fires of war keep some warm

When the fire was going out the other day, I was thinking of it as a metaphor for the current fighting going on in Iraq. Fires go out if you quit adding more wood. Those who are getting warm by the fire want to add more wood. So the question is, "Who is getting warm from this fire?"

Haggert Rehab special, Associate Discount available

Dateline DC ... With todays groundbreaking psychiatric treatment reversing Pastor Ted Haggert's gender orientation, after only 3 weeks of counseling, anonymous Washington sources have suggested this remarkable descrambling technology might also be applied to other persistent political pyschosis instances. These White House staffers recommend that such treatments might also be used in peach mending fruitcakes, and gobbler warmings, both being leftovers from the holiday season. The FIB special alert notifies all prom lifers that such incidents should be put in the freezer as they don't digest well with Valentine candy.

The FIB warns Prom lifers that these psychosis are simply adolescent fantasies that have nothing to do with Monica Lewinsky, Chappequidick, virgins, and what to do when virgins make mistakes. But Associates are warned that such pyschosis may appear to be Blue Light Specials, and to maintain allegiance during confusing circumstances. Hence, the FIB today released a code red and white warning, in addition to further instructions as listed below.

Associates are warned that if such a symptom occurs, patriotic Associates will find the best prices in the Mallwart promotion aisle for the newest Fox News antenna patch updates. These patches feature easy-to-use-default settings of full blocking of all other media channels, plus the bonus free limited time offer of daily updates for Monica and Chappy tape output settings. These efficient update settings function on all Associate systems, with unmatched efficency,
considering the modest player capacities of this member technology.

With this technology installed, prom lifers will be protected on dangerous city streets, where free lifers are gathering in increasing lines for the release of the Seventh Installment in the 'Clueless and the Cons' adventure series. Unsubstantiated reports claim this series finale is set in Big G, a tropical resort, where the gang debates which outfits will get them through the day, orange or stripes. Such plot reports are based on an early movie trailer, which shows a cowboy bar, an empty whiskey bottle, empty glass, and Old Sure Shot strolling the yard of a seaside villa, looking to do a little bird hunting.

Any Prom Life Associate encountering such an alarming situation should first listen to directions on the default channel setting, as the future of our great country depends on such allegiance. If more resources are required, please find a safe place and download the special Ted Haggert rehab technique, which will be available at a special discount price to Associate members requiring such assitance.

Democracy exists only in exercise of democracy

We all think of democracy as government by the people and for the people. After that, the details get fuzzy. On the online "Wikipedia" page defining democracy, about 30 different types of democracy are listed. Further exploration of these is a bewildering journey into human tought and endeavor. But with all of these methods for respecting both the rights of people individually and in groups, democracy is apparently a goal for human behavior. Democracy exists in actions towards this goal. Without such action, it is only an idea.

Most would agree that democratic behavior exists in individual actions to stand for the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, for all people. In order for them to exist for one, they must exist for all. To deny them to another will inevitably cause denial of them to oneself, to ones children, or to both.

Apparently, democracy depends upon eternal vigilance of individuals to uphold these core ideals. Those who do not stand for them are bound to lose them. To defer the understanding and daily renewal of democracy is to lose it. Democracy is not something that is arrived at and then left to others to maintain. Any system of government can become a vehicle of oppression by those who seek excessive power over others. Apparently we all need to be continually informed and active in improving on democratic ideals.

Obiviously, with the large numbers of ways that democracy is attempted, peoples are still working to improve its performance. Performance is the critical yardstick by which a democracy is measured.

In the face of the globalization of humanity, we are thus incumbent to examine the performance of democracies around the world. The U.S. democracy is the most well know, and perhaps the most enduring on a long scale. It is notable as much for its mistakes as it is for its successes. It is the one I am most familiar with, so I will discuss it here.

In current days, US democracy is once again in turmoil. As a representation government, it is often perceived as being eclipsed by international corporations which have allegiances to segements of society, and less so to society as a whole.

One perceived symptom of dysfuntion in current US demcracy is discussed here.

Representational plurality of elections has produced respresentation in the three branches of government accountable only to small segments of the public. Membership at the highest levels in these branches of government is not truly represented by class, gender, race, age, ethnic origin, religious belief, or philosophy.

Perplexing questions arises. At the highest levels of government, why do we not use a yardstick to measure true representation of these communities? Why is this question not an important ongoing issue in national discussion?

Although genuine efforts seem to want to reform the election process by changing the funding rules for elections, successes here may not arrive at significantly greater voter participation or representation.

Because of the lack of adequate representation inherent in plurality voting processes, voting is not seen by the majority as a viable vehicle for representation.

