If you think about the future like I do, there are a few things that are very worrisome. This is regardless of your politics.
First is the pending movement of all baby boomers to medicare and social security with an upside down pyramid of support that won't work.
Second is the diminishing quality of education in this country and the patchwork solutions we have in place. Not only do we fail those at the lower end, but lately we have put processes and systems in place that make it difficult to be brilliant. We really only support mediocrity.
Third is our complete and utter failure as a country to be "open for business". We don't promote the engine of small business; we allow big business to operate multi-nationally to exploit our US markets with little price for the tremendous dislocation they cause by such strategies; we have allowed a once perfect system of capital formation to fail due to unfettered greed and lack of ability of regulators to understand, much less manage the big casino on Wall Street that has become the heart of an American return to feudalism; worse we have totally flipped the paradigm of free markets- when they got into trouble due to ridiculous gambles, we supported them with Trillions of $ of direct investment that might better have been allocated to the millions of ordinary people who were victims of their gambles.
Last is the growing underclass of uneducated, unemployable, unfit people who have no hope or reason to participate in our system. This group is continually supplemented by failing education and business systems. These people need programs to bring up levels of education, fitness, employment and happiness.
You'll note I don't address many issues such as defense and terrorism, all the social issues, the environment and more. I submit that if we don't address the top four issues I lay out here, our positions on all the others won't matter because we will be irrelevant. Better countries will focus on the big important issues.
Is there a role for government in solving the problems we know we have?
There should be, but our system cannot meet that obligation. It is hopelessly broken. We had Obama with lots of hope and he got mired in our imperfect 220yr old Congress. Yesterday's election removed what little power Obama's has and put in place a Congress that will argue up a storm, and get nothing done.
So what do we do if we really want to solve these problems? We need to get creative and use the tools and systems we have in place (yes, web stuff) to bypass Washington with Government 2.0.
I am not certain how, but I know it is time to turn our backs on Washington as a place where problems get solved. There is too much ignorance, greed and self interest for anything good to happen. The bright side is that we problem solvers can get moving on things while Washington entertains us.
So, let's get moving.
More to come.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Paraprosdodian sentences
Paraprosdodian sentences
These are called paraprosdokian sentences. The first half has
one meaning and the second sentence gives the phrase a whole new
meaning.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So
I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and
beat you with experience.
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not
screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing
in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear
bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an
erection, make him a sandwich.
.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it
in a fruit salad.
Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both
be changed regularly, and for the same reason.
My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch.
These are called paraprosdokian sentences. The first half has
one meaning and the second sentence gives the phrase a whole new
meaning.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So
I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and
beat you with experience.
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not
screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing
in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear
bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an
erection, make him a sandwich.
.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it
in a fruit salad.
Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both
be changed regularly, and for the same reason.
My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch.
The
early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then
proceed to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many
is research.
If God is watching us, the least we can do is be entertaining.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a
train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea... does that mean that
one enjoys it?
If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple
of payments.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes
a whole box to start a campfire?
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything,
but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they
can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw
them fish?
I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that
you don't need it.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an
emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR". What's my mother going to do?
I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a
vegetarian.
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion
stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street
with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president
and 50 for Miss America ?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a
successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute
to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then
proceed to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many
is research.
If God is watching us, the least we can do is be entertaining.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a
train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea... does that mean that
one enjoys it?
If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple
of payments.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes
a whole box to start a campfire?
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything,
but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they
can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw
them fish?
I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that
you don't need it.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an
emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR". What's my mother going to do?
I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a
vegetarian.
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion
stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street
with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president
and 50 for Miss America ?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a
successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute
to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A
diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way
that you will look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if
you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to
live with.
I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured
by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second
opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so
they can't get away.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt, ...plus a slice of lemon,
...and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire
Department usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
Knowledge is power, and power corrupts. So study hard and be evil.
You are such a good friend that if we were on a sinking ship together
and there was only one life jacket... I'd miss you heaps and think
of you often.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever
you hit the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. Some people hear voices.
Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
Hallmark Card: "I'm so miserable without you, it's almost like
you're still here."
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it
as when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people
have more than one child.
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
"When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things
bought and sold are legislators."
diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way
that you will look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if
you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to
live with.
I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured
by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second
opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so
they can't get away.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt, ...plus a slice of lemon,
...and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire
Department usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
Knowledge is power, and power corrupts. So study hard and be evil.
You are such a good friend that if we were on a sinking ship together
and there was only one life jacket... I'd miss you heaps and think
of you often.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever
you hit the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. Some people hear voices.
Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
Hallmark Card: "I'm so miserable without you, it's almost like
you're still here."
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it
as when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people
have more than one child.
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
"When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things
bought and sold are legislators."
Friday, August 27, 2010
Swindling the Children!
Interesting that almost daily we find ourselves apologizing to our children for our failure to maintain the American Dream. No matter your politics or perspective, the fact is that RIGHT NOW, things look bleak for the future. It is time to stop blaming and stop making self centered decisions but, instead start thinking about our children when we make decisions.
This from UC Berkeley (berkeleyside):
Michael O'Hare, a professor at UC's Goldman School of Public Policy, will formally welcome new students to the classroom on Wednesday.
But in advance of starting his first-day lecture, O'Hare has written a lengthy welcome note that tells students how they have been "swindled."
The once gold-plated education offered by UC Berkeley is now a tarnished version of its former self, ruined by the state's self-interests and narrow viewpoints, according to O'Hare.
"Welcome to Berkeley, probably still the best public university in the world," O'Hare wrote on his blog. "Meet your classmates, the best group of partners you can find anywhere. The percentages for grades on exams, papers, etc. in my courses always add up to 110% because that's what I've learned to expect from you, over twenty years in the best job in the world."
"That's the good news. The bad news is that you have been the victims of a terrible swindle, denied an inheritance you deserve by contract and by your merits. And you aren't the only ones; victims of this rip-off include the students who were on your left and on your right in high school but didn't get into Cal, a whole generation stiffed by mine. This letter is an apology, and more usefully, perhaps a signal to start demanding what's been taken from you so you can pass it on with interest."
Read the rest and a link to Prof. O'Hare's full piece here.
This from UC Berkeley (berkeleyside):
Michael O'Hare, a professor at UC's Goldman School of Public Policy, will formally welcome new students to the classroom on Wednesday.
But in advance of starting his first-day lecture, O'Hare has written a lengthy welcome note that tells students how they have been "swindled."
The once gold-plated education offered by UC Berkeley is now a tarnished version of its former self, ruined by the state's self-interests and narrow viewpoints, according to O'Hare.
"Welcome to Berkeley, probably still the best public university in the world," O'Hare wrote on his blog. "Meet your classmates, the best group of partners you can find anywhere. The percentages for grades on exams, papers, etc. in my courses always add up to 110% because that's what I've learned to expect from you, over twenty years in the best job in the world."
"That's the good news. The bad news is that you have been the victims of a terrible swindle, denied an inheritance you deserve by contract and by your merits. And you aren't the only ones; victims of this rip-off include the students who were on your left and on your right in high school but didn't get into Cal, a whole generation stiffed by mine. This letter is an apology, and more usefully, perhaps a signal to start demanding what's been taken from you so you can pass it on with interest."
