Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Oregon is a Beacon of Hope
By Abel Collins
With all the commotion last month surrounding Massachusetts’s election of Scott Brown, it was easy to lose track of a story whose implications may be far more important. On January 26 in Oregon, an historic vote was cast in which the people supported two tax increases; one, an income tax increase on the wealthy, and a second on corporations. It was the first time the voters of Oregon enacted an income tax increase since the Depression. Yeah, that’s a long time, and it indicates that something monumental is happening in the country.
Ironically, the populism that Brown rode to victory in Mass. and that Republicans hope will return them to power was evident in Oregon’s vote to raise taxes, a distinctly un-Republican initiative. The people are acting to change a system that has come to disproportionately benefit corporations and the wealthy and that isn’t good for Democrats or Republicans. People are demanding change, and they are demanding fiscal responsibility so they don’t get stuck with a bigger bill down the road to see it happen.
What this vote shows is that the people understand the need to raise revenues to pay for social services, and they are willing to raise taxes to do it. For decades, the dirty word that politicians and policymakers have been scared to even mouth is taxes, considering it the equivalent of political suicide. Yet, the people understand the need for taxes, and they are willing to pay them, so long as the revenues raised are well used.
State governments around the nation should take note, because state revenues are in dire straits and making budget cuts cannot be the only answer. Indeed, large cuts are certain to diminish revenues further. It’s time for state politicians to stop avoiding the issue and honestly admit to the people what they already know, taxes are part of the solution. It would be wise also to recognize what Oregonians realized, new and increased taxes must be born proportionally by those who can afford to pay them.
I, for one, am sick of the evasions from politicians when they claim they would love to enact good policy but that would require them to raise taxes and would be politically infeasible. From this point forward, I am going to demand leadership and courage in facing these issues. No more excuses. Thank you, Oregon.
Here is the web address of an article that details the Oregon election:
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/01/voters_pass_tax_measures_by_bi.html
With all the commotion last month surrounding Massachusetts’s election of Scott Brown, it was easy to lose track of a story whose implications may be far more important. On January 26 in Oregon, an historic vote was cast in which the people supported two tax increases; one, an income tax increase on the wealthy, and a second on corporations. It was the first time the voters of Oregon enacted an income tax increase since the Depression. Yeah, that’s a long time, and it indicates that something monumental is happening in the country.
Ironically, the populism that Brown rode to victory in Mass. and that Republicans hope will return them to power was evident in Oregon’s vote to raise taxes, a distinctly un-Republican initiative. The people are acting to change a system that has come to disproportionately benefit corporations and the wealthy and that isn’t good for Democrats or Republicans. People are demanding change, and they are demanding fiscal responsibility so they don’t get stuck with a bigger bill down the road to see it happen.
What this vote shows is that the people understand the need to raise revenues to pay for social services, and they are willing to raise taxes to do it. For decades, the dirty word that politicians and policymakers have been scared to even mouth is taxes, considering it the equivalent of political suicide. Yet, the people understand the need for taxes, and they are willing to pay them, so long as the revenues raised are well used.
State governments around the nation should take note, because state revenues are in dire straits and making budget cuts cannot be the only answer. Indeed, large cuts are certain to diminish revenues further. It’s time for state politicians to stop avoiding the issue and honestly admit to the people what they already know, taxes are part of the solution. It would be wise also to recognize what Oregonians realized, new and increased taxes must be born proportionally by those who can afford to pay them.
I, for one, am sick of the evasions from politicians when they claim they would love to enact good policy but that would require them to raise taxes and would be politically infeasible. From this point forward, I am going to demand leadership and courage in facing these issues. No more excuses. Thank you, Oregon.
Here is the web address of an article that details the Oregon election:
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/01/voters_pass_tax_measures_by_bi.html
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Flaws of Cap and Trade: Part II: The Validators
By Abel Collins
The second weakness in the administration of the cap and trade system is found in the creation and validation of the carbon credits themselves. Typically, a carbon credit comes into being when an industry proposes a new business model that will allow it to reduce its carbon emissions. Each credit is claimed to be the equivalent of one metric ton of carbon reductions. This credit is then sold to a dirty industry to offset its own pollution. The claimed reduction must be substantiated at the outset by an audit from a rating agency called a validator and must subsequently be verified to have actually occurred by another similar audit.
Worldwide, there are less than thirty such validators, and the market is dominated by just two. The industry or business looking to create carbon credits hires one of these validators to certify its creation. The biggest certification requirement, aside from actually curbing carbon emissions, is that the project meets an additionality standard, proving that the carbon reducing project would not occur without the capital made available through the credits. Once the credit has been sanctioned by the validator, it can be sold in the carbon market. Complicating this picture further is the fact that many of the emissions reducing projects get their funding from venture capital through the large banks that control the carbon markets.
Here, then, is the problem. The validators are paid by the industries that are having their projects regulated, creating a monstrous conflict of interest and potential corruption. Reviewing the work of the validators to this point, it has been discovered that forty percent of projects do not meet additionality standards. Furthermore, the credits only produce 65-85% of the reductions that they promised. When graded, none of the validators received a grade higher than a D. Whether through corruption or incompetence, this administrative system is a proven failure.
Looking forward, the carbon market is already the fastest growing commodity market in the world, and it promises to get exponentially larger if the United States adopts a cap and trade policy. Clearly, major improvements to the administration of cap and trade are necessary if it is to function effectively. The question is, at what cost. Even if the conflicts of interest can be mitigated, the sheer amount of resources and bureaucracy that will be needed for the validation and verification process will produce tons of carbon emissions. There has to be a better way.
Please go to the address below and read this important article from Harper’s Magazine for more information on the validation and certification process.
http://citizensclimatelobby.org/files/Conning-the-Climate.pdf
The second weakness in the administration of the cap and trade system is found in the creation and validation of the carbon credits themselves. Typically, a carbon credit comes into being when an industry proposes a new business model that will allow it to reduce its carbon emissions. Each credit is claimed to be the equivalent of one metric ton of carbon reductions. This credit is then sold to a dirty industry to offset its own pollution. The claimed reduction must be substantiated at the outset by an audit from a rating agency called a validator and must subsequently be verified to have actually occurred by another similar audit.
Worldwide, there are less than thirty such validators, and the market is dominated by just two. The industry or business looking to create carbon credits hires one of these validators to certify its creation. The biggest certification requirement, aside from actually curbing carbon emissions, is that the project meets an additionality standard, proving that the carbon reducing project would not occur without the capital made available through the credits. Once the credit has been sanctioned by the validator, it can be sold in the carbon market. Complicating this picture further is the fact that many of the emissions reducing projects get their funding from venture capital through the large banks that control the carbon markets.
Here, then, is the problem. The validators are paid by the industries that are having their projects regulated, creating a monstrous conflict of interest and potential corruption. Reviewing the work of the validators to this point, it has been discovered that forty percent of projects do not meet additionality standards. Furthermore, the credits only produce 65-85% of the reductions that they promised. When graded, none of the validators received a grade higher than a D. Whether through corruption or incompetence, this administrative system is a proven failure.
Looking forward, the carbon market is already the fastest growing commodity market in the world, and it promises to get exponentially larger if the United States adopts a cap and trade policy. Clearly, major improvements to the administration of cap and trade are necessary if it is to function effectively. The question is, at what cost. Even if the conflicts of interest can be mitigated, the sheer amount of resources and bureaucracy that will be needed for the validation and verification process will produce tons of carbon emissions. There has to be a better way.
Please go to the address below and read this important article from Harper’s Magazine for more information on the validation and certification process.
http://citizensclimatelobby.org/files/Conning-the-Climate.pdf
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Flaws of Cap and Trade: Part I: The Market
By Abel Collins
On paper, cap and trade offers a versatile regulatory strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Rather than the blunt tool of a blanket tax, the innovation of the carbon credit allows industries that might find it particularly onerous to cut carbon pollution to promote other sectors of the economy to make reductions in their place. By creating a carbon market, the world theoretically summons the mystical invisible hand of market efficiency theory to produce the most effective reductions.
Of course, market efficiency theory is now seen as a rather naïve economic model that is disproven on a daily basis, and ideas that make a lot of sense on paper are often met with resistance by reality. Such is the case with cap and trade. The translation of the theory into cap and trade reality is fraught with problems.
The most glaring problem is administration, and it is manifold. Before we delve into the many failings of the administration of cap and trade, it is important to note with administrative costs that resources dedicated to organizing and maintaining the system (administration) are resources that are being taken away from actually addressing the issue that the system is designed to resolve (e.g. healthcare). With cap and trade, there are two distinct areas of administration; the carbon markets, and the validation and verification of the carbon credits to be traded within those markets.
Large banks, notably J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, have graciously offered to administer the commodity markets for carbon credits. They have not made this offer out of concern about global warming or because they have any expertise in environmental matters. No, like everything else they do, they run the carbon markets in pursuit of profits, and there are many to be had.
Not only do the banks get paid to oversee the transactions in the marketplace, they are further allowed to use this position of advantage as they trade within it. Of even greater concern is how they can manipulate the market through unregulated financial instruments (i.e. derivatives, CDOs, etc.). With massive government subsidies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and unlimited sums of low-interest money available to the big banks, carbon markets are primed for overleveraging and bubble formation. As the markets get more and more manipulated, they will become less and less transparent and farther removed from their mission. Indeed, the carbon market, itself, is a secondary approach, regulating an intangible commodity to address climate change, and it in no way needs to be made more abstract through financial wizardry.
On paper, cap and trade offers a versatile regulatory strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Rather than the blunt tool of a blanket tax, the innovation of the carbon credit allows industries that might find it particularly onerous to cut carbon pollution to promote other sectors of the economy to make reductions in their place. By creating a carbon market, the world theoretically summons the mystical invisible hand of market efficiency theory to produce the most effective reductions.
Of course, market efficiency theory is now seen as a rather naïve economic model that is disproven on a daily basis, and ideas that make a lot of sense on paper are often met with resistance by reality. Such is the case with cap and trade. The translation of the theory into cap and trade reality is fraught with problems.
The most glaring problem is administration, and it is manifold. Before we delve into the many failings of the administration of cap and trade, it is important to note with administrative costs that resources dedicated to organizing and maintaining the system (administration) are resources that are being taken away from actually addressing the issue that the system is designed to resolve (e.g. healthcare). With cap and trade, there are two distinct areas of administration; the carbon markets, and the validation and verification of the carbon credits to be traded within those markets.
Large banks, notably J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, have graciously offered to administer the commodity markets for carbon credits. They have not made this offer out of concern about global warming or because they have any expertise in environmental matters. No, like everything else they do, they run the carbon markets in pursuit of profits, and there are many to be had.
Not only do the banks get paid to oversee the transactions in the marketplace, they are further allowed to use this position of advantage as they trade within it. Of even greater concern is how they can manipulate the market through unregulated financial instruments (i.e. derivatives, CDOs, etc.). With massive government subsidies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and unlimited sums of low-interest money available to the big banks, carbon markets are primed for overleveraging and bubble formation. As the markets get more and more manipulated, they will become less and less transparent and farther removed from their mission. Indeed, the carbon market, itself, is a secondary approach, regulating an intangible commodity to address climate change, and it in no way needs to be made more abstract through financial wizardry.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Attack Forces of Evil, Not Persons Doing Evil
By Nicolas Katkevich
Attack forces of evil not persons doing evil, is in many ways, the one principle of Kingian Nonviolence that the progressive movement immediately needs to adopt in order to become more effective in their pursuits and to begin tapping in to the power of Nonviolence.
