Archive for July, 2015

27
Jul
15

What is Wrong With Humanity?


humanity balanceAt some point in this conversation the words, message, however you may want to term it, will undoubtedly begin to sound as a `rant’. That said, a concerted effort will be made to defer that potential conclusion at all cost to the privilege of your attention to this piece.

Humanity’s presence on this celestial body to which it has been given the unclarified privilege to inhabit for an indeterminate period of time to the present has as history will support, been mired in conflict. Aggression is and, seemingly always has been, at the forefront of this earthly occupation. A condition possibly attributable to the primordial, animalistic, component to living DNA: the innate struggle for all living entities to survive at all cost. But what this does not account for in the case of Humans is the `sentient’ aspect that purportedly differentiates it from other living entities it shares the planet.

So, `what is wrong with humanity?’

According to the Wikipedia’s reference on the topic of `Civilization

“The earliest emergence of [human] civilizations is generally associated with the final stages of the Neolithic Revolution, culminating in the relatively rapid process of state formation, a political development associated with the appearance of a governing elite.

If this holds to be accurate, approximately 9000 BCE was the start of humanity’s evolution to the present era commonly referred to in this the 21st century as the Information Age. A transition period of over 11000 years or, put another way: considering twenty years for each generational cycle – 550 generations.

It is certain many would argue that humanity has progressed substantially to behaving in a more civilized manner meaning, co-existing but, is this accurate?

The underpinning principle to any civilized culture is the `rule of law’. The formulation and establishment of rules and codes of conduct – behavior, a grouping of humans collectively and mutually agree to accept to guide the development and growth of their civilized grouping.

The evolution of this basic principal has undoubtedly met its share of resistance manifest in a variety of ways from the lone-gunman holding up a local bank to corrupt legislators and whole governments often culminating in regional, national and international conflicts.

Examination of the history that brings humanity to its present state now, in the formative years of this 21st century, it becomes evidently clear there is but one principle that truly dictates the course of humanity’s evolution: POWER of FORCE.

The phrase taken from the infamous Star Wars saga: `May the force be with you’ takes on a different connotation in the context of human socio-economic development and advancement where FORCE is derived from two fundamental elements: Money and Bullets. The presence of either or both, in any context of their application, is widely evidenced and proven to supersede the `rule of law’ that underpins a civilized organization.

Ironically, as the presence of humanity surpasses 7-billion and expected to approach 10-billion by mid-21st century, the power of influence increasingly, is residing in the hands of but a few powerful individuals and family dynasties. A situation where 0.7% (32 million) of the global population retain 41% of global wealth (US98.7tn).

pyramid

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/oct/09/worlds-wealthy-where-russia-rich-list

This small super-elite group who, through secretive organizations such as the Bilderberg Group, hold high security, suggestively clandestine, conferences at Davos Switzerland to chart the course the remaining 99.93% of humanity will take over the coming decades.

What supports and is essential for this global wealth pyramid to exist and prosper is a myriad and matrix of individual pyramids of power that ultimately support the overall structure of power and influence. Be that by individuals, governmental institutions and/or, private organizations.

All equally share in the application-enforcement of the same two basic elements: money and if necessary, bullets, to acquire, establish and retain such force of influence.

Ultimately the true value of individual human life in the context of such power has to be deemed negligible. The death of countless millions of innocent lives over the last and into the current century is clear evidence to this harsh statement.

A current and living example of all that is being spoken of here resides in the financial dissolution of Greece, a member state to the Eurozone and the European Union.

Without going into the specific details of the Greek situation, suffice it to say the majority of the Greek population are being held captive to punitive, extreme austerity measures imposed by fellow Eurozone states namely Germany and France, for the documented excesses of the minority, Greek elite-wealth establishment.

Emanating from the global financial collapse of 2007-08, Greece amongst other Eurozone member states such as Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy, has been embroiled in negotiations to restructure payment of its massive national debt that presently exceeds 200% of Gross National Production (GDP). A level of debt that is unsustainable and never fully repayable when it exceeds the realistic potential of generating revenue to do so.

This dire situation of harsh austerity measures crippling the country since 2009 resulted in the 2015 election of new left-leaning State government party: Syriza on the platform to reverse regulations imposed by Eurozone member states. This mandate is further re-enforced by a 61% majority, national referendum in support of the stated platform even at the cost of leaving the Eurozone but staying within the European Union. This would constitute returning to the Drachma currency from the current Euro.