How can this be changed?

First, we all need to become better educated on both our existing constitution and the ways that other democracies either undeperform or outperform the US constitution. We need to objectively discuss what works and what doesn't .

Many view the American democracy at the turn of the millenium as more of a power struggle among politicians and economic interests than as a policy vehicle for enhancing adequate representation of people. This apparent disturbing development has percolated down through society, causing polarity and disillusionment. This trend may possibly be reversed, but first it must be recognized for what it is. Then efforts can begin to change it.

First, for those who agree with the previous assumptions, we all need again to re-evaluate and prioritize our ideals. As far as representation goes, we may decide we need to develop extensive improvements in out election and decision making processess.

As the highest levels of government are the most visible and most familiar to the people, possible ideas for changes should perhaps be directed there first.

One proposal would be to have each of the major offices in each of the major branches composed not of single individuals but of true representation of the voters. This would be akin to a parliamentary style election, with necessary changes to ideas here implemented by discussion and performance.

For instance, let us examine how truer representation might be implemented in the office of an elected official of about average power on a national level, that of a US Senator. For a moment consider this. In the home state elections for this senator, the voters could vote for perhaps 5 representatives out of any political constituency which wants to be on the ballot. Perhaps one vote would be mandantory to vote for one, which would be for one of the candidates actually running under the banner of representing one's own economic class. Other votes could be for the 4 other candidates that most prioritize ones wishes.

For example, an individual might vote for an individual who represents a specific issue stance on the environment, or immigration, or a workplace issue, or on agriculture, education, health care, reproductive rights, gender rights, transportation or whatever. Communities have many various interested parties, and the senate considers a wealth of issues.

Each voter would get 5 senator votes among all of the candidates representing this electorship.

When election tallies are made, each candidate would get that percentage of vote for election issues in Washington DC. The Washington DC office for the Senator for that state would not belong to an individual, but to the candidates from that senatorial region.

With the informational network of todays world, the various candidates would mostly continue to live in their states, but be able to vote on Senate issues through an encrypted network.

Their wages would come out of a fixed amount, reflecting the percentage of votes they got in the election. Their votes on issues would also reflect the percentages of their voter support.

By having a system like this, we would greatly increase particiaption and ownership of a more minformed citizenry in policymaking and implementation. We would also make public office a vehicle for serving the citizenry and not an individuals career ambitions.

In this way, every persons vote would have a variety of representation on Senatorial issues. To determine passage of issues before the senate, all of the individual senatorial votes would be weighted votes, according to the amount of support that individual has garnered in the elections.

Such process would have the outcome of actually showing both the spevtrum of ideas
on specific issues and their support for them. Resources of the national budget would reflect the accumulated vote totals for the voters wishes. National policy would arise from a national dialog and and personal appreciation of various citizens needs and wishes.

Some may perceive a process such as this unwieldy, difficult to understand and implement. But in today's complex world, the answers to complex problems humanity faces need to also be complex. The time for simplified solutions is past.

We need involvement of all sectors of humanity in resolving a wide range of complex issues.

To respond to terrorism, we need to understand it. We need for oppressed peoples to have voices and be part of the greater decision process.

To counter religous conflicts we need representation from all persuasions, investing all of us in both dialog and decision making, truly striving to arrive at solutions guaranteeing non-oppresive religous rights.

To counter global warming, we need truer representation of interested parties in the decision-making process of funding global responses on local and industrial levels.

These are only examples of some of the curreent issues we face. Certainly, ideas here can be improved on. They are only ideas and should only be considered for their resonance and worth.

The success of any institution is dependent upon its ablity to adapt to changing times. The incentive for this article is in response to what many perceive to be the apparent crumbling of some of the structural components of the American consitution.

In summary, these are initial attempts to assess if the constitutional processes are somewhat to lame for present divisions in American society, and if so,why this is happening. Finally, if one sees problems, it is incumbent to propose at least some kind of solution. With a wonderful structure to begin with, the American Constitution, perhaps it is time to replace some of the crumbling components with modern composite ideas. The founders expected nothing less than for those to follow to carry the torch of freedom to future generations.

Freedom of speech is the first amendment to the constitution. Criticism of current policies in ones time was not only allowed, but mandated by the founding fathers. I for one, have long admired the great amount of thought and dialog that went into the formation of the US constitution. I also recognize that many before that event and many since have furthered the great ideals to which humanity aspires.

I also know I am but one of myriad ephemeral voices in the pageant of life on this planet. All I can do is attempt to be true to myself, to attempt to further the ideals I believe in.

