Hello, And welcome to the inaugural issue of Aligning with Purpose(sm). My name is Jay Fenello, and each week, I'll be writing about government, politics, activism, morality, media bias, and how our current mythology prevents us from realizing our highest ideals. In case you are wondering who I am, or why I've chosen to write this weekly column, a little explanation is in order. Over the last three years, I've been involved in the fight over the establishment of Internet governance, a fight that has been described as the Internet's first Civil War (www.iperdome.com/writings/icann-nsi.htm). Along the way, I've learned many things that challenged my beliefs about the way our world works. I suspect that these insights will challenge your beliefs as well. But even though we lost this war, the seeds of victory lie in our defeat. For this fight has highlighted the many problems we face today, problems that are now permanently documented in cyberspace. For the first time, we have a comprehensive record of how our government can be bought through soft-dollars, how our press can influence policy by what they cover or refuse to cover, and how our foundations are often used to support all of these excesses. I say for the first time, because it appears that these same techniques have been used many times in the past. We can see it in the establishment of the IMF, World Bank, NAFTA, GATT, and we can see it in the establishment of the World Trade Organization (www.fenello.com/writings/wto1.htm). All of these organizations share a common approach that allows a small minority to make decisions beneficial to themselves at the expense of the majority. And as these forces continue to consolidate power beyond the reach of the people, these excesses will only get worse. Instead of a world based upon legality, and fairness, and constitutional rights, these organizations are based upon power, and privilege, and decisions in smoke-filled rooms. But what can be done about it? Before we can address these excesses, we must first determine the source of our problems. Do they lie with our government, our press, our multinationals, our foundations? Or is it a broader problem with our collective morality? After much soul searching, I came to the conclusion that these problems begin with a lack of awareness about how our world really works. It is for this reason that I have decided to write this weekly column. I intend to do my part to expose the illusion -- to highlight where our mythology diverges from our reality -- so that those who are so inclined can truly make a difference. If the unexamined life isn't worth living, then the unexamined society isn't worth living in! This column is dedicated to examining our society, with a goal of achieving positive and lasting change. Those who share this vision are invited to join. If you would like to receive his weekly column, please subscribe to the Aligning with Purpose(sm) announcements list by sending a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you prefer to receive this weekly column and join in the discussion, please subscribe to the Aligning with Purpose(sm) discussion list by sending a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Until next week. . . Respectfully, Jay Fenello, New Media Relations ------------------------------------ http://www.fenello.com 770-392-9480 Aligning with Purpose(sm) ... for a Better World ------------------------------------------------------ Copyright (c) 2000 Jay Fenello -- All rights reserved Permission is hereby granted to 1) redistribute this column in its entirety via email, discussion lists, and newsgroups, and 2) publish this column in its entirety on non-profit web sites.