It is not evidently clear as to the true reasons for it but, the Syriza Party and the Greek Parliament have failed to institute the clear mandate given them by the majority of the Greek populace and have in fact, resigned to even harsher austerity measures than those imposed at the outset of this dire saga.

So again, it begs the question: `what is wrong with humanity?’

Clearly, the super-elite hold the power of money by which to acquire and control a power of the bullet to easily impose and control a power of force upon the majority into sheepish submission.

It would seem self-evident, with a ratio of 9.93:>1, the ability to change the present system to a more equalitarian structure would/should be relatively easy. So why has this not happened and what will it take to do so?

The simple answer is Fear. The fear of disrupting a civilized order as harsh as it may be; to delve into the chaotic and destructive nature of revolution. The types of revolution being played out in theatres of conflict as in the Middle East: Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.., the Israeli occupation of Palestinians of Gaza and West Bank. In these conflicts all that appears to being accomplished is death and displacement of thousands of innocent lives that once flourished in established civilized communities now abandoned and laying in ruin; possibly for decades.

In conclusion, if one can be drawn, the super-elite will maintain their austere hold of the majority of humanity unless the ways, means and courage, as yet unfathomable, manifest. Failing such a miracle, the road travelled for most occupants and their progeny to this celestial body, seems less than inviting contrary to the prophetic projections of wealth and goodness professed by contrived, propagandist, entertainment-centric and complicit global, mass media.

May time prove this wrong!

19
Jul
15

France’s Hollande Proposes Creation of Euro-Zone Governmen


Image result for eu flag

Or a coup for Germany?

I came upon the following bloomberg.com article that struck a funny chord.

The article to paraphrase, suggests: recognizing the difficulty arising from the Greek crisis, would it not be better if there was essentially one-Europe: parliament, currency, budget, taxes, etc.. This would be at the cost of the sovereignty of the 19 member (current) country’s.  And given that Germany reigns supreme in the current Eurozone of EU membership, would it, Germany, manage to conclude the struggle seemingly inherent to the past. 

Overall I find it odd that France to be the spoke’s country for this potential unfolding of events. 

There is no doubt the Greek crisis as it continues to unfold, reflecting an increase in civil unrest and disobedience; Euro countries will feel the need, in order to regain stability; expedite the suggested process of a Euro-Zone Government with, potentially, Chancellor Merkel as ????.

UPDATE: It would seem the reasoning proposed here is shared in a Huffington Post article by Nathan Gardels, THEWORLDPOST
“This week the geopolitical balance changed decisively. As Margaret Thatcher long ago, a German Europe, not a Europeanized Germany, would one day be the dominant reality on the continent. The tough terms of the latest Greek bailout and the relegation of France to a junior partner in those negotiations confirm her prescience.”

” France’s Hollande Proposes Creation of Euro-Zone Government

France’s Hollande Proposes Creation of Euro-Zone Government

bloomberg.com · by Angeline Benoit

French President Francois Hollande said that the 19 countries using the euro need their own government complete with a budget and parliament to cooperate better and overcome the Greek crisis.

“Circumstances are leading us to accelerate,” Hollande said in an opinion piece published by the Journal du Dimanche on Sunday. “What threatens us is not too much Europe, but a lack of it.”

While the euro zone has a common currency, fiscal and economic policies remain mostly in the hands of each member state. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi made a plea this week for deeper cooperation between the euro members after political squabbles over Greece almost led to a rupture in the single currency.

Countries in favor of more integration should move ahead, forming an “avant-garde,” Hollande said.

“Europe has let its institutions weaken and the 28 European Union member countries are struggling to agree to move ahead,” Hollande said on Sunday in a text which was also a homage to his mentor Jacques Delors, a former European Commission President who proposed similar ideas.

Draghi called for the creation of a shared treasury within 10 years in a joint proposal with politicians including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem last month.

It would seem the reasoning proposed here is shared in a Huffington Post article by Nathan Gardels, THEWORLDPOST
“This week the geopolitical balance changed decisively. As Margaret Thatcher long ago, a German Europe, not a Europeanized Germany, would one day be the dominant reality on the continent. The tough terms of the latest Greek bailout and the relegation of France to a junior partner in those negotiations confirm her prescience.”
11
Jul
15

Todd’s Secret – a short story


TODD TRAVEL

My eyes opened for just long enough to see my mother’s face and just long enough to hear her say with a crying sob, `Todd is dead’. Then, the next I knew, I awoke in my room, in my bed.