During the recent Bush presidency I attended several anti-war/pro-peace demonstrations. At all of these demonstrations were signs, caricatures and chants denouncing George W. Bush as an ignorant fool. The energy and spirit was full of hate directed towards the man. While it is quite understandable as to why there would be anger and outrage direct at Mr. Bush; this type of hate and focused attack on an individual accomplishes nothing. The United States militarism, economic disparity and other social ills are not the fault of one person. Nor will these issues be resolved simply by electing the correct person into power. Rather, if we want to create true change, we must address the root conditions and causes of our country’s problems. We must create systemic, lasting change. This is where our energy must be focused.
Look at our situation today. George Bush is gone, and a new Democratic President is in office, and yet we still are fighting wars in the Middle East. It is clear that war and militarism were not solely energies stemming from Bush; rather the philosophy and use of violence is something that plagues us all. We must work together to overcome violence at the local and international level, through awakening peace within ourselves and by showing others the faults of violence.
Moreover, we must carry on movements with the realization that even our greatest enemy my soon be our greatest ally. Through our self-suffering we must look to arouse the conscious and hearts of not only the public, but our assailants as well. For the goal of Nonviolence is to win over people’s hearts and to create a “win-win” situation rather then a “win-loose” situation that we are accustomed to. We must reach out warmly, yet firmly to our assailants and show them that we do not wish to punish them, yet uplift them. Our love and compassion cannot be limited to only those whom we currently consider our friends and allies. Only through the power of Agape, unconditional love, will we be able to transform ourselves, our communities and our world.
Attack forces of evil not persons doing evil, is in many ways, the one principle of Kingian Nonviolence that the progressive movement immediately needs to adopt in order to become more effective in their pursuits and to begin tapping in to the power of Nonviolence.
During the recent Bush presidency I attended several anti-war/pro-peace demonstrations. At all of these demonstrations were signs, caricatures and chants denouncing George W. Bush as an ignorant fool. The energy and spirit was full of hate directed towards the man. While it is quite understandable as to why there would be anger and outrage direct at Mr. Bush; this type of hate and focused attack on an individual accomplishes nothing. The United States militarism, economic disparity and other social ills are not the fault of one person. Nor will these issues be resolved simply by electing the correct person into power. Rather, if we want to create true change, we must address the root conditions and causes of our country’s problems. We must create systemic, lasting change. This is where our energy must be focused.
Look at our situation today. George Bush is gone, and a new Democratic President is in office, and yet we still are fighting wars in the Middle East. It is clear that war and militarism were not solely energies stemming from Bush; rather the philosophy and use of violence is something that plagues us all. We must work together to overcome violence at the local and international level, through awakening peace within ourselves and by showing others the faults of violence.
Moreover, we must carry on movements with the realization that even our greatest enemy my soon be our greatest ally. Through our self-suffering we must look to arouse the conscious and hearts of not only the public, but our assailants as well. For the goal of Nonviolence is to win over people’s hearts and to create a “win-win” situation rather then a “win-loose” situation that we are accustomed to. We must reach out warmly, yet firmly to our assailants and show them that we do not wish to punish them, yet uplift them. Our love and compassion cannot be limited to only those whom we currently consider our friends and allies. Only through the power of Agape, unconditional love, will we be able to transform ourselves, our communities and our world.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Cap and Trade vs. Carbon Tax
By Abel Collins
As large and complex an issue as fighting Climate Change is, I will tackle it in a series of posts in order to give it due attention. In the spirit of full disclosure, I feel compelled to say that I work for the Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy group that is devoting many of its resources toward averting global warming as much as is still possible. The Sierra Club is lobbying for strong legislation in Congress to address the issue this year. The plan the Club supports involves a cap and trade system. The views that I express here are not the views of the Sierra Club. These are my personal opinions.
Last year for the first time, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to address the clear and present danger of Climate Change. Not only is Climate Change (or Global Warming) a current problem, costing some 200,000 lives and untold billions of dollars in damages annually; it threatens to become an apocalyptic catastrophe if we fail to act swiftly in reducing our output of Greenhouse gases.
The House and the Administration have been rightly lauded for belatedly making an effort to deal with this issue more than ten years after the rest of the world took action with the Kyoto Protocol. The key tool for reducing carbon emissions in both the House legislation and the Kyoto accord is a cap and trade system. The basic concept with cap and trade is to commoditize carbon emissions into carbon credits that represent a reduction in emissions. The ‘cap’ refers to the total amount of carbon allowed into the atmosphere. The ‘trade’ refers to the exchange of the carbon credits between industries, other businesses, and individuals through the carbon market. Carbon emitting industries can thus buy carbon credits to offset their pollution and thereby create incentives to cut carbon pollution.
The alternate policy for reducing carbon emissions that is sometimes mentioned but never seriously considered is a carbon tax. (Other options are conceivable, but given the pea sized brain with which governments operate, two choices seem to be the maximum that can be deliberated at any one time.) The carbon tax is just what it sounds like; a levy on industries, other businesses, and people who produce carbon emissions through their economic activity. It is a simple and direct way to make polluters pay proportionally for their emissions. The carbon tax is routinely dismissed, because, we are told, it is politically infeasible. The argument is that the tax would be too punitive on businesses that would then pass the huge cost along to consumers.
I contend that the Cap and Trade system is inherently inefficient and dangerously flawed. In practice, cap and trade has not produced the carbon reductions that were promised by the carbon credits. Furthermore, the carbon market is helplessly vulnerable to corruption through financial manipulation. If the nations of the world truly want to combat Climate Change, they need to consider implementing a carbon tax.
As large and complex an issue as fighting Climate Change is, I will tackle it in a series of posts in order to give it due attention. In the spirit of full disclosure, I feel compelled to say that I work for the Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy group that is devoting many of its resources toward averting global warming as much as is still possible. The Sierra Club is lobbying for strong legislation in Congress to address the issue this year. The plan the Club supports involves a cap and trade system. The views that I express here are not the views of the Sierra Club. These are my personal opinions.
Last year for the first time, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to address the clear and present danger of Climate Change. Not only is Climate Change (or Global Warming) a current problem, costing some 200,000 lives and untold billions of dollars in damages annually; it threatens to become an apocalyptic catastrophe if we fail to act swiftly in reducing our output of Greenhouse gases.
The House and the Administration have been rightly lauded for belatedly making an effort to deal with this issue more than ten years after the rest of the world took action with the Kyoto Protocol. The key tool for reducing carbon emissions in both the House legislation and the Kyoto accord is a cap and trade system. The basic concept with cap and trade is to commoditize carbon emissions into carbon credits that represent a reduction in emissions. The ‘cap’ refers to the total amount of carbon allowed into the atmosphere. The ‘trade’ refers to the exchange of the carbon credits between industries, other businesses, and individuals through the carbon market. Carbon emitting industries can thus buy carbon credits to offset their pollution and thereby create incentives to cut carbon pollution.
The alternate policy for reducing carbon emissions that is sometimes mentioned but never seriously considered is a carbon tax. (Other options are conceivable, but given the pea sized brain with which governments operate, two choices seem to be the maximum that can be deliberated at any one time.) The carbon tax is just what it sounds like; a levy on industries, other businesses, and people who produce carbon emissions through their economic activity. It is a simple and direct way to make polluters pay proportionally for their emissions. The carbon tax is routinely dismissed, because, we are told, it is politically infeasible. The argument is that the tax would be too punitive on businesses that would then pass the huge cost along to consumers.
I contend that the Cap and Trade system is inherently inefficient and dangerously flawed. In practice, cap and trade has not produced the carbon reductions that were promised by the carbon credits. Furthermore, the carbon market is helplessly vulnerable to corruption through financial manipulation. If the nations of the world truly want to combat Climate Change, they need to consider implementing a carbon tax.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Be It Resolved
By Abel Collins
I have freedom of speech,
They say.
It’s even guaranteed
In writing,
The constitution binding.
Equally, I must have the freedom to listen;
To hear and give credence,
To believe if I must
One thing or another.
Call that religion.
I do not want a captive audience.
I want them free and freely associated.
Everything’s written down in Washington,
Stored in marble halls where we keep the country’s warranties.
I have many rights.
But here’s the rub,
Rights are not possessions.
They are ideas that take form only in action.
Pend here
Upon notions
Do I have the ability to express these freedoms?
Consider speech:
First of all,
Every voice must carry through a medium.
Already, I feel a little restricted…
I mean; I want a medium that allows me to speak to everybody
I want to turn to all seven billion of you and say,
‘Whoa there, how’s it going?
We’re going to just take a little break here
Spare me ten minutes
A moment of silence to rest your mind on the beauty around you:
The spectacle of nature and the wonder of civilization.
This beauty in you
As you are their individual reflection.
Mostly though, rest your attention upon the beauty in the people around you.
Yes, in this we are all kindred
We share this moment
This choice to be aware of the beauty that always surrounds us
That we are integral parts of.
Let this kinship be trust
Now, everyone put down your weapons
Whether metaphorical or physical.
Accept peace, and let’s move on
There’s much to accomplish
Humanity to save
Stars to reach
We must work together if we want to get it done.’
Ten minutes of free speech is all I need,
But it’s really just a dream.
The sound of my voice does not travel very far,
And what I say may sound good,
But the volume is turned too low.
Instead people hear the clarion call to fear
Bullhorns on bully pulpits
Talking to the nodding heads of people entranced by the steady beat of war drums.
The volume is kept loud and constant
Because if we had silence to think about what they threaten
The hypocrisy would be so monstrous and obvious
The only recourse could be revolution.
Orwell.
Yet I do have this voice,
And though my freedom is not all I hope for,
I can speak with those beautiful people near to me.
Some may even exercise their freedom to listen,
And surely something will happen when I say,
‘We can all speak a little louder.
Help me turn up the volume.’
I have freedom of speech,
They say.
It’s even guaranteed
In writing,
The constitution binding.
Equally, I must have the freedom to listen;
To hear and give credence,
To believe if I must
One thing or another.
Call that religion.
I do not want a captive audience.
I want them free and freely associated.
Everything’s written down in Washington,
Stored in marble halls where we keep the country’s warranties.
I have many rights.
But here’s the rub,
Rights are not possessions.
They are ideas that take form only in action.
Pend here
Upon notions
Do I have the ability to express these freedoms?
Consider speech:
First of all,
Every voice must carry through a medium.
Already, I feel a little restricted…
I mean; I want a medium that allows me to speak to everybody
I want to turn to all seven billion of you and say,
‘Whoa there, how’s it going?
We’re going to just take a little break here
Spare me ten minutes
A moment of silence to rest your mind on the beauty around you:
The spectacle of nature and the wonder of civilization.
This beauty in you
As you are their individual reflection.
Mostly though, rest your attention upon the beauty in the people around you.
Yes, in this we are all kindred
We share this moment
This choice to be aware of the beauty that always surrounds us
That we are integral parts of.
Let this kinship be trust
Now, everyone put down your weapons
Whether metaphorical or physical.
Accept peace, and let’s move on
There’s much to accomplish
Humanity to save
Stars to reach
We must work together if we want to get it done.’
Ten minutes of free speech is all I need,
But it’s really just a dream.
The sound of my voice does not travel very far,
And what I say may sound good,
But the volume is turned too low.
Instead people hear the clarion call to fear
Bullhorns on bully pulpits
Talking to the nodding heads of people entranced by the steady beat of war drums.