Read the rest and a link to Prof. O'Hare's full piece here.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Gates Support of Monsanto Devastating to Small African Farmers
I have often admired Bill Gates for his audacity, forward thinking and ability to show the way forward. Unfortunately, he tends to get mired in hi own opinions after they have been proven wrong. The Gates Foundation support for Monsanto's genetically modified crops is disturbing in the face of so much evidence that it is wrong headed and harmful. This latest information is a setback if you are a small farmer in places like Kenya or South Africa. I encourage those who know him to contact and educate Gates to this serious misstep. The following comes from AGRA Watch, a program of Seattle-based Community Alliance for Global Justice:
GATES FOUNDATION INVESTS IN MONSANTO
Both will profit at expense of small-scale African farmers
Both will profit at expense of small-scale African farmers
Seattle, WA – Farmers and civil society organizations around the world are outraged by the recent discovery of further connections between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and agribusiness titan Monsanto. Last week, a financial website published the Gates Foundation’s investment portfolio, including 500,000 shares of Monsanto stock with an estimated worth of $23.1 million purchased in the second quarter of 2010 (see the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission). This marks a substantial increase from its previous holdings, valued at just over $360,000 (see the Foundation’s 2008 990 Form).
“The Foundation’s direct investment in Monsanto is problematic on two primary levels,” said Dr. Phil Bereano, University of Washington Professor Emeritus and recognized expert on genetic engineering. “First, Monsanto has a history of blatant disregard for the interests and well-being of small farmers around the world, as well as an appalling environmental track record. The strong connections to Monsanto cast serious doubt on the Foundation’s heavy funding of agricultural development in Africa and purported goal of alleviating poverty and hunger among small-scale farmers. Second, this investment represents an enormous conflict of interests.”
Monsanto has already negatively impacted agriculture in African countries. For example, in South Africa in 2009, Monsanto’s genetically modified maize failed to produce kernels and hundreds of farmers were devastated. According to Mariam Mayet, environmental attorney and director of the Africa Centre for Biosafety in Johannesburg, some farmers suffered up to an 80% crop failure. While Monsanto compensated the large-scale farmers to whom it directly sold the faulty product, it gave nothing to the small-scale farmers to whom it had handed out free sachets of seeds. “When the economic power of Gates is coupled with the irresponsibility of Monsanto, the outlook for African smallholders is not very promising,” said Mayet. Monsanto’s aggressive patenting practices have also monopolized control over seed in ways that deny farmers control over their own harvest, going so far as to sue—and bankrupt—farmers for “patent infringement.”
News of the Foundation’s recent Monsanto investment has confirmed the misgivings of many farmers and sustainable agriculture advocates in Africa, among them the Kenya Biodiversity Coalition, who commented, “We have long suspected that the founders of AGRA—the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—had a long and more intimate affair with Monsanto.” Indeed, according to Travis English, researcher with AGRA Watch, “The Foundation’s ownership of Monsanto stock is emblematic of a deeper, more long-standing involvement with the corporation, particularly in Africa.” In 2008, AGRA Watch, a project of the Seattle-based organization Community Alliance for Global Justice, uncovered many linkages between the Foundation’s grantees and Monsanto. For example, some grantees (in particular about 70% of grantees in Kenya) of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)—considered by the Foundation to be its “African face”—work directly with Monsanto on agricultural development projects. Other prominent links include high-level Foundation staff members who were once senior officials for Monsanto, such as Rob Horsch, formerly Monsanto Vice President of International Development Partnerships and current Senior Program Officer of the Gates Agricultural Development Program.
Transnational corporations like Monsanto have been key collaborators with the Foundation and AGRA’s grantees in promoting the spread of industrial agriculture on the continent. This model of production relies on expensive inputs such as chemical fertilizers, genetically modified seeds, and herbicides. Though this package represents enticing market development opportunities for the private sector, many civil society organizations contend it will lead to further displacement of farmers from the land, an actual increase in hunger, and migration to already swollen cities unable to provide employment opportunities. In the words of a representative from the Kenya Biodiversity Coalition, “AGRA is poison for our farming systems and livelihoods. Under the philanthropic banner of greening agriculture, AGRA will eventually eat away what little is left of sustainable small-scale farming in Africa.”
A 2008 report initiated by the World Bank and the UN, the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD), promotes alternative solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty that emphasize their social and economic roots. The IAASTD concluded that small-scale agroecological farming is more suitable for the third world than the industrial agricultural model favored by Gates and Monsanto. In a summary of the key findings of IAASTD, the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) emphasizes the report’s warning that “continued reliance on simplistic technological fixes—including transgenic crops—will not reduce persistent hunger and poverty and could exacerbate environmental problems and worsen social inequity.” Furthermore, PANNA explains, “The Assessment’s 21 key findings suggest that small-scale agroecological farming may offer one of the best means to feed the hungry while protecting the planet.”
The Gates Foundation has been challenged in the past for its questionable investments; in 2007, the L.A. Times exposed the Foundation for investing in its own grantees and for its “holdings in many companies that have failed tests of social responsibility because of environmental lapses, employment discrimination, disregard for worker rights, or unethical practices.” The Times chastised the Foundation for what it called “blind-eye investing,” with at least 41% of its assets invested in “companies that countered the foundation’s charitable goals or socially-concerned philosophy.”
Although the Foundation announced it would reassess its practices, it decided to retain them. As reported by the L.A. Times, chief executive of the Foundation Patty Stonesifer defended their investments, stating, “It would be naïve…to think that changing the foundation’s investment policy could stop the human suffering blamed on the practices of companies in which it invests billions of dollars.” This decision is in direct contradiction to the Foundation’s official “Investment Philosophy”, which, according to its website, “defined areas in which the endowment will not invest, such as companies whose profit model is centrally tied to corporate activity that [Bill and Melinda] find egregious. This is why the endowment does not invest in tobacco stocks.”
More recently, the Foundation has come under fire in its own hometown. This week, 250 Seattle residents sent postcards expressing their concern that the Foundation’s approach to agricultural development, rather than reducing hunger as pledged, would instead “increase farmer debt, enrich agribusiness corporations like Monsanto and Syngenta, degrade the environment, and dispossess small farmers.” In addition to demanding that the Foundation instead fund “socially and ecologically appropriate practices determined locally by African farmers and scientists” and support African food sovereignty, they urged the Foundation to cut all ties to Monsanto and the biotechnology industry.
AGRA Watch, a program of Seattle-based Community Alliance for Global Justice, supports African initiatives and programs that foster farmers’ self-determination and food sovereignty. AGRA Watch also supports public engagement in fighting genetic engineering and exploitative agricultural policies, and demands transparency and accountability on the part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and AGRA.
# # #
__________________
Heather Day, Director
Community Alliance for Global Justice
206-724-2243
__________________
Kenya Travel Blog
Masters Thesis Blog - Hemispheric Social Alliance
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Will Consumers Save us from Deflation or Revolt by Nonparticipation?
Lots of talk these days about consumers starting to save and invest. Funny, most consumers I know can't yet save or invest because of mountains of debt.
Step 1 in the Savings and Investment process is the elimination of debt.
Interesting comparisons have been made to the massive corporate deleveraging that led to deflation in Japan but our situation is very different, consumer debt is the problem, not corporate.