Democracy exists only in one's exercise of democracy.

Too many rabbits wearing elephant costumes

So how did we get so many elephants in the room? Everybody likes to talk about elephants when they show up at the party, but who really looks under the costumes to see whose wearing the costumes?

Ok, so can you guess what I am talking about?

I am using the symbol of rabbits, because they overproduce, in referring to overpopulation.

The elephant symbolism is a little more complicated. I am using it to refer to three things.

First, that overpopulation is the big elephant in the room that the media rarely discusses.

Second, that the Republican Party is the big elephant, its agenda greatly enabled and membership increased by both religous and economic beliefs that contribute to overpopulation.

Third, that the catastrophic decline of species is symbolized by the struggles of actual elephants to survive, in the face of habitat usurpation and poaching by humans.

First, let us define the causes of overpoplation, and then discuss its effects.

Some might say that money, or love of money, is the root of all evil. But money is a medium not avaialable to all. The saying should be "Greed is the root of all evil."

Greed is selfish desire and accumulation beyond what is needed. It is not confined to mateial aquisition. In the context of reporduction greed occurs when one person creates more than one person to replace themself. This is the cause of overpopulation.

Was this greed, this overpopulation always a significant problem? Perhaps not. Overpopulation of humanity was an asset up to a certain historical point. It helped humanity survive through huge epidemics, warfare, and regional natural disasters. Overpopulation helped respond to large percentages of infant mortatlity, short life-expectancy and takning cae of the young, old, sick and disadvantaged. It also created a critical mass of people allowing societys, and division of tasks and consequent innovations for the betterment of human society.

Times have changed. We as a species are at a point where we need to come together and take care of one another, cradle to grave. If we do this, inidividuals will not be as motivated to look out for selfish interests.

Surely all can see that overpopulation is a problem today. Scientists say the oceans will be barren in 50 years. Consumption of fossil fuels continues to rise, in the face of the headlines warning of the dire impacts of global warming. Housing costs have dramatically risen everywhere due to increased competition for limited availability. Homelessness has increased. Wages among middle and lower classes continue to deteriorate. Medical access is increasingly unavailable due to lower economical abilities for increasing numbers of people. Starvation is increasing worldwide. Deforestation increases worldwide, as does mining and oil drilling, under the banner of humanity needing both the resource and the jobs.

Almost every activist and every person is adversely affected by overpopulation, whether they want to admit it or not. It is a core problem for any issue we care about.

Ok, so much for the symbol of rabbits, of overpopulation. Now lets discuss the elephant in the room. Why is ovepopulation not a more prevalent topic of discussion in the media, in religion, and in conversations among individuals? Is it because it is asking individuals to refrain from sexual behavior, a core instinct? Is it because politicians are afraid it will alienate significant voting blocks? Is it because it smacks of restricting the rights of others, whether those others are ethnic citizens or aliens? Is it because overpopulation is in the interests of institutions who want to increase their membership? Overpopulation is the elephant in the room.

One relatively undiscussed aspect of overpopulation is its' frequent spiritual denial within the Elephant party, the Republicans.

A core voting block of the Republican party are pro-lifers, often single-issue voters who ignore all other issues because the republican party has been pro-life.Pro-lifers are motivated by a spiritual beliefs which I think is worthy of consideration. It is standing up for one who does not have a voice. For those pro-lifers who do not have more than 2 children, I applaud your conscientiousness towards a better world. For those pro-lifers who have more than 2 children, I certainly hope you have considered the repercussions of our deciding to have more children and how it affects overpopulation.

The decision for a woman to have an abortion is not easy. Women do not think, "Oh, it would be fun to get pregnant so I can go have an abortion." No, the choice to have an abortion is always a response to a difficult situation.

Bystanders can have ideas on solutions, and hopefully are always accorded the right to express their ideas. At the same time, we all need to respect the woman's choice on this profound difficult decision. Beyond this individual's choice, their difficult choice affects an issue which we all need to address more , overpopulation.

Economically, in the United States, apparently it is predominantly the Republican elite which cherishes overpopulation. Increased competition for jobs lowers wages, enhancing upper class profits. Union membership is undermined by job competition from excessive workforces, including illegal immigrants who have much lower demands. With lower and middle classes scrambling to survive, these non-union workers have less time and power to become educated, and to challenge for more rights. Overpopulation erodes worker rights.

Unfortunately, the cycle continues. As workers become desperate, they often turn to religion. Some religions proclaim against population control but not all. There are religious spokespeople who do want to be identified with more responsible parenthood behavior, but their voices are often unheard in mainstream media. Their voices are there, and some of us are listening, so hopefully they continue to speak up. The issue of overpopulation needs to be discussed everywhere, in order to avoid further community polarization.