The volume is kept loud and constant
Because if we had silence to think about what they threaten
The hypocrisy would be so monstrous and obvious
The only recourse could be revolution.
Orwell.
Yet I do have this voice,
And though my freedom is not all I hope for,
I can speak with those beautiful people near to me.
Some may even exercise their freedom to listen,
And surely something will happen when I say,
‘We can all speak a little louder.
Help me turn up the volume.’
Monday, February 1, 2010
Babaji
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
The poem below is said to be the last message of Shri Haidakhan Babaji, a spirtual leader from India. I have this posted on a wall in my bedroom and I find it to be a great outline of how one should aspire to live their life. I thought I should share it on this blog:
Love and serve all humanity.
Assist everyone.
Be happy, be courteous.
Be a dynamo of irrepressible joy.
Recognize God and goodness in every face.
There is no saint without a past and no sinner without a future.
Praise everyone. If you cannot praise someone, let them out of your life.
Be original, be inventive.
Be courageous. Take courage again and again.
Do not imitate; be strong, be upright.
Do not lean on the crutches of others.
Think with your own head. Be yourself.
All perfection and every divine virtue are hidden within you. Reveal them to the world.
Wisdom, too, is already within you. Let it shine forth.
Let the Lord's grace set you free.
Let your life be that of the rose; in silence, it speaks the language of fragrance.
I am always with you
Shri Babaji
1984
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Motivation
By Abel Collins
Last week, I finished reading a book called Beyond the Limits written in 1990 by Meadows et al. For those unfamiliar with it, the book is a follow up to The Limits of Growth published in 1972. In both cases, the books detail exhaustive studies of the socio-economic and environmental states of the world to get an accurate picture of where humanity is headed. The scientists who conducted the studies and authored the books used systems analysis and a computer model named World3 to extrapolate potential futures for the human population and its quality of life.
The scary thing is that maintaining the status quo of the 1970s led inevitably to a population and standard of living collapse within this century, generally by about 2070. Even with the most optimistic assumptions, continuing the trends of exponential economic and population growth was certain to lead to a catastrophe due to a combination of overpopulation, resource depletion, and pollution.
The scarier thing is that it has now been forty years, and all we have done is accelerate. Economic growth and development has been the dominant force organizing the world for more than half a century. We even gave it a fancy name, globalization, though all it really amounts to is the increased utilization of our finite resources in pursuit of the almighty dollar. Likewise, the human population grows unabated.
According to the scientists’ models, the only way to avoid cataclysmic collapse is to embrace a sustainable model to replace the growth model. If we had embraced such a model in 1970, we could have achieved a stable population with a high standard of living by 2050. If we had made the change in 1995, we could have reached a slightly larger stable population with a lower standard of living. In the case of putting off the transition to a sustainable way of life until 2015, humanity faces a small population crash in the latter half of the twenty-first century followed by stable population with a significantly lower standard of living.
Here we are, five years from 2015. We are already seeing the telltale signs that we have overshot our limits and our destined for collapse. Peak oil is at hand, and other resources are being depleted just as quickly. Deserts are spreading. We are working harder and harder to feed the people of the world, and we are getting diminishing returns. Fisheries are being exhausted around the globe. Perhaps most importantly, clean water is becoming harder to come by. Add to these troubling symptoms the specter of climate change that already is happening faster than was foreseen and we face a terrible reality.
Here we are, five years from 2015, and from time to time I’m asked how or why I came to be an activist. I could speak to you of ideals that I have in plenty, but I don’t need to go that far. Rather, I reply snarkily, ‘wouldn’t you act if you saw that you were about to drive over a cliff?’ The truth is our culture is not sustainable. Exponential growth, economically or population wise, is not compatible with the finite nature of the world. Common sense, call it self-preservation, dictates that I act to change the course we are on. I am determined that it is possible, and I would encourage you to act with me. Let’s build a sustainable future.
Last week, I finished reading a book called Beyond the Limits written in 1990 by Meadows et al. For those unfamiliar with it, the book is a follow up to The Limits of Growth published in 1972. In both cases, the books detail exhaustive studies of the socio-economic and environmental states of the world to get an accurate picture of where humanity is headed. The scientists who conducted the studies and authored the books used systems analysis and a computer model named World3 to extrapolate potential futures for the human population and its quality of life.
The scary thing is that maintaining the status quo of the 1970s led inevitably to a population and standard of living collapse within this century, generally by about 2070. Even with the most optimistic assumptions, continuing the trends of exponential economic and population growth was certain to lead to a catastrophe due to a combination of overpopulation, resource depletion, and pollution.
The scarier thing is that it has now been forty years, and all we have done is accelerate. Economic growth and development has been the dominant force organizing the world for more than half a century. We even gave it a fancy name, globalization, though all it really amounts to is the increased utilization of our finite resources in pursuit of the almighty dollar. Likewise, the human population grows unabated.
According to the scientists’ models, the only way to avoid cataclysmic collapse is to embrace a sustainable model to replace the growth model. If we had embraced such a model in 1970, we could have achieved a stable population with a high standard of living by 2050. If we had made the change in 1995, we could have reached a slightly larger stable population with a lower standard of living. In the case of putting off the transition to a sustainable way of life until 2015, humanity faces a small population crash in the latter half of the twenty-first century followed by stable population with a significantly lower standard of living.
Here we are, five years from 2015. We are already seeing the telltale signs that we have overshot our limits and our destined for collapse. Peak oil is at hand, and other resources are being depleted just as quickly. Deserts are spreading. We are working harder and harder to feed the people of the world, and we are getting diminishing returns. Fisheries are being exhausted around the globe. Perhaps most importantly, clean water is becoming harder to come by. Add to these troubling symptoms the specter of climate change that already is happening faster than was foreseen and we face a terrible reality.
Here we are, five years from 2015, and from time to time I’m asked how or why I came to be an activist. I could speak to you of ideals that I have in plenty, but I don’t need to go that far. Rather, I reply snarkily, ‘wouldn’t you act if you saw that you were about to drive over a cliff?’ The truth is our culture is not sustainable. Exponential growth, economically or population wise, is not compatible with the finite nature of the world. Common sense, call it self-preservation, dictates that I act to change the course we are on. I am determined that it is possible, and I would encourage you to act with me. Let’s build a sustainable future.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mr. Zinn
By Abel Collins
Today, I dedicated a few minutes of silent contemplation to the work of Howard Zinn in honor of his long and fruitful life. He died yesterday, but the effects of his contributions to the profession of history and his tireless activism will continue to have profound influence on our world.
He stripped away the glory, melodrama, and ego worship that is so prevalent in the study of history, and what was left was a much more accurate picture of reality. Zinn legitimized the lives of the countless people that have lived and sacrificed their lives to progress without fame or notoriety, and, in so doing, he legitimized all of us. For despite what most historians believe, it is the actions of each and every one of us that determine the course of history.
Beneath the pride and posturing, great leaders are primarily figureheads and would count for very little without the support of the masses behind them. Indeed, the greatest leaders throughout history have been those who realized the context of their power; those who have known that the communities they serve are the real heroes of change and the leaders are merely privileged to articulate their progress to the rest of society. Thus, we circle back to Howard Zinn, who was just such a leader. He gave strength to us who believe in and fight for equality, freedom, and fraternity by recognizing us as the true motive force in humankind’s search for humanity, and, together, we will go that much farther in finding it.
If you have not read A People’s History, do yourself a favor and take it out from the local library or even go the extra step and buy it. Heck, it may even be sitting in your bookshelf already, untouched since college. In any case, pick it up and take some time to reacquaint yourself with our history, our story. Take a few pages at a time. There is no rush. For myself, I kept it in the bathroom and finished it over the course of about three months, and I will probably do the same again when I realize that I need a reminder of what we have done, what we are doing, and where we are going.
Today, I dedicated a few minutes of silent contemplation to the work of Howard Zinn in honor of his long and fruitful life. He died yesterday, but the effects of his contributions to the profession of history and his tireless activism will continue to have profound influence on our world.
He stripped away the glory, melodrama, and ego worship that is so prevalent in the study of history, and what was left was a much more accurate picture of reality. Zinn legitimized the lives of the countless people that have lived and sacrificed their lives to progress without fame or notoriety, and, in so doing, he legitimized all of us. For despite what most historians believe, it is the actions of each and every one of us that determine the course of history.
Beneath the pride and posturing, great leaders are primarily figureheads and would count for very little without the support of the masses behind them. Indeed, the greatest leaders throughout history have been those who realized the context of their power; those who have known that the communities they serve are the real heroes of change and the leaders are merely privileged to articulate their progress to the rest of society. Thus, we circle back to Howard Zinn, who was just such a leader. He gave strength to us who believe in and fight for equality, freedom, and fraternity by recognizing us as the true motive force in humankind’s search for humanity, and, together, we will go that much farther in finding it.
If you have not read A People’s History, do yourself a favor and take it out from the local library or even go the extra step and buy it. Heck, it may even be sitting in your bookshelf already, untouched since college. In any case, pick it up and take some time to reacquaint yourself with our history, our story. Take a few pages at a time. There is no rush. For myself, I kept it in the bathroom and finished it over the course of about three months, and I will probably do the same again when I realize that I need a reminder of what we have done, what we are doing, and where we are going.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Howard Zinn
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
Howard Zinn passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Zinn was a dynamic and insightful author, activist and speaker who eloquently critiqued the American government and it's use of war and deception. Here is a quick video of Mr. Zinn recently speaking about President Obama and the wars in the Middle East.
Howard Zinn passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Zinn was a dynamic and insightful author, activist and speaker who eloquently critiqued the American government and it's use of war and deception. Here is a quick video of Mr. Zinn recently speaking about President Obama and the wars in the Middle East.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Military Budget: Staggering Spending, Simple Solution
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
President Obama has announced his intention to “freeze” the budgets of certain domestic programs (EPA, Health and Human Services, etc.) at their current level for the coming years. Exempt from this “freeze” are “security programs” such as the budgets of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. It is very unfortunate that President Obama has not included the Defense Budget in this proposed freeze. In Reality the Defense budget needs not only to be capped, it needs to be drastically reduced. Under the guidance of this Administration the Department’s budget for 2010 is projected to reach $682 Billion, a $13 billion rise over fiscal year 2009. American needs to take a new path.
Just as we work for peace for ours inner selves and within our communities, spreading the word that violence does not solve problems, the United States government must also follow suit and move away from military might as a means of protection and security. For as long as the United States has a dominant world wide military presence, war waged by America will persist. With so much money and resources invested in the military; whenever a conflict of some sort arises, military use will be a first choice of action. The option of military force must be greatly diminished. The most direct way to achieve this goal is to curb the military budget and reinvest those resources into rebuilding America’s crippled economy and infrastructure.
I propose cutting the Department of Defense budget in half by 2030 to $340 billion. To accomplish this goal about $17 billion would have to be cut from the Defense budget each year. Decreasing the Defense Budget at this rate for would, compared to if the DoD continued to maintain it’s current funding, save $3.57 Trillion dollars over the twenty-year span. These funds would be allocated to rebuilding our economy, investing in green energy and reconstructing our nation’s infrastructure. Moreover the funds saved over this time period could easily wipe out America’s $1.35 trillion dollar debt. Closing overseas military bases (in Japan, Germany, Italy etc.), reducing our nuclear weapons capacity and ending the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan would be great initial steps to achieving this goal. I believe that America can take this path, and it is only through drastically reducing the military budget that our nation not only thrive, but also become a moral beacon for the world.