When Bush II was faced with the 2002 inflection point in the labor market brought on by technology (misalignment due to the shift to information technology as the center of the economy), he and his advisors avoided addressing the issue by creating the massive consumer real estate and credit card overleveraging of 2002-2008, funding a period of 'adjustment' for middle class workers. Unfortunately, the adjustment did not happen and the misalignment of the labor force continues (amazing talk of middle class 99ers today- people who have been unemployed for 99 weeks).
Now we have the unavoidable consequence of those bad decisions (and the reliance of a massive system on consumers not only funding the rescue of the banks- the ridiculous TARP, but sucking it up big time to pay the underlying debt they incurred themselves). It is unclear how fast consumers will be capable of ridding themselves of debt, if at all. In fact, it may not be advisable for them to pay it back given the obvious- if they do, they may never again participate in American prosperity. Better choice for consumers may be to force change by not paying it back and forcing systemic adjustments.
What was the middle class may opt for forced frugality and not participate in the economy going forward. Adam Werbach makes a great case that this will be the beginning of a path that actually solves problems such as Global Warming through choices based on frugality.
Non-participation in the Banker's economy may be the hidden bullet that eventually takes them down!
Ironic that the real revolution may come from non-violent non-participation!
Step 1 in the Savings and Investment process is the elimination of debt.
Interesting comparisons have been made to the massive corporate deleveraging that led to deflation in Japan but our situation is very different, consumer debt is the problem, not corporate.
When Bush II was faced with the 2002 inflection point in the labor market brought on by technology (misalignment due to the shift to information technology as the center of the economy), he and his advisors avoided addressing the issue by creating the massive consumer real estate and credit card overleveraging of 2002-2008, funding a period of 'adjustment' for middle class workers. Unfortunately, the adjustment did not happen and the misalignment of the labor force continues (amazing talk of middle class 99ers today- people who have been unemployed for 99 weeks).
Now we have the unavoidable consequence of those bad decisions (and the reliance of a massive system on consumers not only funding the rescue of the banks- the ridiculous TARP, but sucking it up big time to pay the underlying debt they incurred themselves). It is unclear how fast consumers will be capable of ridding themselves of debt, if at all. In fact, it may not be advisable for them to pay it back given the obvious- if they do, they may never again participate in American prosperity. Better choice for consumers may be to force change by not paying it back and forcing systemic adjustments.
What was the middle class may opt for forced frugality and not participate in the economy going forward. Adam Werbach makes a great case that this will be the beginning of a path that actually solves problems such as Global Warming through choices based on frugality.
Non-participation in the Banker's economy may be the hidden bullet that eventually takes them down!
Ironic that the real revolution may come from non-violent non-participation!
Friday, June 4, 2010
BP Death Penalty
BP behavior merits extraordinary measures by Obama. He should follow Harry Truman's lead in the Steel seizure cases and revoke BP's franchise to operate oil & gas licenses on federal territory and resell them to deserving oil operations in compliance with US law (antitrust and environmental). Though Truman was eventually overruled, it was a case of losing a battle after the war was won.
In advance of the coming significant civil and criminal liability against BP, the attorney general should move to preserve BP assets for creditors including the USA by seizing any BP property in the US; similar to actions against Iran in 1979-80.
We need to take possession of current assets (convertible to cash) and sell BP leases, real estate and franchises to the other oil companies based on a combination of best price and their environmental, OSHA, antitrust and securities records.
Cash earned from sale of assets should be held and distributed as determined by the Courts with due consideration for BP rights after payment of all BP responsibilities under the law.
BP Ops in US should be shut down for as long as it takes to clean up the Gulf. Then, if they want back, they should have to post a bond with US government for an amount equal to the total clean costs for this mess.
In short- BP should get the corporate "death penalty" for this series of horrific actions, not unlike Enron and Arthur Anderson.
In advance of the coming significant civil and criminal liability against BP, the attorney general should move to preserve BP assets for creditors including the USA by seizing any BP property in the US; similar to actions against Iran in 1979-80.
We need to take possession of current assets (convertible to cash) and sell BP leases, real estate and franchises to the other oil companies based on a combination of best price and their environmental, OSHA, antitrust and securities records.
Cash earned from sale of assets should be held and distributed as determined by the Courts with due consideration for BP rights after payment of all BP responsibilities under the law.
BP Ops in US should be shut down for as long as it takes to clean up the Gulf. Then, if they want back, they should have to post a bond with US government for an amount equal to the total clean costs for this mess.
In short- BP should get the corporate "death penalty" for this series of horrific actions, not unlike Enron and Arthur Anderson.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Message from Joe Ehrmann, Pro Football Great, Community Leader
A clear and articulate message from Joe Ehrmann on sex based violence on the heels of a tragic death:
"I went to Yeardley Love's funeral with my twenty two year old son. The University of Virginia lacrosse player was appearently murdered at the hands of a former boyfriend.
My son, a college lacrosse player, was friends with Yeardley, her accused murderer, and many of the men and women on the UVA lacrosse teams. Sitting next to him, I could feel and see him trying to process the conflicted emotions surrounding the enormity of this tragedy, compounded by knowing both the victim and the victimizer.
The young men sitting around me sobbed and sniffled. At one point in the ceremony I turned to an emotionally distraught young man and asked him if I could give him a hug. I was surprised at the strength and endurance of his hug as he held onto me seeking comfort and, I suspect, affirmation of his emotions and manhood. As he let go he said "thank you" without ever looking at me.
Here lies part of the problem and a solution to the epidemic of violence women experience every day in Maryland and America. At an early age, boys are fitted with emotional straightjackets tailored by a restricted code of behavior that falsely defines masculinity. In the context of "stop crying," "stop those emotions," and "don't be a sissy," we define what it means to "Be a Man!" Adherence to this "boy code" leaves many men dissociated from their feelings and incapable of accessing, naming, sharing, or accepting many of their emotions.
When men don't understand their own emotions it becomes impossible to understand the feelings of another.This creates an "empathy-deficit disorder" that is foundational to America's epidemic of bullying, dating abuse and gender violence. Boys are taught to be tough, independent, distrusting of other males, and at all cost to avoid anything considered feminine for fear of being associated with women. This leads many men to renounce their common humanity with women so as to experience an emotional disconnect from them.
Women often become objects, used to either validate masculine insecurity or satisfy physical needs. When the validation and satisfaction ends, or is infused with anger, control or alcohol, gender violence is often the result.
Violence against women is often thought of as a women's issue; but it is a mistake to call men's violence a women's issue. Since men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of this violence, this men's issue calls to question the cultural values that produce men who hurt women.
Sadly, Yeardley Love was only one of four women murdered by intimate partners that day. Who knows how many others were raped, battered, sexually abused, harassed or exploited by men that day and every day in America? Since Yeardley's funeral was packed with athletes, coaches, parents of athletes and sports fans, we need to look at the role sports could play in preventing future tragedies.
Athletic Directors, coaches and educators have an almost unparalleled platform to bring together youth, families, and community partners to break the silence of gender violence and then design, implement and create preventive programs and activities. Educating boys and men in prevention programs is critical to reducing all forms of violence. Coaches can and should teach their players to challenge the attitudes and assumptions that dehumanize women. Players need to be taught how to confront abusive peers and how stand up and speak out on behalf of their mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, aunts and female friends. Since so many boys no longer have a mentoring network of fathers, uncles, elders, and other males to initiate, train and guide them into manhood, coaches should and must assume part of this responsibility.
