The end of a challenging semester!

That was a long semester and for some reason not very enjoyable. I believe I did well enough but I am more perplexed by my lack passion that I had all last year. Mistakes mistakes, I make so many in thought that I now distrust my judgment. Nevertheless, I will continue this alienated trek!

A Stoic thought that teaches...

"When we suffer setbacks, disturbances, or grief, lets us never place blame on others, but on our own attitudes."

- Epictetus

A response to "the government can't run anything" statement

Is there anything run well in this country? Corporations are no better than government, but in a democracy all citizens are responsible. Poor managerial acumen is no excuse for leaving millions without access to health care. Unquestionably, it is a complex issue without simple answers, however, it is not the government that is in trouble but the society that has eroded to such a degree that it would forsake basic human decency for petty squabbling. If we believe in responsibility and accountability we can create a system that will do its job because the people employed to do the job do it right. Checks and balances, anyone? We have the capabilities, the intelligence, and the will, do we not? We call it innovation, creativity, determination! The meaning is defined by its use! If the social climate is so cynical to believe it is not even remotely possible then we are lost. History shows that those who have and don't share don't have for long.

A Crisis of Capitalism

Watch Bill Moyer's Journal on "A Crisis of Capitalism?"

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09282007/watch.html

In October of 2007 Bill Moyer's interviewed Economist John Bogle. Bogle said some important things that few want to acknowledge or face in American society. Here are a few that stood out to me: "A society out of control." "We are betraying our values." "When is enough enough?" In June, "The Journal" reported on the "Highflying Executives" of Northwest airlines. [Here is the link http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/blog/2007/06/preview_highflying_executives.html comments]
The CEO's and exec's are paying themselves at the expense of those that labor for them. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. When the market determines morality we see hubris defined and everything and everyone is commodified. When we speculate for profit on the human soul what are we left with? Our "greedy soul" as Robert Bly calls it, rules the land and we are left in the darkness of endless want. The bottomless pit of insecurity where superficial desires, lust for power, and empty lives rule and promises a better life keeps us following the "pathological mutilations" of profiteering. Where does hubris take us? Mr. Bogle sees what others have the fall of the Roman Empire. We will fall under the obesity of our greed and anemia of our morality.

As a citizen of the 21st century Rome I often ask myself, how do we justify a culture of greed? What are we teaching our children about social justice and personal responsibility? All the children will witness is hypocrisy that is the United States. Yet, in their innocence they are wise for they become cynical rightfully so. Young people know not to trust society, educators, and politicians because they are aware. Aware that children are not nurtured and loved unconditionally by society but objects of a "Bottom line Society" and consumer market, mere commodities that are speculated on.

I dare say we are world leaders of greed and what's worse we want to export it. We have blatantly disregarded the wisdoms and warnings and instead embraced radial hubris. Someday we will have to answer future generations and they will ask why? Why did you treat us as "bottomlines"? What will we say? The market made me do it! No No I need more stuff instead of caring for you.

Years later, in the grip of the current economic crisis Bogle's words are confirmed, our culture and economy are in ruins. The culture of greed takes no prisoners.

The Declaration

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html

4th of July Meditation

The Four day of July is experienced in the U.S. as a celebration of the Independence of the United State of America from Great Briton two hundred and thirty three years ago. What have we done with the freedom fought for and won? The premises of self-determination and freedom have fallen to rhetoric and propaganda. As with most societies we have fallen to the same human vices that others have…greed and self-interest. We experience a world saturated with fear, self-absorption, without reasoned principles. A world power that follows an “anything goes” is the rule of self-interest and imperialism of old renewed. Each fourth I read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. My hope every year is that we reflect on the principles of this country and contemplate the meaning.

Do something

In my 15 years of study, I have met many students of philosophy who leave it because they want to do something. They find philosophy frustrating and leave it to "do something". They fail to see the insight that philosophical inquiry offers because it lack the egocentrism as well as the ethnocentrism. Philosophy does not pander to our psychology so most overlook the importance of the uselessness of philosophy (to use Wendy Hamblet's title) and want it to be something else. I understand that as a career philosophy may not be for them, but I think it more than that. It seems they abandon the inquiry because it is easier. My guru always said philosophy is not for everyone since few wish to see truth or aspire to see it or are persuaded by their experience that there is no such thing. To draw conclusions from experience is at best very limiting. Does experience justify belief? Most likely not, but it can teach us to examine it if we explore. This simple reflection can lead to a good life but "doing something" is often more complex and ego driven. It is wanting something and it is guised as goodness or compassion. I worked in the "caring profession" for seven years and I saw more rhetoric than caring. Foucult may have had it right how we form our discourse determines much of how we approach the world and each other. Doing something without clear understanding has lead us to where we are today and I would argue it is not a very good place. Perhaps, thinking more and doing less would be wiser.

Check out the article link:
Children forced into cell-like school seclusion rooms

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/17/seclusion.rooms/index.html

I worked in Social Services - Residential Treatment for youth for over 7 years. Quiet rooms or seclusion rooms are used regularly for the most violent youth. Holds are also applied when necessary. Training and strict rules are followed. When a child is secluded, the child is not have their shoes taken and a proper search is preformed. When in seclusion the child is constantly supervised (and I mean at all times and documented). An emergency specialist is immediately called to make sure the child is doing okay. In addition, approval is required for any seclusion over an hour. I am not defending seclusion rooms but it is sadly necessary for violent children with severe mental health problems. Tragedies like the one reported are rare but with the conditions of most places like treatment centers and alternative schools. It is surprising there are not more. After my time in "treatment" centers I would rather dig ditches. I advise any parent to avoid it if they can.

I wrote this and it was quoted recently, check out the post:

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/Americas/2008/December/Parents-Sue-School-for-Son-s-Suicide.html