Ron, Platt, Marsha...
[Ron]
I think the majority of americans say "De Nada" to O'Reilly's
concerns, (joke) "american" is not exculsive to one race or creed.
[Arlo]
I hope you are right. There is so much pandering to fear going on,
and xenophobic fears top the list.
[Ron]
The fact that our borders are so easily compromised gives rise for
some concern. This problem has been largely ignored for quite awhile.
Probably due to large cheap labor forces.
[Arlo]
There's the kicker. I do think we need to better border security, to
stem the flow of crime and drugs that too easily enters from Mexico
(better enforcement and reform within Mexico is also something we
should encourage and support). And we need to do something to plug
gaps in our social programs that make it too easy for some to simply
live off the public dole. But there it is too easy for politicians to
slide into standard fear rhetoric, and overlook the fact that the
majority of immigrants entering this country are doing so because
they find work, and they find work because business owners have found
a way to get cheap labor and bypass wage, safety, health and other
standards Americans have fought for. Its why we export so many jobs overseas.
But is was one thing for politicians to pander to "lower standard of
living" fears ("They took our jerbs!"- South Park). Its another to
say outright we should be concerned about a "white minority". Why?
[Marsha]
My mother insisted on getting herself a Cadillac (gas guzzler). I am
beside myself because I think that she is clueless. I can see this
purchase as adding to our environmental problems, and contributing to
George Bush, Bin Laden and the endless killing of innocent people in
the Middle East. She sees this as a little bit of happiness. I
think if everybody is clueless we are doomed.
[Arlo]
I'd look at a totality of action, Marsha. Owning a bigger car in and
of itself is something I would not sweat. Many responsible,
environmentally-concerned people drive larger cars (for a plethora of
reasons). I would keep talking to your mom about the issues that
concern you, and encourage her to act responsibly in most of her
daily routines. Consider the overall "footprint" your mom leaves,
she'll never _not_ leave one, and if she appears indulgent about the
car, leave it be and find other ways you encourage her to lessen her
footprint. From switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs, to
capturing water for plants in a rain-barrel, to eating local produce,
there are a myriad of ways we can lighten our footprints.
[Platt]
My opinion for what it's worth is to let go, let DQ. Most of the
badness in the world is due to interference by those who are arrogant
enough to think they know what's best for other people.
[Arlo]
As I said, I would not condemn nor attack her for this, but you can
(and should) gently express your larger concerns and share with her
ideas about other things she can do, with an overall picture in mind
and not sweating an indulgence or two. Heck, maybe she'd be open to
trying to use reusable shopping bags at the grocers. That alone
should offset the Caddy. If not, maybe you can help her find a
energy-saver air conditioner.
The larger environmental problems you are (rightly) concerned about
will only after some larger disaster. We are not a people of
foresight, we are a people of hindsight. And while I don't think that
is "natural", it has been drummed and beaten into us by "nightmare
politicians" so thoroughly that until New Jersey is under a foot of
standing water nothing will be done. Look how readily we've come to
accept drinking bottled water as "the norm". My bet is "bottled air"
will be just as easily integrated into our denial.
[Ron]
to begin with yourself may mean to bring peace to yourself and let it
flow out into the world instead of perpetuating stress with friction.
when we choose to influence rather than to fight we may grow with a
problem to over come it.
[Arlo]
Well said.
[Platt]
I'm always reminded that the Inquisition was undertaken to save souls
from eternal damnation, and that communism was imposed to create
heaven on earth. DQ is the force for good.
[Arlo]
Like Love Canal? Chernobyl? Your way epitomizes the "hindsight is the
only sight" problem in our world. The idea that regulation is ipso
facto "bad" is just another neocon cliche. As with all things, it is
balance. Balance necessary regulation with desired activity, and you
will end up with greater human freedom for all. But all that's been
said before, and its only direction is to "Arlo is an enemy of
freedom who wants to surrender to terrorists". If it makes you feel
good to say it, however, please fee free.
By the way, for what its worth, I drive an F150.
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