I'd like to think Athletic Directors and coaches all over America brought their male and female teams together to help process Yeardley's death and to implement prevention strategies within their schools and communities. Yet as someone involved nationally in the sports world, I know that did not happen. A teachable moment was overlooked in the name of business, schedules, tournaments and the reality that men often choose apathy and indifference when confronting the conditions that foster abusive male behavior.
Two weeks after Yeardley's death I watched the UVA male and female teams take field under the banner of ONE TEAM-ONE HEART-ONE LOVE. In the name of the world I want my sons and daughters to live in; I can only hope Yeardley Love's murder sparks ONE MOVEMENT to eradicate gender violence.
Robert Kennedy said, "Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills, against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence....Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of our generation."
Each man and every coach must start challenging the social norms that define manhood and hold other men and players accountable for their behavior toward women.
Peace,
Joe Ehrmann
President, Coach for America"
"I went to Yeardley Love's funeral with my twenty two year old son. The University of Virginia lacrosse player was appearently murdered at the hands of a former boyfriend.
My son, a college lacrosse player, was friends with Yeardley, her accused murderer, and many of the men and women on the UVA lacrosse teams. Sitting next to him, I could feel and see him trying to process the conflicted emotions surrounding the enormity of this tragedy, compounded by knowing both the victim and the victimizer.
The young men sitting around me sobbed and sniffled. At one point in the ceremony I turned to an emotionally distraught young man and asked him if I could give him a hug. I was surprised at the strength and endurance of his hug as he held onto me seeking comfort and, I suspect, affirmation of his emotions and manhood. As he let go he said "thank you" without ever looking at me.
Here lies part of the problem and a solution to the epidemic of violence women experience every day in Maryland and America. At an early age, boys are fitted with emotional straightjackets tailored by a restricted code of behavior that falsely defines masculinity. In the context of "stop crying," "stop those emotions," and "don't be a sissy," we define what it means to "Be a Man!" Adherence to this "boy code" leaves many men dissociated from their feelings and incapable of accessing, naming, sharing, or accepting many of their emotions.
When men don't understand their own emotions it becomes impossible to understand the feelings of another.This creates an "empathy-deficit disorder" that is foundational to America's epidemic of bullying, dating abuse and gender violence. Boys are taught to be tough, independent, distrusting of other males, and at all cost to avoid anything considered feminine for fear of being associated with women. This leads many men to renounce their common humanity with women so as to experience an emotional disconnect from them.
Women often become objects, used to either validate masculine insecurity or satisfy physical needs. When the validation and satisfaction ends, or is infused with anger, control or alcohol, gender violence is often the result.
Violence against women is often thought of as a women's issue; but it is a mistake to call men's violence a women's issue. Since men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of this violence, this men's issue calls to question the cultural values that produce men who hurt women.
Sadly, Yeardley Love was only one of four women murdered by intimate partners that day. Who knows how many others were raped, battered, sexually abused, harassed or exploited by men that day and every day in America? Since Yeardley's funeral was packed with athletes, coaches, parents of athletes and sports fans, we need to look at the role sports could play in preventing future tragedies.
Athletic Directors, coaches and educators have an almost unparalleled platform to bring together youth, families, and community partners to break the silence of gender violence and then design, implement and create preventive programs and activities. Educating boys and men in prevention programs is critical to reducing all forms of violence. Coaches can and should teach their players to challenge the attitudes and assumptions that dehumanize women. Players need to be taught how to confront abusive peers and how stand up and speak out on behalf of their mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, aunts and female friends. Since so many boys no longer have a mentoring network of fathers, uncles, elders, and other males to initiate, train and guide them into manhood, coaches should and must assume part of this responsibility.
I'd like to think Athletic Directors and coaches all over America brought their male and female teams together to help process Yeardley's death and to implement prevention strategies within their schools and communities. Yet as someone involved nationally in the sports world, I know that did not happen. A teachable moment was overlooked in the name of business, schedules, tournaments and the reality that men often choose apathy and indifference when confronting the conditions that foster abusive male behavior.
Two weeks after Yeardley's death I watched the UVA male and female teams take field under the banner of ONE TEAM-ONE HEART-ONE LOVE. In the name of the world I want my sons and daughters to live in; I can only hope Yeardley Love's murder sparks ONE MOVEMENT to eradicate gender violence.
Robert Kennedy said, "Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills, against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence....Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of our generation."
Each man and every coach must start challenging the social norms that define manhood and hold other men and players accountable for their behavior toward women.
Peace,
Joe Ehrmann
President, Coach for America"
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Marin Energy Authority Must Go!
Concept of local control of Energy future is logical, good idea. Perpetuating a fraud on the public (that MEA is using 25%+ renewable energy from the outset) is unacceptable; power play by local pols even worse. What to do? I'm afraid I don't tolerate lies, personal agenda in the midst of critical public policy. MEA must go. If you live in CA, vote yes on Prop 16. If you live in Marin, opt out of MEA as your provider. Hold our politics to the highest standards!
I don't know how MEA escapes their self constructed ethical quandry. The fundamental premise of MEA is a falsehood and they are changing people's electrical service without their consent.
The local power argument is powerful, but has pretty basic flaws in my view; If this was really about local power, it would carry the day. Trying to make this about PG&E would have been a good idea, but in this case it looks like a facade for a power play based on deception.
MEA got this power by promoting an untruth- that they could deliver renewables in high percentages; they can only do so by cooking the books, everyone knows it, they knew they had to lie from the start, which makes this painfully terrible. I would buy the local power argument and look on PG&E's ads as bad if MEA would undo all of ITS ads and web sites and marketing of this fundamental falsehood.
I don't know how MEA escapes their self constructed ethical quandry. The fundamental premise of MEA is a falsehood and they are changing people's electrical service without their consent.
The local power argument is powerful, but has pretty basic flaws in my view; If this was really about local power, it would carry the day. Trying to make this about PG&E would have been a good idea, but in this case it looks like a facade for a power play based on deception.
MEA got this power by promoting an untruth- that they could deliver renewables in high percentages; they can only do so by cooking the books, everyone knows it, they knew they had to lie from the start, which makes this painfully terrible. I would buy the local power argument and look on PG&E's ads as bad if MEA would undo all of ITS ads and web sites and marketing of this fundamental falsehood.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Overwhelming the Ignorance
I have tried to lay back for the last couple of weeks (since the passage of Healthcare) to see if the purveyors of ignorant drivel (Fox News and Repubs) would stop and recognize that they had actually won the Healthcare battle with the disinformation that reduced any real impact.
In fact they have not turned down the heat. Instead they are escalating the propaganda because the apparent #s say the lies are working. Dumbfuckistan, that uneducated and intolerant portion of the US that is informed by Rush and Fox and others who lie for a living, is getting more and more abusive.
This is leading us to what I predict will be a violent campaign in 2010, perhaps beyond to 2012.
Unfortunately, the only way around this is for Obama to keep his back straight, look the camera in the eye and take them on. But we need more than that. The rest of us need to be clear- we will not tolerate violence or threats or lies. We must engage and educate.
Most importantly, we must follow the doctrines of Ghandi and King and do it non-violently. We may have to take some hits, but we must not become fearful or reactionary. We must continue on and fight with spirit, words and intelligence; with overwhelming numbers and an open, inclusive support system. We must use the Network and drive the mainstream media to understand that we have the votes, the numbers, the money and the system and we are not giving any of that up.
This way always wins. It will win again this time.
