Choir, and this song was recently introduced to the song list. It's a great one. Come to Free Choir practice! Tuesdays 5-7pm in downtown Olympia, either at the Sylvester Park Gazebo, or northern (all ages venue, 312 East Fourth Avenue.) More information about Free Choir:
http://groups.google.com/group/olympiafreechoir/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48861072375
Commentary:
I have been thinking about the concept of revolution. And to be quite frank, there are some aspects of revolution that are really bothersome for me. Inherent in the concept of revolution is a divisive clash between winners and losers. What if it's possible to have a world without losers.
What if, instead of pushing for a destination where there are winners and losers, it is possible to orient our socio-cultural compass(es) toward a world without losers - a world where we are all winners. Just imagine, an inclusive, open, honest, warm, accepting and tolerant society, where everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities, and where everyone can belong.
So, while I support many revolutionary ideas, I like the exercise of comparing socio-cultural evolution : versus socio-cultural revolution! evolution v. revolution
True and foundational transformation is possible: instead of just revolving around the same cycles of patterned abuse and intolerance. True transformation, deep and lasting socio-cultural evolution is possible. Meeting each other as the sufficient and wonderful human beings that we all are, the development of a new kind of respect for all existence is possible. Another world is possible. We are all special, unique, and sufficient. Be Well. Be Peace. Be the Evolution.
Ambiguous Utopia is a song, the lyrics of which are adapted from a speech by the main character in the novel, The Dispossessed, by the legendary author Ursula K. LeGuin. The melody is by Mark Gunnery, (of, if I remember correctly, Port Townsend, Washington.)
I have been singing with the Olympia Free Choir, and this song was recently introduced to the song list. It's a great one. Come to Free Choir practice! Tuesdays 5-7pm in downtown Olympia, either at the Sylvester Park Gazebo, or northern (all ages venue, 312 East Fourth Avenue.) More information about Free Choir:
http://groups.google.com/group/olympiafreechoir/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48861072375
Ambiguous Utopia
ambiguous utopia
the fools
it's our suffering that brings us together
it is not our love, love don't obey the mind
and it turns to hate when you force it
the ties that bind us are beyond our choice
the hand that you reach out is empty
the hand that i give you is empty too
i don't expect a hand to help unless i reach one out to you
all that you have is all that you are
all that you have is all that you give
we don't own anything and we're free
we have no states and no presidents
no bosses bankers landlords or war
no charity no police and no soldiers
and we don't have, very much
we come to the future with empty hands
naked as a child comes to this earth
you can't take what you haven't given
and what you give is yourself
you can't make the revolution
you can't buy the revolution
you can't be the revolution
it's in you or its nowhere
Commentary:
I have been thinking about the concept of revolution. And to be quite frank, there are some aspects of revolution that are really bothersome for me. Inherent in the concept of revolution is a divisive clash between winners and losers. What if it's possible to have a world without losers.
What if, instead of pushing for a destination where there are winners and losers, it is possible to orient our socio-cultural compass(es) toward a world without losers - a world where we are all winners. Just imagine, an inclusive, open, honest, warm, accepting and tolerant society, where everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities, and where everyone can belong.
So, while I support many revolutionary ideas, I like the exercise of comparing socio-cultural evolution : versus socio-cultural revolution! evolution v. revolution
True and foundational transformation is possible: instead of just revolving around the same cycles of patterned abuse and intolerance. True transformation, deep and lasting socio-cultural evolution is possible. Meeting each other as the sufficient and wonderful human beings that we all are, the development of a new kind of respect for all existence is possible. Another world is possible. We are all special, unique, and sufficient. Be Well. Be Peace. Be the Evolution.
Culture of Conquest, Culture of Oppression
We live in a culture of oppression. It's all around us. It is something that we can all too easily take for granted - unless we make conscious and concerted effort to make it plain.
It's all around us. Since we were born. This culture has been around for thousands of years. We have the oppressors and the oppressed.
No one is left unscathed or unharmed. No one is left undamaged by this cultural oppression. Neither the oppressed, nor the oppressor.
In some ways the oppressed can be seen as having the luxury of awareness. The ability to see the reality of the situation—this ability is not nearly as available to the oppressor as it is to the oppressed. It's because the oppressor oftentimes must look away, the oppressor must avoid the brutal truth of the situation, the truth that it is they whom are the propagators of such vicious assaults against the oppressed. The oppressed must be maligned, cursed, castigated, made to seem unworthy, weak, insufficient, or somehow the source of the problem. In order to oppress, the oppressor often times must delude themself about the true nature of the situation, and the reason for the oppressive behavior. For example, the oppressed are labeled as terrorists so that the justification of protection or self-defense is used. (This often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.)