President Obama has announced his intention to “freeze” the budgets of certain domestic programs (EPA, Health and Human Services, etc.) at their current level for the coming years. Exempt from this “freeze” are “security programs” such as the budgets of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. It is very unfortunate that President Obama has not included the Defense Budget in this proposed freeze. In Reality the Defense budget needs not only to be capped, it needs to be drastically reduced. Under the guidance of this Administration the Department’s budget for 2010 is projected to reach $682 Billion, a $13 billion rise over fiscal year 2009. American needs to take a new path.
Just as we work for peace for ours inner selves and within our communities, spreading the word that violence does not solve problems, the United States government must also follow suit and move away from military might as a means of protection and security. For as long as the United States has a dominant world wide military presence, war waged by America will persist. With so much money and resources invested in the military; whenever a conflict of some sort arises, military use will be a first choice of action. The option of military force must be greatly diminished. The most direct way to achieve this goal is to curb the military budget and reinvest those resources into rebuilding America’s crippled economy and infrastructure.
I propose cutting the Department of Defense budget in half by 2030 to $340 billion. To accomplish this goal about $17 billion would have to be cut from the Defense budget each year. Decreasing the Defense Budget at this rate for would, compared to if the DoD continued to maintain it’s current funding, save $3.57 Trillion dollars over the twenty-year span. These funds would be allocated to rebuilding our economy, investing in green energy and reconstructing our nation’s infrastructure. Moreover the funds saved over this time period could easily wipe out America’s $1.35 trillion dollar debt. Closing overseas military bases (in Japan, Germany, Italy etc.), reducing our nuclear weapons capacity and ending the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan would be great initial steps to achieving this goal. I believe that America can take this path, and it is only through drastically reducing the military budget that our nation not only thrive, but also become a moral beacon for the world.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Truth force of Paradise: Fueling the Vessel
By Artemis Kampner:
Our very first ancestors opened their eyes at the newest dawn to a world of green. Paradise surrounded our grandmothers and grandfathers as the rich brown mother earth lay moist under their feet. Tree spirits stood tall around our ancestors stretching leisurely toward father sun. The leaves of the trees lay as flat as they could and bathed in the sun rays thus protecting the fragile eyes of the new human folk. The green leaves ate the light eagerly and began to ripen fruits of all colors above the heads of the people. After a few sun and moon cycles the fruit would fall from above down to the people.
Paradise was a blissful place of delicious and delectable fruits, berries, seeds and nuts. The greenery was endless and spread as far as a person could walk in their entire lifetime. The divine provided complete sustenance at the moment of conception for those made in his image and it can in the form of plant food. Words were never spoken to the people but as food fell from the heavens, perfect food which would fuel their vessels, free from cruelty or dead vibrations it was as if the Lord said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you.” (Genesis 1:29)
Just like abundant and colorful mother Earth unaltered plant foods are filled to the brim with nutrients. Like the earth itself, unaltered plant foods are composed mostly of water. Uncompromised and uncooked plant foods are also filled with a life force that is only compromised by our teeth, saliva and digestive systems before returning to the earth. Unlike instant foods that we eat today, the only waste from unaltered plant foods became nutrient rich compost that assists all of the other plants to survive.
Nature’s first law is one of sustenance. By eating of paradise we can become harmonious with the divine creation we are a part of. It is important to note that although the book of Genesis depicts a fall from grace, we are never deprived of Paradise. Even between the cracks in the sidewalk of an urban dwelling the word of God grows up green toward the sun. Eden is what sustains our every breath on this planet. Trees, shrubs, weeds, flowers all coexist with our expirations. In return they provide us with the breath and food of life.
Our very first ancestors opened their eyes at the newest dawn to a world of green. Paradise surrounded our grandmothers and grandfathers as the rich brown mother earth lay moist under their feet. Tree spirits stood tall around our ancestors stretching leisurely toward father sun. The leaves of the trees lay as flat as they could and bathed in the sun rays thus protecting the fragile eyes of the new human folk. The green leaves ate the light eagerly and began to ripen fruits of all colors above the heads of the people. After a few sun and moon cycles the fruit would fall from above down to the people.
Paradise was a blissful place of delicious and delectable fruits, berries, seeds and nuts. The greenery was endless and spread as far as a person could walk in their entire lifetime. The divine provided complete sustenance at the moment of conception for those made in his image and it can in the form of plant food. Words were never spoken to the people but as food fell from the heavens, perfect food which would fuel their vessels, free from cruelty or dead vibrations it was as if the Lord said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you.” (Genesis 1:29)
Just like abundant and colorful mother Earth unaltered plant foods are filled to the brim with nutrients. Like the earth itself, unaltered plant foods are composed mostly of water. Uncompromised and uncooked plant foods are also filled with a life force that is only compromised by our teeth, saliva and digestive systems before returning to the earth. Unlike instant foods that we eat today, the only waste from unaltered plant foods became nutrient rich compost that assists all of the other plants to survive.
Nature’s first law is one of sustenance. By eating of paradise we can become harmonious with the divine creation we are a part of. It is important to note that although the book of Genesis depicts a fall from grace, we are never deprived of Paradise. Even between the cracks in the sidewalk of an urban dwelling the word of God grows up green toward the sun. Eden is what sustains our every breath on this planet. Trees, shrubs, weeds, flowers all coexist with our expirations. In return they provide us with the breath and food of life.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Cheshire Patience
By Abel Collins
The breeze sprints ahead of me
Jumping from one bent blade of meadow grass to the next
It rushes in green waves
That pass hissing and whispering to the edge of the field
If I listen in silence
With Cheshire patience
I can hear the song
But I can never discover the secret of the leaves’ words
The song rises and falls
Waking inhuman memories
Of thirsty roots
Joyous flowers
And triumphant seeds
It is a silken voice
Ancient as wind and grass
Yet young with hope and full of life
Ageless soft and sweet
I let the breath of it fill me
Stillness
Peace
I understand why the willows came here to weep
The tears are in gratitude to eternal beauty
The breeze sprints ahead of me
Jumping from one bent blade of meadow grass to the next
It rushes in green waves
That pass hissing and whispering to the edge of the field
If I listen in silence
With Cheshire patience
I can hear the song
But I can never discover the secret of the leaves’ words
The song rises and falls
Waking inhuman memories
Of thirsty roots
Joyous flowers
And triumphant seeds
It is a silken voice
Ancient as wind and grass
Yet young with hope and full of life
Ageless soft and sweet
I let the breath of it fill me
Stillness
Peace
I understand why the willows came here to weep
The tears are in gratitude to eternal beauty
Friday, January 22, 2010
Quaking
Posted by Artemis Kampner:
I am telling you the truth
Water is the holiest element as all life is maintained by it. It is not life itself but the essence. Such as the body is the not existence itself but body and soul. Water is the soul to our vessel.
I am telling you the truth
Foods which are refined are not made for the living body. They are drugs and should be treated as such. Used only for the purposes of recreation not stability, maintenance or addiction.
I am telling you the truth
All that exists by God is of a cycle. As it is above so it is below and cycles are both as big and as small to the point of invisibility. These cycles should be respected and noticed. Once you are aware you may become in tune and enlightened.
I am telling you the truth
It is not necessary to chase after love. Be only selfish to be the best vessel for God. Prepare yourself as a vessel open and strong enough to house the heavens. Every path crosses for a reason but you are your soul keeper.
I am telling you the truth
No one can own you but your own self. Nothing can discipline and tame you but your own habits. Have no expectations what one should do with your heart. Caress others with care but always come home to your maker. Observe the maker in practice because it is her soft breaths, green hairs and brown skin that reflect the beauty of you. You cannot be fulfilled unless you praise your maker.
I am telling you the truth
There is no greater fulfillment than being a servant of God. Be honest, simple, humble and truthful.
I am telling you the truth
Those who over consume – consume to the point of deafening their own ears with uncertain pleasures. Humble yourself to the Lord and take ONLY what you need. Give EVERYTHING as it hits your palms and fully honor your dharma. You will be able to maintain heaven if you fully serve YOUR dharma – and only then can you host.
I am telling you the truth
Your elders and teachers are wise. Give them your full attention, respect, and gratitude. It is because of communal learning the tribe remains strong.
I am telling you the truth
You are gifted words to speak and the will to create. Use these gifts wisely because although the divine keeps no record each syllable will emit a pattern upon the current of The Way.
I am telling you the truth
Your body can repair by rest, water and sunlight. When the warm sun works you there is sweat. When the air gifts your breath you expire. When your body moves you must rest. There need not be more than these things but occasionally a simple fruit from paradise. The fruits of paradise can feed your hungry emotions sufficiently with the juice of divine truth.
I am telling you the truth
Water is not life but maintains life. Water carries the currents and temperament of the divine. All life is maintained by water. Water can speak of an ill body by phlegm, congestion, excrements, bile and vomit such as a hurricane that must sweep clean the body. However water can also speak gentler by expiration, urination, sweat, and tears. Treat ever sip of water with praise.
I am telling you the truth
Foods that you consume that are cooked and killed are murdered. You cannot be life, support life, or create life without nutrient rich hydration. Make yourself a drop of dew – fresh and fully present to the moments of the divine.
I am telling you the truth
Nothing is as clearly sacred as the act of conception. Nothing is as clearly spiritual as the vibration of love making, the rolling waves of birth and the off spring of vibration vessels. Nothing is as clearly whole as the love of a parent for a child. Nothing is as similar to God as the tribe
I am telling you the truth
Water is the holiest element as all life is maintained by it. It is not life itself but the essence. Such as the body is the not existence itself but body and soul. Water is the soul to our vessel.
I am telling you the truth
Foods which are refined are not made for the living body. They are drugs and should be treated as such. Used only for the purposes of recreation not stability, maintenance or addiction.
I am telling you the truth
All that exists by God is of a cycle. As it is above so it is below and cycles are both as big and as small to the point of invisibility. These cycles should be respected and noticed. Once you are aware you may become in tune and enlightened.
I am telling you the truth
It is not necessary to chase after love. Be only selfish to be the best vessel for God. Prepare yourself as a vessel open and strong enough to house the heavens. Every path crosses for a reason but you are your soul keeper.
I am telling you the truth
No one can own you but your own self. Nothing can discipline and tame you but your own habits. Have no expectations what one should do with your heart. Caress others with care but always come home to your maker. Observe the maker in practice because it is her soft breaths, green hairs and brown skin that reflect the beauty of you. You cannot be fulfilled unless you praise your maker.
I am telling you the truth
There is no greater fulfillment than being a servant of God. Be honest, simple, humble and truthful.
I am telling you the truth
Those who over consume – consume to the point of deafening their own ears with uncertain pleasures. Humble yourself to the Lord and take ONLY what you need. Give EVERYTHING as it hits your palms and fully honor your dharma. You will be able to maintain heaven if you fully serve YOUR dharma – and only then can you host.
I am telling you the truth
Your elders and teachers are wise. Give them your full attention, respect, and gratitude. It is because of communal learning the tribe remains strong.
I am telling you the truth
You are gifted words to speak and the will to create. Use these gifts wisely because although the divine keeps no record each syllable will emit a pattern upon the current of The Way.
I am telling you the truth
Your body can repair by rest, water and sunlight. When the warm sun works you there is sweat. When the air gifts your breath you expire. When your body moves you must rest. There need not be more than these things but occasionally a simple fruit from paradise. The fruits of paradise can feed your hungry emotions sufficiently with the juice of divine truth.