My name is Jake. At the time of writing this I just turned twenty-seven but what happened took place about a year ago. It has taken me this long to deal with what I am about to tell you. Why I am here and Todd, my best friend, is dead.

I’ve known Todd all my life it seems. But it wasn’t always that way. What I mean is after graduating from high school Todd and I went our separate ways and well, time, money and great distance can break-up the best of friendships. What brought us together once again was just the combination of a falling economy and coincidence, really.

Like I said, after high school I may have seen Todd the odd holiday but for the better part of four or five years, we never saw each other until that fateful day.

I may not have mentioned it but, after graduating from university majoring in the humanities, there were few jobs around and becoming desperate, I went to the Employment Center in hopes of finding a temporary job at minimum wage even. So there I was in line with about a dozen other desperate souls when this guy bumps into me and would you know it, it was Todd.

The funny thing about seeing him, in that moment, was; it’s as though the years apart were suddenly erased and somehow, I could sense Todd felt the same way.

I was first to get through the process but I anxiously waited until Todd came out into the center hall, I waved him down and suggested we go for coffee to catch up.

Todd looked as good as the last time I saw him, just before leaving for university. He’s kept the same crew cut, spiked at the front and he had obviously just been in the tropics because his tanned skin made him that much blonder with those thick, bushy eyebrows and crystal blue eyes that joyfully twinkled when he smiled. I am and always have been in love with Todd, beautiful Todd.

We must have talked for hours given it was bright sunshine when we arrived and it was now pitch black outside. He told me about his college years and his on and off again love affairs and once graduated, he got a good job with an investment firm. Todd got his degree in economics and it landed him a job in the Bahamas hence the tan and sun-blonde hair. But then, unfortunately, it was a Ponzi-scheme setup and it got busted. Fortunately for him he was so low on the totem pole that he was not criminally involved but nonetheless, unemployed with no benefits hence, being at the Employment Center. Then fate took its course.

Over the ensuing weeks, Todd and I got together nearly every day each, mutually interested to get back into the groove of our old friendship. We both laughed and cried at how, while still in high school, we would fantasize about what great, important and high-paying jobs we were going to have by going to university and here we were; me at twenty-five and Todd being one year younger, we were both unemployed and living in our parents’ basements. It was then we made a pack to the effect: if the system didn’t want us then, WE DON’T WANT THE SYSTEM! Then committed to getting organized to tread the globe far and as wide as we can make it.

I don’t honestly know how we did it but between the two of us, we were able to scrounge up about five thousand bucks that, along with getting odd jobs along the way, we figured we should be able to go pretty far. And far we did get.

Let me say one thing: beauty begets! Being in the company of Todd given his good looks, calm demeanor and, boyish charm; it goes a long way. Now that is not to say I am a slouch in the looks department, I am a ok looking but, next to Todd, everyone is diminished in the looks department and not just if you are a guy. Yes, he was that good looking.

Well we weren’t one month into our travels from home in Cleveland that we had already gotten to Costa Rica. Beautiful and exotic Costa Rica with its miles of white sandy beaches with some of the most powerful white-foaming surf slamming hard against the shore. And what got us there was Todd’s infectious smile.

From across the room in this small bar in Tepic Mexico were a young guy and girl in their early twenties; we later came to know them as Kenny and Melissa, Mel for short. They were brother and sister. Let me rephrase that introduction; they were spoiled rich brother and sister who decided, not unlike Todd and I, to travel the world but unlike Todd and I, were doing it as lavishly as their Black American Express could take them. I told Todd I thought they were phony’s and the credit card didn’t exist, that Platinum was the card rich people carried. Todd said I was only partly right; only the super-rich had the black card. He learned that fact from his days working for the shysters running the Ponzi scheme.

It was obvious from the start that Kenny and Mel were both infatuated with Todd and they insisted he, we, joy them on their dime to where ever we wanted. And without a second breath they both screamed out Costa Rica with a flutter of their tongues.

We were met at the airport by a chauffeured Land Rover and taken to a resort situated in the tropical rain forest. It was absolutely exquisite replete with every conceivable convenience of the best quality ruggedly set with bamboo cabanas, lush hammocks suspended between huge, luscious Queen Palms and the constant natural and magical cries of wildlife emanating from the jungle. It truly was paradise. I said it was the Garden of Eden re-manifested just for the four of us, as there were no other guests. The only other people were the resort’s staff who were more than discrete. I learned only later; Kenny and Mel paid out the resort for as long as we wanted to stay. These guys were obviously very, very rich. And unfortunately, as it turns out, that can be a bad thing.

