Posted by Editors on April 07, 2008 at 18:56:25:
In the natural sciences,We are described as members of the animal world.
In fact, in some quarters of the study of human behavior, we are considered “strange,” in that we are described as having all the innate attributes of animal instincts which compel nations to war, and to kill to gain resources to another’s nation's detriment …, which too many so-called “experts” attribute to the periodic wars which plague every generation., Iraq being the most recent example.
Yet,we all abhor the loss of human life and fear War itself. But, contrary to those "experts," when we recognize that we “abhor” and fear wars, obviously, WE are not “strange,” are NOT predisposed to WAR, but rather different than the “other” creatures with which we share this earth.
In fact, WE, as a people, are "extraordinary!"
Of the various ways to define "strange" we have to consider ourselves "extraordinary" beings in that we can, unlike the "other" creatures which roam the Earth, rationalize and prepare for future. We can anticipate man- made societal dangers which we know through experience to be inevitable...., such as economic depressions and wars, and perennial social disparities which can be avoided simply by using our common sense...
Surprisingly, too few people who are informed, actually speak out about the effects this economic system, capitalism, has on our entire culture, on the entire peoples of our world, starting with the way we have to compete with others for bread..., which certainly is not the way we want to live among our own immediate family members...
Were we to view ourselves as intrinsic members of the "human" family, no doubt we would find cooperative, rather than competitive, ways to use our socially necessary institutions more to our societal and individual benefit. But we needn't depend on, or “wait” on "all" the world's people to think alike before We, here in our own society, take steps to transform our own destructive, systemic dynamics of capitalism to a system of genuine democracy which engenders cooperative, compatible human relationships.
We have the awareness that with positive societal interactions...cooperation rather than competition... in those areas where our quality of life is concerned, no one should needlessly, involuntarily suffer any material disparities, and certainly none in which an individual’s personal, societal concerns are ignored. This is not a knock on competition itself. Competition in games and other activities where survival is not at stake..., can be, and almost always is a mutually enjoyed pass time.
Capitalism's profit-driven rules (at anyone's expense) certainly are not conducive to our societal well being...., as evidenced by the current, April ’08 growing unemployment numbers, the inevitable impoverishment among the jobless..., the home mortgage foreclosures growing by the thousands each day, and gas prices continue to make driving to work near impossible for minimum wage earners.
UNTIL we get out from under all the daily corporate media propaganda about how intertwined capitalism is with democracy (????) and UNTIL we ourselves, begin OUR necessary, open discussions about the system, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUCCUMB OURSELVES to the present political TWO major party, ONE ideology system, which produces the sordid social conditions we today endure, which prevents us from living in conditions we can enjoy.
We mustn’t be reluctant to talk with our friends, neighbors, elected public officials and others about how this system keeps us unsettled, unsure of our futures, and certainly without real, democratic representation in our governments in all matters that affect our lives.
And we would be remiss were we not point out to our friends and neighbors that there is a better way… And as a follow up…., we can all share with our friends and neighbors access to the PFANS site. And most certainly…, some interesting discussions are bound to follow!
Also, and We needn't be reluctant to write to our House Representatives and Senators.. Each Rep has an address which can be accessed merely by using Google and stating "Lists of U.S.Senators" and Lists of House of Representatives Members" on the Search bar...
Your reminding them to pursue "Democracy for their Constituents" would lift their eyebrows, and would hold their constituents in higher respect than now they do… All this seemingly “small” stuff leads ultimately to a wider societal discussion, which is critical to spring forth a needed public discussion for Democracy and systemic change on all levels of our society.
A genuine DEMOCRACY is our goal. From this can spring all the good things we want in our society. That’s the only way to start things moving in a positive direction toward a peaceful and prosperous society.
And who among us doesn’t want that?
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