In fact they have not turned down the heat. Instead they are escalating the propaganda because the apparent #s say the lies are working. Dumbfuckistan, that uneducated and intolerant portion of the US that is informed by Rush and Fox and others who lie for a living, is getting more and more abusive.
This is leading us to what I predict will be a violent campaign in 2010, perhaps beyond to 2012.
Unfortunately, the only way around this is for Obama to keep his back straight, look the camera in the eye and take them on. But we need more than that. The rest of us need to be clear- we will not tolerate violence or threats or lies. We must engage and educate.
Most importantly, we must follow the doctrines of Ghandi and King and do it non-violently. We may have to take some hits, but we must not become fearful or reactionary. We must continue on and fight with spirit, words and intelligence; with overwhelming numbers and an open, inclusive support system. We must use the Network and drive the mainstream media to understand that we have the votes, the numbers, the money and the system and we are not giving any of that up.
This way always wins. It will win again this time.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Health Care
So, now that Congress has passed it, what do I really think?
I like some of it and hate most of it. But the some of it I like is critical and a driving function to my support. Unfortunately, the parts I hate may prevent a good system from ever happening.
I like: limitations on insurer cancellation rights for pre-exisiting or new conditions.
I hate: purchase requirements placed on the back of people we know cannot afford insurance without a way to administer the requirement which means one more Catch 22 of a government bureaucracy we know does not work where the law is clear and fair. In this case the requirement itself is absurd and will never be enforced.
I like: (an unintended consequence) forcing more people into the system earlier should mean better diagnostics, healthier people.
I hate: the concession to pricing that is free market driven with little or no subsidies for low end users (public option or single pater would be good) means the health professionals are free to gouge consumers while doing what they have already started- creating opt out programs for rich people with better care. Don't get me wrong here as this is a good, classic American initiative that I will buy into to protect my family. What irks me is that the very people who know they will move in this more private direction confused and conspired to crater a public option or single payer system that would guarantee QUALITY for everyone. Proof once again that selfishness is at the heart of many of our COLLECTIVE decisions.
My grade for this thing: D. Mostly because Obama wasted the political capital we gave him for a substandard health care package while he was giving the American dream to the Banks.
I like some of it and hate most of it. But the some of it I like is critical and a driving function to my support. Unfortunately, the parts I hate may prevent a good system from ever happening.
I like: limitations on insurer cancellation rights for pre-exisiting or new conditions.
I hate: purchase requirements placed on the back of people we know cannot afford insurance without a way to administer the requirement which means one more Catch 22 of a government bureaucracy we know does not work where the law is clear and fair. In this case the requirement itself is absurd and will never be enforced.
I like: (an unintended consequence) forcing more people into the system earlier should mean better diagnostics, healthier people.
I hate: the concession to pricing that is free market driven with little or no subsidies for low end users (public option or single pater would be good) means the health professionals are free to gouge consumers while doing what they have already started- creating opt out programs for rich people with better care. Don't get me wrong here as this is a good, classic American initiative that I will buy into to protect my family. What irks me is that the very people who know they will move in this more private direction confused and conspired to crater a public option or single payer system that would guarantee QUALITY for everyone. Proof once again that selfishness is at the heart of many of our COLLECTIVE decisions.
My grade for this thing: D. Mostly because Obama wasted the political capital we gave him for a substandard health care package while he was giving the American dream to the Banks.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2010: "Not On My Watch"
As if 2009 had not given us enough of a pounding, on Christmas day we got the Nigerian Underpants Clown and the attempt to crash a planeload of good folks in Detroit, Michigan. Depressing. Following that we got tons of explanations and accusations from media "experts", bloggers and FB posters, all focused on how he got through and all worried about how these clowns are getting the best of us because of what Bush or Obama did or did not do (depending on your politics)! This was even more depressing.
I struggled with this for a few days, not sure about my own feelings until I had to fly on December 30. As I went through security behind a couple of yahoos (Yahoos are impervious and often inebriated college age guys- I know this category well having lived in it for at least 10 years) cramming their Subway sandwiches, shakes and sodas into a grey plastic container on the conveyor belt, yucking it up and having a blast. I was shocked when they got everything through just five days after Detroit; I mean this was a stoned Cheech and Chong or Michael from the Sopranos, stepping on toes and violating every rule possible under the direct supervision of TSA! And they walked...I thought- "who do these guys stop?"
For a few seconds I thought about doing a citizen's arrest or at least asking TSA about it, then I thought, "who cares- I hope they're on my flight and I hope they make a move to do something because I will lose it all on them and NOTHING will happen on My Watch!"
They were not on my plane, and I had an incident free trip to LA except that this was a real awakening for me. I think I accidentally happened on the attitude that saved the Detroit plane and also brought us the heroics on flight 93, two truly great moments. On Detroit, passengers went leaping over seats to get a piece of the Nigerian; who can ever forget the passengers on Flight 93 storming the pilot's cockpit? This attitude is a gift to us...something we can take and put into action whenever we need it- whenever we are bitching about things that are bad and how someone, the government or some bad guys, is screwing us and making life impossible....
It is time to take ownership in all things and let it all hang out. When the going gets tough and I think of the potential for ugly results in anything, I am just going to say, "NOT ON MY WATCH" then do what is necessary to bring about the just result.
From now on, no matter what the issue, I will carry this spirit with me in all I do. My Resolution for 2010 and beyond is to kick ass in the name of what is right with a "NOT ON MY WATCH" attitude.
I encourage the same from everyone...government might help us, but not until we step up to the plate and take a swing. Laying back and relying on others who may or may not help is a prescription for both failure and a continued depression of the spirit, of the country.
NOT ON MY WATCH!
I struggled with this for a few days, not sure about my own feelings until I had to fly on December 30. As I went through security behind a couple of yahoos (Yahoos are impervious and often inebriated college age guys- I know this category well having lived in it for at least 10 years) cramming their Subway sandwiches, shakes and sodas into a grey plastic container on the conveyor belt, yucking it up and having a blast. I was shocked when they got everything through just five days after Detroit; I mean this was a stoned Cheech and Chong or Michael from the Sopranos, stepping on toes and violating every rule possible under the direct supervision of TSA! And they walked...I thought- "who do these guys stop?"
For a few seconds I thought about doing a citizen's arrest or at least asking TSA about it, then I thought, "who cares- I hope they're on my flight and I hope they make a move to do something because I will lose it all on them and NOTHING will happen on My Watch!"
They were not on my plane, and I had an incident free trip to LA except that this was a real awakening for me. I think I accidentally happened on the attitude that saved the Detroit plane and also brought us the heroics on flight 93, two truly great moments. On Detroit, passengers went leaping over seats to get a piece of the Nigerian; who can ever forget the passengers on Flight 93 storming the pilot's cockpit? This attitude is a gift to us...something we can take and put into action whenever we need it- whenever we are bitching about things that are bad and how someone, the government or some bad guys, is screwing us and making life impossible....
It is time to take ownership in all things and let it all hang out. When the going gets tough and I think of the potential for ugly results in anything, I am just going to say, "NOT ON MY WATCH" then do what is necessary to bring about the just result.
From now on, no matter what the issue, I will carry this spirit with me in all I do. My Resolution for 2010 and beyond is to kick ass in the name of what is right with a "NOT ON MY WATCH" attitude.
