Michael Gurstein wrote:
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Don W Gregory <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >We should all be appreciative that Jodi and I don't live in some
> >third-rate 'capitalist' dictatorship; that you and, oh, Palmer,
> >don't live in some third-rate 'communist' dictatorship
>
> Actually, it may be better to live in a third rate communist dictatorship
> than a first rate capitalist one, third rate implies a certain incompetence
> and inability to carry out your plans. If your plans are wrong-headed in the
> first place, a little bit of incompetence may actually be a good thing.
[snip]
I think this is a fine posting. Erving Goffman [_Asylums_, etc.] would
certainly second the motion: Individuals often have little hope for
their little lives and hopes in life, outside the opportunities
whatever "slack" there is in the SYSTEM unintendedly affords them.
I am recently trying to cultivate the skill of seeing the obvious (which
is quite difficult for me, since my natural grace and innate sensibility
were mutilated by my "up-bringing" (parents and teachers), which/who
aimed to make me *obedient* (AKA "good") rather
than *aware* -- see Alice Miller's _Thou Shalt Not Be Aware_, e.g.
Let's listen to the two words: "Capitalism" and "Communism". The first
word kowtows to an impersonal and mindless calculative force: Capital.
The second addresses itself to the construction of human community.
Of course it is possible to have Capitalism with a human face, *if*
the mindless force is disciplined by persons' mindful commitment to
building community. And, alas, we have also seen in this
century that terrible horrors can be inflicted on persons
in the name of the common good (Stalinism, etc.).
In the Kyoto National Museum (Japan), there is an amazing
life-size wood statue from the 13th(?) century, of a standing
monk. His face is slit down the middle, from forehead to
neck, and the skin pulled back --> to reveal *another face*
beneath.
On this Easter day, perhaps it not inappropriate to
voice again the hope: "All rise!"
\brad mccormick
--
Mankind is not the master of all the stuff that exists, but
Everyman (woman, child) is a judge of the world.
Brad McCormick, Ed.D. / [EMAIL PROTECTED]
914.238.0788 / 27 Poillon Rd, Chappaqua, NY 10514-3403 USA
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