Look at the situation in Israel and Palestine.
Many Israelis have brainwashed themselves into believing that they are the ones whom are actually oppressed. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Israelis live in a hyper-vigilant, hyper-sensitive, culture. Jews have been subjected to anti-semitism, and discriminated against, and treated with prejudice and hate for centuries. Yes this is true. Do Jews deserve a refuge state? I think so. —But that does not make it right for Israelis, Jewish or not, to subjugate and to discriminate, to disrespect, and to treat others (primarily speaking of Palestinians here) as if they're inferior.
All human beings deserve to live dignified, happy and prosperous lives. This includes Palestinians and Israelis. This includes all of us. All of us deserve to be treated equally.
The roots of this conflict exist in the systematic oppression of Palestinians that occurred surrounding, and in regard to the formal establishment of the State of Israel.
It is a very common attitude amongst Palestinians that a peaceful coexistence would be possible if only Israel would respect the 1967 borders.
So why won't Israel pull back? Why the ongoing intensive settlement building in traditionally Palestinians Territories? What's the deal? If Israelis truly want peace, then why do they refuse to meet with Palestinians? Why do they insist on labeling their opponents as terrorists, rather than making an effort to acknowledge their common humanity?
The answers exist in the problems associated with a culture of oppression. This is a cultural problem. It's deeply ingrained within our collective and individual psyches. And the hurts caused by this culture cause deep and lasting psychological wounds. The hurts caused by this culture cause disease.
There is so much need for healing. Not only the oppressed, but the oppressors too, are victims of this culture of oppression.
Finally, my suggestion to all of humanity is to work toward the creation of a culture of consent. Abandon this culture of oppression. Do away with it immediately! Leave it behind, and let its desiccated dusts dissolve away, the crystalline structure of social and environmental degradation to be abolished.
Just imagine: a culture of consent and cooperation. Imagine kindness, reciprocity and sharing as some of the guiding principles.
(p.s. This reminds of a topic I want to be sure to pursue, i.e.: What does it mean to be "Pro-Israel?"
So, what does it mean to be "Pro-Israel?"
I argue that to be for militarism and violence towards, and oppression of, Palestinians is in no way truly "Pro-Israel." What would truly be Pro-Israel, and pro-Jewish, would be to call for a breakdown of settlements in the West Bank, and a strong initiative for reconciliation and amends toward Palestinians and all Arabs (and Persians, et al.) To be truly Pro-Israel is to call for a cessation of violent conflict. To be truly Pro-Israel is not to feed the destruction inherent in the military machine. To be truly Pro-Israel we will call to abolish the military-industrial complex.
Israelis and Israel have a right to exist. And so do Palestinians and Palestine. So do Iranians, and Iran. And Iraqis and Iraq. And Americans and America.
All people have a right to exist. All people have a right to organize themselves peacefully and not be subjugated, assaulted and/or oppressed.
We are each sufficient, individually and collectively, in and of our own beings.
So instead of distrust, violence, militarism and war - how about practicing tolerance, truthfulness, peace and compassion, etc...)
(update 3/17/2009: I also want to add a few words about the right of indigenous peoples and traditional cultures to exist without interference and intervention. In the above postscript I wrote that "Americans and America [have a right to exist.]"
While I feel this is true, I also do not want to ignore the horrible history of oppression in America, the decimation of Native Peoples and Cultures, the enslavement of Africans and Asians. This horrible history of oppression is not limited to America, nor even to the West, but has existed in various cultures and societies throughout world history.
So when I write that all people have a right to exist, I mean all people - and all cultures. All people ought to be able to participate in cultures - so long as they are not harmful to others.
The problem we have now is that it is our culture, our people, and our government that are the principle proponents of violence, harm and destruction throughout the world.
Therefore, we are right to resist the destructive tendencies of our gov't.)
It's all around us. Since we were born. This culture has been around for thousands of years. We have the oppressors and the oppressed.
No one is left unscathed or unharmed. No one is left undamaged by this cultural oppression. Neither the oppressed, nor the oppressor.