I am telling you the truth
Water is not life but maintains life. Water carries the currents and temperament of the divine. All life is maintained by water. Water can speak of an ill body by phlegm, congestion, excrements, bile and vomit such as a hurricane that must sweep clean the body. However water can also speak gentler by expiration, urination, sweat, and tears. Treat ever sip of water with praise.
I am telling you the truth
Foods that you consume that are cooked and killed are murdered. You cannot be life, support life, or create life without nutrient rich hydration. Make yourself a drop of dew – fresh and fully present to the moments of the divine.
I am telling you the truth
Nothing is as clearly sacred as the act of conception. Nothing is as clearly spiritual as the vibration of love making, the rolling waves of birth and the off spring of vibration vessels. Nothing is as clearly whole as the love of a parent for a child. Nothing is as similar to God as the tribe
Courage
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people, this is the first principal of Kingian Nonviolence. Nonviolence in this regard is not simply the absence of violence, or stepping out of a system to live a passive lifestyle. Rather, Nonviolence is a dynamic active force and a way of living, thinking, looking at others and pursuing social change with love. It is not simply something which can be turned off with a switch; Nonviolence must be a way of life.
In this world full of violence, aggression and suppression, it takes courage to take a stand and insist upon following the path of Nonviolence. Change, especially a deep change in one’s world outlook is a big step to take. It takes courage. Once on the path even more courage is needed to stand up for what is right, to sacrifice time and energy for a just cause and to put justice ahead of your own physical well-being. For as many great Nonviolent leaders, from Jesus Christ to Martin Luther King discovered, a Nonviolent lifestyle has a way of upsetting the status quo, often leaving the stagnate system to respond with the only weapons it knows: violence, imprisonment and murder. Yet once one vanquishes fear of these tools of suppression from their consciousness, the weapons are made futile. With courage and fearlessness, Nonviolence disarms the supposed power of guns, jail cells, police batons and torture. When a person is not afraid of death, they are free.
Living a life of Nonviolence means to water the seeds of fearlessness. This is done by continually harvesting the courage that is rooted in a confidence of humanity; knowing that if we allow love and compassion to steer our life, there is not a thing to worry about for the Universe is on the side of justice. Moreover instead of punishing those who seem to be assailants, a Nonviolent person practices self-suffering as a way to cleanse themselves and to move the hearts of others so that they are obliged to reflect on their own actions. Happily using the tool of self-suffering for the sake of a just cause takes mighty courage as well.
Who has more courage? A person hiding behind a fortification, strapped with armor aiming their automatic weapon at supposed enemy a hundred yards away, or a Nonviolent person, with love in their heart, fearing no man, happily and fearlessly marching for a just cause into a rain of screaming bullets? Although quite extreme, this example put fourth by Mohandas Gandhi clearly sheds light onto the magnitude of courage a dedicated Nonviolent practitioner can manifest. Truly Nonviolence is a Way of Life for Courageous People.
Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people, this is the first principal of Kingian Nonviolence. Nonviolence in this regard is not simply the absence of violence, or stepping out of a system to live a passive lifestyle. Rather, Nonviolence is a dynamic active force and a way of living, thinking, looking at others and pursuing social change with love. It is not simply something which can be turned off with a switch; Nonviolence must be a way of life.
In this world full of violence, aggression and suppression, it takes courage to take a stand and insist upon following the path of Nonviolence. Change, especially a deep change in one’s world outlook is a big step to take. It takes courage. Once on the path even more courage is needed to stand up for what is right, to sacrifice time and energy for a just cause and to put justice ahead of your own physical well-being. For as many great Nonviolent leaders, from Jesus Christ to Martin Luther King discovered, a Nonviolent lifestyle has a way of upsetting the status quo, often leaving the stagnate system to respond with the only weapons it knows: violence, imprisonment and murder. Yet once one vanquishes fear of these tools of suppression from their consciousness, the weapons are made futile. With courage and fearlessness, Nonviolence disarms the supposed power of guns, jail cells, police batons and torture. When a person is not afraid of death, they are free.
Living a life of Nonviolence means to water the seeds of fearlessness. This is done by continually harvesting the courage that is rooted in a confidence of humanity; knowing that if we allow love and compassion to steer our life, there is not a thing to worry about for the Universe is on the side of justice. Moreover instead of punishing those who seem to be assailants, a Nonviolent person practices self-suffering as a way to cleanse themselves and to move the hearts of others so that they are obliged to reflect on their own actions. Happily using the tool of self-suffering for the sake of a just cause takes mighty courage as well.
Who has more courage? A person hiding behind a fortification, strapped with armor aiming their automatic weapon at supposed enemy a hundred yards away, or a Nonviolent person, with love in their heart, fearing no man, happily and fearlessly marching for a just cause into a rain of screaming bullets? Although quite extreme, this example put fourth by Mohandas Gandhi clearly sheds light onto the magnitude of courage a dedicated Nonviolent practitioner can manifest. Truly Nonviolence is a Way of Life for Courageous People.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Letter Writing
Posted by: Abel Collins
Despite my better judgment, I spend a lot of time thinking about politics and the economy; analyzing, criticizing, and basically trying to figure out what is going on in the world. From time to time, I get cynical and overwhelmed. At times like those, I take heart in the fact that I can take action do something about it. Letter writing is one action that I take particular pleasure in and that is sure to get a response. With email, it’s really easy to start a dialog with your political representation, and if you request the favor of a reply, they are required by law to respond.
Here’s a letter I wrote to my representatives today. I will post the responses I get to this letter in the comments section as they arrive. If you like it, you can even copy and paste it, and edit it to your liking. Google your legislator and go to the ‘contact ________’ button on their public site, then send it along. Otherwise, I encourage you to take the time to write your own letter and make our democracy a little more vibrant:
Dear _______________,
I was overjoyed today by the news that President Obama is going to take a hard line against the financial industry and follow the advice of Paul Volcker. It is my hope that you will do whatever you can to aid the President in his battle for real financial reform.
Not only must important aspects of Glass-Steagall be re-enacted so that the banks are not mixing commercial lending with speculative investment banking, but the banks must not be allowed to be so large that they pose a systemic risk. Please help craft legislation that diminishes the power and influence of major financial institutions, and I mean this to include holding the Federal Reserve accountable to its mandates. The economic system needs transparency in its financial sector to create a healthy and sustainable system. In other words, audit the fed.
Finally, I am greatly worried by the decision of the Supreme Court to allow unlimited corporate contributions to political campaigns. I would like you to consider proposing a constitutional amendment(s) to enact corporate reform. This country cannot afford to have more power accumulate in the hands of corporate interests. It is time to reconsider whether corporations are the same as individuals and what rights they really deserve.
Thank you for your time and your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you on these issues.
Yours respectfully,
Abel Collins
Despite my better judgment, I spend a lot of time thinking about politics and the economy; analyzing, criticizing, and basically trying to figure out what is going on in the world. From time to time, I get cynical and overwhelmed. At times like those, I take heart in the fact that I can take action do something about it. Letter writing is one action that I take particular pleasure in and that is sure to get a response. With email, it’s really easy to start a dialog with your political representation, and if you request the favor of a reply, they are required by law to respond.
Here’s a letter I wrote to my representatives today. I will post the responses I get to this letter in the comments section as they arrive. If you like it, you can even copy and paste it, and edit it to your liking. Google your legislator and go to the ‘contact ________’ button on their public site, then send it along. Otherwise, I encourage you to take the time to write your own letter and make our democracy a little more vibrant:
Dear _______________,
I was overjoyed today by the news that President Obama is going to take a hard line against the financial industry and follow the advice of Paul Volcker. It is my hope that you will do whatever you can to aid the President in his battle for real financial reform.
Not only must important aspects of Glass-Steagall be re-enacted so that the banks are not mixing commercial lending with speculative investment banking, but the banks must not be allowed to be so large that they pose a systemic risk. Please help craft legislation that diminishes the power and influence of major financial institutions, and I mean this to include holding the Federal Reserve accountable to its mandates. The economic system needs transparency in its financial sector to create a healthy and sustainable system. In other words, audit the fed.
Finally, I am greatly worried by the decision of the Supreme Court to allow unlimited corporate contributions to political campaigns. I would like you to consider proposing a constitutional amendment(s) to enact corporate reform. This country cannot afford to have more power accumulate in the hands of corporate interests. It is time to reconsider whether corporations are the same as individuals and what rights they really deserve.
Thank you for your time and your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you on these issues.
Yours respectfully,
Abel Collins
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Financial Activism
Posted by: Abel Collins
Today I took the first step toward moving my money out of Bank of America where I have kept it for several years. I went to a local credit union and started a checking account from which I will be able to do all of my banking. The terms on the new account are much better than the ones that I at BofA (2.5% interest versus .1%), but that is not why I am moving my money.
Two years into this financial crisis, it is obvious that banks are in large part responsible for the calamity. Financial institutions, primarily those now seen as too big to fail, rose to great influence over the past four decades (TBTF list here, http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2009/03/19th-nervous-breakdown-tbtf-stress-test-banks/). They created financial innovations that allowed them to take on insane amounts of leverage. They encouraged so much debt that they guaranteed a credit bubble and its inevitable collapse. In fact, they engineered numerous bubbles, and at every opportunity said that deregulation would allow them to make a more productive and efficient financial system so it would never happen again. The banks made money on the way up and on the way down, and they used it to gain ever greater political and economic power.
By now, we are familiar with the results. The regulators and the legislators crafting financial policy were captured by the banking industry that they were supposed to be holding accountable. Regrettably, nothing has been done to reform this broken economic model. The reform that is proposed would be laughable if it were not so tragic, and even those weak measures will probably never be enacted.
It has become clear that the only thing the political system and the powerful people it represents care about is money. Therefore, I suggest that it is incumbent upon us to redress our grievances in terms that they understand. It is time for some good old nonviolent activism. It is time to stop giving them our money, and the logical place to start is with the TBTF banks.
If you do your banking with Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, or one of the other monster banks that control approximately 60% of the deposits of US citizens, it is time to move your money. Go to http://moveyourmoney.info/ and find out how to get started.
Time and again, massive nonviolent activism is the only effective way to realize revolutionary change, and it is time to bring it to bear on the economy. We must follow in the footsteps of great leaders like MLK, Gandhi, and Jesus, and refuse to support the system that abuses us. The first step is taking our money from the banks that control the system. If they do not listen then, if they simply turn to the government for another round of tax payer funding, we must resort to civil disobedience. We must sever the ties between money and politics, whatever it takes. Let’s get started.
Today I took the first step toward moving my money out of Bank of America where I have kept it for several years. I went to a local credit union and started a checking account from which I will be able to do all of my banking. The terms on the new account are much better than the ones that I at BofA (2.5% interest versus .1%), but that is not why I am moving my money.
Two years into this financial crisis, it is obvious that banks are in large part responsible for the calamity. Financial institutions, primarily those now seen as too big to fail, rose to great influence over the past four decades (TBTF list here, http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2009/03/19th-nervous-breakdown-tbtf-stress-test-banks/). They created financial innovations that allowed them to take on insane amounts of leverage. They encouraged so much debt that they guaranteed a credit bubble and its inevitable collapse. In fact, they engineered numerous bubbles, and at every opportunity said that deregulation would allow them to make a more productive and efficient financial system so it would never happen again. The banks made money on the way up and on the way down, and they used it to gain ever greater political and economic power.
By now, we are familiar with the results. The regulators and the legislators crafting financial policy were captured by the banking industry that they were supposed to be holding accountable. Regrettably, nothing has been done to reform this broken economic model. The reform that is proposed would be laughable if it were not so tragic, and even those weak measures will probably never be enacted.