I encourage the same from everyone...government might help us, but not until we step up to the plate and take a swing. Laying back and relying on others who may or may not help is a prescription for both failure and a continued depression of the spirit, of the country.
NOT ON MY WATCH!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Goldman Sachs statement about why it sold short against bundled mortgages it was selling.
They miss the fundamental point- these instruments (and the government programs that licensed but did not regulate them) were based on artificial prosperity and a selling of America at prices based on that illusion. We were (and are) in a deflationary period since 2000; housing and its price inflation and mortgage fraud was based on easy Fed money and sales and application fraud from bottom to top in real estate (customers, sales brokers, mortgage companies, IBankers and Traders), not on anything the markets were doing to create real value increases.
As Goldman says, selling short was smart and the responsible activity (unless the traders had knowledge of the ongoing fraud- what do you think? I have my opinion on that one...:)). The real fraud is in the development and sale of the prosperity illusion that led to the short selling opportunity. The real story is in the application of the illusion strategy across all markets, not just "Synthetic" CDOs. Wall Street cannot escape that reality with a one page explanation. It is why the Street's anti-competitive license from Washington must go.
Time to allow open source technology and information in multiple online trading markets with no regulation and no advantages based on licenses. Let the participants create and manage the regulatory process (like we do so well online). If there is fraud, let's be democratic about it and let everyone participate, not just the same old robber barons!
They miss the fundamental point- these instruments (and the government programs that licensed but did not regulate them) were based on artificial prosperity and a selling of America at prices based on that illusion. We were (and are) in a deflationary period since 2000; housing and its price inflation and mortgage fraud was based on easy Fed money and sales and application fraud from bottom to top in real estate (customers, sales brokers, mortgage companies, IBankers and Traders), not on anything the markets were doing to create real value increases.
As Goldman says, selling short was smart and the responsible activity (unless the traders had knowledge of the ongoing fraud- what do you think? I have my opinion on that one...:)). The real fraud is in the development and sale of the prosperity illusion that led to the short selling opportunity. The real story is in the application of the illusion strategy across all markets, not just "Synthetic" CDOs. Wall Street cannot escape that reality with a one page explanation. It is why the Street's anti-competitive license from Washington must go.
Time to allow open source technology and information in multiple online trading markets with no regulation and no advantages based on licenses. Let the participants create and manage the regulatory process (like we do so well online). If there is fraud, let's be democratic about it and let everyone participate, not just the same old robber barons!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Arrival of the Trading Class
Like it or not, the last ten years of no productivity followed by the "almost depression" were the start of a new direction for America that mirrors post-Industrial Revolution events in Britain and Germany that resulted in the creation of two tiered societies that function only to reward the "Trading" or Merchant Class.
Riches earned from Trading are the wealth of the Crown in a land where few do much that is good for underprivileged around the World. Protecting its Merchant Class and their ever more sophisticated and risky financial adventures is what England is all about. In Germany the rise of the Trading Class led to the rise of the Third Reich.
In the US, Obama missed an opportunity to avoid that direction for the US and follow Roosevelt's lead of building and investing in communities and people. Had Obama studied FDR or the other two great Democratic Presidents- Jefferson and Jackson, he would have understood the risk of calamity that serving the Merchant Class brings on a once free society. Jefferson's ardent opposition to Hamilton's financial adventures are a great read for those wanting a quick understanding of this principle.
At a time when Roosevelt would have invested in the poor and created jobs and reigned in financial misadventures, Obama gave us TARP solutions that protect the very markets and people that caused our economic downturn. That catastrophic decision sets the direction for the last "American" century and entrenches a Wall Street led "Trading Class" at the helm of all US decisions.
It is ugly and about to get worse. When the modest recovery stalls, Traders will follow the path they always take when they can no longer rely on the productivity and resources of their own society. They will look overseas and try to take on wealth rightfully belonging to others. They and the government they control will renege on financial obligations to other societies as well. These two paths will require military support.
We are now well positioned in Afghanistan with an army whose imperative is unclear and whose brass has been looking for a path to success. We must be careful to watch the interests of the Trading Class as it pushes and confuses our President to use that army to support trading programs. If he wakes up and opposes them with a sharp progressive, populist stance it will be a miracle and maybe America's only chance to avoid real demise, as Obama's successor is likely to be a populist tool of the trading class who can inspire millions of uneducated people to take action directly contrary to their personal interests.
Sound familiar? It should; that is what happened in Germany after WWI.
Riches earned from Trading are the wealth of the Crown in a land where few do much that is good for underprivileged around the World. Protecting its Merchant Class and their ever more sophisticated and risky financial adventures is what England is all about. In Germany the rise of the Trading Class led to the rise of the Third Reich.
In the US, Obama missed an opportunity to avoid that direction for the US and follow Roosevelt's lead of building and investing in communities and people. Had Obama studied FDR or the other two great Democratic Presidents- Jefferson and Jackson, he would have understood the risk of calamity that serving the Merchant Class brings on a once free society. Jefferson's ardent opposition to Hamilton's financial adventures are a great read for those wanting a quick understanding of this principle.
At a time when Roosevelt would have invested in the poor and created jobs and reigned in financial misadventures, Obama gave us TARP solutions that protect the very markets and people that caused our economic downturn. That catastrophic decision sets the direction for the last "American" century and entrenches a Wall Street led "Trading Class" at the helm of all US decisions.
It is ugly and about to get worse. When the modest recovery stalls, Traders will follow the path they always take when they can no longer rely on the productivity and resources of their own society. They will look overseas and try to take on wealth rightfully belonging to others. They and the government they control will renege on financial obligations to other societies as well. These two paths will require military support.
We are now well positioned in Afghanistan with an army whose imperative is unclear and whose brass has been looking for a path to success. We must be careful to watch the interests of the Trading Class as it pushes and confuses our President to use that army to support trading programs. If he wakes up and opposes them with a sharp progressive, populist stance it will be a miracle and maybe America's only chance to avoid real demise, as Obama's successor is likely to be a populist tool of the trading class who can inspire millions of uneducated people to take action directly contrary to their personal interests.
Sound familiar? It should; that is what happened in Germany after WWI.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Afghanistan- Why not Kick Ass Quickly and Leave?
Struggling to make sense of more troops in Afghanistan and find myself longing for the articulated, but abandoned Powell doctrine (Colin Powell circa 1992 after correctly turning back on the 'Road to Death' in the first war in Iraq)- only send troops if you intend to unleash their full fury (and accept the result)- bring them home asap and NEVER occupy anything- let the chips fall where may after you leave.
What scares me about Afghanistan is that we are already occupying, we show no intent to really kickass and we are setting a timetable based on our western desire of a future for Afghanistan. I don't see any prospect for success and that makes me sad for our boys.
I hear this may be part of a grand regional strategy to contain Pakistan and India. I would love to understand that better and think that may be the product of too much Starbucks in the morning, too much Georgetown at night by State Department intellectuals pushing an overused army into its tenth year of war; close to the stretched out and failed war in Viet Nam.
Time to kickass and leave.
What scares me about Afghanistan is that we are already occupying, we show no intent to really kickass and we are setting a timetable based on our western desire of a future for Afghanistan. I don't see any prospect for success and that makes me sad for our boys.
I hear this may be part of a grand regional strategy to contain Pakistan and India. I would love to understand that better and think that may be the product of too much Starbucks in the morning, too much Georgetown at night by State Department intellectuals pushing an overused army into its tenth year of war; close to the stretched out and failed war in Viet Nam.