In some ways the oppressed can be seen as having the luxury of awareness. The ability to see the reality of the situation—this ability is not nearly as available to the oppressor as it is to the oppressed. It's because the oppressor oftentimes must look away, the oppressor must avoid the brutal truth of the situation, the truth that it is they whom are the propagators of such vicious assaults against the oppressed. The oppressed must be maligned, cursed, castigated, made to seem unworthy, weak, insufficient, or somehow the source of the problem. In order to oppress, the oppressor often times must delude themself about the true nature of the situation, and the reason for the oppressive behavior. For example, the oppressed are labeled as terrorists so that the justification of protection or self-defense is used. (This often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.)
Look at the situation in Israel and Palestine.
Many Israelis have brainwashed themselves into believing that they are the ones whom are actually oppressed. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Israelis live in a hyper-vigilant, hyper-sensitive, culture. Jews have been subjected to anti-semitism, and discriminated against, and treated with prejudice and hate for centuries. Yes this is true. Do Jews deserve a refuge state? I think so. —But that does not make it right for Israelis, Jewish or not, to subjugate and to discriminate, to disrespect, and to treat others (primarily speaking of Palestinians here) as if they're inferior.
All human beings deserve to live dignified, happy and prosperous lives. This includes Palestinians and Israelis. This includes all of us. All of us deserve to be treated equally.
The roots of this conflict exist in the systematic oppression of Palestinians that occurred surrounding, and in regard to the formal establishment of the State of Israel.
It is a very common attitude amongst Palestinians that a peaceful coexistence would be possible if only Israel would respect the 1967 borders.
So why won't Israel pull back? Why the ongoing intensive settlement building in traditionally Palestinians Territories? What's the deal? If Israelis truly want peace, then why do they refuse to meet with Palestinians? Why do they insist on labeling their opponents as terrorists, rather than making an effort to acknowledge their common humanity?
The answers exist in the problems associated with a culture of oppression. This is a cultural problem. It's deeply ingrained within our collective and individual psyches. And the hurts caused by this culture cause deep and lasting psychological wounds. The hurts caused by this culture cause disease.
There is so much need for healing. Not only the oppressed, but the oppressors too, are victims of this culture of oppression.
Finally, my suggestion to all of humanity is to work toward the creation of a culture of consent. Abandon this culture of oppression. Do away with it immediately! Leave it behind, and let its desiccated dusts dissolve away, the crystalline structure of social and environmental degradation to be abolished.
Just imagine: a culture of consent and cooperation. Imagine kindness, reciprocity and sharing as some of the guiding principles.
(p.s. This reminds of a topic I want to be sure to pursue, i.e.: What does it mean to be "Pro-Israel?"
So, what does it mean to be "Pro-Israel?"
I argue that to be for militarism and violence towards, and oppression of, Palestinians is in no way truly "Pro-Israel." What would truly be Pro-Israel, and pro-Jewish, would be to call for a breakdown of settlements in the West Bank, and a strong initiative for reconciliation and amends toward Palestinians and all Arabs (and Persians, et al.) To be truly Pro-Israel is to call for a cessation of violent conflict. To be truly Pro-Israel is not to feed the destruction inherent in the military machine. To be truly Pro-Israel we will call to abolish the military-industrial complex.
Israelis and Israel have a right to exist. And so do Palestinians and Palestine. So do Iranians, and Iran. And Iraqis and Iraq. And Americans and America.
All people have a right to exist. All people have a right to organize themselves peacefully and not be subjugated, assaulted and/or oppressed.
We are each sufficient, individually and collectively, in and of our own beings.
So instead of distrust, violence, militarism and war - how about practicing tolerance, truthfulness, peace and compassion, etc...)
(update 3/17/2009: I also want to add a few words about the right of indigenous peoples and traditional cultures to exist without interference and intervention. In the above postscript I wrote that "Americans and America [have a right to exist.]"
While I feel this is true, I also do not want to ignore the horrible history of oppression in America, the decimation of Native Peoples and Cultures, the enslavement of Africans and Asians. This horrible history of oppression is not limited to America, nor even to the West, but has existed in various cultures and societies throughout world history.
So when I write that all people have a right to exist, I mean all people - and all cultures. All people ought to be able to participate in cultures - so long as they are not harmful to others.
The problem we have now is that it is our culture, our people, and our government that are the principle proponents of violence, harm and destruction throughout the world.
Therefore, we are right to resist the destructive tendencies of our gov't.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)