It has become clear that the only thing the political system and the powerful people it represents care about is money. Therefore, I suggest that it is incumbent upon us to redress our grievances in terms that they understand. It is time for some good old nonviolent activism. It is time to stop giving them our money, and the logical place to start is with the TBTF banks.
If you do your banking with Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, or one of the other monster banks that control approximately 60% of the deposits of US citizens, it is time to move your money. Go to http://moveyourmoney.info/ and find out how to get started.
Time and again, massive nonviolent activism is the only effective way to realize revolutionary change, and it is time to bring it to bear on the economy. We must follow in the footsteps of great leaders like MLK, Gandhi, and Jesus, and refuse to support the system that abuses us. The first step is taking our money from the banks that control the system. If they do not listen then, if they simply turn to the government for another round of tax payer funding, we must resort to civil disobedience. We must sever the ties between money and politics, whatever it takes. Let’s get started.
Veterans
-A third of all Homeless Men in the Country are Veterans
-18 Veterans Commit Suicide Each Day
-Over 300,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or Major Depression while 320,000 have suffered brain injuries.
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
These statistics deal a decisive blow to the aged perception that the military and our government unquestionably support our veterans and that individuals fighting war are immune to the horror of armed conflict. As a Shelter Manager at a Homeless Shelter in Phoenix, I have met dozens of individuals who served in the military and now find themselves without the adequate support to live comfortably and safely. I have yet to interact with a veteran who glorified battle, as most veterans I have spoken too do not wish to speak too deeply about their experience in war.
Yet just last night I had the opportunity to speak with a veteran who was part of a Helicopter Medic unit during the Vietnam War. During outreach work we had found the gentleman under a bridge where he was escaping from a rare rainy night in Arizona. He related to me the valuable insight that even for the strongest of men, war is an absolutely terrifying, sorrowing experience. He had seen close friends die, seen men in his unit loose their limbs and seemed confused as to why he made it out with his physical body intact. I hope the leaders of our country can take a moment and imagine their best friend, and imagine seeing them killed before your eyes. How do you think you would handle bearing witness to such horror? Even the thought of this experience is very disturbing and painful. It is easy to see why so many veterans have great difficulty coping with their experience of war. Moreover it is easy to understand why war is not a natural part of human existence, yet only a folly manifested by misunderstanding and ignorance.
Veterans are direct victims of war; experiencing death, destruction and confusion in an abundance that we shall never see. We must listen to, understand and love our veterans. Their stories of sorrow, death and suffering need to be heard. The pain they experience must be utilized as an energy for us to clearly understand the tragedy of war and to work towards opening the hearts and minds of our leader so that they too can see the ramifications of war. It is time to help our veterans and do what we can to ensure that war is no longer an option for America.
-18 Veterans Commit Suicide Each Day
-Over 300,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or Major Depression while 320,000 have suffered brain injuries.
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
These statistics deal a decisive blow to the aged perception that the military and our government unquestionably support our veterans and that individuals fighting war are immune to the horror of armed conflict. As a Shelter Manager at a Homeless Shelter in Phoenix, I have met dozens of individuals who served in the military and now find themselves without the adequate support to live comfortably and safely. I have yet to interact with a veteran who glorified battle, as most veterans I have spoken too do not wish to speak too deeply about their experience in war.
Yet just last night I had the opportunity to speak with a veteran who was part of a Helicopter Medic unit during the Vietnam War. During outreach work we had found the gentleman under a bridge where he was escaping from a rare rainy night in Arizona. He related to me the valuable insight that even for the strongest of men, war is an absolutely terrifying, sorrowing experience. He had seen close friends die, seen men in his unit loose their limbs and seemed confused as to why he made it out with his physical body intact. I hope the leaders of our country can take a moment and imagine their best friend, and imagine seeing them killed before your eyes. How do you think you would handle bearing witness to such horror? Even the thought of this experience is very disturbing and painful. It is easy to see why so many veterans have great difficulty coping with their experience of war. Moreover it is easy to understand why war is not a natural part of human existence, yet only a folly manifested by misunderstanding and ignorance.
Veterans are direct victims of war; experiencing death, destruction and confusion in an abundance that we shall never see. We must listen to, understand and love our veterans. Their stories of sorrow, death and suffering need to be heard. The pain they experience must be utilized as an energy for us to clearly understand the tragedy of war and to work towards opening the hearts and minds of our leader so that they too can see the ramifications of war. It is time to help our veterans and do what we can to ensure that war is no longer an option for America.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Democrats v. Republicans
Posted by: Abel Collins
Some of my writings here at the Satyagraha are going to be dedicated to discussing politics, both at the foundational level of political theory and also the more visible level of current political events. In the interest of disclosure, I offer this blog.
The state of politics in our country is generally agreed to be shameful. The caricature of the politician is a pig-like humanoid, grubbing in the dirt at the feet of the wealthy. He is greedy and power hungry, pinstripes and silk linings hiding his corpulence.
Sadly, the cartoon satire is a better portrait of the truth than the rest of what I read in the paper. Nobody really believes that either political party cares about the welfare of the common man, and there should be little surprise. For over three decades, the United States of America has overseen a global economy that has grown immensely. Sums of wealth never imagined have been created through industrial ingenuity and the exportation of free market capitalism. In that same period of time, average Americans have seen their real wages and the quality of their lives decline.
Needless to say, the people have become disenchanted with the representatives they have elected to provide themselves with a government of liberty, equality, and justice. For over three decades, it has not mattered one wit whether it was the Democrats or Republicans in office. The wealth has gone to the top. Both parties have conspired to create the current system that has come to primarily represent corporate interests.
The whole political society is dying from atrophy, because there is no real choice. Sure, I vote, and I usually vote for the Democrat, because Democrats tend to be a little more humane in their policy. I vote for third party candidates whenever I can, and I spend a lot of time empathizing with the fifty percent of people who are so discouraged that they refuse to participate.
The silver lining to the glooming cloud of politics is that when the people finally go back to the drawing board, they will find that they still live in a democratic republic, and they do, in fact, have the power. Sooner or later (sooner at this rate), Americans will reach their breaking point and good representative leaders will step forward or be found; honest leaders who realize that public office is a civil service and a civic duty. Americans will find and elect the citizens who are willing to suborn their personal interests and be instruments for the betterment of the society.
I, for one, cannot wait for the coming age of civic rebirth. Already, it is gestating. People are rebuilding the idea of community, preparing for a society of cooperation to replace this current culture of antagonism. I, for one, am going to be a catalyst in the growth of this movement, a radical so to speak. Already, I am, and here we are talking about it.
Let’s start something: A friendship, a community, a political party, a better way? It’s all possible.
Some of my writings here at the Satyagraha are going to be dedicated to discussing politics, both at the foundational level of political theory and also the more visible level of current political events. In the interest of disclosure, I offer this blog.
The state of politics in our country is generally agreed to be shameful. The caricature of the politician is a pig-like humanoid, grubbing in the dirt at the feet of the wealthy. He is greedy and power hungry, pinstripes and silk linings hiding his corpulence.
Sadly, the cartoon satire is a better portrait of the truth than the rest of what I read in the paper. Nobody really believes that either political party cares about the welfare of the common man, and there should be little surprise. For over three decades, the United States of America has overseen a global economy that has grown immensely. Sums of wealth never imagined have been created through industrial ingenuity and the exportation of free market capitalism. In that same period of time, average Americans have seen their real wages and the quality of their lives decline.
Needless to say, the people have become disenchanted with the representatives they have elected to provide themselves with a government of liberty, equality, and justice. For over three decades, it has not mattered one wit whether it was the Democrats or Republicans in office. The wealth has gone to the top. Both parties have conspired to create the current system that has come to primarily represent corporate interests.
The whole political society is dying from atrophy, because there is no real choice. Sure, I vote, and I usually vote for the Democrat, because Democrats tend to be a little more humane in their policy. I vote for third party candidates whenever I can, and I spend a lot of time empathizing with the fifty percent of people who are so discouraged that they refuse to participate.
The silver lining to the glooming cloud of politics is that when the people finally go back to the drawing board, they will find that they still live in a democratic republic, and they do, in fact, have the power. Sooner or later (sooner at this rate), Americans will reach their breaking point and good representative leaders will step forward or be found; honest leaders who realize that public office is a civil service and a civic duty. Americans will find and elect the citizens who are willing to suborn their personal interests and be instruments for the betterment of the society.
I, for one, cannot wait for the coming age of civic rebirth. Already, it is gestating. People are rebuilding the idea of community, preparing for a society of cooperation to replace this current culture of antagonism. I, for one, am going to be a catalyst in the growth of this movement, a radical so to speak. Already, I am, and here we are talking about it.
Let’s start something: A friendship, a community, a political party, a better way? It’s all possible.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
Martin Luther King Day is one holiday of the greatest official American holidays. It is a day to honor a revolutionary, a man who dedicated his life to transforming communities and challenging the practices of the United States government. Although Mr. King is remembered most for his astounding leadership within the Civil Rights movement, he dedicated the later years of his life organizing to combat systemic poverty and to speaking out against the Vietnam War. If you have a moment today I would recommend spending some time listening to Dr. King's speech "Why I am Opposed to the War in Vietnam". The wisdom and insight of the speech still deeply resonates with the current state of America and the country's continued reliance on war and militarism:
Martin Luther King Day is one holiday of the greatest official American holidays. It is a day to honor a revolutionary, a man who dedicated his life to transforming communities and challenging the practices of the United States government. Although Mr. King is remembered most for his astounding leadership within the Civil Rights movement, he dedicated the later years of his life organizing to combat systemic poverty and to speaking out against the Vietnam War. If you have a moment today I would recommend spending some time listening to Dr. King's speech "Why I am Opposed to the War in Vietnam". The wisdom and insight of the speech still deeply resonates with the current state of America and the country's continued reliance on war and militarism:
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Meditation on the Economy
Posted by: Abel Collins
A crystalline calm is upon the ocean. The washed azure sky, without even the blemish of a cloud, speaks in the most fragile whispers about the proximity of beauty and death. The emerald water swallows with greedy equanimity both the heavy and light. The sun stretches down amber rays diffusing through teeming life, down to fathomless twilight. Somewhere, black and unknowable is the bottom. Deeper and more quiet than the blackest dream, the ship is sinking. Strange sounds resonate from the hull, air trying to push its way out, the wood groaning in protest. Large pockets rise to the surface and burp erratically as the wreck shifts in the rolling currents of its descent.
It had gone quickly at the beginning. The weakness so long in atrophy relented to its fated failure in a crack of thunder. Instantaneously, the sea rushed gurgling and hungry into the lower compartments, sucking the ship down. At first, the air had freed itself in a multitude of voices, whistles, sighs, and whooshes. It was a song of physics and chaos.
Now, an eternity of moments and ten minutes later, only the stern remains above water, pointing accusingly skyward. The ship is sinking slowly and remorselessly, a death that shudders nearer with each successive belch. The sinking is slower now but no less certain. In a panic that is so blind it is also silent, the crew and passengers are mostly frozen in denial. They cling to the idea it has stopped, that they can bob above the waves until the rescuers arrive. In reality, no aid is coming.