Time to kickass and leave.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Next Agenda Clean Energy Challenge
On Thursday, Sept 17 at the Golden Gate Club at the Presidio in San Francisco, 200 incredibly innovative and brilliant people came together to launch an effort to find a solution or set of solutions that might get the US electric grid onto carbon free energy by 2020. The proposal was to start a facilitated process that can provide clear direction to a workable solution during the next 6 months!
So what happened? First, some amazing people showed up. Next, they engaged in a day long process that included talks and lots of breakouts with facilitation at every step of the way to be sure that good ideas, many of them would come out! And they did. Next Agenda shot the entire day, all aspects all angles all 200! Video will show up at the Next Agenda website soon.
The event developed two very important areas of inquiry- technical and social. On the technical side, there is so much going on it is almost like an avalanche of great ideas. Two things are clear...not one answer is right and every answer is right. So, we need a combination of use abatement, new efficiency in development and transportation and new technology for carbon capture and energy production.
On the social side, we need a movement that rivals the anti-war movement in the 1960's or the labor movement of the 1930's. But this is much harder because by the time we see this "enemy", it will be too late. So, Next Agenda proposes to use the web like Barack Obama did to get elected and use TV like American Idol does. Starting when? As soon as the video from the Presidio is ready to go.
Don't wait. Join Next Agenda now!
So what happened? First, some amazing people showed up. Next, they engaged in a day long process that included talks and lots of breakouts with facilitation at every step of the way to be sure that good ideas, many of them would come out! And they did. Next Agenda shot the entire day, all aspects all angles all 200! Video will show up at the Next Agenda website soon.
The event developed two very important areas of inquiry- technical and social. On the technical side, there is so much going on it is almost like an avalanche of great ideas. Two things are clear...not one answer is right and every answer is right. So, we need a combination of use abatement, new efficiency in development and transportation and new technology for carbon capture and energy production.
On the social side, we need a movement that rivals the anti-war movement in the 1960's or the labor movement of the 1930's. But this is much harder because by the time we see this "enemy", it will be too late. So, Next Agenda proposes to use the web like Barack Obama did to get elected and use TV like American Idol does. Starting when? As soon as the video from the Presidio is ready to go.
Don't wait. Join Next Agenda now!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Obama Health Care Speech
As always, Obama rocked the House! The man can speak, no doubt. He also showed toughness, memorably staring down the Republicans as he called them on their efforts to mislead America on his positions. All good.
The Plan itself is rock solid, but only if adopted in the form as presented. Any tweaks and changes may make the whole thing unworkable. This is signature too complicated legislation. But this kind of thing has worked in the past- Medicare, Social security, every tax bill.
Lastly, what I missed (and as a Universal Single Payer Health Care advocate, I was looking for it) was whether the Plan will cover people who have no money and no insurance. I see all kinds of options for people with jobs and money. Just did not hear this all too important element.
The Plan itself is rock solid, but only if adopted in the form as presented. Any tweaks and changes may make the whole thing unworkable. This is signature too complicated legislation. But this kind of thing has worked in the past- Medicare, Social security, every tax bill.
Lastly, what I missed (and as a Universal Single Payer Health Care advocate, I was looking for it) was whether the Plan will cover people who have no money and no insurance. I see all kinds of options for people with jobs and money. Just did not hear this all too important element.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Different Take
Saw Phaedra Ellis-Lamkin, successor to Van Jones at Green for All. She spoke at the Tides Momentum conference today and shed some light on the Van Jones affair (Van's resignation after being pressed by the idiots at Fox).
Phaedra said:
1. Don't waste any time feeling bad for Van Jones or angry at Fox.
2. Van and Obama got what they wanted.
If you read between Phaedra's lines it is easy to come to a different, more hopeful conclusion from Obama's non-reaction and Jones' quiet departure than that many of us reached over the weekend.
How about this- Obama had/has a master plan with Jones, dating way back to December-
First, bring him in TEMPORARILY to lead the way and show the way on the Green for All provisions. He single handedly won over 100% support from the Black and Hispanic Caucuses which held up the Stimulus Bill for the Green Jobs provisions.
Second, let Jones take the ire of the right wing on the Green jobs issues (a form of communism, acc Fox), deflect it from Obama.
Third, leak some crazy info on Jones to the right wingers and let them lynch our man Van, very publicly.
Then have him resign, get the left all fired up (worked!) and get the right complacent about its ability to push Obama around just before the Health Care fist fight!
Last, put Jones back in the saddle at Green for All where he is most valuable, an incredible populist progressive who can really get shit done!
Far fetched? I would think so if I had not heard the "top line" from Phaedra. Makes me a bit more hopeful....
Phaedra said:
1. Don't waste any time feeling bad for Van Jones or angry at Fox.
2. Van and Obama got what they wanted.
If you read between Phaedra's lines it is easy to come to a different, more hopeful conclusion from Obama's non-reaction and Jones' quiet departure than that many of us reached over the weekend.
How about this- Obama had/has a master plan with Jones, dating way back to December-
First, bring him in TEMPORARILY to lead the way and show the way on the Green for All provisions. He single handedly won over 100% support from the Black and Hispanic Caucuses which held up the Stimulus Bill for the Green Jobs provisions.
Second, let Jones take the ire of the right wing on the Green jobs issues (a form of communism, acc Fox), deflect it from Obama.
Third, leak some crazy info on Jones to the right wingers and let them lynch our man Van, very publicly.
Then have him resign, get the left all fired up (worked!) and get the right complacent about its ability to push Obama around just before the Health Care fist fight!
Last, put Jones back in the saddle at Green for All where he is most valuable, an incredible populist progressive who can really get shit done!
Far fetched? I would think so if I had not heard the "top line" from Phaedra. Makes me a bit more hopeful....
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Obama is a P****!
Obama has allowed the reactionaries to kill Van Jones, perhaps the only real "get it done" progressive populist on his team. If you missed it, Jones resigned yesterday after coming under fire for remarks about Bush, Glen Beck and others.
The resignation is just the scratch of the surface on this one! Obama uttered not one protective word to the world about the amazing things Van Jones has accomplished in his career as a civil rights leader and environmentalist; gave him no affirming send off; did not honor this amazing individual in any way.
Even worse is that while he was in the White House they did not use him to make things happen like he did at Green for All!
Jones has proven AUDACITY. Appears Obama does not even have HOPE.
Embarrassing, shortsighted and weak.
There is very little to say in defense of our WEAK President. Pathetic.
The resignation is just the scratch of the surface on this one! Obama uttered not one protective word to the world about the amazing things Van Jones has accomplished in his career as a civil rights leader and environmentalist; gave him no affirming send off; did not honor this amazing individual in any way.
Even worse is that while he was in the White House they did not use him to make things happen like he did at Green for All!
Jones has proven AUDACITY. Appears Obama does not even have HOPE.
Embarrassing, shortsighted and weak.
There is very little to say in defense of our WEAK President. Pathetic.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Since Wall Street is Now a Casino, We Need a CA Solution for Forming Capital
If you know me well you know I have been preaching about the need to find new ways to form capital ever since Wall Street abandoned its role of supporting growth in favor of the "Trader's" model during the Internet Crash of 2000. My view is that this makes Wall Street a Casino and playing in that Casino is a fool's paradise.