Unfortunatel, workers from overpopulating communities outmigrate elsewhere, usually taking this behavior with them. Their own economies cannot keep up with them, so they compete in other economies.

Imagine that two neighbors have dogs in their backyard, with a simple fence between them. One neighbor has 2 dogs, fixed or spayed, two doghouses, a grassy yard and two full waterbowls and two full food bowls. The other neighbor has 6 dogs, and none of them are spayed or fixed, with two doghouses, a grassy yard, 2 full food bowls, and 2 full waterbowls.

Now think what will happen when the dogs in the second yard have litters, and in 2 years it is full of 117 dogs, all trying to live in 2 doghouses and eat out of 2 full foodbowls and 2 full waterbowls. The dogs can see over the fence to the neighbors yard, still with only 2 dogs, 2 houses, 2 food bowls and 2 dog bowls.

What do you think is going to happen in the next 2 years with these dogs, solely due to overpopulation?

Many are disappointed by any family in the 21st century which has more than 2 children under the age of 18, whatever their class, nationality, religion, or ethnic origin. Both knowledge and resources to avoid overpopulation should be available to all. Also, we should make strenuous efforts to lift all humanity out of poverty.

For those society members who are resitant to small family size, should these families pay an extra annual tax of perhaps, say, 10% of their income for each child, up to the age of 18, if they have over 2 children? This tax would not apply in cases of multiple births, adoption or foster parenting, or in cases of rape.

At the same time, should there also be more thorough enforcement for fathers payment of child support?

Should there be stricter U.S. immigrant quota restictions on countries that have a higher birth rate? Should immigrants from families of more than 2 children under 18 should be more thoroughly restricted, and citizenship contingent on such family not having more than 2 children in the following 10 years upon entry?

Answers to these questions are not easy, but public debate is overdue on this pressing issue. We need to find substantive ways to reward countries and individuals who are conscientious about overpopulation.

In closing, how do we view our species in the great picture? For those who think that humanity is great, is not that greatness diminshed with the loss of each species ?

If only one species is finally left, then greatness means nothing. It has nothing to compare itself to. It is the worst as much as it is the best.

more reasons why people don't vote

Today, although a bill was introduced into the California state legislature requiring voter registration as a pre-requisite before students receive a high school diploma, student reaction was mixed. Although many older people fervently believe in voting as a keystone of democracy, it is unlikely to show increased support among the young unless voting is viewed as more of an asset than a liability.

First, voting is more attractive in a representational democracy, not in a winner takes all lobbyship, flawed with corruption. Why vote when it makes no difference?

Second, with all of the current spying on American citizens going on, why would individuals want to participate in the political process, very possibly be persecuted if they were to voice their rights? especially when such rights are more often perceived as ideals than as practiced? Who wants to casually volunteer personal information these days, not knowing what will become of it?

Third, many low-income people cannot afford time and expense to serve in jury duty, which voter registration creates duty requirements for. Jury pay scale and other jury reimbursement costs are fractions of incurred costs, insults to citizens, no different than being an indentured servant.

Fourth, in jury duty, low-income people, such as high school grads and those olders who don't DC lobbyists, are often forced to enforce rules which have been created not by them, but by slick millionaires, who are the only ones currently elected to D.C. offices.

At least the jury system coud have the courtesy to pay jurors the average same wages for their time as the other courtroom participants recieive, like the judge and court personnel. In the present jury system, excessive payment only to courtroom personnel violates equality the moment a jury summons is sent out. The symbol of the justice system, the scales of equality, is a marketing gimmick.

If a judge disagrees with this assessment, let this judge commit to accepting only jury duty wages for his/hers term remaining, and with no more perks than allowed the prospective jurors. I have never encountered this phenomnea yet.

Although this government has been around for more than 200 years, it has become less representational instead of more. A student coming out of high school is thinking that if such simple things as fairness and equality haven't been worked out by now, what would signing a piece of paper, voter registration, do for, or to them personally? Many decline to sign. Instead, such students figure out its just better to keep to themselves, keep surviving, and take care of numero uno. Students figure thats the way it works for all of these politicians and judges. Hey, somebody's got to survive, right?

They sure don't want to volunteer to be a victim. To get more high school students to register to vote, first, get their trust. Fix the system.

Is this our America, politicians and judges? If so aren't you are supposed to represent our equality?

Or is this only your America, and equality only exists for your groups?

Before looking at low levels of voter registration, please look at yourselves.