After the second week of just lounging I started to get a bit bored and wanted to move on but the others including Todd wanted to hang on for a while longer. I think he was having sex with both of them but from what I could gather neither Kenny nor Mel seemed to know it. Todd was playing both of them and it would be an understatement to say I was jealous of the two of them for coming between Todd and I. In the end I decided, reluctantly, to move on, on my own, with plans to meet up again in Guatemala City. Although I was super mad and angry with Todd, I didn’t let him know it. I wanted to part on good terms in hopes that when we meet up again in a couple of weeks, things will get back to normal. I should probably make it known that although I love Todd a whole hell of a lot, and he is Gay, I’m not. At least not on a sexual sense, I just love Todd and being with him. If that makes me Gay, well then I am Gay too.

I have to admit those two weeks that followed by leaving were the longest; loneliest I had spent in a long time. All I could do was think about Todd and what he might be doing with Kenny and Mel or, they with him, and where they might be.

Before I left we planned that Todd was to send me an update on things, when and where he’d be joining up with me. He was to send a fax to the American Express office in Guatemala City before the end of the second week from when I left him. I went to that office every day for the whole week and nothing. I was both disappointed and confused because I didn’t know what next to do. Do I just sit there in the city and wait? What if he never writes, what if I never see him again? All of a sudden I was feeling very lonely both for him and for myself.

Another week went by with no news from Todd. I was getting desperate hoping something bad had not happened to him. Those two spoiled self-indulgent brats. Just the thought of them again makes me so angry. I was having enough of Guatemala City by now especially given that I was feeling almost sick with worry for Todd. As a last ditch effort I decide to try the American Express office one last time then, if no news I was probably just going to head back home. The joy of travel has been bled from me.

When I approached the front service counter the young Guatemalan girl who knew me well by now jumped with joy and a smile waving a piece of paper. She gleefully said in English that my long awaited fax had arrived. I could not believe it. The relief was over whelming. I quickly reached for it over the counter and read it feverishly.

Todd was still in Costa Rica. He had a bad parting of ways with Kenny and Mel to which he would tell me later, happened because Mel finally caught he and Kenny going at it heavy in the swimming pool late one night when she was supposed to have been in a alcohol and drug induced coma. Frankly I don’t know how he managed to keep up the rouse for as long as he did. Things couldn’t have been that bad in their parting at the airport in San Jose, they left him with two, prepaid, first-class, round the world, open tickets as gesture to the fun they did have together. I was to fly to San Jose a.s.a.p. then we’d fly out, together, from there. What made me forget all the bad things I felt about Todd over those three weeks alone was his closing remark: `I’m sorry buddy! See you soon. Love Todd.’

(To be continued….maybe?)

07
Jul
15

This Longest Night


Inspired by the movement that seems to be taking hold in the guise of Senator Bernie Sanders’ bid for the 45th President of the United States and, the events transpiring in Europe between Greece’s new left-wing government and, the rest of the Eurozone nations.  Through these effort, voice of the Common Peoples has chance to be heard:

Image result for Bernie SandersGreece-button-3

I walk alone, this country mile,
I harbour fear, behind a smile,
The pain I feel, has been for a while;
Each new step, has become a trial.

I look to those, who’ve come before,
For clue to what will help restore
The goodness of love that is our core;
To rid repressive apathy, for ever more.

A future of pride, full of promise
Is within our reach, vibrant and honest;
Revitalizing the weak, to be the strongest;
Railing against greed and the lawless

With this new hope, there comes a true light;
The downtrodden, for once, standing up to fight;
Fuelled by the energy to make matters right;
Exiting the darkness, from this longest night.

As a side-note: The next President-elect will be the 45th Presidency; for those into Numerology, this would reflect the Number – 9. `The last of the cardinal numbers, the 9 is the most worldly and sophisticated of all numbers. The 9 has some similarities with the 6. However, whereas the 6 as a symbol of motherly (or fatherly) love, giving its love and care to friends, family and the immediate community, the 9 offers it to the world at large; the 9, more than any other number, has global consciousness. Looking at the shape of the symbol is, as always, quite telling. The 9 is like the 6 upside down, a symbol of her offering sympathy and compassion to everyone; a reservoir of giving with a generous downward spout.(source:http://www.numerology.com/numerology-numbers/9)




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