There aren’t lifeboats enough, and the self-important are claiming first right. These are the men in fine clothing and uniform; the captains of industry, the shipwrights, and the crewmen. Behold their fear, the dawning realization in their eyes that they aren’t in control. Their reasoning is that they will be better able to get and send help to those left behind. Sure, they were the ones that had brought them to this pass, so, too, they must be the ones who can find the way back. They offer this reasoning to the others in blue gel- cap cyanide placebos. They are saying ‘god bless you,’ and there are even tears in some of their eyes as they push off. They reason and excuse themselves from guilt. Cowardice, for naught.
The clarity of the ocean air, the sharpness of the light arcing through it, and the magical colors that they elicit; these perfections are not to be denied their finality. The falling inertia of the ship will draw the lifeboats down just as surely as the planet’s gravity draws the ship to its doom. It shall be a shared oblivion. The perfection; the fragile secret spoken by the breeze of beauty and death; no one is to speak of them.
A crystalline calm is upon the ocean. The washed azure sky, without even the blemish of a cloud, speaks in the most fragile whispers about the proximity of beauty and death. The emerald water swallows with greedy equanimity both the heavy and light. The sun stretches down amber rays diffusing through teeming life, down to fathomless twilight. Somewhere, black and unknowable is the bottom. Deeper and more quiet than the blackest dream, the ship is sinking. Strange sounds resonate from the hull, air trying to push its way out, the wood groaning in protest. Large pockets rise to the surface and burp erratically as the wreck shifts in the rolling currents of its descent.
It had gone quickly at the beginning. The weakness so long in atrophy relented to its fated failure in a crack of thunder. Instantaneously, the sea rushed gurgling and hungry into the lower compartments, sucking the ship down. At first, the air had freed itself in a multitude of voices, whistles, sighs, and whooshes. It was a song of physics and chaos.
Now, an eternity of moments and ten minutes later, only the stern remains above water, pointing accusingly skyward. The ship is sinking slowly and remorselessly, a death that shudders nearer with each successive belch. The sinking is slower now but no less certain. In a panic that is so blind it is also silent, the crew and passengers are mostly frozen in denial. They cling to the idea it has stopped, that they can bob above the waves until the rescuers arrive. In reality, no aid is coming.
There aren’t lifeboats enough, and the self-important are claiming first right. These are the men in fine clothing and uniform; the captains of industry, the shipwrights, and the crewmen. Behold their fear, the dawning realization in their eyes that they aren’t in control. Their reasoning is that they will be better able to get and send help to those left behind. Sure, they were the ones that had brought them to this pass, so, too, they must be the ones who can find the way back. They offer this reasoning to the others in blue gel- cap cyanide placebos. They are saying ‘god bless you,’ and there are even tears in some of their eyes as they push off. They reason and excuse themselves from guilt. Cowardice, for naught.
The clarity of the ocean air, the sharpness of the light arcing through it, and the magical colors that they elicit; these perfections are not to be denied their finality. The falling inertia of the ship will draw the lifeboats down just as surely as the planet’s gravity draws the ship to its doom. It shall be a shared oblivion. The perfection; the fragile secret spoken by the breeze of beauty and death; no one is to speak of them.
Truth Force of Paradise: From One Conceives the Union of Two
Posted by: Artemis Kampner
In harmony with the almighty Om
Became the interconnected orbits of the moon and sun.
The warm sun incubates and opens the seeds
making roots for fertile mother earth to receive.
Sister moon moves a salty, strong and vast sea
And she pulls the saline through all vessels like you and me.
I am a sister goddess who holds the cyclic nature of the moon.
You are brother lord who resonates the rhythmic sun’s tune.
Together moon and sun, there is a union of conception.
Together man and mate coexistence is of no debate.
Like Yin to Yang, Om can become two
Conception and union is eternally true
However conception is more than mere physical existence.
It is idea, a beginning, a thought, and frequency of coexistence.
In harmony with the almighty Om
Became the interconnected orbits of the moon and sun.
The warm sun incubates and opens the seeds
making roots for fertile mother earth to receive.
Sister moon moves a salty, strong and vast sea
And she pulls the saline through all vessels like you and me.
I am a sister goddess who holds the cyclic nature of the moon.
You are brother lord who resonates the rhythmic sun’s tune.
Together moon and sun, there is a union of conception.
Together man and mate coexistence is of no debate.
Like Yin to Yang, Om can become two
Conception and union is eternally true
However conception is more than mere physical existence.
It is idea, a beginning, a thought, and frequency of coexistence.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Nonviolence
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
On this blog I plan to write extensively on the philosophy, history, practices and applications of Nonviolence. In the coming weeks I will discuss the six principals of Kingian Nonviolence:
1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people
2. The beloved community is the framework for the future
3. Attack forces of evil not persons doing evil
4. Accept suffering without retalliation for the sake of the cause to achieve the goal
5. Avoid internal violence of the spirit as well as external physical violence
6. The universe is on the side of justice
Yet before going anything further I will take time to describe what Nonviolence is to me, and why I feel so passionately about it and am now dedicated to following its path.
When I first heard civil rights pioneer and world wide advocate Dr. Bernard Lafayette speak about Nonviolence, I immediately began to retreat from the idea I held at the time that violence was an appropriate tool be used to create a better society. This transformation continues to this day as I do my best to nurture the seeds of Nonviolence and make the philosophy an actual life practice. There are several things that draw me to the Nonviolent way of life, and the use of Nonviolence for social change.
Firstly, the philosophy of Nonviolence aligns with the teachings of all the great spiritual sages who have graced this planet. Jesus’ message of ‘Love Thy Enemy’, the Buddhist philosophy of Harmlessness come to mind, as well as the duty to serve and assist others that is found throughout religions and spiritual practices. Nonviolence invokes these principals in a practical application; dynamically using love and understanding to change one’s life and lead social change.
The most powerful aspect of Nonviolence as a tool for social change is the fact that it works. You can never be defeated when Nonviolence as a strategy and way of life has been adopted. As Gandhi made clear “they may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me, then they will have my dead body. Not my obedience." Add along to this the fact that a Nonviolent practitioner strives to love his assailant, and is resolute in their stance; the violence inflicted on a nonviolent person only magnifies the faults of violence and sheds greater light on the righteousness of Nonviolence. The assailant’s tools of suppression are useless and only further the cause of the Nonviolent crusader. What a great strategy! When one happily invites self-suffering, has no fear of prison or physical harm and loves others under any circumstance, they cannot be defeated. This is the power of Nonviolence.
Finally when violence is unfortunatly used to achieve an end, violence will gain credence as an acceptable way to create positive change which only fuels the cycle of violence. Just take a look at the United States of America, a country who gained its liberty through a violent revolution. This set a precedent that violence is a suitable way to gain freedom, subsequently the United States and it’s citizens have never shied away from using force and invasion to “free” other nations. This cycle must be broken. Means and ends need to be consistent, for if we really want peace in this world it begins with us and how we choose to struggle for a better world. Just as violence begets violence, love begets love and peace begets peace. The practice and harvesting of Nonviolence is essential for creating any lasting, dynamic change to our world.
There are many more aspects of Nonviolence that I will explore on The Satyagragha. Including the fundamental idea of have no enemies, that any person can be transformed into an essential ally, and the fact that Nonviolence and self-suffering replaces the philosophy of punishment. I look forward to continuing to share this space with you.
On this blog I plan to write extensively on the philosophy, history, practices and applications of Nonviolence. In the coming weeks I will discuss the six principals of Kingian Nonviolence:
1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people
2. The beloved community is the framework for the future
3. Attack forces of evil not persons doing evil
4. Accept suffering without retalliation for the sake of the cause to achieve the goal
5. Avoid internal violence of the spirit as well as external physical violence
6. The universe is on the side of justice
Yet before going anything further I will take time to describe what Nonviolence is to me, and why I feel so passionately about it and am now dedicated to following its path.
When I first heard civil rights pioneer and world wide advocate Dr. Bernard Lafayette speak about Nonviolence, I immediately began to retreat from the idea I held at the time that violence was an appropriate tool be used to create a better society. This transformation continues to this day as I do my best to nurture the seeds of Nonviolence and make the philosophy an actual life practice. There are several things that draw me to the Nonviolent way of life, and the use of Nonviolence for social change.
Firstly, the philosophy of Nonviolence aligns with the teachings of all the great spiritual sages who have graced this planet. Jesus’ message of ‘Love Thy Enemy’, the Buddhist philosophy of Harmlessness come to mind, as well as the duty to serve and assist others that is found throughout religions and spiritual practices. Nonviolence invokes these principals in a practical application; dynamically using love and understanding to change one’s life and lead social change.
The most powerful aspect of Nonviolence as a tool for social change is the fact that it works. You can never be defeated when Nonviolence as a strategy and way of life has been adopted. As Gandhi made clear “they may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me, then they will have my dead body. Not my obedience." Add along to this the fact that a Nonviolent practitioner strives to love his assailant, and is resolute in their stance; the violence inflicted on a nonviolent person only magnifies the faults of violence and sheds greater light on the righteousness of Nonviolence. The assailant’s tools of suppression are useless and only further the cause of the Nonviolent crusader. What a great strategy! When one happily invites self-suffering, has no fear of prison or physical harm and loves others under any circumstance, they cannot be defeated. This is the power of Nonviolence.
Finally when violence is unfortunatly used to achieve an end, violence will gain credence as an acceptable way to create positive change which only fuels the cycle of violence. Just take a look at the United States of America, a country who gained its liberty through a violent revolution. This set a precedent that violence is a suitable way to gain freedom, subsequently the United States and it’s citizens have never shied away from using force and invasion to “free” other nations. This cycle must be broken. Means and ends need to be consistent, for if we really want peace in this world it begins with us and how we choose to struggle for a better world. Just as violence begets violence, love begets love and peace begets peace. The practice and harvesting of Nonviolence is essential for creating any lasting, dynamic change to our world.
There are many more aspects of Nonviolence that I will explore on The Satyagragha. Including the fundamental idea of have no enemies, that any person can be transformed into an essential ally, and the fact that Nonviolence and self-suffering replaces the philosophy of punishment. I look forward to continuing to share this space with you.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Rally Here
Posted by: Abel Collins
Can we spark up the old conversation
about civil disobedience?
The substance of the argument
is taxation without representation.
What right does the government have
to our livelihood
And still to conduct itself so contrary
to the will of its populace?
We ask for common sense
A fair chance, education, healthcare.
But we are given unjustified warfare;
Dead innocent.
Can they buy our acquiesence with the promise of sloth
And greed coveting possessions;
Inane status symbols.
Can they buy us
And so, own us;
Turned to pawns in a game
Whose only end can be self-destruction?
No
In our hearts we still know what liberty is
And take courage from that knowledge.
Let this be the foundation for action
Ratify these thoughts and draw up articles of confederation.
Let's make a pact to arrive at freedom,
And embark.
Can we spark up the old conversation
about civil disobedience?
The substance of the argument
is taxation without representation.
What right does the government have
to our livelihood
And still to conduct itself so contrary
to the will of its populace?
We ask for common sense
A fair chance, education, healthcare.
But we are given unjustified warfare;
Dead innocent.
Can they buy our acquiesence with the promise of sloth
And greed coveting possessions;
Inane status symbols.
Can they buy us
And so, own us;
Turned to pawns in a game
Whose only end can be self-destruction?
No
In our hearts we still know what liberty is
And take courage from that knowledge.
Let this be the foundation for action
Ratify these thoughts and draw up articles of confederation.
Let's make a pact to arrive at freedom,
And embark.
Today in Haiti
Posted by: Abel Collins
Suffering incomprehensible to us unfolds
Torturing the fabric of time
Slowing life to a crawl.