Think about it- Wall Street lures in billions through 401K and other consumer and corporate investment programs that are set up to be about buying and holding. They pay their sages to speak to America about the value of long term investing...they hire brokers who spend all of their time telling customers to stay in the market!
Then they build these trading rooms that short every stock the 401K folks are holding as soon as there is any kind of bad news about any stock. The cool thing (if you are a trader or making profits with traders) is that in this age of information, all one needs to do stay tuned to the computer screen to know who your friends are shorting. In the old days (think Boesky/Miliken) you had to use the phone and form a conspiracy to get that kind of information and you ended up in jail.
So, what better business to be in? I have friends making fortunes doing this and God Bless 'em because they are very generous with the millions they make shorting your 401K investment program.
But, if you are like me and your heart and soul and wallet are invested in developing cool new things with entrepreneurs and small companies, you feel a strong need for a capital formation system other than the big casino in NY since it does not help new companies any more.
Ironically those companies in need of growth capital are mostly in CA, so solving this is a CA issue of the first order.
I'll write more on this later, but the essence of the idea is for CA to pass legislation that supports its growth engine and does not rely on Wall Street. We need to look to Asia and the Mideast for support from countries and organizations that appreciate product and service development and invest carefully for the long haul and based on revenues and revenue driven equity appreciation.
It all starts with the creation of a market and we have that. It continues with freedom to make deals and minimal restrictions that support careful, deserved liquidity. My ideas on this next time.
Think about it- Wall Street lures in billions through 401K and other consumer and corporate investment programs that are set up to be about buying and holding. They pay their sages to speak to America about the value of long term investing...they hire brokers who spend all of their time telling customers to stay in the market!
Then they build these trading rooms that short every stock the 401K folks are holding as soon as there is any kind of bad news about any stock. The cool thing (if you are a trader or making profits with traders) is that in this age of information, all one needs to do stay tuned to the computer screen to know who your friends are shorting. In the old days (think Boesky/Miliken) you had to use the phone and form a conspiracy to get that kind of information and you ended up in jail.
So, what better business to be in? I have friends making fortunes doing this and God Bless 'em because they are very generous with the millions they make shorting your 401K investment program.
But, if you are like me and your heart and soul and wallet are invested in developing cool new things with entrepreneurs and small companies, you feel a strong need for a capital formation system other than the big casino in NY since it does not help new companies any more.
Ironically those companies in need of growth capital are mostly in CA, so solving this is a CA issue of the first order.
I'll write more on this later, but the essence of the idea is for CA to pass legislation that supports its growth engine and does not rely on Wall Street. We need to look to Asia and the Mideast for support from countries and organizations that appreciate product and service development and invest carefully for the long haul and based on revenues and revenue driven equity appreciation.
It all starts with the creation of a market and we have that. It continues with freedom to make deals and minimal restrictions that support careful, deserved liquidity. My ideas on this next time.
Friday, August 28, 2009
California Independence!
It is time for California to take matters into it own hands. Again. And this time for good.
I'll explain. California is home to the three most important industries in the United States, arguably the only innovative industries developed in the US in the last 75 years- Entertainment, Information Technology and Life Sciences. The rest of the US rides the waves set off in CA and poorly at that.
US Innovation happens in the Golden State because it is the only place with a 'prove yourself' culture that accepts all people based on what they are thinking and doing rather than where they have been and who they know. That culture saved the US through the Depression and WWII with the emergence of Hollywood Entertainment, the presentation of new ways and places. CA brought the US out of the backward culture of social serfdom and into the opportunities and upbeat outlooks of Camelot, the Sixties, Outdoor Sports and Sunshine- in short a culture of possibility. Later, the economic breakthroughs of Internet technology and the delivery of new ways of using materials, physics, biology and chemistry saved US in the eighties, nineties and will do so again in this new century.
The East coast is parasitic, sucking on sweet CA success with bloated Government and Wall Street Casinos that add no value and prevent the development of new generations through a culture of entitlement, spendthrift habits and riverboat gambles on old ways of doing things. Middle and South USA is plain ignorant, an abused sector with no imagination and little understanding of the power of possibility.
So it is up to CA to drag the US out of the economic mire again, but first there is some tie cutting to be done and some reorganization. Each time we have inspired the world with innovation, the inevitable down cycle has hit US hard because of abuses in the financial sector and incompetence in the government sector. The latest RECESSION is no exception. We cannot call CA a center of innovation and intelligence if we continue to allow the thieves and incompetents to drag us down.
175 years ago I'd be calling for secession. Today we don't have to. Instead we can innovate and elevate. We innovate by developing a CA based financial system for feeding our engines of innovation- declare our financial independence from Wall Street. We elevate by delivering a homegrown, progressive, populist, libertarian government that solves CA issues but is agile and intelligent AND comfortable to fade into the background when times are good. Most importantly, we ignore the US government- yes, pay taxes and observe US laws, but stop counting on the US to do anything that is good and helpful; those categories will only happen in CA, so we must take care of things like health care and the other elements of the social contract.
Big thoughts and challenges I know, but this is easy when compared to doing what Google or Genentech or Tesla are doing.
So, What the Frac! Let's get this done. Now!
More on how in the coming days.
It is time for California to take matters into it own hands. Again. And this time for good.
I'll explain. California is home to the three most important industries in the United States, arguably the only innovative industries developed in the US in the last 75 years- Entertainment, Information Technology and Life Sciences. The rest of the US rides the waves set off in CA and poorly at that.
US Innovation happens in the Golden State because it is the only place with a 'prove yourself' culture that accepts all people based on what they are thinking and doing rather than where they have been and who they know. That culture saved the US through the Depression and WWII with the emergence of Hollywood Entertainment, the presentation of new ways and places. CA brought the US out of the backward culture of social serfdom and into the opportunities and upbeat outlooks of Camelot, the Sixties, Outdoor Sports and Sunshine- in short a culture of possibility. Later, the economic breakthroughs of Internet technology and the delivery of new ways of using materials, physics, biology and chemistry saved US in the eighties, nineties and will do so again in this new century.
The East coast is parasitic, sucking on sweet CA success with bloated Government and Wall Street Casinos that add no value and prevent the development of new generations through a culture of entitlement, spendthrift habits and riverboat gambles on old ways of doing things. Middle and South USA is plain ignorant, an abused sector with no imagination and little understanding of the power of possibility.
So it is up to CA to drag the US out of the economic mire again, but first there is some tie cutting to be done and some reorganization. Each time we have inspired the world with innovation, the inevitable down cycle has hit US hard because of abuses in the financial sector and incompetence in the government sector. The latest RECESSION is no exception. We cannot call CA a center of innovation and intelligence if we continue to allow the thieves and incompetents to drag us down.
175 years ago I'd be calling for secession. Today we don't have to. Instead we can innovate and elevate. We innovate by developing a CA based financial system for feeding our engines of innovation- declare our financial independence from Wall Street. We elevate by delivering a homegrown, progressive, populist, libertarian government that solves CA issues but is agile and intelligent AND comfortable to fade into the background when times are good. Most importantly, we ignore the US government- yes, pay taxes and observe US laws, but stop counting on the US to do anything that is good and helpful; those categories will only happen in CA, so we must take care of things like health care and the other elements of the social contract.
Big thoughts and challenges I know, but this is easy when compared to doing what Google or Genentech or Tesla are doing.
So, What the Frac! Let's get this done. Now!
More on how in the coming days.
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