Acts of heroism that will be remembered only by witnesses
Light hope in darkened hearts.
Muscles strain against rubble
Tears and a desperate thirst overwhelm all thought;
Thirst for water;
For help and mercy.
Why?
We ask and watch.
There is no reason.
There is only the hero,
The courage of action struggling against the dark.
Suffering incomprehensible to us unfolds
Torturing the fabric of time
Slowing life to a crawl.
Acts of heroism that will be remembered only by witnesses
Light hope in darkened hearts.
Muscles strain against rubble
Tears and a desperate thirst overwhelm all thought;
Thirst for water;
For help and mercy.
Why?
We ask and watch.
There is no reason.
There is only the hero,
The courage of action struggling against the dark.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Move Your Money Campaign
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
There is a movement encouraging people to move their funds from large "too big to fail banks" to local community banks, many of which are non-profit. This is a direct way to take a stand against the large financial institutions who's actions led to our ravished economy. Check out the video below and visit http://moveyourmoney.info/ for more information:
There is a movement encouraging people to move their funds from large "too big to fail banks" to local community banks, many of which are non-profit. This is a direct way to take a stand against the large financial institutions who's actions led to our ravished economy. Check out the video below and visit http://moveyourmoney.info/ for more information:
FCIC, Washington, D.C.
Posted by: Abel Collins
Believe what you will about the current state of the economy, whether it is that we are in the midst of a recovery or that we are still mired in a recession, there is no denying that gross financial crimes were committed to enable and sustain the housing bubble economy of the last decade. As yet, there has been no serious investigation of those crimes let alone prosecution. In fact, the Bush and Obama administrations have gone to extravagant lengths to cover up the depth of corruption on Wall St. and at the regulatory agencies that were supposedly put in place to protect the American public. Our leaders try to justify this obfuscation by claiming that if we were to be given the truth, we would lose the faith in our economic system that allows it to function. A simple question rises in my mind. Do we want an economic system that can only survive through secrecy and lies, a system whose foremost concern is catering to the demands of a cartel of banks?
At this stage of the Savings and Loan Crisis, involving significantly less grievous financial crimes in comparison to today’s mess, there were thousands of prosecutions and meaningful jail time was being served by the white collar criminals at the heart of the problem. Today, those at the center of this scandal are enjoying record profits. It reminds me of that Dylan line when he sings, ‘steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king.’ How are we to begin addressing this problem when all of the power seems to be in the hands of the banks and their army of lobbyists?
Dear Mr. Thomas,
Thank you for giving the people the opportunity to address this issue. I am happy to see that democracy is still alive in this country. We have an immutable right to address the grievances that the financial industry has perpetrated against the American public. I fear that all the responses that will escape the mouths of the bankers will be evasive and absolve them of whatever limited guilt they feel. Nevertheless, I would like you to ask:
1. What is an appropriate leverage ratio for a bank? Are you aware of the 12 to 1 ratio that functioned well for most of the last century?
2. What do you think about the potential re-establishment of Glass-Steagall?
3. Would your banks be solvent if you had to mark all of your assets to their fair market value and keep them on your books? Please do not tell me you don't know those market values. It is your job to know. Further, how much worse would it be if the federal government wasn't massively involved in supporting the housing market? If you plead ignorance, it will not shield you from culpability. It is your responsibility to your shareholders and the public at large to act prudently and be cognizant of risks.
Thanks again. I look forward to hearing any reply.
Take care,
Abel Collins
176 Sycamore Ln.
Wakefield, RI 02879
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN2.aspx
Truth Force of Paradise: First There was the Word
Posted by: Artemis Kampner
Long before us, in fact so early before us there is no date. The word was born from a cosmic combination of orbits, space and light. It was a word of no language and impossible a force indefinable. It was a round and complete vibration. First there was the word AUM and it began and ended without seams. It ebbed and crashed as waves of vibration throughout the entire universe and beyond.
The story of life on Mother Earth begins when AUM danced the sun over to Earth on the universal dance floor. The bright star had met a match that he could not detach from. He began to warm the new illuminated water on the dormant and fertile Earth. AUM had gathered the moon to also meet the union. The softly illuminated moon began to pull water up towards the heavens in harmony with AUM. At that moment life began on our beautiful planet.
AUM filled every vessel that grew up toward the nourishing glow of the sun. AUM called the sap toward the sky beat the hearts of the animated and inspired the vessels to breath. Thus all of the life vibrations are designed in harmony with the first and ultimately singular word AUM. It is our nature to be in harmony with AUM.
This story is the first truth that we know without speakable words. It is when we make words outside of AUM that we forget it’s simple nature. The simple nature of vibration moves our anatomical and subanatomical bodies made of light. Layering of our communal breaths, steps, beats, beings, moods and deeds result in a symphony of AUM. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, only displaced, even our spirits will remain with AUM.
Genesis Truth 1: First there was a vibrational AUM. The divine symphony sometimes called God. We are continually conceived and created as this truth. AUM cannot be contained, it reflects above to below and vice versa. AUM makes syncopation between the earth, sun, moon, stars, electrons, particles and elements. We are given our body as instruments to play in symphony with AUM. There is only AUM.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
An Open Letter to the American People
Posted by: Abel Collins
This writing is an excerpt from a novel that I am working on at the moment. I’d like to encourage you to share any reflections you might have. I could use the dialectic in my book:
Curious days. We assemble in a country and a nation: This shelter, a political society created to harbor free people; built with democratic architecture. We live in this structure, liberty guaranteed, and yet we are not free. We refuse democratic responsibilities, the sacrifices of self-government. Despite the best of intentions, we, the people, submit to the status quo, status infinitum, where wealth defines us. Despite our parroted words of freedom and equality, we are like the rest, divided into groups that can be boiled down into Masters, their henchmen, and slaves. We live in a democratic house, but we are not a democratic society. In the attic are dusty boxes filled with tarnished ideals. There was a spirit, a revolution, here once. There was an idea that we could govern ourselves justly and make a more perfect union. The emergence of these ideas is again at hand. We can no longer defer to the culture of greed that we have allowed to guide us to ruin. It is a new age for old questions. What is freedom, how shall we exercise it, what are our intentions, are we leaving this world better than we found it…?
We must find the answers to these questions together. We, the people.
This writing is an excerpt from a novel that I am working on at the moment. I’d like to encourage you to share any reflections you might have. I could use the dialectic in my book:
Curious days. We assemble in a country and a nation: This shelter, a political society created to harbor free people; built with democratic architecture. We live in this structure, liberty guaranteed, and yet we are not free. We refuse democratic responsibilities, the sacrifices of self-government. Despite the best of intentions, we, the people, submit to the status quo, status infinitum, where wealth defines us. Despite our parroted words of freedom and equality, we are like the rest, divided into groups that can be boiled down into Masters, their henchmen, and slaves. We live in a democratic house, but we are not a democratic society. In the attic are dusty boxes filled with tarnished ideals. There was a spirit, a revolution, here once. There was an idea that we could govern ourselves justly and make a more perfect union. The emergence of these ideas is again at hand. We can no longer defer to the culture of greed that we have allowed to guide us to ruin. It is a new age for old questions. What is freedom, how shall we exercise it, what are our intentions, are we leaving this world better than we found it…?
We must find the answers to these questions together. We, the people.
What is Revolution?
Posted by: Nicolas Katkevich
When I was young I aspired to be a revolutionary. I wanted to help people, and political revolution seemed like an exciting way of accomplishing this goal. Through my years of meditating on revolution and how to achieve it, I have come to the realization that real revolution is a holistic, patient and simple path. A path far removed from the sizzle of action I had once hoped for.
The change must start with us. Everyday we make choices, what to eat, what to wear, how to treat others, what to do with our spare time. These choices play an intricate role in directing the path of our society. If we are truly unsatisfied by the current political and cultural system that dominates our society, then we must take the initiative and make choices that invoke the change we wish to see. Revolution cannot just be political; it must be holistic in its scope. If change is what we want then it would be wise for us to reexamine all aspects of our life and see if they are in line with our moral standards and spiritual aspirations. As a community it is important to take responsibility for the world in which we live in, and if we are not satisfied with it, it is up to us to begin taking steps to change it.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with constant news of war, poverty and climate change. One can become so overburdened with sad news that they no longer feel that they have the energy to carry on. I have consoled this sorrow with the understanding that since everything is interconnected, we have an opportunity every moment to improve this world. How exciting! Furthermore I believe that while there are many things we cannot control in this world, there are also many choices that we can make and it is up to us to make the most of the opportunities that we have. World peace starts with how we treat those in our neighborhood, ending poverty begins with vanquishing greed from our own mind, and a more sustainable future will only happen if we alter our eating and living habits. It begins with us.
Let’s Get It
When I was young I aspired to be a revolutionary. I wanted to help people, and political revolution seemed like an exciting way of accomplishing this goal. Through my years of meditating on revolution and how to achieve it, I have come to the realization that real revolution is a holistic, patient and simple path. A path far removed from the sizzle of action I had once hoped for.
The change must start with us. Everyday we make choices, what to eat, what to wear, how to treat others, what to do with our spare time. These choices play an intricate role in directing the path of our society. If we are truly unsatisfied by the current political and cultural system that dominates our society, then we must take the initiative and make choices that invoke the change we wish to see. Revolution cannot just be political; it must be holistic in its scope. If change is what we want then it would be wise for us to reexamine all aspects of our life and see if they are in line with our moral standards and spiritual aspirations. As a community it is important to take responsibility for the world in which we live in, and if we are not satisfied with it, it is up to us to begin taking steps to change it.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with constant news of war, poverty and climate change. One can become so overburdened with sad news that they no longer feel that they have the energy to carry on. I have consoled this sorrow with the understanding that since everything is interconnected, we have an opportunity every moment to improve this world. How exciting! Furthermore I believe that while there are many things we cannot control in this world, there are also many choices that we can make and it is up to us to make the most of the opportunities that we have. World peace starts with how we treat those in our neighborhood, ending poverty begins with vanquishing greed from our own mind, and a more sustainable future will only happen if we alter our eating and living habits. It begins with us.
Let’s Get It
An Introduction
Hello all,
Ps- I’d like to thank Nick for putting this site together. I can already feel that tickle of excitement in my mind that always precedes the joy and productivity of new thought and good conversation.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Genesis
For the wellbeing of humanity we must live sustainably, courageously and compassionately; it is our duty. If we neglect this duty our brothers and sisters all around us will suffer unduly and as individuals, we will not realize our greatest potential. Currently violence, disregard for our environment, poor health choices and materialization plague our existence. It is upon each of us to transform these ills and uplift our communities. We each have unique roles to play, skills to dedicate and paths to tread, yet it is only together that we can transform this world. TheSatyagraha.org is a forum dedicated to chronicling the challenges that face our humanity and fostering discussion of means to overcome these challenges and build a more sustainable future.
Satyagraha is a term that was first coined by Mohandas Gandhi to describe the essence of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. When asked to define the term, Gandhi stated that Satyagraha is “the force which is born of truth and love”. Truth and Love are the gatekeepers of self-realization and they light the path that leads to the practice of serving others. We must cultivate and harvest Truth and Love as forces for personal and social transformation. This website hopes to play a role in manifesting such forces.
Thank you for your interest in TheSatyagraha.org. Check back frequently for new posts and please let us know if you have any ideas that may enhance the experience of this website. Let us work together for a more compassionate, healthy and peaceful world.
In Unity,
Nicolas Katkevich
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